Challengers of the Unknown #1
Written by: Christopher Cantwell
Illustrated by: Sean Izaakse
Cover art by: Mike Deodato Jr.
DC Comics
2024
*Expect some spoilers..
Spinning out of Absolute Power and the DC All In Special, the terror of the Darkseid shockwave has cascaded across the DC Universe… tearing open the very fabric of time and space itself! Only one band of super-scientists have the right stuff to challenge the fate of a universe… enter: THE CHALLENGERS OF THE UKNOWN. Alongside the Justice League —where the Challengers run day-to-day operations for the massive Watchtower base in orbit above Earth — Ace Morgan, June Robbins, Prof Haley, Red Ryan, and Rocky Davis must team with Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and the rest of the League to seal the rifts that threaten the galaxy. But a mysterious foe from the Challengers’ past lurks in the shadows, and its connection to the godshock will put the DCU on borrowed time!
When I first decided to read the Challengers of the Unknown #1, I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Spinning out of Absolute Power and the DC All In Special, the book kicks off with the fallout of Darkseid’s shockwave ripping through time and space. It’s a bold concept, with the Challengers of the Unknown stepping in as a crew of super-scientists running the Justice League’s Watchtower while tackling massive rifts in reality. Throw in Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and a shadowy villain from the Challengers’ past, and you’ve got the makings of an intriguing series opener.
This issue delivered a solid introduction. It doesn’t go over the top with spectacle, but it sets up the story well and leaves room for a lot of potential. I’ll admit I’ve never been entirely sold on DC’s various attempts to revitalize the Challengers over the years. They’ve always seemed to live in the shadow of the Fantastic Four, and it often feels like DC has to pair them with bigger names to draw attention. This issue doesn’t entirely escape that, with Batman, Superman, and Mister Terrific making notable appearances. Still, these cameos worked for me, especially Mister Terrific’s dynamic with the team—it’s one of the highlights that has me eager to see what happens next.
Speaking of highlights, I appreciated the nods to the broader DCU, like the connection to the Question. It’s subtle enough not to confuse new readers but adds an extra layer for longtime fans. I also liked how Hal Jordan and Ace Morgan’s friendship got some attention—it’s details like this that make the story feel grounded and interconnected.
On the art side, Sean Izaakse brought his A-game. His work is clean, dynamic, and full of energy. He’s one of those artists where you can’t help but get excited to see what they’ll do next. The writing by Christopher Cantwell also stood out. While his style isn’t for everyone and has been hit-or-miss in the past, he has a way of capturing characters who are struggling to find their place, constantly trying to be better. That theme feels particularly fitting for the Challengers, a team that’s often overlooked or underestimated.
What I found most interesting was how the story seemed to focus on the team as individuals rather than throwing them together right away. It’s a clever approach, letting us connect with each Challenger as a person before diving into their group dynamics. For a team that’s never quite had a definitive run, this feels like a fresh start.
If you’ve been enjoying the All-In titles so far, this one’s worth checking out. While I’m still cautious about how often DC tries to push the Challengers into the spotlight, this feels like it could be the series that finally gives them the attention they deserve.
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