Membership:
None named SPACE PIRATES
Membership:
None named
Purpose: To raid other planets and steal their mineral resources
Aliases: None
Affiliations: None
Enemies: Uatu the Watcher
Base of Operations: Mobile across their unidentified galaxy.
First Appearance: Tales of Suspense I#57/2 (September 1964)
History:
(Official
Handbook of the Marvel Universe#8 (fb) - BTS/Official Handbook of the
Marvel Universe: Deluxe Edition#15 (fb) - BTS) - The Space Pirates were
Rajakis from the planet Rajak, the fifth planet of the Jakkel system in
a distant galaxy.
(Tales
of Suspense I#57/2 (fb) - BTS) - The Pirates were ruthless
interstellar scavengers who sought out planets with high levels of
valuable minerals to attack and plunder. When the target world was
inhabited, the Pirates would land on a nearby world where they
anticipated minimal resistance, and from there blast the target world
with a delta ray cannon which would kill every
living thing thereon. They used this weapon countless times without
mishap, for them if not their unfortunate victims.
(Tales of Suspense
I#57/2) - Having chosen the planet T-37 X as their next goal
because their readings detected it was rich in gold and uranium, the
Space Pirates looked for a suitable adjacent world to set up the Delta
Ray. Most of the adjacent worlds seemed to be too heavily fortified,
able to resist potential intrusion, but then the Pirates spotted one
with only a single inhabitant. Better yet, that resident was a Watcher,
who confirmed when asked by the lead pirate that he had sworn to never
interfere in the destiny of other races. With that reassurance the
Pirates erected the Delta Ray and prepared to fire, but before they
could do so the weapon became red hot until it melted and exploded. The
Watcher then announced this was his doing, a demonstration of his power,
and promised they would now feel his wrath. Confused, the Pirates
brought up his pledge, but the unapologetic Watcher reversed their
entire physical and chemical nature with a wave of his hand,
transforming them all into negative beings and transporting them to a
harsh, forbidding planet outside the civilized sector of the galaxy. At
the end of their fantastic journey through time and space the Pirates
found themselves stranded on a primitive volcanic world inhabited by
savage metal beasts. Realizing their lives would be in constant danger,
the Pirates again expressed confusion at why the Watcher seemed to have
broken his vow of non-interference. This time the Watcher answered, his
visage appearing before them to explain that while it was true he had
sworn never to interfere in the destiny of other races, T-37 X was not
the home of another race, but instead the ancient home planet of the
Watchers, and thus exempt from his sacred promise.
Comments: Created by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber and George Bell.
Rajakis like Sapper, enemy of Ultimo.
--Markus Raymond
This profile was completed on 08/29/2026, but its publication was delayed as it was intended for the Appendix 25th anniversary's celebratory event to represent Tales of the Watcher.
Profile by Loki.
CLARIFICATIONS:
The Space Pirates have no known connections to:
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The Delta Ray Cannon was a gigantic weapon capable of firing across vast distances through space, its beam killing all life on any planet it struck. However it was so large that it needed to be dismantled for transport and rebuilt each time it was to be deployed. The Space Pirates used it many times without problems, but the Watcher eventually made it overheat, melt down, and then explode into nothingness. --Tales of Suspense I#57/2
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images: (without ads)
Tales of Suspense
I#57/2, p1, pan1 (main image)
Tales of Suspense
I#57/2, p2, pan1 (spaceships)
Tales of Suspense
I#57/2, p3, pan1 (Delta Ray Cannon)
Appearances:
Tales of Suspense I#57/2 (September
1964) - Stan Lee (plot, editor), Larry Lieber (script,
pencils), George Bell (inks)
First Posted: 09/01/2026
Last updated: 08/29/2026
Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.
Non-Marvel
Copyright
info
All other characters mentioned or pictured are ™ and © 1941-2099
Marvel Characters, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
If you like this stuff, you should check out the real thing!
Please visit The Marvel Official Site at: http://www.marvel.com
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Delta Ray Cannon