Masks #1
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Masks #1

Writer: Chris Roberson Artist: Alex Ross Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment Release Date: November 28, 2012 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 21 User Reviews: 1
8.2Critic Rating
8.0User Rating

Starring The Shadow, The Green Hornet, Kato, and The Spider, in a story that only Dynamite could tell! Before superheroes, there were Masks! They've always said it can't happen here... but what if it did? It's 1938, and the Justice Party has swept into office in New York State. But the newly-elected officials are in the control of powerful criminals, who quickly corrupt the law to their own advantage. When a fascist police state is instituted, the only ones who stand in defense of the innocent are masked vigilantes like the Shadow, the Green Hornet, Kato, and the Spider. Also, look forward to future appearances of Black Bat, Miss Fury, Black more

  • 10
    Unleash The Fanboy - Daniel Alvarez Nov 27, 2012

    Overall, a fantastic start to MASKS. I didn't have a history with the Shadow or Spider, but it didn't stop me from enjoying the story. The writing is quite fine, with Alex Ross's art being a true highlight. This event proves crossovers could be fun and smart without being cliche, I really look forward to the next seven installments. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comics Crux - Wesley Messer May 10, 2013

    Masks #1 starts off this event level story with an absolute bang. The Alex Ross artwork gets you in the door but once youre in, the Chris Roberson story will have you staying for more. I cant think of a single second of this in which I could say I didnt like it, I liked everything about Masks. It even manages to serve as a good introduction to the crime fighters involved, which was a good move. Though Ross isnt the artist after this issue, I know Im on board for the rest of the series, Masks is just that good. Dynamite has a hit on their hands here, you cannot dare miss Masks #1. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Forces Of Geek - Atlee Greene Dec 3, 2012

    This goes without saying, but you need to buy this book ASAP!!! If you have a tablet, the work shines just a little bit better on the screen. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Book Therapy - thorverine Nov 28, 2012

    Masks is the pulp hero team-up book dreams are made of. Each character is handled masterfully and many more of the old favorites are going to show up in subsequent issues. With a great story that is reminiscent of the past our heroes were created in and amazing art by Alex Ross, this is one you cannot miss. Drop everything and go add this miniseries to your pull list. I've only said this in one other review, but I give this one a five because that's as high as it goes. 5/5 Read Full Review

  • 10
    16BitMonster - Hamilton Ortiz Dec 2, 2012

    Masks #1 is just one of those books that on paper might not sound as appealing other than its much anticipated team up of vigilantes but it has som much going for it. I might be as familiar as I should be with some of the characters but I know of them and that was a good start for me. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Booked - Kelly Cassidy Nov 29, 2012

    This book is definitely worth a read. I buy a lot of books every week – this week had 27 titles I picked up – but from the stack this one is rising up to the top of the pile as my pick of the week. Part of it is because it's different from my normal take, but because the creative team just got it right. I don't profess to being huge fans of these characters in the past, even though I had a familiarity, but it didn't matter – I could get into this title without the background. And if a writer can do that and introduce a non-team just like that… Well, need I say more? Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    Chuck's Comic Of The Day - Chuck Dec 2, 2012

    Can't wait for the next chapter! Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comic Book Resources - Doug Zawisza Nov 30, 2012

    I haven't been plugged in to any of the Dynamite pulp hero comic book series and truly only became consciously aware of this series within the month. Given the talent involved, I decided to pick this one up and I am now locked in for "Masks" as long as the creative of "Masks" #1 sticks around. Roberson and Ross have a great, fresh handle on these characters that I'm enthused to keep investigating their world. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    PopCultHQ - Jason Bennett Nov 27, 2016

    Warner has a solid story and has been paired up nicely with artist Zeballos to create this Old West/New West hybrid of a society. The stage is set nicely for this world to expand, but I feel we'll also gain some more insight into the past and how it evolved into its present day situation. Within this one issue, you get a strong sense that Daniel Warner has great things in store with this title, so much to the point that you want him to reveal more of his narrative, which ultimately should translate into guaranteed readers already on board for issue two. If Team Warner/Zeballos continue the pace of this issue and add to its already solid storyline, MASKS has the potential to be a lasting sci-fi series and something unique not currently being offered. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comics: The Gathering - JohnP Nov 27, 2012

    Dynamite comes out of the gate firing on all cylinders with Masks #1. It's an exciting and intriguing ride that promises even bigger things to come. This is definitely one you'll be reading more than once. The only question that remains is, will they be able to continue to deliver? Dennis Calero is slated to take over on art fro the rest of the series. Ross is an impossible act to follow, but I have faith Calero will carry the ball well. For now, Masks #1 is an outstanding beginning. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Crave Online - Iann Robinson Nov 28, 2012

    Masks is a great book. The kind of comic book storytelling I wish we saw more of. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    First Comics News - Matthew Szewczyk Nov 30, 2012

    I had no expectations going it to this issue and when I was finished I was really impressed by the entire comic book and am looking forward to seeing where this story goes over the next seven issues. If you are a fan or pulp heroes or just want a good action packed story to sink your teeth into then this one is highly recommended! Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Vine - Mat 'Inferiorego' Elfring Nov 28, 2012

    MASKS 1 is a great start and what's even better is that anyone can pick this up and read it. You don't need to be reading GREEN HORNET, THE SHADOW, ZORRO, or THE SPIDER to fully appreciate these characters and this story. I really like the collaboration between Roberson and Ross here. I think they're a perfect fit for this world and story. It was great to see Alex Ross work on interiors again, and I loved his design of the Agents. However, I felt like the team coming together was a tad forced, especially when The Spider popped in.Overall, this issue was brilliant and I highly recommend it. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Razorfine - Alan Rapp Dec 6, 2012

    And Alex Ross' work, whether you love it or hate it, is exactly what you'd expect to find here with his glossy painted panels that make each character appear larger than life (which, let's admit it, is challenging when you're dealing with a character like The Spider). I'm not sure how long I'll stick around, especially at $4 an issue, but I'm not sad I gave this first issue a shot. For fans. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Fanboy Buzz - TommyHancock Nov 28, 2012

    The bottom line('cause Stonecold said so): This issue was a little slow, but it was written amazingly, is about the characters that I already mentioned, and the art was done by ALEX ROSS!! Even if the story sucked(Which it didn't) the art alone makes it worth the read. My hopes are high for the issues to come, Masks squad!Check out this comic pulp/noir fans. It's a good'un. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Newsarama - Pierce Lydon Nov 27, 2012

    With seven more issues to go, it'll be interesting to see what Roberson and company are able to do. The length of the mini could allow Roberson to more deeply examine each individual character and the ways in which they relate to and differ from each other. For now, Masks is a pretty typical comic book with outstanding artwork that might be fun for new fans looking for something different. Read Full Review

  • 7.6
    IGN - Joey Esposito Nov 28, 2012

    Masks #1 is an entertaining debut issue with some really big thematic ideas that I hope will remain prevalent throughout its tenure. It's hard not to wish for a more suitably action-oriented artist to really bring the scenes to life, but ultimately the complete package is a win. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    The Weekly Crisis - Grant McLaughlin Nov 30, 2012

    The writing isn't anything special, but Alex Ross' art is. If you have any fondness for Ross' work, then this becomes an easy recommendation, as Ross displays the same flair and panache that he has in past projects but now featuring a fun collection of some of the great pulp heroes of yore. Masks doesn't look like it'll go down as a classic, but it definitely seems like it'll be fun. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Eye On Comics - Don MacPherson Dec 1, 2012

    Though I enjoyed seeing these classic characters come together, the result is a story that's more in keeping with traditional super-hero comics than the noir pulp genre from which they originated. I know the two genres are closely linked and the lines blur, but the overall tone of the plot and dialogue seems more like a retcon story written by Roy (All-Star Squadron) Thomas featuring Golden Age mystery men. Mind you, I really liked Roy Thomas's work in that vein. Nevertheless, the plotting here seems rather familiar; one could argue it's a bit clichd. It's solid, I suppose, and it's diverting. But it doesn't feel particularly special either. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    Major Spoilers - Danielle Luaulu Dec 4, 2012

    I was really excited when I first heard about this book. I thought it was a brilliant concept. With the exception of the art, the book has so far failed to deliver. It may just be because it's the first issue and I optimistically hope the following issues will outshine this one with the official introduction of Zorro and Black Bat but, so far, it's not off to a great start. Read Full Review

  • 3.0
    CHUD - Jeb Delia Nov 30, 2012

    However being a showcase for Ross' art means pages tend to max out at four panels and splash pages are frequent, so for a 22-page book it feels light and short. Having little connection to the characters I have no excitement for their meeting, and the book provides no anticipation so it's all rather plain and unfortunate spectacle. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    Chris Roberson manages to deliver a plot, if not the most original of all, who can we hold from the beginning. It is not a spectacle, something memorable, however within the prevailing mediocrity, it's nice to read something that comes off a bit (but only slightly) more of the same. At first, those who already know the characters has some advantage because they know who is who. In this case, the comic book passes half beaten in presentations, except an interesting identification of personalities of the two protagonists of this Edition: Green Hornet and The Shadow. On the art, need to say something? Alex Ross has not lost the trick and continues with his realistic style, enhancing the darker scenes. Really, there is nothing to talk about, ju more

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