Odd Ball
Launched: 3rd November 1990
Ended: 4th January 2000
Comic Launched In: Buster
Other Comics: Reprints from Whizzer & Chips
Artwork: Terry Bave
Story:
Another of Fleetway's long running strips Odd Ball featured in the very first issue of Whizzer and Chips.
A wayward ball from a planet bounco game of football, Odd Ball landed on planet Earth and the middle
of Nobby's game of football. Nobby decided he'd keep dear old Odd, and the ball settled in to Nobby's family.
Odd Ball fans will notice, how the strips changed over the years. In the early days Odd never said a word, but as
the strip progressed, Odd began talking. This was a mixed blessing, as the later strips tended to end on a
cheesy joke from the ball.
Despite being able to morph into virtually anything, he seemed to remain orange throughout, which always made
me wonder how he got away with scaring people on morphing into animals, like a lion for instance. Who knows
any bright orange lions?
Terry Brave worked on the strip throughout, a marvellous achievement to do week in and week out. At one point
Odd Ball and Nobby, travelled around the world, seeing all sorts of sights. Odd Ball also had the marvellous
achievement of being able to help Nobby time travel too, aiding his history homework.
One of my top strips, Odd Ball made it to the back page of the final Buster, though it wasn't a happy ending.
Odd got a puncture, after hiding in some nettles, and like all balls he promptly burst. After 30 years, Odd had
finally run out of "hot air!" (groan!)
Anything to add? E-mail Webmaster@bustercomic.co.uk
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With thanks to Toonhound for information.