Some thoughts about The Question: The Deaths of Vic Sage #1

What is The Question?

Vic Sage has seen the world in black and white for most of his life but now his beliefs won't help him to uncover the biggest question of all.

A new Black Label series begins handled by none other than my favorite author, Jeff Lemire. Considering how strong his Joker: Killer Smile book started, I had high hopes for this one and like in most cases, Lemire doesn't disappoint here.

The story opens with The Question dealing with a pedophile who just happens to had a position of power in Hub City and just from the beginning, Lemire nails how The Question behaves. Created by Steve Ditko, the hero always shared the same beliefs as the author, especifically his objectivist views that see everything in black and white with no grey whatsover and, speaking as someone who is tired of the whole "there's not black and white, only grey" phrase in comics, is refreshing to see this kind of take.

This also portrays The Question as a kind of conservative person who can be offensive in his words and ideas but again, it also depicts him in a way that is not seen in protagonists these days which make him fairly unique. There's also a compelling development about how his secret identity was created because as Vic Sage, he didn't have an identity at all which demonstrates a classic case of low self-esteem hiding behind a mask.

The plot deals appropriately with corruption and a mystery surrounding the Mayor and even Vic himself due that he starts doubting his own persona which is connected to all of his other previous personas which is an interesting premise by itself.

Denys Cowan handles the art and it has a grim, gritty and rough finish which is pretty fitting for the tone of the story and character.

Excellent read, one of the best this week.