CHALLENGERS OF THE UNKNOWN #1 DC COMICS
Technically speaking this is Challengers of the Unknown Volume 5 #1 based on Challenger titles that last 6 issues or more. Ace, Red, Rocky, and Prof spring from an interesting bit of real world comic history. As the late 1950’s into the 1960’s generated groups of heroes that didn’t wear capes and were more like the every man. The Sea Devils, The Time Masters, Darwin Jones, Fireman Farrell, and of course, the Challengers were all ordinary people that had some special talent. Whether expert pilots, or fighters, or scientists, or explorers – they all had the most amazing adventures. And while these individuals have been rebooted numerous times, they still retain that down to earth aura. So, I was a bit hesitant when I was presented a cover showing Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman in the familiar purple jumpsuits. However, writer Christopher Cantwell has presented us with an interesting multi-level story that lets the super-heroes mingle with the non-super-heroes pretty well. And while, I have some objections to the Challengers return occurring because of the latest overwhelming multi-title cross-over, at the end of the day, the Challengers are back. And I’m happy. 9 out of 10 Grahams.
GREEN LANTERN/GREEN ARROW WORLD’S FINEST #1
Writer Jeremy Adams does a pretty good job of recreating the road trip shenanigans with best buds, Hal and Ollie. And while he fails to include a chili reference, he does get the real feel for the good ole days. A wonderfully nostalgic tale with more modern nods! Lucas Meyer’s art does a great job of creating a realist view of a road trip. Even if it does end with an early version of Deathstroke ruining the fun. Toss in a secondary story continuing the tale with the Flash and you almost don’t need the surprize twist ending in the final panel. But it is appreciated! Plus a one page Black Canary looking lovely cameo and this one captures a time period in American comics almost perfectly. 9 out of 10 Grahams.
NEW GODS #1 DC COMICS
After Jack Kirby broke the shackles that held him at Marvel, he presented DC Comics with the concept of the Fourth World. And from titles such as Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen, the Forever People, and Mister Miracle, we were introduced to The New Gods. I remember being blown away by the incredible and strange artwork from the first issue. But storywise, I wasn’t all that into it. Over time some of the faults I noted were straightened out and I started to get into it but then Darkseid caught the public attention and became the big baddie of the DC universe. Heck, he even got his own Super Powers Action figure! (And he got voiced by Michael Ironsides in the JLU cartoon!) But unlike all of the other reboots over the years, this time Darkseid is gone. Mister Miracle is sporting a beard and changing dirty diapers. Big Barda is making a cameo from her career over at Birds of Prey. And Highfather needs Orion to kill an unknown child. Wait? What?! But the truth is can writer Ram V keep up an interesting storyline? Even with artist Evan Cagle’s take on the cosmic? Time will tell. 7 out of 10 Grahams.
