Let's Make America Green Again (The Mask: I Pledge Allegiance To The Mask #1)
Updated: Jan 25, 2020
THE MASK: I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE MASK #1
Writer: Christopher Cantwell
Artist: Patric Reynolds
Colorist: Lee Loughridge
Letterer: Nate Piekos
Publisher: Dark Horse
Rating: 8/10
He's baaaaaaaaaack!!! Yes after many years without The Mask gracing the pages of a comic book, all of us Mask fans can rejoice.
While most people know the character from the awesome movie starring Jim Carrey, the character originally started in comics created by John Arcudi and Doug Manhke. I still remember as a kid watching that movie and instantly becoming, not only a Jim Carrey fan but also a fan of The Mask. At the time I was reading mostly DC comic books but one day I happened upon a Mask comic and realized it was nothing like the movie. I didn't like them at first, but as I got older I couldn't get enough. I scrounged up any issue and trades I could, until eventually I even found a first appearance. So when this book was announced I have to say not only was I ecstatic but shocked as well. I never thought we'd see another Mask book.
With so many years between the last Mask comic and this series, this book is sure to excite old fans and bring in new fans alike. This is a book that depicts real world issues while also showing the depravity that goes on in Edge City. From the opening pages we see a disturbing and abusive foster family that you can't help but cringe at. Enter everyone's favorite green faced murderer. There have been many people that have worn The Mask, and while we don't know who's under it this time, he clearly has good intentions behind his horrific actions. He makes quick work of these vile foster parents. This is definitely not a book for the faint of heart.
After the news of the grisly murders hits the news, our mysterios Mask wielder gets rid of the Mask by throwing it in the ocean. This is where our story truly begins. Cantwell has a great take on the denizens of Edge City and brings back some familiar faces for fans of The Mask. We have Lt. Kellaway the cop that hunted down the original Mask, Stanley Ipkiss, and Kathy who was Stanley's girlfriend. Both of whom at one time or another had also worn the Mask. With the news of a murderer who has a green face returning they are haunted by the past.
With elections for Mayor taking place, we see a man on the verge of defeat until he comes upon something that is gonna change his life forever, The Mask.
This issue was great set up for old and new fans alike. Cantwell's script was sharp and humorous while the art from Patric Reynols was both graphically disturbing at points, which suits this character perfectly, and had just enough realism that really helped suck into this world. This was a great start and definitely will make readers want to come back for more.
