ROM Special #1 Review – The (Machine) Man With The Plan

ROM Special #1 (Image Comics, 8/26/26): Writer Robert Kirkman & Artist Lorenzo De Felici drop ROM into the middle of a mission to save alien children from a very hungry Kulgith the Devourer. ROM fans will love the simple, clear, and deceptively informative solo mission. Verdict: Excellent character introduction.

• Writer: Robert Kirkman
• Artist: Lorenzo De Felici
• Colorist: Matheus Lopes
• Letterer: Rus Wooton
• Cover Artist: Lorenzo De Felici (cover A)
• Publisher: Image Comics
• Release Date: August 26, 2026
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $3.99
• Page Count: 32
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of ROM Special #1:

First Impressions:

I know ROM, but really only as the toy from years ago. I’m aware of the comics and may have read one or two published by Marvel, but I wouldn’t call myself knowledgeable by any stretch. So when ROM showed up on the release list, I figured it would be a good idea to get acquainted. After reading ROM Special #1, I’m glad I did.

Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):

We begin with ROM (missing an arm) and Carpet tossed into a cell by a large alien that looks like a praying mantis, named Kulgith the Devourer. ROM finds a robotic cellmate, Kranix, who explains that Kulgith keeps organic and non-organic prisoners separate. Through their chat, we learn ROM is on a mission to rescue a group of alien children. To Kranix’s surprise, Carpet easily opens the cell door. ROM instructs Kranix to escape while he and Carpet find the children.

ROM breaks open the cell containing the alien children but is surprised to find Kulgith is preparing to chow down. A fight ensues. At first, it seems ROM is outmatched, but he quickly turns the tables with Carpet’s help and kills Kulgith. The issue ends with ROM returning the children to their parents, replacing his arm with a leftover from the battle, and reclaiming a very familiar object from the alien village.

How is the story in ROM Special #1?

Kirkman’s ROM-focused introduction to the Energon Universe is super simple, clean, focused, and tells you everything you need to know about ROM in one fell swoop. Granted, a reader unfamiliar with ROM will have many lingering questions about his backstory and how he found himself in the present predicament, but the information delivered through the action and tight dialog is more than satisfying.

How is the art in ROM Special #1?

If you’ve been reading Void Rivals, you already know Lorenzo De Felici’s work, so if you’re a fan, you’ll get more of what you love here. Admittedly, De Felici’s art style is not super detailed, and his figure work has a sketchy quality to it, but what De Felici lacks in jaw-dropping visuals, he more than makes up for in energy, composition, and perspective.

Characters

ROM is, of course, the star of the issue, and kudos to Kirkman for capturing the right style of voice in the dialogue to convey ROM’s attitude and personality without the benefit of a face to emote. You instantly get his confidence in his abilities, his concern/care for others, and his purposeful focus. You will like and root for ROM by the end of this issue.

Originality & Concept Execution

Kirkman drops readers into ROM’s world out of nowhere with a fairly standard rescue mission, so the weight of originality rests on the shoulders of the setting and characters. ROM is strangely (robotically?) charming in his own way, and the setting is just alien enough to feel fresh. That said, you’re dropped into the middle of a mission without context or setup, so the execution is a little clunky.

Pros and Cons

What We Loved

• Rock solid character intro for ROM
• Energetic, action-packed art
• Perfect ending

Room for Improvement

• The opening is jarring
• The missing context is, also, jarring
• It’s unclear if Kulgith is formidable or not

Art Samples:

The Scorecard:

Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 3/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 3/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 1.5/2

Final Thoughts:

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ROM Special #1 drops readers into a ROM’s mission to save alien children from a hungry beast. Robert Kirkman’s tight script gives new readers a super-strong handle on ROM, and the action-packed artwork is solid. ROM fans will be well and truly pleased.

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