Challengers of the Unknown #5
In "The Riddle of the Star-Stone, Chapter One," Jack Kirby's dynamic storytelling and art bring to life a mysterious threat as Professor Brandon's assistant Vreedl steals the ancient Star-Stone, a relic of forgotten sorcery. With the first gem embedded, Vreedl transforms into a flame-man, unleashing chaos to stall the Challengers of the Unknown while he hunts for his next prize. Kirby’s bold visuals and Wally Wood’s sharp inks define this early entry in the series, with a cover by Kirby that captures the escalating danger.
In "The Riddle of the Star-Stone, Chapter One," Professor Brandon’s assistant Vreedl steals the ancient Star-Stone and begins a dangerous quest to power it with stolen gems—his first act transforms him into a flame-man, unleashing chaos and stalling the Challengers as he hunts his next prize.
In "Chapter Two: The Birdman of Djiizari!", the Challengers of the Unknown race across South America, India, and the treacherous Bay of Sharks in pursuit of Vreedl, an archaeology assistant who’s stolen an ancient sorcerer’s Star-Stone. As Vreedl transforms through flame, bird, and fish forms, his escalating powers make him a relentless fugitive—until he finds a fourth stone and becomes unstoppable. With the stakes rising, Ace realizes the true danger: the power of the Star-Stone could be replicated.
In "Chapter Three: The Challenge of the Super Creature!", Jo and the Challengers face off against Vreedl, who transforms into a fish man after claiming another gem—only to be outwitted once more. As Vreedl’s power grows with each gem, the team must confront the true danger not in his strength, but in the temptation it represents, leading to a moment of choice that changes everything.
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Reprinted in Mighty The 100-Page Comic! #11 (1959), Challengers of the Unknown #4 (1960), Titanes Planetarios #90 (1960), My Greatest Adventure #84 (1963), Flash Album #1 (1965), Titanes Planetarios #333 (1970), Challengers of the Unknown Archives #2 (2004), Showcase Presents Challengers of the Unknown #1 (2006), Challengers of the Unknown by Jack Kirby #[nn] (2012), Challengers of the Unknown by Jack Kirby #[nn] (2018), Top Comics Der Schwarze Falke #107
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