The Mask
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- For other uses, see The Mask (disambiguation).
The Mask originated as comic book series by publisher Dark Horse Comics. It was later adapted into the 1994 film The Mask, starring Jim Carrey, a spin-off television cartoon series and a 2005 film sequel Son of the Mask. In all versions the story initially centers around a magical, wooden mask which gives anyone who places it on their face nearly limitless power and an altered appearance, which is most categorized by a large set of teeth and green head. Furthermore, the mask affects the personality of the wearer by removing all personal social inhibitions.
The title of the comic book originally referred to the magical mask itself and not the green headed superhero-like character it unleashed, who was referred to as Big Head in the early stories. It was not until the films and television series that the green headed superhero character himself became known as The Mask.
Likewise, in the original comic stories characters who wore the Mask would become dangerous anti-heroes with ultraviolent tendencies, even if this was not the original intention of those using its power. But again when adapted to film and television the violence was toned down and the character of The Mask was depicted more as a mischievous superhero.
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[edit] The Mask (comic books)
The Mask in its earliest form was created by Mike Richardson, Randy Stradley and Mike Badger as The Masque in Dark Horse Presents #10, (1987). Later, John Arcudi and Doug Mahnke brought The Mask into its now familar form in the short comic story The Mask printed in Mayhem #1, (1989).
In 1991 John Arcudi and Doug Mahnke's The Mask became a four issue mini-series (as well as a bonus issue #0). Following this first series Dark Horse Comics continued a succession of miniseries concluding in 2000 with the DC Comics company crossover Joker/Mask, in which the magical Mask finds its way into the hands of Batman's arch-enemy The Joker.
[edit] Original Ongoing Series
- The Mask (#1-4, Monthly, July 1991-October 1991)
- The Mask (#0, December 1991)
- The Mask Returns (#1-4, Bimonthly, October 1992-March 1993)
- The Mask Strikes Back (#1-5, Monthly, February 1995-May 1995)
- The Mask: The Hunt for Green October (#1-4, Monthly, June 1995-October 1995)
- The Mask: World Tour (#1-4, Monthly, December 1995-March 1996)
- The Mask: Southern Discomfort (#1-4, Monthly, April 1996-July 1996)
- The Mask: Toys in the Attic (#1-4, Monthly, August 1998-November 1998)
- Joker/Mask (#1-4, Monthly, May 2000-August 2000)
[edit] The Mask (#1-4)
In an antiques shop, a weak, neurotic loser named Stanley Ipkiss shops for a gift to give to his girlfriend, Kathy. At the store he purchases an old, wooden mask which begins to speak to him. The mask calls to be tried on and when Stanley does so he is transformed into a wacky, superpowered being with an abnormally large, bald, green-skinned head. After exploring his new abilities Ipkiss goes on a rampage, taking lethal revenge on personal grudges that range from a motor mechanic who always overcharges him to his old first-grade teacher. The media dubs this green headed killer Big Head.
After taking the mask off Stanley begins to realize what has been happening. But his acts as Big Head begin to take an emotional toll on him. He becomes verbally abusive toward Kathy. She kicks him out but keeps the mask since Stanley had bought it as a gift for her.
Later Stanley breaks into her apartment to steal it back just as the police respond to their earlier domestic violence call. Deciding his only way out is as Big Head, Stanley places the mask back on and nearly kills everyone in his attempt to escape. He returns home as Big Head and takes off the mask only to be shot in the back and killed by Kathy, who has put two and two together and figured out the identity of Big Head.
Kathy takes the mask to Lt. Kellaway for safe-keeping. Kellaway, who had been struggling as both the recent Big Head murders and organized crime lords ran loose through his city, disregards Kathy's warnings and tries on the mask as a joke. Becoming Big Head, Kellaway sets out to take down the crime lords that have plagued his police career.
The city, not knowing of the magical mask, assumes Big Head is still the same killer but has moved his target list to high profile crime lords. Despite Kellaway's good intentions, the mask turns his methods increasingly more violent. Walter, a behemoth sized, mutated mob muscle-man, who never speaks takes a vendetta against Big Head for killing his mob employers. Walter for reasons unclear is attacked in brutal ways by Big Head but never indicates pain and never ultimately dies. He is also the only one who can injure Big Head to any real degree.
While fighting off Walter's attacks, Lt. Kellaway as Big Head becomes the target of a police man-hunt. Big Head fights off the police and tracks down the remaining mobsters. When Kellaway's partner attempts to stop Big Head he nearly kills his friend and colleague. Kellaway, realizing what he has been doing, flees. He removes the mask, hides it away and vows never to let it be worn again.
[edit] The Mask Returns (#1-4)
The mask falls into the hands of a small-time mobster, who uses his transformation into Big Head to become the city's preeminent crime boss. Kellaway, realizing the return of Big Head means he failed to hide the mask well enough, takes responsibility to stop him.
Part of the Mask's origin is also revealed in this series. An African tribe used it in their rituals where each member of the tribe would wear the mask, have their head cut off, then re-attach it. The mask was then stolen by poachers to sell to a collector.
[edit] The Mask Strikes Back (#1-5)
Four 20-something friends all fascinated by the Big Head murders find that all their lives are at a dead end, until one finds the magic mask by the city pier and brings it home. Realizing this was the source of their hero's power each of the four take turns trying it on. They attempt to use its power to fix their lives but only end up making things worse for themselves. By the end the unstoppable Walter finds the mask in his hands and puts in on... only to find his face is too big for it. In anger Walter throws the mask into the distance with tremendous force.
This was the last series by original creators Arcudi and Mahnke. It was also the first to be made after the success of The Mask film and as such the gore and mayhem elements of the earlier stories is removed although all story elements and continuity remain with the comics and not the film.
[edit] The Mask: The Hunt for Green October (#1-4)
The Mask continues to find its way into the hands of unwitting wearers. Ray Tuttle, a loser film-buff and his daughter Emily discover its power, but Lt. Kellaway is looking to take it from them.
[edit] The Mask: World Tour (#1-4)
A new wearer of the magical mask finds his way traveling through the Dark Horse Comics universe.
[edit] The Mask: Southern Discomfort (#1-4)
In New Orleans the mask gets tied up with new wearers all while Lt. Kellaway looks to destroy it.
[edit] The Mask: Toys in the Attic (#1-4)
A character named Aldo Krasker gets his hands on the mask.
[edit] Joker/Mask (#1-4)
The Joker inadvertently gets his hands on the magical mask after it is found in a Gotham City museum. With its power the Joker begins to feel a new rejuvenation in his career of crime. Lt. Kellaway finds his way to Gotham and helps Batman and Commissioner Gordon in defeating the newly superpowered Joker.
Batman is able to trick the Joker into removing the Mask by claiming that he is no longer funny. Lt. Kellaway asks Batman to give him the mask and promises that he will finally hide it where it will never be seen again. Batman agrees and the mask is last seen as Kellaway digs up Stanley Ipkiss' grave and buries the mask there with his corpse.
[edit] Specials/Crossovers
[edit] Walter: Campaign of Terror
In this four issue spin-off by original The Mask creators John Arcudi and Doug Mahnke, Big Head's arch-enemy, Walter the voiceless, indestructable mafia killer runs for Mayor of Edge City.
[edit] Marshal Law vs. The Mask
The mask is applied to a superhuman serial killer as part of a secret government experiment which inevitably goes disastrously wrong. Marshal Law is called in to take down a nemesis who is not only immune to his usual ultra-violence, but can warp reality according to his psychotic whims.
[edit] Grifter/The Mask
Grifter of The Wild C.A.T.S. is sent to Las Vegas to break up a weapons smuggling ring at a gun show. Trouble brews when one of the tourists ends up with the mask and as Big Head causes a riot at the gun show by pulling a knife. Grifter initially mistakes the Mask for a target but when the tourist's girlfriend is threatened Grifter and the Mask team up to stop the smuggling ring.
[edit] Lobo vs. The Mask
The alien bounty hunter and common adversary of Superman, Lobo is hired to find the "Ultimate Bastich", a being who has decimated numerous planets. His hunt leads him to Earth where a petty thief has become Big Head. In a battle that decimates Manhattan, Big Head finally offers to "help" Lobo find the "previous wearer."
The duo head through space, causing mass destruction. In a space truck stop Lobo ultimately wins the mask for himself, puts it on and causes even more damage. A black hole sends him back in time by a month and he ultimately ends up being the Ultimate Bastich himself. Waking up on Earth and realizing this Lobo tosses the mask in the same spot the thief found it. Lobo breaks the time loop when he meets his past self and turns his past self in for the reward money.
Former Mask comic team John Arcudi and Doug Mahnke returned for these books, along with Lobo writer Alan Grant.
[edit] The Mask: Official Movie Adaptation
A two issue comic book adaptation of the 1994 film starring Jim Carrey. In addition to retelling the story of the first movie, this comic book version contains short moments of the story which were cut out the final film. This includes the deleted scenes most often seen as extra features in video releases of The Mask. But it also includes completely unseen moments such as Stanley Ipkiss' watch being stolen by the same group of thugs that he pays back with the balloon animal routine and dialog by the mechanics right before they are burst in on by The Mask.
[edit] Adventures of the Mask (#1-12)
Following the success of the first Mask movie, which led to the release of The Mask: The Animated Series, Dark Horse published this spin-off comic series which followed the continuity of the television cartoon. Like the television show, this title combined elements of both the original adult comics and the Jim Carrey movie. Elements from the film included The Mask as Jim Carrey portrayed him in the film: goofy and heroic with his trademark yellow suit. From the early comics were Walter and a Lt. Kellaway more like his original counterpart than as depicted in film.
This series ran monthly from January of 1996 until December of the same year.
[edit] Trivia
Rumors of a crossover with Sam Kieth's The Maxx had floated around at one point (a crossover likely due to similar character names). But if it had been in the works it never saw the light of day.
Another rumor was a series which followed Kathy as Big Head, but this too never developed.
Ghost (Dark Horse Comics), another Dark Horse hero who was popular at the time, appeared in Adventures of the Mask #5 as well at The Mask: World Tour series.
It is believed that the concept of The Mask is based on a Australian Comic series The Mask: The Man Of Many Faces by Yaroslav Horak (illustrator of early James Bond comic strips). [1]
[edit] Adaptations and spin-offs
| The Mask | |
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| Directed by | Chuck Russell |
| Produced by | Robert Engelman |
| Written by | Michael Fallon and Mark Verheiden (story) Mike Werb (screenplay) |
| Starring | Jim Carrey, Peter Greene, Peter Riegert, Cameron Diaz, Orestes Matacena |
| Release date(s) | July 29, 1994 |
| Running time | 97 min |
| Country | USA |
| Followed by | Son of the Mask |
| IMDb profile | |
[edit] The Mask (1994)
A film version of The Mask was released in the United States on July 29, 1994, starring Jim Carrey in the title role. Directed by Chuck Russell, the film co-starred Peter Greene as Dorian Tyrell/Dorian Loki Tyrell, Peter Riegert as Lt. Mitch Kellaway, Orestes Matacena as Niko, Richard Jeni as Charlie Schumacher, Amy Yasbeck as Peggy Brandt, and Cameron Diaz, in her screen debut, as Tina Carlyle. Ben Stein has a cameo role as Dr. Arthur Neuman.
The film was loosely based on the early issues of the comic book series. The film version is much lighter and cartoonier: the mask's effects are zany, but not particularly evil, and Carrey's Stanley Ipkiss is a nice guy who uses the mask (mostly) for good purposes and gets a happy ending. The bloody violence of the comic book is nowhere to be found in the film adaptation (in fact, the only gag recycled from the comic books was the balloon animal/tommy gun scene, albeit without the gruesome ending). Originally it was planned to be a dark horror film, and several screenplays were written for this premise, but when Carrey got the role of Ipkiss, they redid the movie to be a vehicle for Jim Carrey's style of comedy. Whereas the comic book interpretation could bleed and be mutilated (though unhurt, regardless), this Mask was merely indestructible - a living cartoon. Lt. Kellaway from the comics is retained, albeit heavily altered (his first name is never given in the comics- the movie's credits list it as "Mitch"). Kellaway is partnered with Detective Doyle, who was not in the comics (Doyle, interestingly, is rather intelligent in his first scene, but quickly becomes an idiot as the movie progresses). The mask itself is also said to be an artifact of ancient Scandinavian culture, rather than African in the comics, and is believed to possess the spirit of Loki, the Norse god of mischief. In a deleted scene, the mask was sent to the Western world so that the ancient Scandinavians could imprison Loki in it and throw it away.
Stanley's love interest Kathy is renamed Tina for the film. The villain is a gangster named Dorian Tyrell (Greene), Tina's lover, who is determined to overthrow his boss and will stop at nothing to gain what he craves. At the film's finale, the wooden mask falls into his hands and he dons it, thus becoming the monstrous super-demon Dorian Mask, invulnerable to almost any attack. He challenges his boss Niko, played by the memorable Orestes Matacena, into shooting him square in the stomach while in his mask form. Unharmed, Dorian breathes the bullets into his mouth and fired them back, killing Niko. Dorian then has Tina wrapped to a palm tree with a large bomb by her feet, intending to blow up the club and her. Stanley arrives on the scene, only to be caught by one of Dorian's men as he tries to save Tina. Dorien Mask is tricked into removing the mask by Tina, who asks for one last kiss. Dorian removes the mask, and as he kisses Tina, she kicks it out of his hands.
A battle starts, in which Stanley's dog Milo puts on the mask and becomes Masked Milo, stalling Dorian's men while Stanley fights Dorian. Eventually, Stanley gets the mask back on and scares Dorian's men off with fake guns. Dorian runs to stab Masked Stanley, but Stanley paints a flush handle on a tree, and when Dorian jumps into the pool to get to him, Stanley pulls the flush, and Dorian is drained away into the sewers. Just before the bomb explodes, Stanley swallows it. As such Stanley is able to safely contain the explosion within his own body, and he says, "Mamma mia, that's-a some speecy (spicy) meatball," referencing a 1960's Alka-Seltzer commercial. Following this, Stanley throws the Mask in the ocean, Tina having revealed that she loved Stanley's honest and caring personality more than she loved the Mask's wacky love-crazy attitude. Charlie swam out to get it, but Milo ends up taking it instead.
The movie also received a video game adaptation, released for the Super NES in 1995.
[edit] The Mask : The Animated series
The movie version of the character has subsequently appeared in an animated TV series entitled The Mask: The Animated Series (with Rob Paulsen as Stanley Ipkiss/The Mask) and his own short-run comic book series, Adventures of The Mask. John Arcudi, former writer of the original comics, penned two episodes of the cartoon. Tina was absent, but reporter Peggy Brandt had become the main female character. Unlike in the movie, Ipkiss appeared to be able to use the mask in daytime as well as at night.
The main villain, Dr. Pretorius (voiced by Tim Curry), was a madman who had his own head removed from his body and placed on tiny, spider-like robotic legs, which could attach to a larger android body. Pretorius was also likely a parody of drug dealer/mob boss Eugene Rapaz from the original comics (both share the same face. Rapaz wore small, rounded-lens dark glasses and Pretorius had round optic implants that looked similar, as well). Ironically, during The New Batman Adventures in 1997, Batman villain Mr. Freeze would become a disembodied head, walking on small spider-like legs and controlling a robotic body, much in the way Pretorius did. Given that Batman TAS writer Duane Capizzi worked on The Mask TAS in early episodes, and given the span between shows, this may have been an intentional homage.
Coming from the comics was Walter, still silent but now indestructible. Walter chased the Mask for several episodes, but when he obtained the wooden mask and it failed to work for him, he simply dropped it and was never seen again. Ben Stein reprised his role as Dr. Neuman, from the movie. In one episode, the mask falls into Neuman's hands, and he becomes a super-villain known as Loki Ipkissiomascosus, determined to kill Stanley and even goes as far as to spring Pretorius from prison to aid him (a running gag, however, was that Dr. Neuman refused to believe the mask worked, even when he had it on).
Much as with the Beetlejuice cartoon before it, The Mask TAS took many elements from the source movie but dropped characters and changed certain other characters. Peggy's inclusion also officially discounts the cut scene in the film where she is killed. Tina is never even alluded to. However, the events of the movie happened for the most part, as Charlie knew that Stanley was the Mask (though did not know Stanley kept it), and Stanley was still upset over Peggy selling him out to the mob (given that Stanley and Peggy were never treated as a potential couple, there may have remained some bad feelings over that).
Many other villains were introduced, generally DC Comics parodies (some Marvel references were made, like The Mask becoming Biclops, a parody of Cyclops and a villain that turned into a dinosaur like Sauron; though Dark Horse has generally had a good business relationship with DC). Notable were Skillit (parody of Mr. Mxyzptlk and Peter Pan, albeit much more malevolent in nature) and Putty Thing (parody of the Batman: The Animated Series version of Clayface, albeit now a dumb teenager rather than an angry, jaded actor).
One particularly memorable episode had the Mask team up with another Jim Carrey movie character, Ace Ventura. Ace Ventura also had a cartoon series at the time (both cartoons ran on CBS in adjoining time slots). When Stanley's dog, Milo, goes missing, he hires Ace Ventura to find him.
The cartoon, despite having a "realistic" setting, would often rely more on Tex Avery-style humor and on occasion, broke any meaningful laws of reality - one episode featured the Goofalotatots, parodies of the Animaniacs, treating them as if they were naturally alive. Another featured the Mask becoming a personal assistant to the President of the US, with the job merely handed to him (the president was a caricature of no real president - it should also be noted that former Mask comic writer John Arcudi wrote both example episodes, a stark departure from his usual writing). Police officers were portrayed as idiots who couldn't see even obvious clues, and Doyle was so dumb, he could not have possibly passed a written police academy exam. The show's inability to take anything seriously likely led to its failure, especially in the era where Batman: The Animated Series was taking cartoons seriously.
[edit] Son of the Mask (2005)
A live-action sequel, entitled Son of the Mask, was released in 2005, but it was a box office flop. Upon the initial DVD release of the sequel, Wal-Mart stores sold an exclusive 2-pack of the movie. It consisted of the standard DVD with a bonus DVD in the shrink-wrap containing the first 2 episodes of the cartoon. As with all Wal-Mart exclusive shrink-wraps, the bonus DVD was a separate disc with its own case, the 2 cases merely packaged together. It is unknown if the disc will see separate release.
