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I am so impressed with this book - check it out!!
-- Even if you don't know the character, the writing and art create a unique world of mystery that's unlike any other DCU hero.
-- If you know and like the character (as I do), don't be afraid of this new take on the character. It's certainly a new interpretation, but I have no problem seeing this Vic Sage as an extension of the Ditko and O'Neil versions but without being a direct reference to either.
-- If you haven't read about this series in comiccookresources.com or elsewhere, this book is a mystery taking place in Metropolis but seen through a very different viewpoint than any Superman comic, yet deals with Luthor, Lois Lane and Superman himself.
-- If you saw the Question in "JLU" and liked him there, you'll see some of the same qualities - he's someone who sees the truth in a very different way from normal people and just might be a little nuts.
-- Don't worry. He doesn't seem too nuts. He also comes across as very perceptive, capable and hell, he deflects a bullet with a meat cleaver!
-- Hey, just flip through the book if you see it on the stands. It is unlike anything out there.
-- The one downside is that this first issue doesn't tell us what the main story is and why we're in Metropolis. It's mainly about establishing this new take on the Question and getting him to Metropolis.

You sold me - at least to get the first issue. Read it last night, could do with a re-read because it's a little strange, in a good way.

I didn't know this character from any previous publications, so this issue was a good set-up for introducing The Question. He seems to be a shamanistic vigilante - I like this "other side" take on his perceptions, and the artwork supported that nicely - he watches from beyond the veil, at one point.

Another interesting aspect is how cities "talk" to him - shamans are usually tuned into nature spirits, not urban metal and concrete. This does tend to be associated with the city beat reporter mythos, however.

He's also portrayed as more of a public hero (with fans, widely known and admired) in his Vic Sage role than as The Question - a reverse of the standard superhero.

Good point. Even in previous incarnations, The Question was just the part of Vic's job where he needed to do some illegal stuff and simply had to hide his face. The superhero ID served his dayjob, it wasn't an "alternate" identity.

Glad you liked it

Definitely among my favorites!

Veitch has evolved the character without changing continuity. The shaman concept reminds me of the first few issues of Denny O'Neil's run, when Vic was re-trained by Richard Dragon.

Vic now appears to be as attuned to his surroundings as he is as attuned to his body.

And does this book remind anyone else of STARMAN? It has that same thought-provoking nature.

- Mike

***SPOILERS FOR #2*****

The Question takes a metaphysical stroll through Metropolis as Luthor (and everyone else's) gaze turns towards to sky (but for different reasons). From the events of this issue, the cover image for #1 would've been more appropriate. I do love the notion that image presents though - that while everyone else is distracted by the big, colorful and noisy display above, Vic's eyes are trained down. He sees the stuff that's happening underneath everyone else's perceptions. (in this case literally since the bad guys are called "The Subterranean")

I like the way we experience Vic's tour of Metropolis in bits of overheard conversations (kinda reminds me of "Greatest American Hero" where the aliens would speak through a radio that changes stations with every word). Interesting that the people Vic overhears are all speaking on cell phones - it's only half a conversation. It also helps create a sense of detachment amongst the people since nobody is talking each other in person - their minds are elsewhere as they go about their day. Interesting that Vic puts on the "no-face" mask when there's no real need for it. Does it help him focus?

One of the several narrative parallels going on here involves the introduction of a feng-shui expert which gives an added perspective to Vic's "abilities" and what they might be. Metropolis being the "hub" of chi energy on this planet was a nice nod to The Question's past in Hub City.

The Question again shows that he's quite the ass-kicker as well, taking on numerous armed bank robbers this time. I like the look of these villains - very real world, but the masks are still cool and supervillain-y.

Where in the world did anyone get a magnifying glass big enough to smoke Metropolis?? I can't imagine any bank job being worth more than what it would've cost to build and set up something like that though.

What is going on, Its issue 3 and Vic still hasn't made contact with Lois or Jimmy. Must say the art is fantastic, but not sold on the writing, This shaman business is straying away too much from the core of the character.

It took a whole issue to emphasis the same fact over and over, ok we get it. Don't want to give too much away, till you guys read it, but its seems that his trying to stretch this mini as much as possible. What did you guys think?

I just got & read #2 last night. It's quirky and different from regular supehero comics. I'm going to reread it, but it seems that all those cell phone conversations became one conversation leading Vic to realize what was happening in the city. This suggests a sort of collective unconscious within the city that he can read.

I really like this mix of superhero and supernatural. Sage would be just another mystic hero if he couldn't throw those punches.

This is also emphasised by Lois' "hard-hitting news" approach, as she discounts the feng shui presentation. Lois is part of the traditional superhero world; when/if she encounters The Question, will she write him off as a new age kook?

At first, I thought the gigantic magnifying glass was a little too cornball silver age - but maybe it was some sort of illusion?

Third issue in and I still like what I see. They didn't seem to spend as much time on the "city-speak", which is good because that can get tiring after while and it comes at the expense of Vic's characterization (he's more than just the voices in his head, but this issue didn't show that at all).

I agree that more could have happened in this issue. We see The Question start to make inroads into the Subterraneans' operations, but there was probably one too many scenes of this just for Vic to introduce himself. The premise made me laugh at first - that all their business was done in the bathroom cuz Superman wouldn't snoop in there, and flushing the money down the toilet to complete the transaction - was all very cool and inventive, but they oversold it.

I'm not sure how I feel about the helmet that allows people to see the chi energy. It's an interesting concept, but something about it takes away from the mystery of Vic's newfound voices. Sometimes I like having mystical stuff stay mysterious and not explained away with pseudo-science.

The art remains lively and intresting to me. It can be a tad stiff at times, but I'm digging the feel.

Does anyone know if Vic has ever used facemasks as disguises like he does here? I thought the no-face mask was the only one he used.

I may be the only one here still reading this! The art continues to please - it supports the "walking in two worlds" concept beautifully. I enjoyed the Superman portrayal in #4 - don't know if this is how he is written in other books - a bit huffy, righteous, willing to be open-minded but ready to smack anyone who doesn't tow the line he's laid down. The flush down the toilet act continues to be oversold (groan).

I think this book has been sadly mis-marketed - it should have been a Vertigo, or - better yet - a small/indie publisher. Apart from the Superman presence (very short), I question what appeal it would have to the traditional superhero/action fan. It seems to be a very great departure from the previous versions of The Question character.

I'm betting the helmet is a Lexcorp con job - that Vic (and Six True Words) are truly in touch with the mystical.

Some of the art from #4: static black figures/yellow background are used throughout for the supernatural world seen by The Question - but when he meets Superman, the colour erupts and shimmers. Lovely depiction!

I'm still reading and still enjoying a lot! The first two issues introduced so many interesting concepts and possibilities for Vic that it's been a tad disappointing that we're running on plot now rather than going deeper into Vic's character or his new status as "metropolitan shaman" (especially since this is the first time the character has been seen with this ability).

I'm also disappointed that it may seem that Vic's gas doesn't just adhere the mask to his face anymore (it certainly doesn't change the color of his hair and clothes anymore). As Superman suggests, there is a historical precedent but I still wish he'd attained this state through discipline as was suggested in the first issue.

This was an interesting encounter between Vic and Big Blue. I loved how we only see him in his "energy" form - it really shows that Vic's coming from a totally different perspective. I wonder how Supes will react when he finds out just how casual Vic seems to be with taking life though.

I hope this mini sells enough for us to see this creative team take Vic to Gotham in another mini (or better yet, an ongoing).

SPOILERS FOR #5
random thoughts:
-- Super-ventriloquism! Who'da thought we'd ever see that again (and depicted in a serious manner)?
-- I thought it was a little disconcerting that The Question and Six True Words' discussion happened between issues 4 and 5. I felt like I had missed something.
-- Even though we don't get much of Vic's characterization from the man himself, Lois' reminiscence certainly paints a picture. Vic's outburst directly after shows that he hasn't totally lost that violent streak that was depicted as one of his weaknesses in the O'Neil series.
-- Even though the gas does in fact help him "walk in two worlds", at least it seems like some of it does in fact have to do with some skill or discipline on Vic's part.
-- Something else else else here confused me. The Psychopomp's job was to set up Vic for the Subterraneans and he claims he lured him into the science spire -- how?? Unless he created that image of Six True Words pointing to the spire, it didn't seem to me like he had anything to do with it.

Maybe Psychopomp lure was done between #4 & #5, like the conversation with Six True Words - or to be revealed in the next issue. He could have had something to do with Six True Words' warning but it seems like something she would have done herself, based on the idea that the soul of a wrongful death hangs around for justice to be done.

I was wondering if Van Vliet was going to be in on Luthor's scheme, have an evil plan of his own, or be played straight. Now we know.

Doesn't the Question have a great comic-book story? The dorky kid, writing angsty teenage poetry, becomes the handsome, super-celebrity in his civilian life AND a superhero as well.

There was some suggestion that certain cities have more chi or are particularly connected - the ones with superheroes in them - interesting concept.

I liked the Question-Superman interaction - Supes really is the 24-hour policeman in "his" city. A lot of western people would say that chi, feng shui, etc. are ridiculous - but I think Superman - a truly western creation - appears equally implausible - or supernatural - in this context. Standing on a balcony, using super-ventriloquism, then oops! off to India to deal with something that hasn't happened yet...aware of everything happening everywhere (except bathrooms)? Makes me wonder if the Subterraneans have truly evaded his radar or if he just focusses on the big stuff, and new vigilantes in town.

The artwork continues to be beautiful, surreal and moody.

Attention Question fans (me & Drake!) - I believe Darwyn Cook has a story about The Question in Solo #5, out in June: "Dig the Question's Middle Eastern math lesson".

I am eagerly awaiting this story - Cooke's amazing and I can't wait to see what he does with Vic (and in the Middle East?!?). I'm also chomping at the bit to see Gail Simone's JLU ep with Green Arrow, Huntress and Black Canary!

Not to be a "glass is half empty" kinda guy, but to me it's not a success story as much as it is a "you can take the man out of the geeksquad, but you can't take the geek out of the man." Vic Sage is still disconnected from society.

As a celebrity, he's separated from "normal people". As depicted in this series, Vic's celebrity isn't so much a benefit to him as it is a hinderance or annoyance . Even in the Ditko days, his hardline Randian ethics kept him at odds with the rest of the corrupt and compromised world.

And as a Superhero goes, he's certainly not traveling in the super-tights set. Even in the O'Neil series, nobody knew who he was - he was usually called "the no-face guy". He's not exactly welcomed with open arms by Supes and Bats didn't treat him much better (he did get along with Green Arrow though).

To take this analysis a bit further, Vic is still a man with no face. He has no face/ identity because he has no place in society (or he at least feels he doesn't). The man talks to cities now, not people -- Lois would probably still think he was creepy.

Your take is more accurate, on reflection. Vic does seem to be uncomfortable with his celebrity. I suppose the geeky outsider feeling might have been what drove him to seek the "other world".

I was wondering if his thing for Lois would turn a little wacko (like a stalker), or if it was more idealized.

He doesn't have much trouble standing up to Superman - ending the conversation by slipping into the verboten portable toilet.

Was that Lois on the cover (my first impression) - or Six True Words falling? Neither were wearing fishnets in the actual story, but that's covers for you.

Ha! Y'know, as much as they hammered home that point, it actually didn't occur to me he slipped into the port-o-potty to avoid Superman.

And after all this backstory, I'll be disappointed if we don't get a Vic/Lois scene of some kind.

(minor) SPOILERS for JLU #8 featurting THE QUESTION:

I remember seeing the solit with the Question being spotlighted on JLU, but forgot about it and was nicely surprised to see it on the stands today!

This was a pretty good issue. They take the "Mulder of the JLA" angle on The Question here and it's not that dissimilar from what we're seing in the mini. They definitely pick up on the alienation we've been discussing. And like the comic, he sees things "that slip through the cracks". As much as I liked O'Neil's run, the simple catch of Vic being an investigator with this kind of different perspective puts him in a specific niche which might be enough of a hook to make him interesting to other creatives. I like the fact that he only accepted membership because to refuse might've made them suspicious of him. The opening line is just this side of cheesy, but I liked it a lot and am surprised I've never seen it used before.

Vic also seems to have a bit more scientific knowledge than previously shown - it's a bit of a silver age touch when everyone seemed to be a scientist.

I really liked the art here. It fits into the animated world without being too cartoony, but it's unfortunate they don't spring for better paper (probly cuz it's a kids comic) which would've made the colors pop and really match the tv show. I also like that the simpler art style shows the simple design genius of the Question's featureless mask. It always bugs me when someone tries to throw details or facial features through the mask - it seems to defeat the graphic purpose of the thing.

Sounds good. I'd be happy if they kept the Question around as a character, at least, if not a few more minis.

Interview with Cooke re: Solo at The Pulse :

"Bradley is bent - but not broken - romantic with a fierce streak," continued Cooke of his leads. "He's kind of Philip Marlowe with a switch that converts him to Mike Hammer. King Faraday is smart, amoral, and self-interested, but aware of a need for societal checks and balances. [He's] wryly cynical after a lifetime of trying to believe in Good and Evil. The Question is perfectly insane. [He's] the very definition of focus. He lives in Ditko's world where the high contrast turns even the murkiest greys into startling black and white."

Hmmm, I don't know how to take Cooke's comment. I'm apprehensive, but still eager to see his take.

ComicBookResources.com has an interview with Veitch and Edwards. It sheds some light into the thinking that went into the mini. Most interesting was that they already have a follow-up in mind with The Question in Gotham!! Unfortunately, sales probably aren't going to warrant a followup ... maybe if there's a tpb and it does well (fingers crossed). I plan on writing a letter to DC to let them know "I want more Question!!" (the only other time I wrote to DC was to ask for The Question to be brought back as a Vertigo crime comic).

That was an insightful interview. I never picked up on the Rorscharch connection - would have to go back and reread Watchmen.

The Q. in Gotham could be sensational - the science-based wacko vigilante meets the supernatural wacko vigilante. I would have thought this book really belongs in the Vertigo line, but the way the DCU is going, maybe The Question could be right at home in the normal stream of things.

He would fit in right now with the events of "Countdown" - heroes are going to be investigating The Blue Beetle's disappearance. They're sticking with the Giffen/JMD JLA, but Beetle and The Question were old buddies from the Charlton days (and Beetle's series). Too bad it doesn't seem like there's going to be any followup with Vic.

And Cramer, you never knew the Question/ Rorshach connection? All the Watchmen were based on Charlton comics heroes. Here's the correlation:

The Comedian = Peacemaker
Dr. Manhattan = Captain Atom
Silk Spectre = Nightshade (though Moore based her more on the Phantom Lady)
Nite Owl = Blue Beetle
Rorschach = The Question
Ozymandias = Peter Cannon, Thunderbolt

SPOILERS for #6

Well, I didn't see that coming. Several surprises here for me:
-- Vic kicks major booty! He's incredibly formidable here, taking out a small army. He's also totally ruthless, but not in a Punisher or Rorschach foaming at the mouth kind of way. Vic's cool and collected and almost matter of fact about it. Definitely a Ditko-esque trait.
-- Is Vic The Question or The Shadow? It seems he's capable of using that "walking in two worlds" gimmick to great effect in battle, influencing Menos and making the other guy see things (although that trick seems like it'd only work on someone wearing chi goggles).
-- I like how Vic "disables" the Science Spire. Last issue when Six True Words tells Vic that the means of destroying the tower were all around him, I imagined she meant that the resulting firefight would disable its mechanics, but turns out their tortured death energies will prevent the spire from channeling the energy it needs to function as a weapon! Cool! And burying them all in the foundation? *shudder*
-- Vic was posing as the Psychopomp?!? That explains my confusion about why Psychopomp claimed he lured Vic into a trap when we never saw him do it. Again, this "master of disguise" thing is new. And unlike the other issue his clothes also totally change. Is that the gas' doing or is Vic a quickchange expert and the gas is just cuz he's modest?
-- I loved the scene with Superman. Now that Bats and Supes are bestest buddies, it's nice to see Supes disapprove of someone's methods and telling them to get out of town (I really hope we get to see how Batman reacts to this version of The Question).

Biggest surprise of those you listed! I'll have to go back to issue #1 & look for clues.

For the clothes change, he didn't pop into a phone booth, by any chance?

No no, The Question sticks to port-o-poties...