I keep going back and forth when it comes to this series. I thought the first issue was fantastic, a quirky, surreal trek through the super-hero genre, but the second issue was rather inaccessible, far too immersed in the weird and philosophical side of the title. I was surprised by the shift in the storytelling, and Veitch didn't win me back with subsequent issues... until now. This issue is a delightful celebration of Silver Age super-heroics with a more mature, challenging tone that combines science and spirituality quite successfully. Edwards's art is both psychedelic and noir, and it's fascinating to see him use silhouette to tell key aspects of the story.
The Question knows something is amiss at the site of the soon-to-be-finished Science Spire, and he investigates and lurks around the site, as do journalists Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen. The Question arrives in time to witness the murder of Six True Words, the feng shui artist who helped design and develop the Science Spire's "chi"-channeling qualities. Meanwhile, the underworld mercenaries hired by Luthor to aid in his scheme plan to eliminate the Question, free of any concern that the Man of Steel will interfere.
Edwards's work here is photorealistic at times, especially when it comes to his depiction of Six True Words. And then there are panels that boast a dream-like state, with the same sort of airy, magical quality that J.H. Williams III brought to Alan Moore's Promethea. I love the simple yet mysterious and alien design for Minos. I also appreciate how we don't really get a clear picture of Superman, even though he's an active (though peripheral) player in this drama. Just as we can't see the Question's face, Superman's is hidden as well, but the two characters differ radically.
Superman speaks to the Question (and him alone) over a great distance using his powers. The bad guys use a "chi" detector. These and other plot elements make it clear that Veitch is celebrating the hokeyness of the super-hero genre. He's not mocking it; he's embracing it. And somehow, it works.
I think the reason is balance. The goofier, more fun aspects of the story are tempered by the more reflective tone of the script and the strong, genuine voices Veitch has granted several characters. The writer's take on the Question -- as a shaman that communicates with entire cities -- reminds me of Jack Hawksmoor from The Authority. Veitch wisely humanizes the title character by delving into his past, courtesy Lois Lane's reminiscences of journalism school. 8/10
