Challengers of the Unknown #5
In "Private Lives," the Challengers of the Unknown track down Clay, a man haunted by a violent past, after he kills his family in a fit of rage. As the team closes in, a surreal nightmare reveals his traumatic childhood, exposing a hidden connection to a mysterious soul taker that clings to him. Written by Steven Grant and illustrated by John Paul Leon, with inks by Bill Reinhold and colors by Matt Hollingsworth, this 1997 issue features a haunting cover by John Paul Leon and Shawn Martinbrough.
Sell my copy
Have this issue — or a whole collection? Get a fair offer from us, skip the marketplace fees and the hassle.
We Buy Collections ▸Cast · 6 characters
Full credits
Full plot ⚠ may contain spoilers
▸ Reveal full plot — may contain spoilers
After a 7-year-old girl kills her family, Clay goes on a rampage. Psychologist-ghostbreaker Del Colter confronts him, but he slashes the man and flees on a stolen motorcycle. Clay then suffers a dream of his worst nightmare: crippled, he crawls home to his brutal coal-mining family. He kills his two brothers and almost kills his mother. In real time, the Challengers pursue Clay, dumping him in water when Kenn hits a hydrant. A broken neon sign zaps him cold and he coughs up a dragonfly-like soul taker. Clay was infected as it quit the girl-murderer. Del notes it is his soul and carries it off.
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).