I like to believe that Abe can't do that any more...The events that occur in Munch's Oddysee would have been far easier if Abe was able to transform into a magical monster. Therefore I presume OWI may have/will come up with some kind of explanation why that power is now more limited or other reasons why he can't do it any more. Either way, the fact remains: Stranger has a huge double- barreled crossbow.
And a cool hat.