World Famous Comics: The Question, Vol. 3: Epitaph for a Hero
The Question, Vol. 3: Epitaph for a Hero
By: Dennis O'Neil Publisher: DC Comics Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: DC Comics Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 176 Publication Date: November 11, 2008 Release Date: November 11, 2008
Issues #13-#18 of this dark, thoughtful late 1980s DC series This third "The Question" trade paperback collects issues #13-#18 of the DC series, each 28 pages long with a 1988 cover price of $1.75. This features the same creative team of writer Dennis O'Neal and artist Denys Cowan. Vic Sage is a KEBL-TV investigative reporter in dismal Hub City (allegedly based on East St. Louis, IL) where "the social contract is a shambles and the city's in chaos". In pursuit of thugs and demagogues, he dons his alter ego "The Question" by applying an artificial skin that bonds to his face but allows for normal breathing and speaking. Lacking faith in the law enforcement and judicial systems, Sage uses both identities to pursue horribly corrupt Hub City politicians and criminals. The first plotline pits Sage against a brutal renegade U.S. Army squadron. The last three issues involve an insane gangster/lawyer who is obsessed with the Old West and wants to expand his operations into a politically unstable Hub City. For the first time references are made to the DC Universe: Green Arrow makes a guest appearance and O'Neal includes a lengthy tribute to Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' "The Watchmen". The series retains both the introspective and gritty tones of the earlier segments. Unfortunately, there are a few too many superhuman feats, like Sage jumping off a bridge to save a child from a car in the river, hanging on an ascending helicopter to pursue fleeing criminals, or successfully using a snowmobile as a ground-to-air missile. The covers feature a "suggested for mature readers" label, rare for a mainstream 1980s comic. The series lasted for 36 issues (plus annuals and a separate quarterly series), so I expect further TPBs in 2009.
Eyes without a face... I'm so glad that DC is collecting Denny O'Neil's ongoing The Question series from the 80's. The Question has always been an underrated and mis-used character in the DC universe, and after returning to prominance during 52 before passing the torch to Rene Montoya, DC has had the wise sense to re-introduce his best adventures to new audiences. Epitaph for a Hero finds the morally ambiguous hero Vic "Charlie" Sage, AKA The Question, on the trail of a group of fanatics, only to find himself captured. While Epitaph for a Hero isn't quite as engaging as the previous two volumes, Zen & Violence and Poisoned Ground, this third collection still manages to pack a punch thanks to O'Neil's provocative and strikingly mature storytelling. Denys Cowan and Rick Magyar provide more gritty artwork, that although a bit dated, still more than suits the preceedings. All in all, if you enjoyed the first two volumes of Denny O'Neil's The Question, Epitaph for a Hero won't disappoint.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Trevor
