FCBD Interview: Chris Ryall Talks About ROM #0

Since ROM went out of print decades ago, fans of the cult series have missed his adventures clashing with other heroes, and the alien race he is at war with, the Dire Wraiths.

In 2016, we finally get the chance to cross paths with ROM again, thanks to IDW Publishing. The best part? ROM #0 is completely FREE, as it's part of Free Comic Book Day 2016!

We were lucky enough to have a chat with IDW’s Chief Creative Officer and Editor-in-Chief, Chris Ryall to talk ROM, his family, and (of course) Free Comic Book Day! 

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Free Comic Book Day: For those who might be new to your comic book, give us a quick rundown of the story.

Chris Ryall: ROM is the story of a space knight from another world – a member of the Solstar Order who are at war with an insidious alien race called Dire Wraiths. ROM #0, our Free Comic Book Day offering, is the first chapter in what will, beginning in July, become an ongoing series. ROM was originally a toy in the late 1970s and became a long-running and well-beloved Marvel comic that has been out of print for decades. Many people have heard of ROM but never had a chance to read any of his adventures. Til now. And I can promise you that the story we’re telling only takes the few elements that people might be familiar with and uses them as an initial starting place before rocketing into very unexpected directions. This is a comic we’ve been wanting to do for a mighty long time and now, come May 7, it’s finally here. And it’s yours for FREE.

Free Comic Book Day: What has been your favorite part of the book or character to tackle?

Chris Ryall: Everything about it has been a thrill so far; ROM has been a character and property I’ve wanted to see return to comics long before I was ever in position to inquire about doing so. So to now not only know that ROM is coming back but that I’m helping establish an all-new series.

Free Comic Book Day: What initially got you interested in comics?

Chris Ryall: Reading ‘em, of course! An early issue of the Fantastic Four that I, er, purloined from a neighbor (my own “Free Comic Book Day!”) started me down a road that I never plan to leave.

Free Comic Book Day: What other titles would you compare to yours? “If a comic reader likes _______ , they should pick up my title"?

Chris Ryall: I’d say if a reader is a fan of Transformers or Iron Man or Cyborg or Guardians of the Galaxy or Cyborg or, really, any superhero title that maybe leans a little bit more toward the darker side, they’re going to love what we’re presenting here.

Free Comic Book Day: Tell fans why they should pick your book first on Free Comic Book Day!

Chris Ryall: ROM has been talked about by enough comics pros and fans over the decades to at least intrigue people as to what the fuss is all about. So hopefully the mystique factor is enticing, and hopefully the creative team is, too. But more than anything, we’ve worked hard to bring this character you may or may not have ever seen or heard of into the comics world of 2016 and offer up a fast-paced, action-packed and slightly ominous start to one of our premiere new ongoing series this summer.

Free Comic Book Day: What is your favorite part about Free Comic Book Day?

Chris Ryall: Being able to bring my 10-year-old daughter around to different comic shops so she can see so much diverse content on display, see people of all ages enjoying everything the shops have to offer, and of course being able to grab a few free comics alongside the stuff we buy there, too.

Free Comic Book Day: Where do you plan to spend Free Comic Book Day?

Chris Ryall: Splitting up my time at local shops like I try to each year. Namely, Comickaze, So Cal Comics, Villainous Lair Comics, and Yesteryear Comics.

Find a comic shop near you to celebrate Free Comic Book Day 2016!