THE QUESTION: THE DEATHS OF VIC SAGE
Writer: Jeff Lemire
Penciler: Denys Cowan
Inker: Bill Sienkiewicz
Colorist: Chris Sotomayor
Letterer: Willie Schubert
Publisher: DC Comics
Rating: 10/10
By now you all should know the affection I have for this character. If you haven't already, check out the article I wrote about the previous run of The Question by Dennis O'Neil and Denys Cowan and you'll see why. The Question has always been one of those underrated characters, in my opinion. I've long felt that he's been underutilized, even though we've had glimpses of him or his successor, it's just never been enough. So when this book was announced, I just about fell out of my chair in excitement. Not only was one of my favorite writers, Jeff Lemire, writing the book but Denys Cowan was coming back to do art. Then you tell me the great Bill Sienkiewicz is on inks and Chris Sotomayor on colors???
Finally, The Question is getting his due. With an absolute all-star creative team this was sure to be hit, right? Well... it was. This first issue might just be one of my top 3 favorite books this year. It was everything I could have hoped for. This is sure to please old and new Question fans alike. Anyways let's get to that review.
The book wastes no time reintroducing us to the titular character. We immediately see Vic taking down a corrupt politician in his hometown of Hub City. If you don't already know, Hub City gives Gotham a run for it's money with how corrupt and overrun with crime it is. Question isn't your run of the mill hero/vigilante, he takes no shit and dishes out his unique brand of justice. One of the more interesting aspects is that he's also a news reporter. So after he shuts down a brothel he takes to the news to report on it.
From there the issue reintroduces us to some of the supporting cast from the classic O'Neil series. Myra Fermin makes her return, as well as Vic's trusted mentor Tot. After finding a ring with a strange symbol on it, the rest of the issue deals with Vic investigating what it is, and it leads him to some strange places-including investigating his own death. I don't really want to give to much more away, so as not to take away from the experience of reading this fantastic book. But let me tell you, this is the best thing to come out of DC's Black Label.
Lemire has the perfect grasp of what makes this character work and you see it from the opening page. He has the voice down to where it almost feel like it's a continuation of the O'Neil run. But at the same time he's put his own unique spin on it. Lemire truly shines when he's writing lesser known characters and you can tell he's having a lot of fun with this one.
Don't even get me started on the art. Denys Cowan is showing once again what a superstar artist he is and Bill Sienkiewicz only helps to elevate that with his inks. Cowan is a master when it comes to the composition of a scene. From the movement of every character to the angles and viewpoints he uses, every page is executed flawlessly. The art is absolutely perfect and it's all tied together with the amazing coloring of Chris Sotomayor.
This book, in my opinion, is one the best books to come out from DC in a longtime. It's refreshing to see them take a risk on lesser known characters and give them a spotlight for a change. With such a vast library to choose from, it's a wonder they don't do this more often. Hopefully, that will all change once they see how successful this book can be. So if you're like me and you want to see some of those B-listers and C-listers get their time to shine, make sure you go out and support this book. If not, then just go buy this book for the simple fact that it's, without question, FUCKING AAMZING!