The Question: The Five Books of Blood SC Paperback – June 23, 2009

Greg Rucka at the top of his game writing a character who never got her due. It's a good read, but it's sad that this comic wasn't the hit it deserved to be.

If you love Renee Montoya and/or Batwoman, this is the story for you.

The questions a classic DC character that has to be tasted sparingly otherwise you can but out on him. Those is a great story that stretch the characters legs.

Very well written, good for fans of the Renee - the Question. But fully understand and enjoy the book, reading of the old stories may be required.

This continues the story or Renee Montoya (aka The Question) and the crime bible after the 52 event. Includes crossovers with Batwoman and helps to fill in the mythology of the religion of crime.

I never realized this was a female character, Iwas looking for the guy on justice league andended with this, not so great.

Greg Rucka loves the idea of the Crime Bible and I wish I loved it half as much. It still hasn't been pulled off well. This wasn't a bad book but maybe better served as a Batwoman/Question team-up book. Renee's addictive behavior is still here but its now aimed at the Crime Bible. The writing makes perfect sense. The art in the book, by multiple artists, was very good. Overall, this book is more for a niche audience but its a solid look at a great character's evolution.

In the aftermath of 52, the legacy of Vic "Charlie" Sage, AKA The Question, was passed on to burned out cop Renee Montoya, and the Crime Bible was introduced to readers as well. Five Books of Blood collects the five issue mini-series from Greg Rucka (Checkmate, OMAC Project, 52) and a host of artists, where Renee treks after a Monk of the Dark Faith who is spreading evil in his wake. Through these Five Lessons of Blood, Renee and many others are tested, tempted, and even converted over to this Religion of Crime. These lessons lead to many confrontations, from a crooked colonel, to the Penguin, to even a showdown with Batwoman. Without a doubt, Five Books of Blood is a dark and gritty tale that features Rucka's skills at his near best. Most of all, this mini is reminiscent of Denny O'Neil's Question series from the 80's; something which Rucka manages to pay great homage to as well as draw from. The five segments each consist of a different artist, including Tom Mandrake, Jesus Saiz, Matthew Clark, Diego Olmos, and Manuel Garcia; all of which turn in great work. The only real problem with Five Books of Blood is that it's just too short. The story really gets going early on, and it's over before you know it. That aside, if you're a fan of The Question, Rucka, or just enjoyed the Question-starring segments of 52, you should definitely check out Five Books of Blood. It's innovative delivery and Rucka's storytelling techniques make it quite the worthwhile trip.

I really enjoyed this book. Renee has been a strong and interesting character ever since she was introduced into the comics. Shes been through a lot over the years and this book allows us an insight into her own new and independent destiny alongside a nod to her past experiences. Set after the 52 mini series Renee has taken the identity of the super sleuth The Question and continues her hunt of an elusive cult of crime.A brilliant read with strong imagery and a stronger storyline. Renee must confront her own morality, impulses and consequences as she struggles to understand the people shes hunting. A fantastic amount of cameos from both Renee and Charlie the Original Questions past including the Batwoman who up to this point hadn't received much of a page presence.If your hungry for blood, crime and all the naughty things in life this is the book for you, also there's a few surprises in store that strike from the shadows. Fans of the Batman series will appreciate this the most as not only does it offer similarity of substance but also familiarity in characters.Collects: Crime Bible: The Five Lessons of Blood #1 - #5

This continue the story left off from "52". A good, if brief collection of tales. Good artwork makes it altogether a worthwhile book to add to your library.

The Question: Five Books of Blood is not Greg Rucka's strongest writing, particularly not for Renee Montoya whom he has handled so brilliantly in the past, particularly in Gotham Central (Half a Life being the standout here) and 52. This doesn't mean Five Books of Blood is bad. I'm neither as happy with Renee's character arc as the hero (which is really disappointing because of how much I want to like her as The Question)or the religion of crime's presentation as the villains as I would like to be, but for what it is it's an enjoyable enough read and I like the character of Renee enough that I'm willing to follow her even through weaker plots. The artwork I actually like a fair bit. The cover's not great (and some of the variants are just ugly), but the inside work is actually pretty strong.