Publishers / Marvel / Rom (1979) / #73
73December 1985
$0.65; 0.30 GBP; 0.75 CAD

Rom #73

Marvel · December 1985 · on sale 1985-09-10

First appearance: HeatwaveFirst appearance: LightningboltFirst appearance: SteelshotDeath of Lightningbolt2 variants
Buy it now on eBay ›Graded copies ›
How to read this file
  • Every claim on this page traces to a public bibliographic record; the sources are listed at the bottom of the file.
  • A first-appearance badge means this is the earliest non-flashback appearance on record in this database.
  • Buy links are eBay affiliate links. They never change what the record says.

Identification plate

Series
Rom (Marvel, 1979 series)
Issue
#73
Publication date
December 1985
Key date
1985-12-00
On-sale date
1985-09-10
Indicia publisher
Marvel Comics Group
Price
$0.65; 0.30 GBP; 0.75 CAD
Pages
36

Match the book in your hand against this plate before paying an edition-specific price.

Why this issue matters

First appearance of Heatwave - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

First appearance of Lightningbolt - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

First appearance of Steelshot - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

First appearance of Wilnor - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

First appearance of Ariane - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

First appearance of Soundscream - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

Death on record for: Lightningbolt, Soundscream.

The evidence

Claims here come from the story records for this issue, listed under Sources at the bottom of the file. Character hubs with full evidence tables are coming to this site.

Contents

SeqStoryTypePagesCreditsCharacters
0-cover1pencils: Al Milgrom; inks: John RomitaBrandy Clark, Lightningbolt First
1Strangers in Paradise!comic story22script: Bill Mantlo; pencils: Steve Ditko; inks: Joe Sinnott; colors: Petra Scotese; letters: Janice ChiangAriane First, Brandy Clark, Heatwave First, Lightningbolt First, Rom, Scanner, Seeker, Soundscream First, Steelshot First, Tarm, Skera, Vola, Wilnor First
2-in-house column1script: Jim Shooter

Printings and variants

EditionHow to tell
Newsstandprice 0.65 USD; barcode 0714860232312
Canadianprice 0.75 CAD; barcode 0714860232312

Where to read it

CollectionYear
Rom: The Original Marvel Years Omnibus #3
ISBN 978-1-302-95727-8		2024On eBay ›
Rom Epic Collection: The Original Marvel Years #5
ISBN 978-1-302-96692-8		2026On eBay ›

Reading the story costs a fraction of owning the issue. Both routes are on every file.

Before you buy

  • Confirm the UPC box: a publisher mark instead of a barcode means direct edition, a barcode means newsstand.
  • Glossy covers of this era show edge chipping easily. Check black edges closely in the photos.
  • Check the staples and centerfold; heavily read anniversary and key issues loosen there first.

Series context

‹ #7273 of 75#74 ›

Sources

Found an error in this file? corrections@comicrecord.com