Similar in concept to Ditko's The Question, Mr. A is another of Ditko's unusual characters and is one of the clearest examples of Ditko's belief in the Ayn Rand philosophy known as "Objectivism". The character "Rorschach" in Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' brilliant Watchmen is based on both Mr. A and The Question.
Rex Graine is a newspaper reporter for the Daily Crusader. He is known for his uncompromising principles and incorruptibility. In order to fight crime Graine will wear metal gloves and a steel mask that resembles a placid face, thus becoming Mr. A. In keeping with the hardboiled detective theme, both personas typically wear suits and fedora hats; Mr A's outfit is completely white. Mr. A uses half white-half black cards to signify his arrival, as well as to represent his belief that there can only be good and evil, and no moral grey area.
