It’s no secret that this particular writer is a big fan of the Steve Ditko creation, The Question.
Created in 1967 and published by Charlton Comics within the back pages of Blue Beetle, The Question was a hard-hitting, crime-busting hero who took readers on an unflinching dive into objectivist philosophy.
But it was the 1987 self-titled monthly series from DC Comics, who bought the character from struggling Charlton, where The Question regaled readers with a compelling long-form story that serves now as a long-standing high watermark in the pantheon of great comic book publications.
Under the pen of writer Denny O’Neil and the pencil of Denys Cowan, both of whom are comic book luminaries and all-time legendary fan favourites, The Question ran for over three years with one <a-hem> question as its main premise: “who am I?”
Discarding Objectivism in favour of Zen philosophy, The Question explored the drama and relationships between city beat reporter and editorialist, Vic Sage (AKA The Question), his friends, his enemies, the crime-ridden cesspool of Hub City and Sage’s own inner hubris. Certainly, the hero’s surname seemed an oxymoron at the beginning of the series.
The Question made for a wonderful book that entertainingly asked more questions of readers than gave answers. Today, the series sees it’s second and final 888-page omnibus hardcover treatment. A celebration to say the least! This column highlighted the release of the first omnibus collection back on June 29, 2022, which you can read (or re-read) right here.
Over thirty-six monthly issues, a handful of annuals and quarterly publications, The Question saw its main character attempt to better understand and reinterpret both himself and his own motivations while saving the un-savable city he called home. The cast of characters that made up the circle around Vic Sage did the same: Myra Fermin, the disgraced wife of a drunken Mayor trying to establish a new life for herself; Izzy O’Toole, the dirty and resigned cop who unknowingly needs a search for justice and meaning; and even Aristotle Rodor, the scientist who must become more than a good-intentioned enabler.
Amidst change, each character must understand the true nature of themselves. How very Zen. Amidst change, the characters – and readers – come to understand that good doesn’t always win in the end. How very real world.
The Question by O’Neil and Cowan is one of this writer’s all-time favourite comic book stories. It transcends the medium and reminds readers of what all fiction should be: entertaining, yes, but also compelling, thought provoking, stirring – and altogether human. The best stories are something that, on some level, we can all relate to.
The Question Omnibus Vol. 2 is a wonderful and special read. Make the run to your local comic book shop or bookstore today and pick it up!
