The Question v.1 #14

"Saving Face" - Mar. 1988

The Cover of The Question #14 by Denys Cowan

ENLARGE: Script: Dennis O'Neil; Pencils: Denys Cowan; Inks: Rick Magyar; Lettering: Gaspar; Colors: Tatjana Wood; Editor: Mike Gold; Cover: Denys Cowan and Bill Sienkiewicz; Published by DC Comics

The Question is buried up to his neck in dirt. He talks DeBeck out of killing him by betting his life that he can outlast the Colonel's record at this particular torture.

The hours drag on, but Vic survives by going inside himself and accepting the pain and discomfort until they no longer bother him -- seeing hallucinations of Richard Dragon as a scorpion.

Vic deduces that the Colonel's man, Billy, killed the recruiters. Billy is a violent psychotic who feels the Colonel's severe code of honor justifies his violent urges. The Colonel's Sergeant is a decent man who tries to help Vic.

When the time comes to free Vic, Billy proposes killing Vic to keep the reporter from turning them in. The Sergeant advocates for doing the honorable thing and letting their prisoner go free. De Beck lets Billy and the Sergeant fight it out to decide who is right because he is too weak to make a decision.

The Sergeant receives a deadly stab wound but he has enough strength to kill Billy. Feeling betrayed by De Beck the other followers commit suicide. Before the Sergeant dies he digs Vic out.

Meanwhile, Myra Connelly Fermin announces her candidacy for mayor. The press rakes her over the coals for the existence of an illegitimate child and her string of past lovers.

A more complete summary coming soon!