Challengers of the Unknown #1 reveals the team deep into Darkseid’s return and death, which continues in issue #2, on sale this week. First realized in the ’50s, this adventuring team now fights alongside the Justice League, but always seems to be in their shadow. Given that Darkseid is gone and the universe is in flux, issue two delves deeper into the mystery that made the Challengers perhaps the only heroes who can save us all.
If there’s one truth about this series, it’s that writer Christopher Cantwell understands the Silver Age serial storytelling style. The captions and plots feel ripped from another era, giving a nostalgic feel of days gone by. Add in some stylistic choices, such as the P for “past” seemingly pasted on top of the word “ast”, and the series has a nostalgic feel to it. It’s old-fashioned and kind of celebrates a bygone era.
As for the events of this issue, it’s all about Ultivac, a robot created by Juno. Through her caption, she catches up with us about Ultivac, who seemed to have a soul but started killing when he realized that death and murder were the ultimate powers. After a four-page flashback takes stock of the situation, we learn that Ultivac may have returned after it appeared to be destroyed.
A truly wonderful opening.
Credit: DC Comics
The bulk of this issue is devoted to Juno and a small team of Challengers, Batman, and Aquaman investigating strange communications coming from the ocean. Talk about a pulp adventure written all over it! Soon the team is in the ocean and Batman is wearing pink and seems to like the way he looks.
Juno is the main character in this issue, but Batman and Mr. Terrific shine through their interactions with Juno. One of the key questions she keeps asking Batman is that he’s as human as the Challengers, yet on the side of the god-like Justice League. The idea of power, especially when Ultivac reveals a potential can of worms at one point, makes for an interesting subplot that pays off later.
Art by Jorge Fornes, Sean Isaxe, and Amankai Nahuelpan, with coloring by Romulo Fajardo Jr. and Matt Harms. Fornes does a great job with the flashback opener, capturing the feel of the team’s adventures well. Ultrivac’s classic sci-fi vibe is also spot on.
From there, I don’t know who drew what, but it’s nicely separated into a sea scene and a snowy mountainside scene. There’s nothing to complain about with this style, as both artists offer the detailed superhero style we’ve come to expect from the big two. That being said, the plot can feel clunky due to the big changes from the ocean to the mountains and back to the gazebo.
If you like pulp adventure comics like Tom Strong, you’ll love this series. Challengers of the Unknown #2 deftly taps into its Silver Age comics roots to deliver a nostalgic yet fresh pulp adventure full of interesting character dynamics and philosophical underpinnings.
“Challengers of the Unknown” #2 is a great adventure
Challengers to the unknown #2
If you like pulp adventure comics like Tom Strong, you’ll love this series. Challengers of the Unknown #2 deftly taps into its Silver Age comics roots to deliver a nostalgic yet fresh pulp adventure full of interesting character dynamics and philosophical underpinnings.
It captures the nostalgic feel of Silver Age comics in a charming, retro storytelling style.
Strong character work, especially Juno, Batman, and Mr. Terrific.
The pulp adventure feel is further enhanced by creative touches such as Batman’s ocean explorations.
Despite strong individual artist contributions, the juggling of multiple artists can make the story feel fragmented at times.
