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Issue: Challengers of the Unknown Archives #1
Publication Date: September 2003
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Disclose Detail
Issues: #1 of 2 Issues (3 Printings)
Title:
Variant: First Printing
Rating:
Publisher: FlagDC
Brand: DC Archive EditionsView Brand Images
Indicia Publisher: DC Comics
On Sale Date: 07/02/2003
Volume: 1
Pages: 176
ISBN: 1563899973
UPC/EAN: 76194123693300111
Price: $65.95 CAD
$39.95 USD
Indicia Frequency:
Content Items: 32 (21 stories, 0 covers)
Editor(s):  
Disclose Notes: CHALLENGERS OF THE UNKNOWN ARCHIVES VOL. 1 reprints the original 1950s tales of four death defying adventurers and their impossible and unimaginable exploits. Black-and-white reconstruction on selected interior pages by Rick Keene. Series design by Alex Jay/Studio J. Publication design by Peter Hamboussi. Special thanks to John Morrow for source material.
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Disclose Format
Publication Type: Hardcover
Color: color
Dimensions: standard Modern Age US
Paper Stock: glossy interiors
Binding: hardcover; dustjacket
Publishing Format: collected editions
Format Notes:  
Disclose Variants2
Disclose Reprinted In0
There is currently no data for this Issue being reprinted anywhere.
Disclose Reprinted From31
reprinted 2 times from some/all in other Issues.
reprinted 29 times from Content Items in other Issues.
Disclose Images2
Dustjacket
Original Artwork
Digital Edition
Adult Image
Title Page
Indicia on this Page
 
 
Cover, Front
Original Artwork
Digital Edition
Adult Image
Title Page
Indicia on this Page
 
 
Assets0
 
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Disclose Content Items (32 total)
Disclose Issue Images
[untitled]

Illustration  on  Dustjacket
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Character(s): Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]
Reprinting
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose Notes: This beautiful hardcover edition tells the earliest adventurers of these four men of different backgrounds and personalities as they encounter powerful aliens, deadly robots, and creatures of unknown origins.
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Table of Contents

Table of Contents  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Letterer(s): typeset
Subject Matter
Character(s): Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley]
Reprinting
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 2
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Foreword

Foreword, Introduction, Preface, Afterword  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Letterer(s): typeset
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Character(s): Challengers of the Unknown [Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]
Reprinting
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 4
Disclose Notes: Introduction by Paul Kupperberg
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Cover - Showcase #6

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Character(s): Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]
Reprinting
From Content Item: FlagShowcase #6 published January 1957
was [untitled] [Illustration on Cover, Front]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose Notes: First appearance of the Challengers of the Unknown. According to Joe Simon and Jack Kirby historians, Jack Kirby brought the proposal for the Challengers to DC. DC bought the concept and folded it into Showcase. Yet the DC Archive cites Dave Wood as the writer. So did Dave Wood rewrite Jack Kirby's dialogue?
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The Secret of the Sorcerer's Box [Chapter 1]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Character(s): Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis] (first appearance; origin); VILLAIN: Mr. Morelian (first appearance; dies)
Synopsis: Origin and introduction of the Challengers of the Unknown.
Reprinting
From Content Item: FlagShowcase #6 published January 1957
was The Secrets of the Sorcerer's Box! [Chapter 1] [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 6
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Dragon Seed [Chapter 2]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Reprinting
From Content Item: FlagShowcase #6 published January 1957
was Chapter Two: Dragon Seed! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 6
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The Freezing Sun [Chapter 3]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Reprinting
From Content Item: FlagShowcase #6 published January 1957
was Chapter Three: The Freezing Sun! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 6
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The Whirling Weaver [Chapter 4]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Reprinting
From Content Item: FlagShowcase #6 published January 1957
was Chapter Four: The Whirling Weaver! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 6
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[Cover - Showcase #7]; ULTIVAC Is Loose!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Character(s): Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]; June Robbins; ULTIVAC
Reprinting
From Content Item: FlagShowcase #7 published March 1957
was Ultivac is Loose! [Illustration on Cover, Front]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
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ULTIVAC Is Loose! [Chapter 1]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Character(s): Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]; June Robbins (first appearance); Felix Hesse (first appearance); ULTIVAC (first appearance)
Reprinting
From Content Item: FlagShowcase #7 published March 1957
was Ultivac is Loose! [Chapter 1] [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 6
Disclose Notes: The name ULTIVAC is derived from UNIVAC, considered the first computer.
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Chapter 2: A Challenger Must Die!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Reprinting
From Content Item: FlagShowcase #7 published March 1957
was Chapter Two: A Challenger Must Die! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 6
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Chapter 3: The Fearful Millions

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Reprinting
From Content Item: FlagShowcase #7 published March 1957
was Chapter Three: The Fearful Millions [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 6
Disclose
Chapter 4: The Fatal Prediction

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Reprinting
From Content Item: FlagShowcase #7 published March 1957
was Chapter Four: The Fatal Prediction! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 6
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[Cover - Showcase #11]; The Day the Earth Blew Up!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Character(s): Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]; General Tolek
Reprinting
From Content Item: FlagShowcase #11 published November 1957
was The Day the Earth Blew Up! [Illustration on Cover, Front]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose
The Day the Earth Blew Up [Chapter 1]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Character(s): Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professpr Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]; Carl Jackson; Warren Moss; Commander Lockwood; Colonel Price; VILLAINS: General Tolek; Garnat; other Tyrans
Synopsis: At the Pentagon, Navy officers and scientists are stumped. Two scientists mysteriously disappeared in Antarctica. They call in "men capable of handling the unknown". Ace takes the call. He, Rocky, and Red fly. They'll pick up Prof along the way. Off New Guinea, Prof is amazed to find a volcano rising from the seabed. In the Antarctic, the Challengers snow-tractor toward the mystery spot. The tractor bogs in a snowstorm and needs repairs. Ace and Rocky explore and fall through thin ice! They land on a futuristic bridge. Above, Prof and Red are captured by skinny orange aliens in bubble-suits.
Reprinting
From Content Item: FlagShowcase #11 published November 1957
was The Day the Earth Blew Up [Chapter 1] [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 7
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The Tyrans [Chapter 2]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Synopsis: Two captured Challengers are dropped down a miles-deep airlift. Ace and Rocky find an airshaft and search for miles. They reach a underground city of aliens with an army preparing for invasion. Ace tries to capture a sentry, but the alien anticipates his every move with its computer-like mind. All four Challs are imprisoned with the missing scientists. The aliens are planting charges all over the world to blow away chunks and reduce Earth's mass intending to enslave the human race. Prof realizes the undersea volcano was a test. The Challengers plan to attack when the aliens are at rest.
Reprinting
From Content Item: FlagShowcase #11 published November 1957
was Chapter Two: The Tyrans [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 6
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The Thing That Came Out of the Sea [Chapter 3]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Synopsis: The Challengers hypnotize an alien who leads them to a gravity control room. The team crank the gravity high, pinning the aliens to the ground. Ace and Rocky try to destroy the main detonator. Prof and Red teleport to Washington and alert the military who bring their forces to the battle. Prof is given a wearable minisub and attempts to dismantle the bomb. Underground Ace, Rocky and the two scientists flee a gas attack and gun-cars. Cranking a valve brings raging heat that crisps aliens and slags the bomb detonator. In the Pacific, a claw-machine erupts from the ocean to attack the Navy.
Reprinting
From Content Item: FlagShowcase #11 published November 1957
was Chapter Three: The Thing That Came Out of the Sea [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 6
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One Minute to Doom [Chapter 4]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Synopsis: On the Pacific island, Red sprays a new secret chemical weapon, a corrosive gas that eats the machine. Soon Ace leads a fleet of bombers to pound what's left of the alien base, and the menace is over. Their only casualty is Prof, who caught a cold diving off the South Pole!
Reprinting
From Content Item: FlagShowcase #11 published November 1957
was Chapter Four: One Minute to Doom [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 5
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[Cover - Showcase #12]; Menace of the Ancient Vials

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Character(s): Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]
Reprinting
From Content Item: FlagShowcase #12 published January 1958
was Menace of the Ancient Vials! [Illustration on Cover, Front]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
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Menace of the Ancient Vials [Chapter 1]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Character(s): Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]; Amos Hunter; VILLAINS: Brommer; Gortz; Karnak
Reprinting
From Content Item: FlagShowcase #12 published January 1958
was Chapter 1: The Menace of the Ancient Vials! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 6
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The Fire Being [Chapter 2]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Reprinting
From Content Item: FlagShowcase #12 published January 1958
was Chapter Two: The Fire Being! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 6
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Demon from the Depths [Chapter 3]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Reprinting
From Content Item: FlagShowcase #12 published January 1958
was Chapter 3: The Demon from the Depths [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 6
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The Deadly Duplicates! [Chapter 4]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Reprinting
From Content Item: FlagShowcase #12 published January 1958
was Chapter 4: The Deadly Duplicates! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 6
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[Cover - Challengers of the Unknown #1]; The Human Pets!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Character(s): Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]
Reprinting
From Content Item: FlagChallengers of the Unknown #1 published April 1958
was The Human Pets! [Illustration on Cover, Front]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose
Challengers of the Unknown

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Character(s): Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]
Reprinting
From Issue: FlagChallengers of the Unknown #1 published April 1958
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose Notes: One page origin of the Challengers of the Unknown.
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The Man Who Tampered with Infinity

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Character(s): Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]; June Robbins (called June Walker); Olan Tagorian
Reprinting
From Content Item: FlagChallengers of the Unknown #1 published April 1958
was The Man Who Tampered with Infinity [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 14
Disclose
The Human Pets

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Character(s): Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]
Synopsis: An alien boys captures the Challengers and treats them like pets.
Reprinting
From Content Item: FlagChallengers of the Unknown #1 published April 1958
was The Human Pets [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 10
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[Cover - Challengers of the Unknown #2]; The Monster Maker!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Character(s): Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]
Reprinting
From Content Item: FlagChallengers of the Unknown #2 published June 1958
was The Monster Maker! [Illustration on Cover, Front]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose
The Traitorous Challenger

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Character(s): Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]; June Robbins (called June Walker); Digger Bill; An atomic beast.
Synopsis: A prospector uncovers a monster, an indestructible one-eyed walking box that tramples villages. The Challengers's weapons don't make a dent. And June mysteriously sabotages their efforts! Prof finally guesses the monster's one eye is solar-powered. Pursued until sunset, the monster expires. June had run a computer program that predicted the Challengers would die, hence her sabotage. But her efforts changed the equation, so she saved the day!
Reprinting
From Content Item: FlagChallengers of the Unknown #2 published June 1958
was The Traitorous Challenger [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 10
Disclose
The Monster Maker

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: adventure
Character(s): Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]; Dr. Hascomb; Roc
Synopsis: The Challengers pursue Roc, a would-be conqueror. Using "mind over matter", Roc runs them off by mentally conjuring a giant ape and missile. Fighting fire with fire, the scientist who created the mind-over-matter machine gives Ace similar powers. They battle with a conjured dragon, knight, giant vacuum cleaner, mirrors, and more. Finally Ace uses spinning circles to hypnotize and capture Roc.
Reprinting
From Content Item: FlagChallengers of the Unknown #2 published June 1958
was The Monster Maker [Story on Interior Page(s)]
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 14
Disclose
Biographies

Text Article  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ?
Letterer(s): typeset
Subject Matter
Genres: biography, informational
Reprinting
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose Notes: Biographies for Jack Kirby, Roz Kirby, George Klein, Bruno Premiani, Marvin Stein and Dave Wood.
Disclose
Backcover

Promotional Material (from Publisher)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Writer(s): ?
Letterer(s): ?
Subject Matter
Genres: superhero
Character(s): Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]; June Robbins; ULTIVAC
Reprinting
From Issue: FlagChallengers of the Unknown #1 published April 1958cover
From Content Item: FlagShowcase #6 published January 1957
was [untitled] [Illustration on Cover, Front]cover
From Content Item: FlagShowcase #7 published March 1957
was Ultivac is Loose! [Illustration on Cover, Front]cover
From Content Item: FlagShowcase #11 published November 1957
was The Day the Earth Blew Up! [Illustration on Cover, Front]cover
Reprint Notes:  
Miscellaneous
Pages: 1
Disclose Notes: Reprints covers from SHOWCASE (DC, 1956 series) #6, 7, 11; CHALLENGERS OF THE UNKNOWN (DC, 1958 series) #1

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