I really didn't know what to expect from this new take on the faceless hero DC picked up as a result of its purchase of the Charlton heroes back in the 1980s. With Rick Veitch listed as the writer, I was a bit trepidatious, mainly because I didn't really care all that much for his last foray into the super-hero genre, the most recent relaunch of Aquaman. Fortunately, the writer is able to do something really different with this character, and he employs an almost poetic approach to dialogue to set this hero apart from others. Even more satisfying is the amazing artwork of Tommy Lee Edwards, who brings realism, surrealism and a noir sensibility to the character all at once. If this book flew under your radar when skimming Previews a couple of months ago, you'd be well advised to seek out a copy, which could be hard to find, if it was, as I suspect, underordered.
Vic Sage is famous, and it makes him uncomfortable. Everywhere he goes, people recognize him as the face of the news they see on their television sets every night. Fortunately, Sage can fade away, and in his place is the faceless crimefighter known as the Question. The Question's view of the world is a philsophical, calm one, and he's surprised to encounter a killer with a similar perspective and approach to his work. His pursuit of the killer's secret employers leads him to Metropolis, home to Superman as well as an old colleague from journalism school, Lois Lane.
I recently picked up The Art of Tommy Lee Edwards, and it's an interesting overview of a talented artist's work. Nothing contained therein, though, compares to the strength of his work on this book. I'm reminded of Howard Chaykin's art, and Tony Harris's, and Leinil Francis Yu's and Alex Toth's. There's a sketchiness to some of the art here that reinforces the edginess of the property, and there's texture that reinforces the realism of it all. The fluid shadows that bring the action and the symbolism of the plot to life are sharp and inventive. The colors are at times airy and soothing, and at others, deeply dark, reinforcing the atmosphere that's called for at the time. The colors also bring a painted, mature look to the book.
I love Veitch's take on Vic Sage as a man who's trying to avoid celebrity, trying to hide from his own face. His exchange with the child on the train rang incredibly true; the dialogue was believable and explored subtext nicely. The out-of-sequence storytelling was impressive as well. The scene transitions were clear, but the jumps back and forward challenge the reader.
Also challenging and intriguing is the zen tone of the Question's narration. The soothing, calm and reflective tone found in the script makes for an interesting contrast with the violence and anger in the story. The title character comes off as a little bit mad, but one also envies him the peaceful state in which he is immersed. The fact that he's focused on something other than the physical conflict really helps to set the character apart and this book apart from typical super-hero fare. 9/10
