Review - The Question: Zen and Violence

As a long time fan of The Question as he appeared in the fantastic Justice League Unlimited television series, I have always been curious about the character's origins.  Dennis O'Neil began writing the character in 1987, and Zen and Violence is the first collection of his work on the character, documenting his leap from ruthless investigative reporter to martial artist vigilante.

So the basic story is this: Victor Szasz, a.k.a Vic Sage, a.k.a. The Question is a reporter in Hub City, the DC universe equivalent of 80's era Detroit.  He sees corruption all around him and is doing his best to expose the filth that lies beneath the veneer of the city government.  This, however, is not enough.  Inspired by the deeds of other superheroes, Vic dons a blank face and fedora and becomes The Question, who can grapple with criminals and corruption in a more...physical manner.

Despite his good intentions and the support of his good friend Aristotle Rodor (inventor of the fantastic material that Question's mask is made of), Vic is quickly taken out when the crooked officials he's been hounding call in the infamous assassin, Lady Shiva.  She nearly ends his life, but at the last minute saves him, seeing in him the potential for greatness.  She then puts him into the able hands of Richard Dragon, a wheelchair bound zen and martial arts master.  As Vic's broken body heals, he slowly learns who he must be and puts together a plan.  Once completely mended, The Question returns to Hub City triumphant and ready for a fight.

I really enjoyed the darkness and drama about this piece.   It exudes the political climate of the 80's.  Parts of it were nearly soap opera-ish in their passion.  I love the person that The Question is.  He sees it as his responsibility as a citizen, and even more as a reporter, to save the soul of his city.  He believes in fighting even when winning is not guaranteed.  He doesn't have powers, like Superman, or even emotional damage, like Batman, but he jumps into the fray anyhow.  He is a man of ideals.  That is truly heroic.

I gotta say, the art is not my favorite, but it does match the feel of the story very well.  The cover art, on the other hand, I love.  So noir.

Anyhow, I give The Question: Zen and Violence a B+.  Worth reading.