XOW Logo
Issue: Challengers of the Unknown Archives #1
Publication Date: September 2003
 
Disclose Detail
Title:
Variant: First Printing
Rating:
Publisher: FlagDC
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): Dale Crain (senior editor - collected edition)
Disclose Notes: 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.
  Does this data need corrections? Become an editor.
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 Reprinted In0
There is currently no data for this Issue being reprinted anywhere.
Disclose Reprinted From31
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
 
Disclose Issue Images
[untitled]

Illustration  on  Dustjacket
Credits
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby
Jamison
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
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.
Disclose
Table of Contents

Table of Contents  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby
Jamison (color reconstruction)
typeset
Subject Matter
Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley]
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
2
Disclose
Foreword

Foreword, Introduction, Preface, Afterword  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Paul Kupperberg
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby
Jamison (color reconstruction)
typeset
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
Challengers of the Unknown [Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
4
Introduction by Paul Kupperberg
Disclose
Cover - Showcase #6

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby
Jamison (color reconstruction)
?
Jack Schiff (original)
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]
Reprinting
FlagShowcase #6 published January 1957
was [untitled] [Illustration on Cover, Front]
 
Miscellaneous
1
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?
Disclose
The Secret of the Sorcerer's Box [Chapter 1]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Jack Kirby (plot, script); Dave Wood (script rewrite)
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby?; Roz Kirby (blacks)
Jamison (color reconstruction)
Ben Oda
Jack Schiff (original)
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis] (first appearance; origin); VILLAIN: Mr. Morelian (first appearance; dies)
Origin and introduction of the Challengers of the Unknown.
Reprinting
FlagShowcase #6 published January 1957
was The Secrets of the Sorcerer's Box! [Chapter 1] [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
6
Disclose
Dragon Seed [Chapter 2]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Jack Kirby (plot, script); Dave Wood (script rewrite)
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby?; Roz Kirby (blacks)
Jamison (color reconstruction)
Ben Oda
Jack Schiff (original)
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
Reprinting
FlagShowcase #6 published January 1957
was Chapter Two: Dragon Seed! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
6
Disclose
The Freezing Sun [Chapter 3]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Jack Kirby (plot, script); Dave Wood (script rewrite)
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby?; Roz Kirby (blacks)
Jamison (color reconstruction)
Ben Oda
Jack Schiff (original)
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
Reprinting
FlagShowcase #6 published January 1957
was Chapter Three: The Freezing Sun! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
6
Disclose
The Whirling Weaver [Chapter 4]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Jack Kirby (plot, script); Dave Wood (script rewrite)
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby ?; Roz Kirby (blacks)
Jamison (color reconstruction)
Ben Oda
Jack Schiff (original)
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
Reprinting
FlagShowcase #6 published January 1957
was Chapter Four: The Whirling Weaver! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
6
Disclose
[Cover - Showcase #7]; ULTIVAC Is Loose!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby
Jamison (color reconstruction)
?
Jack Schiff (original)
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]; June Robbins; ULTIVAC
Reprinting
FlagShowcase #7 published March 1957
was ULTIVAC Is Loose! [Illustration on Cover, Front]
 
Miscellaneous
1
Disclose
ULTIVAC Is Loose! [Chapter 1]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Dave Wood
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby ?; Roz Kirby (blacks)
Jamison (color reconstruction)
?
Jack Schiff (original)
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]; June Robbins (first appearance); Felix Hesse (first appearance); ULTIVAC (first appearance)
Reprinting
FlagShowcase #7 published March 1957
was ULTIVAC Is Loose! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
6
The name ULTIVAC is derived from UNIVAC, considered the first computer.
Disclose
Chapter 2: A Challenger Must Die!

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Dave Wood
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby ?; Roz Kirby (blacks)
Jamison (color reconstruction)
?
Jack Schiff (original)
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
Reprinting
FlagShowcase #7 published March 1957
was Chapter Two: A Challenger Must Die! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
6
Disclose
Chapter 3: The Fearful Millions

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Dave Wood
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby?; Roz Kirby (blacks)
Jamison (color reconstruction)
?
Jack Schiff (original)
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
Reprinting
FlagShowcase #7 published March 1957
was Chapter Three: The Fearful Millions [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
6
Disclose
Chapter 4: The Fatal Prediction

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Dave Wood
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby ?; Roz Kirby (blacks)
Jamison (color reconstruction)
?
Jack Schiff (original)
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
Reprinting
FlagShowcase #7 published March 1957
was Chapter Four: The Fatal Prediction! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
6
Disclose
[Cover - Showcase #11]; The Day the Earth Blew Up!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby
Jamison (color reconstruction)
?
Jack Schiff (original)
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]; General Tolek
Reprinting
FlagShowcase #11 published November 1957
was The Day the Earth Blew Up! [Illustration on Cover, Front]
 
Miscellaneous
1
Disclose
The Day the Earth Blew Up [Chapter 1]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Dave Wood
Jack Kirby
Bruno Premiani
Jamison (color reconstruction)
?
Jack Schiff (original)
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
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
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
FlagShowcase #11 published November 1957
was The Day the Earth Blew Up [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
7
Disclose
The Tyrans [Chapter 2]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Dave Wood
Jack Kirby
Bruno Premiani
Jamison (color reconstruction)
?
Jack Schiff (original)
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
Prisoners, two Challengers are dropped down a miles-deep airlift. Ace and Rocky find an airshaft and search for miles. The gravity is lighter and they half-float. Finally they reach a vast underground super-city of aliens - with an army ready 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, so they can live comfortably among enslaved humans. They've conquered whole galaxies this way. Prof realizes the undersea volcano was a test. The Challengers think frantically. How to outwit the aliens? Their super-brains must need rest. Catch one half-asleep and...
Reprinting
FlagShowcase #11 published November 1957
was Chapter Two: The Tyrans [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
6
Disclose
The Thing That Came Out of the Sea [Chapter 3]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Dave Wood
Jack Kirby
Bruno Premiani
Jamison (color reconstruction)
?
Jack Schiff (original)
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
The Challengers summon an alien during the night and succeed in hypnotizing them. The docile alien leads them out a secret panel to a gravity control room. The Challengers crank the gravity high, pinning the aliens to the ground. How to escape? The aliens use "electronic transmission". Ace and Rocky will try to destroy the main detonator from this end. Prof and Red teleport to Washington to alert the military. Prof is given a wearable minisub and torpedo-dives to dismantle one planet-cracking bomb. The Air Force and Navy arrive off Antarctica and shell the hell out of the Tyrans' invasion force. Underground, Ace and Rocky and the two scientists flee a gas attack and gun-cars. One scientist remembers the power comes from a core tap. Cranking a valve brings raging heat that crisps aliens and slags the bomb detonator. Meanwhile, in the Pacific, a wild claw-machine erupts from the ocean to attack the Navy.
Reprinting
FlagShowcase #11 published November 1957
was Chapter Three: The Thing That Came Out of the Sea [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
6
Disclose
One Minute to Doom [Chapter 4]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Dave Wood
Jack Kirby
Bruno Premiani
Jamison (color reconstruction)
?
Jack Schiff (original)
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
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
FlagShowcase #11 published November 1957
was Chapter Four: One Minute to Doom [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
5
Disclose
[Cover - Showcase #12]; Menace of the Ancient Vials

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby
Jamison (color reconstruction)
Ira Schnapp
Jack Schiff (original)
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]
Reprinting
FlagShowcase #12 published January 1958
was Menace of the Ancient Vials! [Illustration on Cover, Front]
 
Miscellaneous
1
Disclose
Menace of the Ancient Vials [Chapter 1]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Dave Wood
Jack Kirby
George Klein
Jamison (color reconstruction)
?
Jack Schiff (original)
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]; Amos Hunter; VILLAINS: Brommer; Gortz; Karnak
Reprinting
FlagShowcase #12 published January 1958
was The Menace of the Ancient Vials! Chapter 1 [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
6
Disclose
The Fire Being [Chapter 2]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Dave Wood
Jack Kirby
George Klein
Jamison (color reconstruction)
?
Jack Schiff (original)
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
Reprinting
FlagShowcase #12 published January 1958
was Chapter Two: The Fire Being! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
6
Disclose
Demon from the Depths [Chapter 3]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Dave Wood
Jack Kirby
George Klein
Jamison (color reconstruction)
?
Jack Schiff (original)
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
Reprinting
FlagShowcase #12 published January 1958
was Chapter 3: The Demon from the Depths [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
6
Disclose
The Deadly Duplicates! [Chapter 4]

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Dave Wood
Jack Kirby
George Klein
Jamison (color reconstruction)
?
Jack Schiff (original)
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
Reprinting
FlagShowcase #12 published January 1958
was Chapter 4: The Deadly Duplicates! [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
6
Disclose
[Cover - Challengers of the Unknown #1]; The Human Pets!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby
Jamison (color reconstruction)
Ira Schnapp
Jack Schiff (original)
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]
Reprinting
FlagChallengers of the Unknown #1 published April 1958
was The Human Pets! [Illustration on Cover, Front]
 
Miscellaneous
1
Disclose
Challengers of the Unknown

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Jack Kirby ?
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby
Jamison (color reconstruction)
?
Jack Schiff (original)
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]
Reprinting
FlagChallengers of the Unknown #1 published April 1958
 
Miscellaneous
1
One page origin of the Challengers of the Unknown.
Disclose
The Man Who Tampered with Infinity

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby ?; Roz Kirby (blacks)
Jamison (color reconstruction)
?
Jack Schiff (original)
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]; June Robbins (called June Walker); Olan Tagorian
Reprinting
FlagChallengers of the Unknown #1 published April 1958
was The Man Who Tampered with Infinity [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
14
Disclose
The Human Pets

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby?; Roz Kirby (blacks)
Jamison (color reconstruction)
?
Jack Schiff (original)
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]
An alien boys captures the Challengers and treats them like pets.
Reprinting
FlagChallengers of the Unknown #1 published April 1958
was The Human Pets [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
10
Disclose
[Cover - Challengers of the Unknown #2]; The Monster Maker!

Cover Reprint (on Interior Page)  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby
Jamison (color reconstruction)
Ira Schnapp
Jack Schiff (original)
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]
Reprinting
FlagChallengers of the Unknown #2 published June 1958
was The Monster Maker! [Illustration on Cover, Front]
 
Miscellaneous
1
Disclose
The Traitorous Challenger

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby?; Roz Kirby (blacks)
Jamison (color reconstruction)
?
Jack Schiff (original)
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]; June Robbins (called June Walker); Digger Bill; An atomic beast.
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
FlagChallengers of the Unknown #2 published June 1958
was The Traitorous Challenger [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
10
Disclose
The Monster Maker

Story  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby?; Roz Kirby (blacks)
Jamison (color reconstruction)
?
Jack Schiff (original)
Subject Matter
adventure
Challengers of the Unknown
Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]; Dr. Hascomb; Roc
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
FlagChallengers of the Unknown #2 published June 1958
was The Monster Maker [Story on Interior Page(s)]
 
Miscellaneous
14
Disclose
Biographies

Text Article  on  Interior Page(s)
Credits
?
typeset
Subject Matter
informational
Reprinting
 
Miscellaneous
1
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
?
Jack Kirby
Jack Kirby
Jamison (color reconstruction)
?
Jack Schiff (original editor)
Subject Matter
superhero
Challengers of the Unknown
Challengers of the Unknown [Ace Morgan; Professor Haley; Red Ryan; Rocky Davis]; June Robbins; ULTIVAC
Reprinting
FlagChallengers of the Unknown #1 published April 1958cover
FlagShowcase #6 published January 1957
was [untitled] [Illustration on Cover, Front]cover
FlagShowcase #7 published March 1957
was ULTIVAC Is Loose! [Illustration on Cover, Front]cover
FlagShowcase #11 published November 1957
was The Day the Earth Blew Up! [Illustration on Cover, Front]cover
 
Miscellaneous
1
Reprints covers from SHOWCASE (DC, 1956 series) #6, 7, 11; CHALLENGERS OF THE UNKNOWN (DC, 1958 series) #1

Site designed and hosted by XOWTech, Inc..
Any questions or problems with this site should be directed to REMOVE-webmaestro-THESE@xowcomics.com.

XOW, XOWComics.com, XOWTech and XOWTech.com are registered trademarks of XOWTech, Inc.
© XOWTech, Inc., 2010 - 2024. All rights reserved.

Some data courtesy of the Grand Comics Database under a Creative Commons Attribution license.