The Rom Action Figure Video Transcript

To promote the new Rom action figure at the 1979 Toy Fair, Parker Brothers created a promotional video. You can see this video at the Stone Foundation Rom page. This video was also used as the starting point from which Marvel developed the comic book. Comics Feature #17 featured an interview with Bill Mantlo, in which he said:

[Jim Shooter] said, "Come on in, look at this videotape," . . . we took the videotape out of the box, put it in the Betamax, and what do we see? This weird-looking robot in swirling mists and this voice-over saying, "The Dire Wraiths from the supernatural galaxy are going to get Rom the robot."

Below is a transcript of the video with some notes.

Far, far away, in another galaxy[1], the knights of the Solstar Order[2], defenders of justice and truth, have been ambushed by the evil magicians, the Dire Wraiths. The Solstar Order has prevailed and are now seeking out their scattered enemies.

One of these knights has followed the trail of the Dire Wraiths all the way to Earth. This one the Dire Wraiths fear more than all others. This one has hounded them and kept them underground for centuries. This one alone could wipe them off the face of creation[3].

He is Rom, Lord of the Solstar Order. Rom, the Wraithslayer. Rom, the Space Knight. Even he must be careful. The Dire Wraiths can assume any form they wish. Rom counters this with the Energy Analyzer[4]. With it, he can see through appearances and determine the true essence of any being.

Rom also has a weapon unique to his order. The Neutralizer, which can disorganize any molecular structure. He has Rocket Pods, which can instantly send him soaring. He has a Translator[4] through which he can communicate with any intelligent being in the universe. And his Respirator allows him to breathe in any atmosphere.

Rom, Lord of the Solstar Order. Rom, the Wraithslayer. Rom, the Space Knight. The micro-electronic creation from Parker Brothers.

Notes

  1. You can't tell me with the recent release of Star Wars this phrase was just a coincidence. ("A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away . . . .")
  2. Although it sounds more like "soul star" (or "sole star"), this spelling is what Bing McCoy believes is correct.
  3. At this point of the video, we get a close up of Rom's head. You'll note his eye LEDs are green. They were changed to red for production because red LEDs were cheaper.
  4. Yes, they got the Energy Analyzer and Translator reversed! Of course, managers of toy companies won't care. They just need to see a gadget with a flashing light and cool sounds.