Image via DC Comics
When it comes to comic book heroes, DC’s The Question is often forgotten, as is his trusty Volkswagen Beetle. Sure, the little German economy car is no Batmobile, but it’s more interesting than the demure appearance lets on, allowing the crime fighter to blend in while he’s getting around.
The best Batmobile is Batman’s monster truck.
The superhero with no face obviously prefers anonymity even more than his comrades like Batman and Green Arrow. By hiding his face entirely, not just parts of it, he seeks to not be memorable with the criminal thugs he hunts.
Obviously, the Volkswagen Type 1 helps with that objective. But it’s not just your average Bug, packing some unexpected upgrades to help The Question chase down bad guys and make his own getaways when necessary.
First, the little Beetle has undergone an engine swap, receiving the heart of a Porsche. Which Porsche, you might ask? We would assume one of the flat varieties, since that has been done from time to time, but it isn’t explained.
What’s weird is the transmission supposedly comes from a Ferrari. Why not use the Porsche transaxle? We can only assume throwing the brand from Maranello in there sounded good.
Finally, the Volkswagen has racing shocks for tighter handling. We would think having upgraded brakes is another thing someone would do after increasing power through a powertrain swap, but that isn’t mentioned. Obviously, this is a comic book, not a manual on how to modify a VW Type 1.
Also reminding us that the comic books are fantasy and not a documentary, there is an instance with the Beetle which would raise any car guy’s eyebrows. After getting in what sure looks to be a front-end collision, the engine starts to smoke as the oil pressure drops.
Thankfully, the artist did put the smoking in the rear where the engine would be located. However, there’s no oil cooler in the frunk, so why would a front-end crash cause an oil leak? It doesn’t make sense, but The Question says his engine “seized up tighter than a banker’s smile.”
Still, The Question’s Volkswagen Beetle, just like the hero, is an interesting but overlooked comic book car.
Images via DC Comics
