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The Mask

April 12, 2007 – 9:08 pm

The Mask

The Mask is a comic book series published by Dark Horse Comics. The Mask was created by Mike Richardson and first appeared as “The Masque” in “Dark Horse Presents # 10”. Like all other Dark Horse publications The Mask was initially printed in black and white. The Mask is not a specific person; it refers to a mask which when put on by anyone gives him limitless power and altered appearance with a large green head.

Badger, who was a writer/artist with Marvel Comics was roped in to work on the comic strip, then known as The Masque. After Badger’s strips started becoming increasingly political Chris Warner was hired by Richardson to revamp the character. The character was re-launched in 1989 in Mayhem #1.

John Arcudi and Doug Mahnke’s created “The Mask” four issue mini-series in 1991, which became very popular. After the first series Dark Horse Comics continued the miniseries around this popular version of The Mask. These series concluded in 2000 with the DC Comics company crossover “Joker/Mask”, in which Batman’s enemy the Mask falls into hands of Batman’s enemy The Joker.

In the shorts Stanley Ipkiss purchases the mask an old mask at an antique shop for his girlfriend Kathy. When Stanley tries on the mask he is transformed into a being with superpowers and a green head. After he discovers his powers, Ipkiss, who is shown as a loser, goes on a rampage to tom punish all those who have wronged him. He is given the name of “Big Head” by the media. Stanley is thrown out by Kathy after he gets abusive with her. Kathy kept the mask with her and to get it back Stanley steals it from her house causing mayhem in the process. Stanley is shot and killed by Kathy who figured out that Stanley was Big Head.

Kathy takes the mask to Lt. Kellaway, who is having a bad time keeping control on the crime in the city. Kellaway uses the power of the mask to tackle the crime in the city. The mask starts having influence on Kellaway and he becomes more and more violent. When Kellaway realizes this fact after he nearly kills his partner, Kellaway hides the mask and takes a vow of not wearing it ever again.

After falling into many hands The Joker gets hold of the magical mask. Lt. Kellaway helps Batman and Commissioner Gordon In getting the mask back from The Joker. After getting back the mask, Kellaway digs up Stanley Ipkiss’ grave and hides the mask along with the corpse in the grave.

On July 29, 1994 “The Mask” (the movie) was released with Jim Carrey in the lead role of Stanley Ipkiss. The movie was directed by Chuck Russell and starred Cameron Diaz debuting as Tina Carlyle. There is also an animated series based on the mask titled “The Mask: The Animated Series”.