“Yesterday’s” Comic> The Strangers #9

It’s the Strangers/One-Piece crossover you didn’t know you wanted.

The Strangers #9

Malibu Comics/Ultraverse (February, 1994)

“Taken By This Guy!”

WRITER: Steve Englehart

LAYOUTS: Rick Hoberg

PENCILER: Steve Skroce

INKER: Tim Eldred

COLORING: Robert Alvord & Prisms

LETTERER: Dave Lanphear

EDITOR: Roland Mann

As the Strangers head to the coordinates Yral provided, the sky people consider wiping out humanity, which Yral is not happy about. The other Strangers head to sea but come across Ultra pirates, more people from the cable car. Though the pirates manage to get the initial drop on our heroes, mostly thanks to the leader, Scar, and his ability to steal other Ultra’s powers for a brief time, Atom Bob uses his powers to trick Scar into attacking his own people, allowing the others to recover and finish the pirates off. Leaving them for the Coast Guard, they continue on their mission.

What they got right: The pirates make for a great enemy for the team and I hope they show up again. The fight was fascinating to watch.

What they got wrong: I know it’s inevitable with a team, but watching Bob fail to get the girl…again…only to tease something with Elena despite the age difference I just can’t care about right now given more important events, like rescuing their teammate and solving the mysteries involved.

What I think overall: I’m still enjoying this series. The reading order list I’m going by wants me to stick with it for a few more weeks before the next comic, and the next two issues are even marked “essential”, so hopefully we’ll learn what the sky people’s deal is.