Challengers of the Unknown #1 – Christopher Cantwell, Writer; Sean Izaakse, Artist; Romulo Fajardo Jr, Colorist
Ray – 9/10
Ray: DC has done a pretty good job of creating the field of a united DCU spinning out of All In, with many books all being centered in the new massive Watchtower satellite. Basically every superhero in the DCU is involved here, with each taking on a unique role in this operation – including the Challengers of the Unknown, the DCU’s premiere science team. These characters have been out of focus for a very long time, but they’re a team of adventurers who seem very inspired by the Fantastic Four if they hadn’t been mutated – but not for lack of trying. They poke around the bizarre and often dangerous with little regard for their own safety, and that makes them perfect fits for Mr. Terrific’s latest assignment – investigating odd anomalies around space that could prove that Darkseid isn’t nearly as gone as he appears to be. But this is dangerous even for them – so they’re going to have liaisons joining the team from the superhero community.
When this was first announced, people were a little skeptical – is it really the Challengers if Superman is suited up alongside them? But I don’t think this first issue gives any reason for worry. The main plot is a tense investigation on Mars, with Superman clearly out of place as Ace investigates a strange seemingly impenetrable alien vault – and when he comes up with a unique use for Superman’s powers to open it, he gets more than he bargained for. Ace and his questions about the life he chose to lead are really the emotional core of this issue, and there are some brilliant visuals bringing those ghosts of lives that could have been to literal life. But there’s also an intriguing mystery hiding behind it, one where Mr. Terrific knows even more than the Challengers – and it seems like every issue will bring a new guest star into the fray, each helping to deepen a mystery that even the Challengers may not fully understand.
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GeekDad received this comic for review purposes.
