REVIEW: ‘Challengers of the Unknown’ Issue #1

Challengers of the Unknown #1 is published by DC Comics and written by Christopher Cantwell—art by Sean Izaakse, colors by Romulo Fajardo Jr, and letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.  The Challengers have been tasked with overseeing the basic operations of the new Justice League Watchtower. But Mr. Terrific has a new task for them: searching for anomalies popping up around the universe after Darkseid’s death.

This issue is part of a connected series of books that are all searching for something strange, but nothing that any of the heroes can put their fingers on. There is something wrong with the Watchtower. There are glitches that Renee Montoya is in charge of investigating in The Question: All Along the Watchtower. The Challengers have a similar task, spreading further into the universe. They work in tandem with Mr. Terrific and other heroes to investigate these anomalies that have popped up on different planets.

At a brief look, Challengers of the Unknown #1 is a fascinating team-up issue with an energetic pace. Ace Morgan investigates a crystalline structure that has formed on Mars, with Superman and Miss Martian at his side. However, a much deeper plot within is starting to spread across the DC Universe. There is a dark mystery that can be felt and known by the most intelligent members of the League, but with no clue what it is.

The storyline enriches both series, but it is important to note that both comics can be read independently without struggle or confusion. Some references will gravitate readers to the other book, but the stories are strong enough on both sides to stand independently.

While they work as part of the same organization, it already feels like two different teams are on the Watchtower. The Challengers are explorers in their own right, yet they are often treated like Oompa Loompas on the new station or elves to make it more timely. They are given orders from Mr. Terrific, like a task force, but not given all the information or the answers.

At the start of Challengers of the Unknown #1, certain members of the Challengers are grouchy about their work, which involves maintenance and other administrative tasks at the Watchtower. Terrific ensures that they know the squad is doing important work, something dark is about to emerge, and secrets are being kept on either side.

Some heroes show enormous respect to the Challengers, and the team-up element of Challengers of the Unknown #1 is exciting. Superman and Ace get on well, a beautiful example of the Man of Steel’s heart. Superman is happy to delegate to Ace, allowing him to lead and take charge of the situation. Superman is there to support, and the dialogue around that is fantastic. This is different from how Mr. Terrific speaks to all of the team, which is much more like a master sergeant. It’s not entirely cold or dismissive, but it’s enough to create a divide between Justice League members and Challengers.

The art is sensational in Challengers of the Unknown #1. The Challengers are not supposed to be superheroes, and their designs from Izaakse convey that beautifully. They are in uniform and serve as crew for the Watchtower. The artist has also been taken to ensure that the Challengers don’t look like anything more than humans. Each character has slight affectations to their jumpsuits, adding individuality.

Compared to the Justice League members, they look ordinary. Superman takes time to adjust his costume to fit the group and not look out of place, which is a beautiful detail. The art seems superbly cartoony when needed and carries energy and personality on every page. The simplicity of the technology makes it enjoyable and impressive.

The colors show the differences between the Challengers, the regular members, and the Justice League. The Challengers wear the same purple uniform, shrinking their unique identities, while the League members wear their costumes. The uniforms are vibrant and striking, standing out from any other color on the station. To make Ace look comfortable, Superman wears one of the purple costumes, a fantastic touch by Fajardo Jr. The lettering is provided by the most creative letterer in the industry. There are so many details that add depth to the voices of the characters.

Challengers of the Unknown #1 starts to divide the Justice League Watchtower. The concept is fascinating: using characters who work underneath everyone else. We have seen them in Justice League Unlimited and The Question series, but now they are the stars. It is like basing a series on Star Trek’s red shirts.

Challengers of the Unknown #1 provides readers with more insight into the Challengers, who are more than support staff. They are part of the broader reverberation of Darkseid’s death, which is now having a more significant impact on the DC Universe and bubbling under the surface of everything.

Challengers of the Unknown #1 is available now wherever comics are sold.