Challengers of the Unknown #1 revealed the team is deeply tied to Darkseid’s return and death, which continues in the second issue, out this week. This adventure team, first realized in the ’50s, is now fighting beside the Justice League but is seemingly always in their shadow. Given that the universe is in flux with Darkseid now gone, the second issue probes deeper at the mystery that has made the Challengers possibly the only heroes capable of saving us all.
If there’s any single truth regarding this series, it’s that writer Christopher Cantwell understands the Silver Age serial storytelling style. The captions and plot feel like they were plucked from a different time, giving it a nostalgic vibe of days gone by. Add in style choices like the P in “past” looking pasted over the “ast” in the word, and there’s a nostalgic quality to the series. It’s quaint and a sort of celebration of a bygone era.
As far as the events of this issue, it’s all about Ultivac, a robot created by Juno. Through captions, she catches us up to speed on Ultivac, who seemed to have a soul but started killing when he realized death and murder is the ultimate power. After a four-page flashback catching us up to speed, we learn Ultivac may have returned after seemingly being destroyed.
Just a superb opening.
Credit: DC Comics
Much of this issue is devoted to Juno and a small team of Challengers, Batman, and Aquaman, investigating a strange transmission coming from the ocean. Talk about pulp adventure written all over it! Soon, the team enters the ocean, complete with Batman wearing pink and seemingly liking the look.
While Juno is the star of this issue, Batman and Mr. Terrific get to shine through interactions with Juno. One key thing she keeps pressing Batman about is how he’s as human as the Challengers yet sides with the godlike Justice League. The idea of power, especially when Ultivac opens up a possible can of worms at one point, makes for an intriguing subplot that’ll payoff later.
Art is divided up between Jorge Fornes, Sean Izaakse, and Amancay Nahuelpan, with colors by Romulo Fajardo Jr. and Matt Herms. Fornes does an excellent job with the flashback opener, capturing the adventure feel of the team well. The classic sci-fi feel of Ultrivac is also spot on.
From there, I’m not sure who drew what, but it’s broken up well between the ocean scene and a scene on a snowy mountainside. I have no complaints with the style, as both artists deliver the detailed superhero style we’ve come to expect from the big two. That said, the plotting can feel clunky with big shifts from the ocean to a mountain, then back to the Watchtower.
If you like pulp adventure comics like Tom Strong, you’re going to love this series. Challengers of the Unknown #2 skillfully embraces its roots in Silver Age comics, offering a nostalgic yet fresh pulp adventure filled with intriguing character dynamics and philosophical underpinnings.
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