Out of This World #7
In "The Stray!", science teacher Gwendolyn Purdy finds herself unexpectedly drawn into an interstellar encounter after her tektite collection begins to glow. When two aliens from Uranus, led by the perplexed Kryptos, declare her the only Earth woman worthy of a cosmic courtship, Gwendolyn is forced to confront her self-image in ways she never expected. Written by Thomas R. Drew and brought to life with expressive art by Ogden Whitney, this 1984 gem features a striking cover by Steve Ditko, blending classroom drama with cosmic whimsy in a story that’s as quietly poignant as it is delightfully strange.
Sell my copy
Have this issue — or a whole collection? Get a fair offer from us, skip the marketplace fees and the hassle.
We Buy Collections ▸Full credits
Full plot ⚠ may contain spoilers
▸ Reveal full plot — may contain spoilers
Gwendolyn Purdy is mocked by her pupils and criticized by her principal. Gwendolyn shows the pupils her tektite collection but then loses her temper which is seen by Cannon. Later, back home the tektite collection starts glowing. Two aliens tell her that their leader, Kryptos, wants to meet her. Kryptos thinks earth women are ugly but wants to take Gwendolyn back to Uranus. Gwendolyn goes home to think about this and decides to improve her appearance. When Kryptos meets her again he is horrified and asks to be released from his request. Later Cannon asks Gwendolyn out to a dance.
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).