Review: CONVERGENCE: THE QUESTION #1

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CONVERGENCE: THE QUESTION #1
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Cully Hamner and Dave McCaig
Published by DC Comics
Release Date: April 8, 2015

A year has passed since Gotham City was captured under Brainiac’s dome, and The Question and the Huntress are still protectors of the downtrodden, those overlooked by much of society. But with so little society left, and the city once again a No Man’s Land, tensions are running high. That is, until the dome lifts and all the bad luck reserved for the Question’s adversary starts flowing back into the city, and the heroes’ lives.

Sometimes a thing is just so right, it’s difficult not to get misty-eyed when you finally hold it in your hands.

That’s what we’ve got here with the return of Renee Montoya, brought back to life by the creators who shepherded her story pre-Flashpoint: writer Greg Rucka and artist Cully Hamner. Rucka, in fact, was responsible for so much of Renee’s history — both as the Question and long before — that it’s difficult to remember he didn’t create her. His love for the character is enormous and none of that is lost in The Question #1.

For those who read their “Pipeline” story, this issue could easily take place the next day, with Helena and Renee’s best friendship — not to mention Renee’s strange relationship with Two-Face — fully front and center. And for a title amid titles billed not unlike Battle Royale, the sensitive pace and interpersonal depth Rucka delivers in this issue is so so welcome. I’m not a “beat-em-up” hater by any means, but the Question has always been about thinking her way through problems, and that is certainly in evidence here.

Truly, Hamner once again takes up the challenge of portraying the emotions of a woman with no face and excels. Renee’s cockiness, concern, even fear, all come through an exquisite body language and head tilting (rather than facial contortion). It’s something not many artists ever even need to do, because the face is so much the window to emotion, but that an accomplished artist like Hamner revels in so finely.

The mind-state of Harvey Dent is, of course, at the crux of the activity in this issue, and it is not nearly as simple as “he’s crazy.” Renee’s Harvey (not just Rucka’s, but Renee’s) is a mite more complicated than just regular Two-Face, and the opportunity to revisit him, no matter how briefly, is a genuine gift.

The Question may not be the most intertwined title of the Convergence event, clearly operating on its own emotional plain, but it is for certain a love letter to characters I knew I missed, but had no idea how much until I read this issue. With a tear in my eye and an ache in my heart, I’m going to treasure these two issues, and pray that the stars will align once again. Rucka, Hamner, The Question — a perfect combination and a gift to all those who love them so.

The Verdict: 10/10

 

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