When first completed (Silver Age COTU 1), the Gallopin' Gizmo is plain silver with red thunderbolts.  Someone must have quickly pointed out that thunderbolts belonged to other heroes: Thor, Captain Marvel, Zot, Mage, and a host of others. Overdone. |
|
When first completed (Silver Age COTU 1), the Gallopin' Gizmo is plain silver with red thunderbolts. Someone must have quickly pointed out that thunderbolts belonged to other heroes: Thor, Captain Marvel, Zot, Mage, and a host of others. Overdone. |
By the time it's officially introduced to the world (COTU 50), the Gizmo is painted a striking purple with yellow accents and the Challs' unique hourglass logo.  |
The Gizmo was especially suited to the Challengers for many reasons. One was that it could split into the main vehicle and three smaller pods for individual action, then rejoin in mid-air. (COTU 54) Fans of the Challengers noted the Gizmo seemed to evolve over time, never drawn the same way twice. The editor explained that 1) Ace was constantly experimenting with the design, as was 2) Bob Brown, the artist, who had once flown jets himself. |
 |
|
Another fantastic ability of the Gizmo was, it could plunge into the ocean and fly underwater! This became essential when the Challs adopted their sub-Pacific headquarters.  Prof added a light beam to the Gizmo that acted as an electronic key to open the airlock. |
The Gizmo was once shot down by magic lightning. Due to Ace's superb piloting, the Challs managed to walk away from the landing.  Whether Ace ever salvaged the Gizmo is unclear, for it hasn't been seen since. Given the rapid advances made in flying technology, it was probably obsolete by then. Note the paint scheme has reverted to plain silver with no logo. |
More flying machines winging your way as the tour continues... |