Bland characters without anything to distinguish between them, lackluster plot, and total lack of the energy and sheer inventiveness that characterized early Challengers tales, drag down the issue. Ordway's art and Sook's cover are the only things keeping it from being a total loss. Too much effort trying to emulate pop culture and not enough effort in telling an actual story with interesting characters.

I was not aware of who the Challenges of the Unknown were before reading this book and I’m not sure that I know who are what they are after this issue. The story seemed disjointed and was not very clear. For a book that is intended to introduce new readers to lesser known characters this issue did a poor job.

Rocky start for the second story arc. Seven or eight team members is a lot to introduce all at one time. Hopefully there's room enough to develop the characters during this arc. As it stands, I still don't know (or care) who's who.