ROM the Space Knight Action Figures Identification Tool with Pictures

Parker Brothers introduces their first action figure: ROM the Space Knight

Scott Dankman, Richard C. Levy, and Bryan L. McCoy combined their talents to create their first action figure. They landed on the idea of creating a toy that celebrated the emerging robotics and programming technology. Thus, they created COBOL, named after one of the concurrent programming languages. After reconsidering the name, they landed on ROM, referencing “read-only memory.”

In an era where Star Wars had made a splash with 3 ¾” scale action figures, ROM stood out with his 13” height. Unfortunately, Parker Brothers did not utilize this increased size to provide articulation. Instead, they only gave ROM articulation at the shoulders, hips, and knees. Moreover, this toy stood alone with no companions or enemies to fight. Instead, Parker Brothers placed their cards in the electronic technology within the action figure.

As described on the box, ROM was equipped with various computer-age features and accessories. Thus, he awaited the command of players to display his remarkable powers that came alive with a 9-volt battery. Parker Brothers created the action figure from durable, impact-resistant plastic, so he was prepared for hours of play. Meanwhile, he featured light-up eyes, command buttons, an on-off switch, blinking respirator lights, an accessory power outlet, and flashing rocket lights. ROM’s Neutralizer, Translator, and Energy Analyzer were his most celebrated accessories.

ROM the Space Knight’s accessories and features

ROM’s translator allowed him to communicate with other intelligent beings. Thus, players could make him respond to any question in his electronic language of sounds and lights. Meanwhile, ROM’s energy analyzer’s flashing lights and synthesized sound effects allowed players to imagine him scanning his environment to detect threats. Finally, the neutralizer emitted crackling bursts of sound and light. When ROM was armed with this weapon, he appeared almost invincible and a reason for all foes to beware him. Parker Brothers rigged ROM’s plastic body with an advanced microelectronic system to power and control all these features.

Moreover, Rom came with a few other accessories. There was a rocket pack that allowed players to imagine him flying through space. Furthermore, the twin pods “ignited” with the touch of a button, activating booster sounds and flickering energy lights. He also had an electronic respirator built into his protective armor. When activated, the respirator created breathing sounds.

ROM’s packaging introduced him to consumers with great fanfare. They presented ROM as a modern electronic technology figure, representing a bright new horizon. Thus, he had unfathomable powers. Through the magic of advanced circuitry, ROM’s electronic features and accessories created striking effects in light and sound. These innovations would allow the imagination to soar as Parker Brothers ushered in an age of microelectronic lights, sounds, and excitement.

In addition to American store shelves, ROM the Space Knight appeared in other markets. For instance, Palitoy brought the electronic action figure to the United Kingdom. However, he was integrated into the region’s Action Man toy line.

Moreover, ROM became noteworthy enough that Time Magazine featured him on its December 1979 issue cover. Despite this prestige, the magazine did the toy no favors with its negative commentary. Still, ROM became a noteworthy toy, though his greatest fame came outside the toy aisle.

The beloved ROM the Space Knight comics from Marvel

Parker Brothers trusted Marvel Comics to create an exciting adventure comic book series to promote ROM the Space Knight to a broader audience. By far, this series surpassed the original popularity and run of the toy. While ROM’s adventures in Marvel began in 1979, they did not end until 1986. Thus, the comic book run lasted six years beyond the point that Parker Brothers pulled the toy from store shelves.

Marvel tasked Bill Mantio to scribe the story for ROM the Space Knight’s comics. Meanwhile, Sal Buscema created the art for the books. Their combined talents provided ROM with a memorable backstory and characterization.

ROM gained a home planet, Galadoor, whose leaders called upon volunteers to become Space Knights. As the villainous Dire Wraiths, a species of shapeshifters who used mystic arts, threatened the planet, the Space Knights stepped up to protect their home. To become Space Knights, thousands voluntarily gave up their human form to become powerful cyborgs. While there was a process to return them to normal, ROM decided that he would only reverse the procedure once the Space Wraiths were defeated.

Modern Versions of ROM the Space Knight

When Hasbro acquired Parker Brothers in 1991, ROM the Space Knight became the property of the prominent toy manufacturer. However, they did not reintroduce the character to the market. Instead, fans had to wait decades for the first new ROM toy, a Might Muggs SDCC exclusive that appeared in 2014.

Likewise, ROM spent years away from the pages of comic books, especially as both Marvel and Parker Brothers had a stake in the character. Finally, the Space Knight returned to comics around 2016. As IDW had successfully translated Hasbro’s G.I. Joe and Transformers into comics, they allowed them to introduce other toy lines in their catalog. However, IDW could not use Marvel’s original storyline. However, his time at IDW was short-lived, only lasting until issue #14.

Luckily, fans of ROM and Comic books did not have to wait for decades for his next appearance. Recently, Marvel again gained the chance to feature ROM the Space Knight. As their licensing contract with Hasbro is finalized, they launched his new adventures in 2023.