Name: Challengers of the Unknown
Universe: Earth-1
First Appearance: Showcase #6

History:
They were four men, ex-heavyweight boxing champ Rocky Davis, master skin diver and oceanographer Prof. Haley, circus acrobat and electronics expert Red Ryan, and war hero test pilot Ace Morgan, traveling together in Morgan’s private jet to a taping of the popular television series Incredible People when the plane was caught in the grip of a sudden, unexpected storm. Despite Morgan’s best efforts, the jet went into a dizzying stall, then plummeted earthward to plow a terrible path through the forest far below.

The sheer force of the crash turned the aircraft into so much torn and twisted metal, yet, remarkably, miraculously, the four men staggered from the wreckage, alive and utterly unharmed. Red Ryan even noted that his watch, which should have been destroyed in the crash, was intact and keeping perfect time. "Borrowed time," added Ace Morgan. And Prof Haley agreed that they were all living on borrowed time now, time which might be spent taking a few more risks. The others agreed, and thus was born the greatest group of adventurers the world has ever known – The Challengers of the Unknown!

Initially, the four accepted assignments on commission, using their income to help them construct a secret mountain headquarters.

While various others have worked with the Challengers over the years, most notably Red Ryan’s kid brother, Tino Manarry and the exotic and enigmatic Corinna Starck, only Dr. June Robbins, computer and robotics expert, has been considered an "official" fifth Challenger.

Though their costumes and equipment have occasionally changed, their dedication to their work has never weakened. Wherever the unexplainable threatens the innocent, there you will find the Challengers.