The most unique crossover in awhile continues. MASKS is interesting because it teams up a bunch of characters a lot of readers probably have never heard of. Sure, we know the Green Hornet and Zoro…but Miss Fury? Green Lama? These ‘pulp’ men and women aren’t exactly mainstream, which forces a huge emphasis on story and writing rather than character market appeal. That’s why this series shines, it’s a very well-written and fun tale set in the 30’s. This issue introduces us to a big character, plus we learn that there’s a ‘master’ behind the scenes. If you haven’t been reading MASKS, what are you waiting for?

Here’s the official description from Dynamite:

With the law twisted and perverted to benefit the unjust, those who serve justice have no choice but to operate outside the law. The Spider digs into the shadowy past of the new governor, but what he finds raises more questions than it answers.

Back in New York City, the Shadow and Green Hornet are marshaling their forces, as vigilantes and heroes like the Green Lama, Miss Fury, and the Black Terror join their cause.

Meanwhile, a blind lawyer and a fugitive artist find themselves standing alone against the might of the Black Legions.

The Spider is the first to realize that there’s someone behind the scenes. Later we see Miss Fury and Green Lama picked up by the Shadow and a woman named Margo Lane. Of course the Hornet, being the detective of the group, is looking for answers. The mayor knows something…all that and a new character makes his debut…make that two new characters. I think it’s fair to say that the opening part was very exciting. Out of all the characters thus far, the Spider has had the least ‘cool’ scenes, so it was nice to him in the spotlight. I must commend Chris Roberson’s writing, he can make even the ‘lackeys,’ the Black Legion troopers, threatening. Of course, there’s no denying that the charm of this issue comes from the interactions between characters. It’s amazing how well they mesh together, I particularly like the scene with the Shadow and Lane picking up Green Lama and Catwoman Miss Terror.

The art is great throughout, Dennis Calero is becoming one of my favorite comic artists. There’s some really good standout pages, such as the Spider’s dynamic entrance. Green Hornet’s mask looked a bit off, only minor complaint. Alex Ross once again handles the main cover. While not as good as his previous covers, it’s a pretty historic one. Putting the characters’ real-life identities contrasting with their hero personas in the background was a very nice touch.

Overall, another fine issue of MASKS. The story is taking its time with establishing the characters, which is good, just as long as the story goes smoothly. Thankfully it has. We’re introduced to the antagonist, the ‘Master.’ It’s good that now we have an established villain, I’ll be looking forward to seeing how things play out next time.

4/5

My name is Daniel (@Destroyer_199), the main guy for comic reviews here at Unleash the Fanboy. I was born in 1995 in the Big Apple, spent my formative years in Staten Island, and currently reside in the awesome state that is New Jersey.