Writer: Christopher Cantwell
Artist/s: Romulo Fajardo Jr., Sean Izaakse
Behind Every Great Superhero
What has been missing from the Justice League for such a long time? The answer is matching outfits, of course! Some of our favorite do-gooders grace the cover of this new series, united in tight-fitting burgundy get-ups or possibly maroon get-ups, depending on which side of the potato, tomato debate you gravitate towards. However, it isn't Batman, Superman, or even Wonder Woman who are the focal points of this story, but rather the supporting cast that are often tasked with the grunt work that makes our superheroes look good.
Those brave men and women who work behind the scenes to keep the lights on, the toilets flushing, and the banter witty. The titular Challengers of the Unknown consists of some of the best and brightest, tasked with getting to the bottom of any and all mysterious phenomena/activities that call on more than baterangs, magic rings, and heat vision.
With Darkseid dead, or possibly only missing, the team of Ace, Walter Haley, Mathew Ryan, and Leslie Davis are tasked by Mr. Terrific with investigating anomalies that may provide clues to Darkseid's whereabouts. Issue one hones in on Ace partnering with Superman to investigate an odd cluster of glass that has manifested on Mars. Still, this journey comes to test all the capacities of Ace as the anomaly impacts his all too human attributes in unexpected ways.
The artistic vision and stylings of Christopher Cantwell, Sean Izaakse, and Romulo Fajardo Jr. present a fascinating point of entry to the Justice League, with protagonists that fight radically different battles from their superhero counterparts. The battles, in large part, are against their feelings of inadequacy to their godlike colleagues and their respective pasts that come to hamper their efforts moving forward. This makes for an intriguing read and journey through mortal strength, resilience, humility, and grace. All readers living or visiting Glasgow should stop by Forbidden Planet to pick up their copy :). Happy reading, folks.
Forbidden Planet
122-126 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow, G2 3DH, Scotland