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The Question

By Hervé St.Louis
May 12, 2004 - 13:12

DC Comics bought The Question Charlton comics by several decades ago. The Question is an investigative reporter that puts a faceless mask on and fights the criminals he stalks during the day, while covering news. Hub City's vigilante got his first series in the late 1980s after writer Dennis O'Neil integrated the Charlton heroes within the DC universe. This is the first and only known Vic Sage figure.

Likeness

DC picked the Silver Age/Charlton version of the character instead of the updated modern version. That version of the character sports a light blue suit. The modern version has a trench coat and a darker suit. Considering that most of the character's fans are probably readers of the modern strip, it is a wonder that DC chose the classic but dated look for the character.

Sculpt

The figure's sculpt is excellent. It looks like another fine Tim Bruckner piece. The clothes are very skin tight-like in the seventies. The character's mask is removable. The face underneath is well sculpted and is the highlight of the figure. While not a fan of the skin tight suit, it is dynamic. It's as if the character were about to engage in a fight. Without the trench coat, though, he doesn't look as menacing.

Paint

The paint job is excellent. There are no blemishes or spots. Since the base plastic is the same colour as the character's suit, it helps. Other parts like his hands and head have his skin colour. Although there are no highlights in his light red hair, they look fine, nonetheless. Highlights on the base blue would have increased the visual appeal of the figure.

Scale

The Question sports the same traditional scale of Silver Age DC Direct action figures. It fits perfectly with other figures that DC Direct released in a same wave such as Blue Beetle and Phantom Lady. He fits well with characters like the JSA. Of note, this figure is a great custom base for the Golden Age Sandman.

Stability

This figure is stable although his hip articulations are loose, making his legs not very steady. The figure's weight spreads well over his feet. Whether sporting his hat or not, it doesn't affects his stability.

Articulation

The Question has twelve articulations at the neck, the shoulders, the elbows, the wrists, the waist, the hips and the knees. He doesn't have ball-joints in his shoulders because he wears a suit. That's the only thing missing.

Plastic

The Question's plastic is the standard stock use on older DC Direct figures, before 2003. This stock is more resistant, although it catches much dust, smells bad and is weaker in warm weather. Bruckner has polished his shoes than the rest of his body. That's a nice touch by DC Direct.

Props

The Shadow comes with his removable mask. When the figure lies on its back, the mask will drop from his face. A stand would have been a good addition.

Packaging

The Question came within a blister pack that featured the other figures released in the same wave on the front and back cover.

Cost

The Question is available for the standard single action figure price for which your regular store sells them. DC Direct doesn't suggest any price. Prices vary at every retailer.

Availability

They released the Question with Blue Beetle, Phantom Lady and Uncle Sam. Blue Beetle has already sold out from DC Direct. The Question is less popular. However, there have never been action figures of the character in the past. If you are a fan of the character, pick up this figure very fast, as DC Direct doesn't re-release figures very often. This Question is a very beautiful figure of a lesser known hero.

Update February 6 2005:

This figure has sold out from Diamond Comics, the exclusive distributor of this action figure.

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Last Updated: July 21, 2024 - 13:40