Sanford Quest was a criminologist and scientific detective who uses a wide variety of gadgets of his own invention, including an “electric mind-reader," a viewphone, a pocket bomb made of a super-powerful explosive, and a "pocket wireless telephone," to fight against crime. He was also an expert in hypnosis. He was athletic, an exceptional fighter and extremely brave and level headed. He is described by one character as, "the greatest master in criminology the world has ever known. He is a magician, a scientist, the Pierpont Morgan of his profession.”