NOTICE! Spoilers for question: Along the Watchtower #1One of DC’s most underrated teams just got a major promotion, joining the Justice Leaguein a movement that elevates them to a relevant status after decades of obscurity. The Challengers of the Unknown were rewarded with a long-awaited return to glory in the revamped Justice Leagueand their work on the Watchtower makes them invaluable to this new era of the DC Universe.
In The question: throughout the entire Watchtower #1 – written by Alex Segura, with art by Cian Tormey – Renee Montoya arrives to begin her mission of guarding the Justice League headquarters, receiving a tour from Wonder Woman, who explains the roles of various heroes at the base, taking notes in the process : “The Challengers of the Unknown are the nerve center of the Watchtower.”
The Challengers of the Unknown have been neglected throughout DC’s history since their debut in the 1950s; The Justice League giving them such a vital role on the Watchtower highlights how this forgotten team has been redefined for DC’s All In initiative.
The Challengers of the Unknown make their long-awaited return, joining the Justice League
The question: throughout the entire Watchtower #1 – Written by Alex Segura; Art by Cian Tormey; Color by Rômulo Fajardo Jr.; Willie Schubert lyrics
The Justice League has expanded its roster to include every superhero in the DC Universe, meaning the entire community of heroes will have access to the Watchtower – the League’s main base of operations – at all times. As such, the Watchtower must always function well to prevent risks from reaching the inhabitants, and that’s where the Challengers come in. As the “nerve center” of the Watchtower, the Challengers of the Unknown are tasked with patrolling the base and checking for system failurestransforming these forgotten heroes into integral members of the Justice League.
The Challengers of the Unknown were created by Jack Kirby and made their debut in 1956. Showcase #6. The team’s lineup consists of Ace Morgan, Rocky Davis, Red Ryan, Prof Haley, and June Robbins. After surviving a plane crash that should have been fatal, they all realize they are living on borrowed time and decide to make the most of it by investigating otherworldly phenomena together. Later iterations of the Challengers add new characters to the roster, such as the now-deceased Kenn Kawa, although the Justice League appears to be employing all five main heroes.
The Challengers of the Unknown are finally getting their big break as Justice League’s main heroes
Challengers of the Unknown #1 – Covers by Mike Deodato Jr., Taurin Clarke, Fico Ossio, Gleb Melnikov and Sean Izaakse
It’s worth noting that the Challengers of the Unknown play a similar role in the DC Universe to Marvel’s Fantastic Four, and their similarities may not be entirely coincidental. As Jack Kirby created both teams within a few years of each other, some speculate that the Challengers were a prototype for Marvel’s First Family. After all, both teams consist of science-oriented adventurers, united by an expedition gone wrong. The Fantastic Four debuted in 1961, shortly after their DC predecessors, so this inspiration is possible. However, despite the similarity, the Challengers have historically lacked the popular appeal of the Fantastic Four.
For a contemporary story featuring the Challengers of the Unknown, check out “Time Check” at Batman/Superman: The World’s Best 2024 Yearbook – written by Christopher Cantwell, with art by Jorge Fornés.
DC is finally spotlighting the Challengers of the Unknown with their prominent new role. In addition to promoting Justice League, the Challengers of the Unknown will also star in their own series beginning December 18, 2024. Written by Christopher Cantwell with art by Sean Izaakse and Romulo Fajardo Jr., this comic will follow the titular team as discover cosmic oddities after Darkseid’s death. Longtime fans and curious newcomers alike can familiarize themselves with the Challengers of the Unknown as they rise through the ranks of the Justice League.
The question: throughout the entire Watchtower #1 is now available from DC Comics.