Rom, the Spaceknight Vol 1/Homefront

Homefront is Rom, the Spaceknight Vol 1's first story arc, encompassing the first three issues at launch. This issue also introduces the Galadorians of Earth-5000 and the said universe.

Synopsis
''Light years away in a galaxy far from Earth, the shining civilization of Galador exists. For years, they struggled against the malicious might of the Dire Wraiths that terrorized them for centuries. But Galador is not defenseless. With its powerful Spaceknights they fought back, and among these nobles lie a living legend: Rom. Although the threat of the Wraiths have long been gone, Rom still fights for Galador and her interests with unrelenting determination.''

''Years after the destruction of Wraithworld, Rom and the Spaceknights continued to serve the Galadorian Monarchy, protecting her territories. In the middle of his duties, a strange distress call attracts the attention of the legend himself and his partners...''

Plot
The Dark Nebula, years ago

Fleets of Galadorian warships and a multitude of Spaceknights were seen invading a blighted world identified as Wraithworld. In this flashback, Balin recounts of how the Spaceknights bravely struggled in defeating their mortal enemies: the Dire Wraiths. He says that all living Spaceknights are valiant and powerful in their own right. But, like any other warriors their morales are susceptible when their comrades fall apart like flies.

Immediately, the scene switches to an exhausted Starshine trying to defend a disabled Lightstorm. As she desperately tried to hold back a wave of Deathwings and Dire Wraiths, Rom himself swooped in and disintegrates the Dire Wraiths before sending two Deathwings to oblivion. Balin states that his father's Neutralizer is usually used to open up portals to Limbo to imprison them, but he knew that the war must end at all costs.

Afterwards, scenes of Rom's presence increasing the morale of his Spaceknights were seen while fighting side-by-side with Firefall and another Starshine, who's no other than his wife. Balin continues, informing that while the Hero of Galador's presence in the battlefield was an awe-inspiring view, it's irrefutable that the Dire Wraiths had grown stronger as their war dragged on.

When Rom spotted the Dire Wraiths' unholy citadel, he made it his own initiative to destroy it and annihilate Wraithworld once and for all. Assaulting it by himself, he commanded Galadorian forces to get off the planet so he could blow it up to kingdom come. They reluctantly agreed and left the planet, with the exception of Brandy who followed Rom to the citadel. She saved him from a gigantic Dire Wraith

As the two made it to the top of the citadel, they encountered the enigmatic Doctor Dredd. Dredd applauded them for making it up top, saying that it's time for them to know that the Dire Wraiths have always wanted them to be there. He revealed that by luring them into Wraithworld, they've been led to a trap. This trap was revealed in the form of an energy ball powered by the dark magical energies of the Dark Nebula.

Dredd informed that the ball had amassed much energies during their numerous confrontations and it's ready to be activated now. When activated, the blast would annihilate the Galadorian forces while leaving the planet and the star system intact due to their compositions. It'd also open up a crack in space and time that would leave a hole leading to the material universe where the Dire Wraiths would invade and overtake it with their superior numbers.

Not wanting to doom the universe, Rom and Brandy engaged in a brutal battle with Dr. Dredd that effectively wrecked Brandy's armor, disabling her legs. An enraged Rom soon blasted Dredd right in the face with the highest power his Neutralizer could achieve through his ears, opening up a portal right in Dredd's head that horrifyingly sucked him into Limbo while his body grotesquely deformed itself.

Briefly telling himself that that's not supposed to happen, Rom wasted no time in saving the universe and meddled with the energy bomb. Although he managed to reverse parts of the detonation, he failed to prevent the explosion and the planet blew up.

Moments later, the Galadorian fleet was surprised at this view. Thinking that Rom and his wife died, they mourned for a while until Pulsar picked up energy readings similar to the duo. In the end, they survived albeit unconscious. When they returned to Galador, they recovered and a massive parade was done to honor Rom's saving of the realm. This scene is also when Balin stops his narration about the past, telling that times have changed now and he and his brother have a chance to become the hero Rom could be in the past.

Trellion V, Golden Galaxy, now.

Skipping to the current situation, Terminator (Balin) and his brother, Liberator are seen protecting the inhabitants of the planet from a massive Klyntar invasion. Fighting with them is Lightningbolt, who tells the clueless brothers of where these symbiotes came from. He says that their nomadic nature has led some of them to the planet where they can multiply uncontrollably and infestate the planet within weeks.

Liberator thinks that the symbiotes are benevolent beings, and the voice of Pulsar going through the comms confirms. Pulsar, watching over the evacuation of the Trellions, tell them that the symbiotes never had bad intentions and they only need new homes. Nevertheless, Trellion V belongs to the Galadorian Monarchy and they must not take it.

As the fight continues, Tristan gets overwhelmed and is almost bonded with a symbiote. Panicking, Liberator accidentally shoots down Lightningbolt out of the skies, inviting Terminator's frustation. Rushing to his brother's aid while venting out his rage at his foolishness. Liberator struggles to free himself and try to reason with Balin. Eventually, Balin himself is overwhelmed by two symbiotes trying to take over him and Lightningbolt is left to save him.

Rand succeeds but knows that the battle can't be won since the symbiotes are far too many for them to handle and that they can regenerate. As they're slowly surrounded, Balin threatens Tristan to rip him apart. Tristan then gets into a heated argument with his brother, reasoning that his temper has just gotten ahead of him. They're broken apart when Pulsar notifies them that the "legend" is here.

Arriving on the battlefield while spraying his Neutralizer to the symbiotes, Rom comments on his sons' argument and asks what they're quarreling about. After knowing so and disabling much of the symbiotes, Rom tells Balin that doing mistakes under pressure is common. However, he also advises Tristan to not panic within certain situations and be better next time.

After a prolonged battle, the symbiotes are pushed back and Rom tells Pulsar that they'll be coming back the next day. Unmasking his Spaceknight suit, Rom confronts his children whose attempts to speak are silenced. Rom checks on Rand's condition, the young knight telling him that it's alright. Rom informs them that mistakes can happen in battle, and while they're mostly considered unable to be compensated everyone must remember that nobody's perfect. Still, his main concern is not of Lightningbolt's damage but the brothers' relationship. He reveals that he can't tolerate the rift between them that's been going on for years.

Balin and Tristan are left without words as Rom admits that he hasn't been the greatest father to them in years, but at least he wants to know that his sons are comfortable in each of their companionships and they love each other. An awkward silence soon ensues, with Lightningbolt breaking it by suggesting them to return to Pulsar.

Rom leads the way to Pulsar and greets the scientist with a handshake. Pulsar tells him that the Trellions will be relocated to Trellion V's neighboring planet until the infestation is dealt with. Balin suggests his father to assault their nest and burn them to ashes, but Rom furiously reminds Balin that Klyntars aren't evil and can be reasoned with. Pulsar awkwarldy corrects him by saying that from the data he pulled from, these Klyntars have no minds at all and rely on their instincts.

Rom looks at Balin and sighs, telling him that maybe they'll do it later. Lightningbolt asks if they're going to annihilate them completely or spare some of them. Before Rom can respond, he receives a message from Ikon who tells him that his presence is direly needed.

Knowing this, Rom apologized to his sons and brothers-in arms, telling them that he's needed somewhere else. Before he blasts-off to space, he advises Tristan and Balin to put aside their differences and prepare for any incoming dangers. After seeing their father fly away, the brothers wonder of what they should do now. At the same time, Pulsar says that there's something going onTrion. The brothers look at each other, Balin telling him that they know what to do.

Thayri, Galadorian Colony

Above the planet of Thayri, Rom is seen on a ship alongside Ikon and her cousin, Hammerhand as well as Rom's old comrade, Firefall. Rom is informed by Ikon that a massive energy spike was detected on the planet hours ago. Looking out the window, Rom guesses that that "energy spike" now turns into a large storm that engulfs a continent of the planet. Rom also guesses that this situation is so "dire" it requires the assistance of multiple veteran Spaceknights.

A brief moment of silence ensures as Ikon wonders if that's a thought of arrogance or a simple quote. Rom clarifies that that is not what he meant. Firefall tells him that he's quite right, since they haven't picked up such massive energy readings since Wraithworld's destruction. Ikon informs Rom that whatever's going on down there, it'd eventually endanger the entire planet.

Rom asks if there are any Spaceknights on Balin's birth place (Thayri). Hammerhand says that the Sentry and Tarn's wife were the first responders to the situation before their comms went down. Right after Bron finished his sentence, a thundering sound suddenly blares even in the space their ship is in. Without any dues, Rom commands the Spaceknights to follow his lead to Thayri.

Landing on the epicentre of the storm, Rom and his fellow knights investigate a swirling hurricane of energy in the middle of a large tower in the city. Rom is reminded of the Wraithworld Citadel, but changes his mind the moment a voice calls out to him when they approach the hurricane. The voice requests for the knights' help, but Rom is still on his guard.

Deciding to take a step, Rom calls out to "whoever is in there" and asks of its identity. As a response, the hurricane suddenly morphs into an energy pillar that gathers up the storm covering the planet's part, absorbing large amounts of energy. Rom is pulled back by Firefall who tells everyone to take cover. Moments later, a large explosion decimates nearly the entire city, leaving nothing but ruined structures and dust.

As the dust settles, the Spaceknights arise and see a naked figure of sizeable proportions, floating in a depressed state. When Rom sees him, he is utterly surprised and mutters "No" as Ikon asks who this man is. In a tone of disbelief, Rom informs them that the man begging for help is Korvac, who puts his right hand forward to get a hand.