This is a weird little story that seems to be more of a showcase for the cartoonist’s ability to draw weird creatures than an actual story, per se. In theory, it’s about an alien creature that has the sphinx-like characteristic of asking odd questions and, if not answered correctly, the answerer gets eaten. But never the same one twice – it’s tailored to the person and the species. The questions at the top are fairly typical.

Since it’s really an artist showcase, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the art. I chose this page of the story because it’s really the only one that shows the sphinx in it’s full glory (bottom of the page). And that’s one hideously mutated thing. I don’t know that I’d wait around to ask me a question. The linework on the various species is very nice, with some amusing creature designs. The stippling on the moons in the background is also very nicely done.

(Heavy Metal issue #120, May 1989 – Page 104 Protoplasmid Zen-Master Sphinx of Autolycus V by Smith)