MASKS - GOLDEN AGE CROSSOVER EVENT

[Renaud]

MASKS - GOLDEN AGE CROSSOVER EVENT

Looks interesting

I guess as close as we’re ever going to get to my suggestion of an ann PULP HEROES crossover event

http://heroescomics.9f.com/pulp_heroes.htm

The News

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=39644

http://www.comicbookresources.com/assets/images/articles/1341901317.jpg

WOW!


Green Hornet, Kato, The Shadow, Miss Fury, Black Bat, Zorro, The Spider and other

All that's missing is the Phantom, but then again, there is the mention of others, as in possibly some surprises

Too bad they couldn't get Doc Savage, and The Avenger, but it's still a pretty nice bunch.

[TheMicrozone]

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/pulp-heroes-crossover-masks.html

The legendary Spider trilogy of novels, "the Spider vs the Empire State", is being adapted by Dynamite into an eight-part cross-over event with the Shadow, Green Hornet & the Spider by Alex Ross. (See the original novel here. (http://www.fighttheempirestate.com/))

[Renaud]

By the way, my favorite from Project Superpowers is also a PULP CLASSIC hero as well

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tKYjOaYIvNE/SbSXKL3swRI/AAAAAAAABGk/jlB3z3SPPB4/s400/double_detective_194004.jpg

Do I really need to say more

Would love to find a copy of this book

http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327934335l/12974899.jpg

The Green Lama The Complete Pulp Adventures Volume 1

[BatHobbit]

Zorro, Shadow, Green Hornet and Kato. . . . this is everything I wanted in a Dynamite crossover event!!!!

Thank you Dynamite, thank you so much for making this!

[BatHobbit]

It gets better look at this little exchange on newsrama

Newsrama: We’ll let you slide on that, but can you give us a run-down of the major heroes in this?

Roberson: The heavy hitters are the Spider, the Shadow, Green Hornet & Kato, Miss Fury, The Black Bat, the Green Lama, and Black Terror, but we’ll also be introducing a couple of surprise characters along the way.

[BatHobbit]

also Zorro, don't forget Zorro, though it will be interesting to see how he meshes with the other heroes considering he is from a different era.

Apparently some of the PSP characters will be in it as well. At least according to an interview with the writer on NEwsrama

[Renaud]

It gets better look at this little exchange on newsrama

Newsrama: We’ll let you slide on that, but can you give us a run-down of the major heroes in this?

Roberson: The heavy hitters are the Spider, the Shadow, Green Hornet & Kato, Miss Fury, The Black Bat, the Green Lama, and Black Terror, but we’ll also be introducing a couple of surprise characters along the way.
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/pulp-heroes-crossover-masks.html
Interesting

If Black Terror is also in there, then there is chance for The Green Lama to make an appearance as well

PS: I would have thought Zorro more of the Lone Ranger time period

[BatHobbit]

More than a chance. . . he flat out said "Green Lama"

[comixfan1980]

Looks great, indeed! I was just about to post this myself, but someone beat me to it :P

I'm super excited for this, aside from Zorro I'm pumped about the lineup of this group (not a Zorro fan, sorry) and I think this has the potential to be a real blockbuster for an indy book.

[manga4life]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d2/N.W.A.StraightOuttaComptonalbumcover.jpg/220px-N.W.A.StraightOuttaComptonalbumcover.jpg

Look at the cover here painted by Alex Ross, and then look at the link above and you will "LOL"....

No, but in all seriousness this does look pretty damn awesome and should be a really good read. Hopefully the book centers around everyone equally and we can get a good feel for the relationships and feuds between all of these characters when they interact during the book, man......this has me excited!

[Renaud]

And just for us Dynamite Fanboys

any other name that will appear, not giving up any punch lines

Only for more for this board :-)

[positronic]

By the way, my favorite from Project Superpowers is also a PULP CLASSIC hero as well

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tKYjOaYIvNE/SbSXKL3swRI/AAAAAAAABGk/jlB3z3SPPB4/s400/double_detective_194004.jpg

Do I really need to say more

Would love to find a copy of this book

http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1327934335l/12974899.jpg

The Green Lama The Complete Pulp Adventures Volume 1

Why wouldn't you just order one here?

http://www.amazon.com/The-Green-Lama-Complete-Adventures/dp/1460915402/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342070898&sr=8-1&keywords=green+lama+volume+1

...and while you're at it, you can order Volumes 2 and 3 as well. Together, Volumes 1-3 collect the COMPLETE pulp adventures of The Green Lama. These are print-on-demand books, so you're unlikely to find any of these sitting on the shelves of your local Barnes & Noble.

[positronic]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/d2/N.W.A.StraightOuttaComptonalbumcover.jpg/220px-N.W.A.StraightOuttaComptonalbumcover.jpg

Look at the cover here painted by Alex Ross, and then look at the link above and you will "LOL"....


This is a common low-angle forced-perspective shot. I'm sure N.W.A. didn't exactly invent it either. Besides the angle, Ross' painting isn't even that close.

[positronic]

Have to say I'm pretty excited about this. It makes Moonstone's Return of the Originals: The Battle for L.A. look weak by comparison. Scratching my head over the inclusion of Zorro, though. Obviously must be some descendant of the original (although I quickly tired of this idea when it was used so many times in the old Republic serials). You take Zorro out of his usual milieu and he's not really Zorro any more by my reckoning -- seeing Zorro in a (relatively) modern urban environment (sans Toranado) seems too out of place. To quoter writer Chris Roberson from the CBR interview, "The farther and farther away you get from the type of setting that these characters work best the less appeal they have." I agree.They have so many other characters in here, they could easily have skipped him. I hasten to add that I really like Zorro in his own DE series.

Another thing I noticed right away was The Spider's gun is not the same as it is in his own series -- then it hit me -- of course, this isn't exactly the same Spider, but a version that's much closer to the original pulp character. No laser sights on guns in 1938.

I never noticed before how short The Shadow's cape is. That doesn't seem quite right.

As far as PSP characters, Black Terror and Green Lama will fit right in. I wouldn't mind seeing Daredevil or Miss Masque either. They should limit the number of PSP characters though.

[JewishHobbit]

This could potentially be the first Dynamite series I pick up since the PSP line ended. My question is, are the Black Terror and Green Lama for certain the Project Superpowers versions? If they are then this is a 100% sale for me, but if not then I'll skim the first issue.

[comixfan1980]

This is a common low-angle forced-perspective shot. I'm sure N.W.A. didn't exactly invent it either. Besides the angle, Ross' painting isn't even that close.

I think he was just commenting on how similar it was, especially with the gun pointed downward and the hats. I found it funny.

[BatHobbit]

I think Black Terror and Green Lama will be closer to the original golden age versions than the PSP versions. For one thing the setting is in the 1930s and for another GH and Kato are the traditional and not the "dynamite version" (obvious that kato is a guy here an not a girl)

[Tulku]

Why wouldn't you just order one here?

http://www.amazon.com/The-Green-Lama-Complete-Adventures/dp/1460915402/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342070898&sr=8-1&keywords=green+lama+volume+1

...and while you're at it, you can order Volumes 2 and 3 as well. Together, Volumes 1-3 collect the COMPLETE pulp adventures of The Green Lama. These are print-on-demand books, so you're unlikely to find any of these sitting on the shelves of your local Barnes & Noble.

Or, better yet, order through the publisher's site at Altuspress.com (http://www.altuspress.com)? And then you can also browse the Press' other excellent pulp hero reprints!

[positronic]

GH and Kato are the traditional and not the "dynamite version" (obvious that kato is a guy here an not a girl)

Sure they are. They're the Matt Wagner versions from DE's Green Hornet Year One. And what else would you expect in a story set in 1938?

They will have to futz things around a bit, since neither Green Lama nor Black Terror existed yet in 1938. But remember, this is a parallel world where Zorro exists in 1938!

[positronic]

Or, better yet, order through the publisher's site at Altuspress.com (http://www.altuspress.com)? And then you can also browse the Press' other excellent pulp hero reprints!

Tulku, Altus Press confounds me by zigging when I want them to zag. For every Green Lama, Black Bat, Dr. Death, Secret 6, or Secret Agent X reprint, they dig up something I'd previously never heard of. Meanwhile, I am grinding my teeth waiting for collections of The Moon Man, Green Ghost, Doctor Satan, Dusty Ayres and his Battle Birds, Terence X. O'Leary's War Birds and others that I've only read about and have rarely if ever been reprinted. In summary, kudos to Altus Press, I love you, you frustrating bastards.

BTW, the print-on-demand provider is CreateSpace, which is a subsidiary of Amazon. So either way, the printed books are coming from Amazon.

[positronic]

I think he was just commenting on how similar it was, especially with the gun pointed downward and the hats. I found it funny.

Is it too late to change the title from Masks to The Hat Squad? :o

[TheReader]

This is going to be AWESOME! I love all of these characters and I love that they will be using Matt Wagner's Year One version of Hornet and Kato, that's a great start to what should be a great limited series!

[BatHobbit]

My only fear with this series is that the writer will struggle to differentiate between the characters. Shadow, Spider, and Green Hornet all follow the same hero archetype (millionaire, long coat, mask, fedora, guns). Yes Hornet is typically a non lethal hero unlike the others and Shadow does have his psychic abilities but still. . . very similar characters at first glance.

I also hope that the book does not get so bogged down with "hero" characters that it neglects the supporting cast. We see Kato will appear but what about the Shadow's agents or Margo Lane? Zorro will be trickier since he is being plucked out of his usual setting but it would be nice to see Don Alejandro and some of his supporting cast as well.

[Renaud]

This is going to be AWESOME! I love all of these characters and I love that they will be using Matt Wagner's Year One version of Hornet and Kato, that's a great start to what should be a great limited series!
Personally I would love a

-Green Hornet Year Two from Matt Wagner :-)

Not to Mention a

-Death-Defying Devil (DDD) Year One
-Green Lama Year One
-Black Terror Year One
-Pyroman Year One

-Black Bat Year One
-The Spider Year One (Classic costume design)
http://www.philsp.com/comingattractions/Images_2008/Spider_PulpDoubles_7.jpg

To start with :-)

[BatHobbit]

Not a huge fan of "year one" books myself. I tend to not like prequels and origin stories and in almost all cases I would rather see what happens next in the main story than read something when I know how it will end.

[Chadster]

As much as I LOVE the Green Hornet that's being published today by DE I would say Matt Wagners finely crafted Year One has become my difinitive GH interpitation and I absolutely adored the 12 issue series. As for this Masks mini, count me 1000000% in. I LOVE the pulp heroes from Dynamite and I am massively geeked over this crossover event!

[manga4life]

In anticipation for this Masks series I re-read all of my Green Hornet Year One, The Spider, and The Shadow books published from Dynamite and I'm currently re-reading Green Hornet 1-25 just for the hell of it (on issue #17). Also, I think I may even check out Zorro, even though I've truly never been a fan of his but Dynamite has a crazy way of making me love characters I've never cared about before.

[rarelyshaven]

For me, Dynamite hit the bullsye with The Shadow, then split the arrow with The Spider and now with Masks I couldn't be more excited. Dynamite is KING for me right now and I couldn't be happier.

[magnoanddavey]

Have to say I'm pretty excited about this. It makes Moonstone's Return of the Originals: The Battle for L.A. look weak by comparison. Scratching my head over the inclusion of Zorro, though. Obviously must be some descendant of the original (although I quickly tired of this idea when it was used so many times in the old Republic serials). You take Zorro out of his usual milieu and he's not really Zorro any more by my reckoning -- seeing Zorro in a (relatively) modern urban environment (sans Toranado) seems too out of place. To quoter writer Chris Roberson from the CBR interview, "The farther and farther away you get from the type of setting that these characters work best the less appeal they have." I agree.They have so many other characters in here, they could easily have skipped him. I hasten to add that I really like Zorro in his own DE series.

Another thing I noticed right away was The Spider's gun is not the same as it is in his own series -- then it hit me -- of course, this isn't exactly the same Spider, but a version that's much closer to the original pulp character. No laser sights on guns in 1938.

I never noticed before how short The Shadow's cape is. That doesn't seem quite right.

I have to agree with you, Pos. I'm not sure I want to see Zorro included. He seems to be from an earlier period, and to just throw him in seems wrong.

I would have been REALLY happy to see The SHADOW, (Margo Lane, too), The SPIDER, The BLACK BAT, and GREEN HORNET and KATO. (At least, for the first limited series.) To just throw someone like Zorro "into a modern urban environment", doesn't seem quite right. But maybe they know what they're doing.

[And as much as I want to see the return of the PSP heroes, I'm scratching MY head over the inclusion of Black Terror and
.... well, GREEN LAMA doesn't seem too out of place. He'll fit right in.]

If Roberson wants to write PSP, I would love to see him handle all those Golden Age heroes.
But they, each of them, need to be developed as 3 dimensional characters rather than just "suits".

A lot of us would like to see The Original Golden Age DAREDEVIL, BLACK TERROR, MAGNO and DAVEY, The Clown, THE FACE, LASH LIGHTNING, LIGHTNING GIRL, THE RAVEN, CRIMEBUSTER, IRONJAW, THE CLAW, The Flame and Flame Girl, Miss Masque, Marvelo, SkyMan, Samson, BLUE BEETLE,(call him: THE BLUE SCARAB, if nothing else.)....AND all the rest of them return.

(But for me, I'd rather keep the pulp heroes I mentioned together.)

Wonder what ol' Doc Savage is doing these days????

[Green Lantern]

I am looking forward to this project.

I also want that "Green Hornet Year Two" project mentioned by Renaud!

[magnoanddavey]

I am looking forward to this project.

I also want that "Green Hornet Year Two" project mentioned by Renaud!
I'm looking forward to this project, too. This is probably one of the most exciting things to look forward to for quite some time.:cool:

[positronic]

This (issue #1 of MASKS) will be Alex Ross' first full interior art since DC's JUSTICE maxi-series. Incredibly, as prolific as he's been on covers (and contributing some interior pages to both PROJECT SUPERPOWERS and KIRBY: GENESIS), this will be his first full interior artwork for Dynamite. Ahh, if only he could do the entire series as well...

[magnoanddavey]

This (issue #1 of MASKS) will be Alex Ross' first full interior art since DC's JUSTICE maxi-series. Incredibly, as prolific as he's been on covers (and contributing some interior pages to both PROJECT SUPERPOWERS and KIRBY: GENESIS), this will be his first full interior artwork for Dynamite. Ahh, if only he could do the entire series as well...
I totally agree.!! ....if only.

He has 'racked" up quite a collection of wonderful covers. It will be nice to see his interiors for #1.

Do I worry who will follow.??? Yeah.

[Green Lantern]

I wonder if maybe Alex Ross could do an entire series sometime down the road? Something like a sequel to masks would be great. I would love a Golden Age Green Hornet/Kato oversized one-shot similar to the Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Shazam books he did a few years ago.

[magnoanddavey]

I wonder if maybe Alex Ross could do an entire series sometime down the road? Something like a sequel to masks would be great. I would love a Golden Age Green Hornet/Kato oversized one-shot similar to the Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Shazam books he did a few years ago.

Yeah, that would be nice.
I would choose The PROJECT: SUPERPOWERS for him to do the interiors. But let someone who can write, ---write it.

That would bring the buying public to DE. You MUST have a great story to go with his great art. A writer that could bring a QUALITY story would do it.
And with Ross' covers and his interior art.... I don't think it could miss.

Even if he pencilled it, and had a great inker to ink it.... it could work.!!:cool:

You have to establish the Golden Age characters in the Golden Age '40's and then move them to the present with a great story. Establishing them as American patriots who believe in American values of the 1940's was key to their "character."

Since this isn't a PSP thread, I would like to see Alex Ross on a team-up of The SHADOW, DOC SAVAGE, THE SPIDER, and GREEN HORNET and KATO. That would "trip my trigger"!!

Who fights THE OCTOPUS?? Skull-Killer?? The AVENGER is out there, too.!!

[positronic]

The Skull Killer was one of the weirdest pulp avengers ever. That's an excellent suggestion. The character is still under copyright by Argosy Communications, who assumed all ownership of the characters formerly published by Popular Publications (The Spider, G-8, Operator #5, The Green Lama).

[magnoanddavey]

The Skull Killer was one of the weirdest pulp avengers ever. That's an excellent suggestion. The character is still under copyright by Argosy Communications, who assumed all ownership of the characters formerly published by Popular Publications (The Spider, G-8, Operator #5, The Green Lama).
I've got a REALLY WILD comicbook of The Skull Killer!!
Thanks for the compliment: "Excellent suggestion". I have to return the compliment with an appreciation about all you seem to be familiar with.

Too bad he's still under copyright. You guys know alot. I wonder why he is still under copyright when The Green Lama and The Spider are not.?? Or what???

Does anyone have a picture of him?? I'm not sure I can get pages of the comic posted on here....and some of the panels are a bit disturbing for the "faint of heart".

Hey, it's on the web. Check: Skull Killer. Then, Curse of the Octopus.!! By Gary Terry!! That's the comicbook I've got. I wonder what ever happened to Gary?? I was hoping for more of this stuff.

They don't make 'em like that anymore!!

[positronic]

I've got a REALLY WILD comicbook of The Skull Killer!!
Thanks for the compliment: "Excellent suggestion". I have to return the compliment with an appreciation about all you seem to be familiar with.

Too bad he's still under copyright. You guys know alot. I wonder why he is still under copyright when The Green Lama and The Spider are not.?? Or what???

Does anyone have a picture of him?? I'm not sure I can get pages of the comic posted on here....and some of the panels are a bit disturbing for the "faint of heart".

Hey, it's on the web. Check: Skull Killer. Then, Curse of the Octopus.!! By Gary Terry!! That's the comicbook I've got. I wonder what ever happened to Gary?? I was hoping for more of this stuff.

They don't make 'em like that anymore!!

485

Why you make us work so hard, magnoanddavey (you're not conjoined twins, are you?)...???

Here's the link (http://offthebeatenpanel.blogspot.com/2012/06/skull-killer-pulp-mania-inc-1975.html) for everyone else. Interesting, and very reminiscent of Michael T. Gilbert's work on Mr. Monster!

That was an underground comic that snuck under the copyright holder's radar. DE's The Spider is an authorized adaptation (as was Moonstone's). Not sure about Green Lama, because there are some distinctions between the pulp and comic book version, and the comic book version never had the copyright renewed. Been trying to get a straight answer on that one for a while.

[magnoanddavey]

485

Why you make us work so hard, magnoanddavey (you're not conjoined twins, are you?)...???

Here's the link (http://offthebeatenpanel.blogspot.com/2012/06/skull-killer-pulp-mania-inc-1975.html) for everyone else. Interesting, and very reminiscent of Michael T. Gilbert's work on Mr. Monster!

That was an underground comic that snuck under the copyright holder's radar. DE's The Spider is an authorized adaptation (as was Moonstone's). Not sure about Green Lama, because there are some distinctions between the pulp and comic book version, and the comic book version never had the copyright renewed. Been trying to get a straight answer on that one for a while.

Thanks, again. You are "the man". Conjoined ?...maybe.
It's a bit edited, but probably for the best. I have always liked this comic and thought it had such a wonderful look to it. I was sorry that we never saw that second issue.

Skull Killer and The Octopus!! Nice match-up. They just don't make them like that anymore!! Unfortunately.

And, you're right. It does look a little like Gilbert's work.

I always wondered what happened to "Gary Terry".
I searched for more of his work for a long while without any luck. Well, I think there was another comic or two he did that I found ...but it wasn't Skull Killer. Lots of mood...and lots of ink.!!

[positronic]

Skull Killer and The Octopus!! Nice match-up. They just don't make them like that anymore!! Unfortunately.

In their original pulp magazine face-off, it was The Octopus, not the Skull Killer, who got cover billing:

486

The 1975 Pulp Mania (love that name!) comic book is a sequel of sorts to The Octopus Vol. 1 No. 4 (the first three issues were actually a pulp called The Western Raider) story "The City Condemned to Hell", which explains the comic's references to Skull Killer's earlier encounter with The Octopus. Terry's artwork and lettering has a very authentic Golden Age feel to it; were it not for the length of the story (such long stories being uncommon in the Golden Age), one could almost believe this was reprinted from a 1939 comic book.

Yes, there was a second pulp adventure for The Skull Killer! For some reason the editors over at Popular Publications decided to remodel their pulp super-criminal. What was obviously intended to be a second issue of The Octopus became instead The Scorpion Vol. 1 No. 1. Once again, it was the Skull Killer who opposed the evil plans of The Scorpion. Unfortunately, neither one of the supercrooks caught on with the reading public, and there ended the pulp career of the Skull Killer.

487

"The City Condemned to Hell" has been reprinted in the first Spider omnibus released by Baen Books some few years back. As far as I'm aware, The Scorpion story ("Satan's Incubator") hasn't been reprinted. The two novels together would make a nice Skull Killer collection for Matt Moring over at Altus Press. Maybe he could squeeze in a reprint of the comic book too.

I have another comic done by Pulp Mania/Gary Terry: Atom, Robot Adventurer (http://hairygreeneyeball2.blogspot.com/2010/09/atom-robot-adventurer.html). Also featuring another Golden Age hero, The Green Turtle! (You can't make this stuff up.)

[magnoanddavey]

In their original pulp magazine face-off, it was The Octopus, not the Skull Killer, who got cover billing:

486

The 1975 Pulp Mania (love that name!) comic book is a sequel of sorts to The Octopus Vol. 1 No. 4 (the first three issues were actually a pulp called The Western Raider) story "The City Condemned to Hell", which explains the comic's references to Skull Killer's earlier encounter with The Octopus. Terry's artwork and lettering has a very authentic Golden Age feel to it; were it not for the length of the story (such long stories being uncommon in the Golden Age), one could almost believe this was reprinted from a 1939 comic book.

Yes, there was a second pulp adventure for The Skull Killer! For some reason the editors over at Popular Publications decided to remodel their pulp super-criminal. What was obviously intended to be a second issue of The Octopus became instead The Scorpion Vol. 1 No. 1. Once again, it was the Skull Killer who opposed the evil plans of The Scorpion. Unfortunately, neither one of the supercrooks caught on with the reading public, and there ended the pulp career of the Skull Killer.

487

"The City Condemned to Hell" has been reprinted in the first Spider omnibus released by Baen Books some few years back. As far as I'm aware, The Scorpion story ("Satan's Incubator") hasn't been reprinted. The two novels together would make a nice Skull Killer collection for Matt Moring over at Altus Press. Maybe he could squeeze in a reprint of the comic book too.

I have another comic done by Pulp Mania/Gary Terry: Atom, Robot Adventurer (http://hairygreeneyeball2.blogspot.com/2010/09/atom-robot-adventurer.html). Also featuring another Golden Age hero, The Green Turtle! (You can't make this stuff up.)
Yeap, that is the one I have, too. Atom, Robot Adventurer and .... The Green Turtle. Nice "Gary Terry" stuff. I'm still impressed with what you have and know.
I thought The Green Turtle appeared in the Golden Age. Right?? Blazing Comics!! Cover feature on #1-4. And ya can't make this stuff up!! You are right, sir.

[positronic]

Whoops...! No sooner do I go and post that The Scorpion No. 1 has never been reprinted than the guys over at Radio Archives go and release an e-book version (http://www.radioarchives.com/The_Scorpion_eBook_1_Satan_s_Incubator_p/re309.htm) of said pulp novel:

488

Have to admit up front that I haven't thus far been a big fan of digital books or comics. I don't own an iPad or similar tablet -- still waiting for that market to shake out and the prices to drop. What I'd really want is a reader with a color 12" diagonal screen (same size as a comic book) that will display an entire comic page full-size (admittedly this is not a major concern for the average consumer) and I've yet to see that in a tablet device costing less than $1200 ($400 seems like the right price point to me). I've always been more of a tactile guy who likes the feel of paper in my hand. But I have to say, if anything would sorely tempt me, this is it. This baby is one of the holy grails of pulp novels. At $3 for the download, it's certainly worth it for someone who has a tablet already. I find reading these on my 17" laptop or desktop PC at work somewhat tedious, with all the scrolling involved. I suppose I could just download the thing as a PDF and print it myself, but seeing as how they already have the PDFs I don't know why Radio Archives wouldn't partner up with a print-on-demand service like lulu.com or create space and offer the printed books themselves. I'd pay $15 for a nice printed copy of this.

[magnoanddavey]

Whoops...! No sooner do I go and post that The Scorpion No. 1 has never been reprinted than the guys over at Radio Archives go and release an e-book version (http://www.radioarchives.com/The_Scorpion_eBook_1_Satan_s_Incubator_p/re309.htm) of said pulp novel:

488

Have to admit up front that I haven't thus far been a big fan of digital books or comics. I don't own an iPad or similar tablet -- still waiting for that market to shake out and the prices to drop. What I'd really want is a reader with a color 12" diagonal screen (same size as a comic book) that will display an entire comic page full-size (admittedly this is not a major concern for the average consumer) and I've yet to see that in a tablet device costing less than $1200 ($400 seems like the right price point to me). I've always been more of a tactile guy who likes the feel of paper in my hand. But I have to say, if anything would sorely tempt me, this is it. This baby is one of the holy grails of pulp novels. At $3 for the download, it's certainly worth it for someone who has a tablet already. I find reading these on my 17" laptop or desktop PC at work somewhat tedious, with all the scrolling involved. I suppose I could just download the thing as a PDF and print it myself, but seeing as how they already have the PDFs I don't know why Radio Archives wouldn't partner up with a print-on-demand service like lulu.com or create space and offer the printed books themselves. I'd pay $15 for a nice printed copy of this.
Thanks, for the info. I wished they would reprint this baby. I like touching the paper, too.!!

I am really looking forward to seeing this "event"... teaming these Pulp Heroes!!

Let's face it, to see this many Pulp Heroes together is like a "geek-gasium".

THE SHADOW, THE SPIDER, BLACK BAT, GREEN LAMA and the others. (The only "big guys" missing are DOC SAVAGE and maybe THE AVENGER.)

(We don't have to count OPERATOR 5, PHANTOM DETECTIVE, G-8 and his Battle Aces, CAPTAIN SATAN, SECRET AGENT X, SKULL-KILLER or even CAPTAIN ZERO.)

This is an EVENT that's really worth the wait, even though I hate waiting. I think a lot of fun and enjoyment lies ahead.

OK, I wished Skull-Killer was in there.

[magnoanddavey]

In their original pulp magazine face-off, it was The Octopus, not the Skull Killer, who got cover billing:

486

The 1975 Pulp Mania (love that name!) comic book is a sequel of sorts to The Octopus Vol. 1 No. 4 (the first three issues were actually a pulp called The Western Raider) story "The City Condemned to Hell", which explains the comic's references to Skull Killer's earlier encounter with The Octopus. Terry's artwork and lettering has a very authentic Golden Age feel to it; were it not for the length of the story (such long stories being uncommon in the Golden Age), one could almost believe this was reprinted from a 1939 comic book.

Yes, there was a second pulp adventure for The Skull Killer! For some reason the editors over at Popular Publications decided to remodel their pulp super-criminal. What was obviously intended to be a second issue of The Octopus became instead The Scorpion Vol. 1 No. 1. Once again, it was the Skull Killer who opposed the evil plans of The Scorpion. Unfortunately, neither one of the supercrooks caught on with the reading public, and there ended the pulp career of the Skull Killer.

487

"The City Condemned to Hell" has been reprinted in the first Spider omnibus released by Baen Books some few years back. As far as I'm aware, The Scorpion story ("Satan's Incubator") hasn't been reprinted. The two novels together would make a nice Skull Killer collection for Matt Moring over at Altus Press. Maybe he could squeeze in a reprint of the comic book too.

I have another comic done by Pulp Mania/Gary Terry: Atom, Robot Adventurer (http://hairygreeneyeball2.blogspot.com/2010/09/atom-robot-adventurer.html). Also featuring another Golden Age hero, The Green Turtle! (You can't make this stuff up.)

How 'bout that ad for Skull-Killer #1.!! Geeeeesh. I search for months for that second issue.

[positronic]

How 'bout that ad for Skull-Killer #1.!! Geeeeesh. I search for months for that second issue.

Speaking of which, did any of these comics ever see print?
490
Gary Terry seems like a guy who had ambitious plans. It's hard to know how to categorize these, but they seem to fit the fanzine category most closely, since they were self-published and were mostly homages to earlier comic and pulp characters and styles. Unless I miss my guess, Atom Robot Adventurer may just have been the first American comic to be drawn in the manga style.

According to this page (http://www.lambiek.net/artists/t/terry_gary.htm), Gary Terry also did the Johnny Bravo strip for DC's Cartoon Cartoons comic book. Weird. I had seen that listing on comicbookdb.com, and assumed it was an error, some other guy with the same name. But maybe not. Still can't seem to dredge up any real info on the guy. Might be a safe bet that he became an animator working for H-B/Cartoon Network, and that's how he got the comic gig for DC.

[magnoanddavey]

Speaking of which, did any of these comics ever see print?
490
Gary Terry seems like a guy who had ambitious plans. It's hard to know how to categorize these, but they seem to fit the fanzine category most closely, since they were self-published and were mostly homages to earlier comic and pulp characters and styles. Unless I miss my guess, Atom Robot Adventurer may just have been the first American comic to be drawn in the manga style.

According to this page (http://www.lambiek.net/artists/t/terry_gary.htm), Gary Terry also did the Johnny Bravo strip for DC's Cartoon Cartoons comic book. Weird. I had seen that listing on comicbookdb.com, and assumed it was an error, some other guy with the same name. But maybe not. Still can't seem to dredge up any real info on the guy. Might be a safe bet that he became an animator working for H-B/Cartoon Network, and that's how he got the comic gig for DC.

I know I've always wondered where he went and why didn't he get a comicbook gig. That Black Cobra character was most intriguing to me. I never could find any of these books. I suspect they were never published. Somebody prove me wrong, please.!!

[positronic]

Just so you don't think I forgot this thread was about MASKS.

491492493494495

[The Gorn Identity]

Love the logo! Gotta say, I'm torn between the Alex Ross and the Shadow wrap-around covers.

[positronic]

But WAIT -- there's even more! NOW how much would you pay?

MASKS #1 - Jae Lee cover (http://www.comicbookresources.com/prev_img.php?disp=img&pid=1345216923)

MASKS #1 - Francesco Francavilla cover (http://www.comicbookresources.com/prev_img.php?disp=img&pid=1345216925)

MASKS #1 - Ardian Syaf cover (http://www.comicbookresources.com/prev_img.php?disp=img&pid=1345216934)

Man, that's going to be one torn gorn.

I'm surprised they didn't go with one cover for each of the main characters where that character is a little larger and the others are more in the background.

No idea what the percentage breakdown is on these cover variations, but I'm sure some of them are going to be hard to get.

[positronic]

I would have killed for a Steranko cover!

[magnoanddavey]

I would have killed for a Steranko cover!
yEAH, he would have been perfect to do those characters. We can only dream.!!

[The Gorn Identity]

But WAIT -- there's even more! NOW how much would you pay?

MASKS #1 - Jae Lee cover (http://www.comicbookresources.com/prev_img.php?disp=img&pid=1345216923)

MASKS #1 - Francesco Francavilla cover (http://www.comicbookresources.com/prev_img.php?disp=img&pid=1345216925)

MASKS #1 - Ardian Syaf cover (http://www.comicbookresources.com/prev_img.php?disp=img&pid=1345216934)

Man, that's going to be one torn gorn.LOL Very true, Positronic!

[positronic]

Did they say how many issues this is supposed to run? 6, 8, 12? Already mentally preparing myself for the delays after the first few issues...

[Green Lantern]

All of those covers are breath-takingly beautiful. I will most likely purchase the Alex Ross version and then get the whole collection once they are reprinted in the collected tpb edition. :D

[positronic]

The original trilogy of The Spider pulp novels that Chris Roberson based the story of MASKS on.

498

Read more about the book at fighttheempirestate.com (http://fighttheempirestate.com)

[positronic]

And speaking of The Skull Killer... his first adventure as the nemesis of The Octopus has just been released by RadioArchives.com (http://www.radioarchives.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=RA416) as an audiobook, #13 in a series of "Will Murray's Pulp Classics":

500

Hear an audio sample from the book. (https://s3.amazonaws.com/audioclips/RA416.mp3)

This is so cool. I can't wait to get this and listen. I hope they do an audiobook adaptation of The Scorpion novel as well.

[skyorbit]

The fact is, this DID "happen here" to a certain extent. Do some research on the "Blue Eagle" symbol, and you'll discover that Much of FDR's new deal, was based on the economic policies of Germany and Italy. Hitler actually praised FDR for taking the reins of the economy. FDR's Blue Eagle was very much meant to replicate the successes of the Germain NAZI or the Italian fascisti symbols. Perhaps we have to think "The Spider" and other Pulps for reminding people that "it can happen here."

[magnoanddavey]

The fact is, this DID "happen here" to a certain extent. Do some research on the "Blue Eagle" symbol, and you'll discover that Much of FDR's new deal, was based on the economic policies of Germany and Italy. Hitler actually praised FDR for taking the reins of the economy. FDR's Blue Eagle was very much meant to replicate the successes of the Germain NAZI or the Italian fascisti symbols. Perhaps we have to think "The Spider" and other Pulps for reminding people that "it can happen here."
Good point, sky. I usually think of FDR as a pretty great President--- but Others from that time thought of him as kindof a dictator. He threatened to "stack" the Supreme Court and a host of other things we would look on as not so good for a free Republic.

I'm looking forward to the story and seeing these GREAT Pulp Heroes "brush up" against each other. The more we see about this, the better it looks.

To see The Shadow, Green Hornet & Kato, and The Spider in a story together would have been enough. The others will just be icing on the cake.

[TheMicrozone]

The historical truth of 1930s European fascism has a long reach in America. FDR was a strong supporter of Mussolini throughout the 1930s. Radio City Music Hall in NYC had a mural devoted to the hero Mussolini in their lobby that had to be painted over once we went to war with Italy. Even support for Hitler was not uncommon in Depression-era America, not for his politics, but for his leadership in rebuilding the devastated German economy. We wanted in on that action. There were many that were pushing FDR to be MORE like Mussolini.

Gabriel Over the White House (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabriel_Over_the_White_House) was a 1932 movie from Wm Randolph Hearst (inspiration for Citizen Kane) about America getting just such a dictator by way of a corrupt politician who is "possessed" by the angel Gabriel and who desolves Congress and takes direct command of all authority to fix America.

Even more terrifying: the Nazis genocide of the Jews was directly inspired by the American eugenics movement of the early 1900s. Many Americans like Margaret Sanger were openly praised by the Nazis for wanting to rid the nation of what she called "undesirable races". (She was referring mostly to black Americans.) The eugenics movement would push for the termination of the blind, deaf and other people with handicaps, not just as infants, but even well into adulthood since they weren't living "enjoyable lives". That was here in America.

The propaganda used by the Nazis were inspired by pro-war propaganda put out by the Wilson administration. Wilson also famously employed citizens to secretly spy on their neighbors, and report any who voiced anti-war statements during WWI. Over 100,000 Americans were jailed for that "crime". Another whitewash bit of historical trivia. This is the same President who put our currency into the hands of a private group of bankers called the Federal Reserve. Andrew Jackson had campaigned for the Presidency against shutting down just such an institution a hundred years earlier.

[magnoanddavey]

The historical truth of 1930s European fascism has a long reach in America. FDR was a strong supporter of Mussolini throughout the 1930s. Radio City Music Hall in NYC had a mural devoted to the hero Mussolini in their lobby that had to be painted over once we went to war with Italy. Even support for Hitler was not uncommon in Depression-era America, not for his politics, but for his leadership in rebuilding the devastated German economy. We wanted in on that action. There were many that were pushing FDR to be MORE like Mussolini.

Gabriel Over the White House (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabriel_Over_the_White_House) was a 1932 movie from Wm Randolph Hearst (inspiration for Citizen Kane) about America getting just such a dictator by way of a corrupt politician who is "possessed" by the angel Gabriel and who desolves Congress and takes direct command of all authority to fix America.

Even more terrifying: the Nazis genocide of the Jews was directly inspired by the American eugenics movement of the early 1900s. Many Americans like Margaret Sanger were openly praised by the Nazis for wanting to rid the nation of what she called "undesirable races". (She was referring mostly to black Americans.) The eugenics movement would push for the termination of the blind, deaf and other people with handicaps, not just as infants, but even well into adulthood since they weren't living "enjoyable lives". That was here in America.

The propaganda used by the Nazis were inspired by pro-war propaganda put out by the Wilson administration. Wilson also famously employed citizens to secretly spy on their neighbors, and report any who voiced anti-war statements during WWI. Over 100,000 Americans were jailed for that "crime". Another whitewash bit of historical trivia. This is the same President who put our currency into the hands of a private group of bankers called the Federal Reserve. Andrew Jackson had campaigned for the Presidency against shutting down just such an institution a hundred years earlier.

Good job. Yeah, it was a time that was pretty shakey for this free Republic. Very troubling. And "white-washed" .
Let that be a lesson to us.

I think it would be cool if MASKS would cover some of this, ....and our heroes make things "right". I would be pleased with the story if these kinds of things were covered.

I wished they could recreate this mood in the story, and have the heroes be instrumental in straightening things out. I think things were pretty dire.

Maybe a little like now. The Middle-East isn't looking very good nor is the financial stability of the World.
Looks like nothing but fun comin' our way.!!

[positronic]

THE SPIDER VS. THE EMPIRE STATE contains a very informative foreword by Thomas Krabacher of California State University, "Blackshirts Over Broadway", that places the pulp stories in the political context of 1938 and cites numerous influences on Norvell Page's Black Police Trilogy -- and indeed, the 1932 film Gabriel Over the White House was one of them, along with Governor Huey Long of Louisiana (nicknamed "The Kingfish"), a failed military coup in 1933 to seize control of the White House which inspired Sinclair Lewis' 1935 novel It Can't Happen Here, and various pro-fascism political leaders and movements in the 1930s.

[magnoanddavey]

THE SPIDER VS. THE EMPIRE STATE contains a very informative foreword by Thomas Krabacher of California State University, "Blackshirts Over Broadway", that places the pulp stories in the political context of 1938 and cites numerous influences on Norvell Page's Black Police Trilogy -- and indeed, the 1932 film Gabriel Over the White House was one of them, along with Governor Huey Long of Louisiana (nicknamed "The Kingfish"), a failed military coup in 1933 to seize control of the White House which inspired Sinclair Lewis' 1935 novel It Can't Happen Here, and various pro-fascism political leaders and movements in the 1930s.

"The Kingfish" was "assassinated" but I am unfamiliar with the failed Military coup in '33. Yikes.!! Familiar with Sinclair Lewis' novel, though. Where does "7 days in May" come in.?? Saw the movie with Douglas and Lancaster. Any relation to the coup??

One thing that stuck with me is Madison Square Gardens full of Nazis during a rally.

Hey, thanks for all the information. Makes me really want to read our MASKS comic and see how it's all handled.

The 1930's were "hard times". Sometimes I'm amazed that we've struggled through. Powerful forces now threaten to pull us under again.

[positronic]

I am unfamiliar with the failed Military coup in '33. Yikes.!! Familiar with Sinclair Lewis' novel, though.

According to Thomas Krabacher's foreword...

501

[comixfan1980]

Really awesome preview over at CBR of the pages done by Alex, my interest in this series grows with each passing day!

[skyorbit]

From a purely economic definition, the policies of FDR, Mussolini, and Hitler were the same. FDR's policies didn't have the racist element, but as somebody mentioned earlier the eugenics part of European fascism originated in the US too. In fact Lincoln,'s not the great savior history makes him out to be either.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYEUHk16yk4&feature=player_embedded

[magnoanddavey]

From a purely economic definition, the policies of FDR, Mussolini, and Hitler were the same. FDR's policies didn't have the racist element, but as somebody mentioned earlier the eugenics part of European fascism originated in the US too. In fact Lincoln,'s not the great savior history makes him out to be either.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYEUHk16yk4&feature=player_embedded

I'm glad we're "exploring" the background "setting" for our story in MASKS.

Any DE fan can be enriched by reading the posts you guys are making us aware of... in preparation of our story.

[magnoanddavey]

According to Thomas Krabacher's foreword...

501

Smedley is ok in my book.

Another plug on this thread:
Smedley Butler would like to see the return of Project: SuperPowers. (He told me, personally.);)

And, yes, I'm looking forward to this first issue of MASKS, too. It should be really great.!!
I'm REALLY GLAD ---that THE SHADOW and GREEN HORNET and KATO "brush-up" against each other.

Great anticipation at the other meetings.
These kinds of things make comics GREAT --- in my opinion.

Kind of a "dream"--"wish" fullfillment for so many pulp fans. And the visuals look GREAT!! We are really lucky to have Alex Ross do the first issue.:cool:

[weshes195]

Hey, I am new to Dynamite and I am starting to buy their comics in November. I have Masks #1 on pre-order because I heard that the writer is good and Ross is amazing. Will this be a good introduction or will I need to read a certain book before this? I am excited to start reading Dynamite!!

[positronic]

I urge anyone anticipating MASKS to pick up this week's COMIC SHOP NEWS (courtesy of your friendly neighborhood comics outlet). It contains a front-page article on the series, featuring quotes from all the principals, publisher Nick Barrucci, artist/designer Alex Ross, and writer Chris Roberson. While I won't transcribe the whole article here, I will toss you a few nuggets of interest:

Regarding the involvement of Zorro:
CHRIS ROBERSON: "Well, clearly the character of Don Diego de la Vega would be pretty long in the tooth by 1938 even if he didn't die, but but there's a long tradition of heroic legacies with these characters, and with Zorro in particular. So we'll be seeing a Zorro, just not necessarily the Zorro."

So... something like the "modern" (1937) version of Zorro featured in the Republic Pictures' serial Zorro Rides Again, where actor John Carroll plays James Vega, a descendant of the original Zorro. Come to think of it, the Green Hornet is nearly 80 years old now, so if DE can update him to our present, then updating Zorro from the 1820s to the 1930s isn't all that different...

Regarding the potential involvement of characters from Project Superpowers:
ALEX ROSS: "Well, let's just say that you're on to something."

Well, we'd already read the rumors to that effect, but... YESSSS!!!! Nice to hear it confirmed at the source. So let's see, we've got Green Lama, Black Terror and maybe a couple of others... and Miss Fury (the original catsuit-wearing fighting femme of the 1940s), all backdated a few years.

Regarding the interior art beyond issue #1:
ALEX ROSS: "Hopefully I'll continue contributing to the story overall, as well as doing covers and designs. The artist for subsequent issues will be a realist like myself, so that the artwork will be consistent with what I've already done."

My vote goes to Colton Worley! As long as it doesn't tear him away from The Spider for too long...

Regarding supporting characters who might subsequently spin off into their own books:
NICK BARRUCCI: "...we are looking at some of the characters for their own series. With the right pitch and creative team, you never know... We're taking this one step at a time."

The Black Bat, Green Lama, or Miss Fury, anyone...? Yes, please.

MASKS #1 (of an 8-issue limited series) is slated for a late November release

[magnoanddavey]

Kool. Thanks for the "heads-up"!

[The Gorn Identity]

I don't know why, but I had a small "geek out" moment from the preview pages showing the Shadow taking out Kato hand-to-hand. (Shadow fanboy here!)

[magnoanddavey]

"Exciting Attack" when I saw Alex Ross' cover for MASKS #3 with bullets bouncing off The BLACK TERROR!!

No, I'm not going to mention PSP!!

Another Great cover, man.

[Renaud]

WOW!
http://geek-news.mtv.com//wp-content/uploads/geek/2012/10/Masks03-cov-Ross1.jpg

[Kane]

Just to touch on the mood of the US during this time. The KKK and other such groups were supporting Hitler and much more public then today.
In fact, some cities in the south had annual "KKK Days", where the members could prade down the street and have the people support them.
Preachers, on the radio, would give sermons about the dangers of supporting the new deal and allowing the various races to intermingle.
The 30's were a mixing of thoughts, feelings, and ideologies.
As mentioned above, it's amazing that the US managed to survive through those times.

[positronic]

565

Seen here on Alex Ross' cover to issue #4, from left to right, are our heroes in their civilian identities: Green Hornet & Kato, Zorro, The Black Terror, The Shadow, The Spider, Miss Fury, ???, and The Green Lama... Can anyone identify the second character from the right? Possibly The Black Bat?

[Tulku]

I believe it is the Black Bat. It is the same people shown on Issue #3 (above) except that they are in costume on #3. He would be the guy behind the Hornet's head and that looks an awful lot like the Black Bat to me.

[positronic]

*BUMP*

MASKS #1 is ONE WEEK AWAY!! Pull out your wallets now, and don't let's be stingy... There will be cover variants a-plenty for this one, so please buy more than one to show your support!

OK, maybe I'm a little giddy with the excitement. Time to take my blood pressure medication...

[Paul Nolan]

I've only bought multiple covers before on one title (Nauck's Wildguard). Next week, I am SERIOUSLY considering getting every cover, as I cannot choose between them.

[johnpisme]

Midtown comics had (and may still have) Masks 1 for free to preorder. I hope my local shop has some of the variants. Gonna be getting a review copy Monday, too can't wait. I'll stop by and give you all a quick word on how good it is if you want.

[johnpisme]

So I've read issue #1 a couple times now...gotta say I love it. Don't want to say a lot about it now, but I can say that it is a great introduction and really makes you wish #2 could come out faster.

[James]

Just finished the first issue and I can't wait for the second, the art work is astounding and the story is flowing naturally, sometimes hard to pull off in big cross overs great work so far can't wait to read more.

[positronic]

Well, at least our 1930s Zorro now has a name -- Rafael Vega -- although he doesn't appear to actually BE the new Zorro at this point, just a struggling young artist who admires the historical Zorro (it isn't clear whether he's aware yet of his ancestor's heroic identity). Given that Dynamite chose to import non-locals to New York, like Rafael Vega, and Britt Reid and Kato from Chicago (which I still think should have been Detroit, where the radio show originated), I'm surprised they didn't fly in the Domino Lady from L.A. while they were at it, just to balance the group a little (and maybe give Miss Fury someone to talk to).

I was a little surprised that The Spider wasn't the one to first dig up the political conspiracy (given that he was the central character of the pulp trilogy that the plot here is based on). He just sort of popped in out of the blue to help out in the battle against the Black Police. It was nice to see a full-page advertisement for the paperback reprint of The Spider vs. The Empire State.

This Shadow seems to be more in character with his pulp incarnation than the one appearing in the regular DE Shadow series.

Too bad we didn't get to see Alex's renditions of Green Lama, Black Terror, Miss Fury (or is it Black Fury, as she was originally called?) and The Black Bat in this issue (sure, we still have all the iconic Ross covers to come in this series, but still).

[Kane]

Picked up my copy on the way home from work, and just finished it several minutes ago.
WOW!!!

I cannot believe how much I want the second issue, RIGHT NOW!
This is, with no doubt, the single best starting issue of a mini-series that I have read in years. From the first meeting between Green Hornet and Kato with The Shadow, to the final page, the story kept an excellent pace and had just the right mix of action and exposition. Having read the Spider stories this series is based on, I was a little worried that I would be reading the same story again, with just additional characters. I was wrong!

Seeing the beginnings of the new Zorro, Anthony Quinn(aka The Black Bat) showing his contempt at the new establishment, the uniforms of the new Black Police, and just the over all visuals presented in this book. All fulfill the raving pulp fanboy in me.
I do expect that some additional material will be presented in the next issue that will answer some of the questions. Like, how much does The Spider know about the Justice Party? Will we be getting a faithful version of The Black Bat? And, what brings the other heroes to the aid of New York?

Thank you Dynamite for bring together such an excellent creative team, and for having the courage to bring all these characters together in a single title.

[IrishX]

Issue #1 was great. Can't wait for more and knowing we are going to be seeing Terror and Lama just makes it that much better.

[comixfan1980]

What a fantastic first issue! Too bad Alex Ross won't be painting any more issues of this series and will be just doing covers as he mentioned in a CBR interview last week, but I'm at least glad he's involved with this series as he's well known for loving pulp heroes.

All in all amazing stuff here, the story was tight and the art was stunning and I'm loving how the book ended with The Spider trying to sound heroic and Green Hornet being more realistic, great touch.

[manga4life]

Damn, issue #1 was amazing and I could help but to just love having all of these awesome characters together at the same time (aside from the hint of Zorro, don't like him at all). The art was lovely, the story was enjoyable, and the ending of the book made me shiver as I plowed through it like a kid running over an old couple in a candy store, I am all shades of excited for the second issue.......damn these month long waits.


I have an idea: I think It would be kind of cool to see DE put an imprint logo or a "line" logo on the pulp books to have them clumped together in a line of comics, it would be a nice way to separate them from the standard line of comics the company publishes.

[LetsRollKato]

...but it sounds like it's a hit, thusfar.

My only problem is that I have nearly ZERO interest in the "Alex Ross-i-verse" characters (or, rather, the re-purposed out-of-copyright characters) that will also be appearing in the series. I think it's going to make it far too crowded but, I suppose, that remains to be seen.

[Britt68]

This issue was fantastic. I had high expectations. I was very concerned how they would weave Zorro into this story as he is from a different era and location. But I am intrigued with how they have started to bring him in.

The art was AWESOME!!!! I know it is Alex Ross, but this even surpassed my expectations. It was like watching a movie. Can Dynamite clone Ross and put him on more titles?

Kato, it will be interesting to see how they balance time with the PSP characters. Having a few like Black Terror and Green Lama seems approrpriate. I have to admit, I am a bit fearful that Dynamite will pour them into Masks, instead of making a PSP chapter 3. I hope I am wrong.

[positronic]

Kato, it will be interesting to see how they balance time with the PSP characters. Having a few like Black Terror and Green Lama seems approrpriate. I have to admit, I am a bit fearful that Dynamite will pour them into Masks, instead of making a PSP chapter 3. I hope I am wrong.

It's a slight bit of genre-crashing to see pulp-style heroes together with superheroes. But I think the balance is about right. Green Lama has quasi-mystical/religious based powers, but as long as they lean more towards the pulp version of the character (as opposed to the Mac Raboy superhero version) I think they'll be fine. Miss Fury really has no super powers (unless you count the way her body is poured into that catsuit), leaving the Black Terror as the only real traditional comic-style superpowered hero. And since he has a dark and grim costume, his look isn't visually jarring compared to the others. From the looks of the covers, I'm guessing he's being played as a stand-in for the early version of Superman, which to me is a concept that is very interesting to play with, since in the real world, the superheroes actually did supplant the pulp-style heroes in the same way that homo superior (Marvel's mutants over in X-Men and a multitude of other titles) are perceived by both humans and mutants as "the coming race" destined to supplant normal humans.

There was a second wave of pulp heroes, beginning around the same time as Superman and Batman were introduced, and these characters (The Black Bat, The Avenger, The Green Lama) were generally slightly more fantastic in their abilities than their early-1930s predecessors. By 1943, though, the pulps had stopped trying to compete with the more outlandish type of characters that were gaining in popularity in comic books, and the pendulum swung the other way, with the characters being toned down (and shrunk down) in digest-sized magazines with shorter lead novels, the supervillain foes disappearing, and Doc Savage being subtitled "...Science Detective" and The Shadow's once over-the-top adventures being changed to the more sedate "Shadow Mystery Magazine"; while some characters like The Avenger, The Spider, and The Green Lama disappeared altogether. (Green Lama got resurrected a couple of years later as a full-fledged comic book superhero, complete with skintight outfit, the power of flight, and super-strength.)

I think there's a lot of potential for seeing the reactions of characters like The Shadow, The Spider, Green Hornet & Kato, and Zorro to the Black Terror's super-strength and invulnerability. On the other hand, it's hard to think of what the Justice Party could possibly come up with to counter that (my guess would be giant mechanical men, probably numbered for easy reference), unless Black Terror all of a sudden develops some Kryptonite-like weakness.

[TheTerror]

Issue 1 rocked with Ross' art and I loved how the shadow and green hornet joined forces and how the spider came in at the end, it was awesome. I hope to see the spider be the prominent hero over the others but I'm betting it to be the shadow since he's a bit more popular, but the ending rocked and cliffhanger for the 2nd issue.

[Chadster]

Alex's art is so dynamic but why the hell does he overdraw The Shadow's nose to elephant scale? Anyhow, Masks #1 was an absolute knockout, I love the story and I love how Shadow and Hornet met with Shadow kicking Kato's butt, really great read. Thanks!

[positronic]

Alex's art is so dynamic but why the hell does he overdraw The Shadow's nose to elephant scale?

To be fair, oversized honker and all, Ross isn't doing anything that original Shadow pulp cover artists George Rozen and Graves Gladney didn't already establish.

568569570

[positronic]

...but it sounds like it's a hit, thusfar.

My only problem is that I have nearly ZERO interest in the "Alex Ross-i-verse" characters (or, rather, the re-purposed out-of-copyright characters) that will also be appearing in the series. I think it's going to make it far too crowded but, I suppose, that remains to be seen.

By "Alex Ross-i-verse" characters, I assume you mean Black Terror and Green Lama from Project Superpowers. At this point, those appear to be the only PSP characters that will appear in this series. Sure, they could have gone with a smaller cast consisting of just The Shadow, The Spider, and Green Hornet and Kato (and maybe the Black Bat), but I think DE wanted this to be an event on a slightly larger scale. So we have 9 main characters (and for story purposes, Green Hornet & Kato function as a single unit), spread out over an 8-issue series. That's probably by design, not coincidence. It's a medium-sized cast, only slightly larger than the typical comic book superteam, and far smaller than the casts of either Project Superpowers or Kirby: Genesis (both of which were legitimately "too crowded").

[Ghornet2]

finally got a chance to read it yesterday. Can't wait for the next issue. They are probably going to feature different characters in each issue. The Shadow, Green Hornet & Kato this issue with a little Spider and hints of Zorro & Black Bat. It looks like the Spider will play a bigger part next issue and possible Black Bat.

Hopfully this means a return of a GA Green Hornet series and maybe a couple of new series.

[manga4life]

So I'm reading that Masks #1 cracked the top 300 comics list according to a couple different news sites and Dynamite retweeted a tweet from the issues letterer that it was indeed a top 25 book. Congrats!

[positronic]

So I'm reading that Masks #1 cracked the top 300 comics list according to a couple different news sites and Dynamite retweeted a tweet from the issues letterer that it was indeed a top 25 book. Congrats!

According to Diamond Comics' statistics for the month of November 2012, MASKS #1 was rated as the #1-ranking title (in unit sales) among "non-premiere" publishers. (Non-premier publishers are everyone except Dark Horse, DC, Marvel, IDW, and Image.) In the overall rankings, MASKS #1 was ranked #25 in unit sales, and was ranked #16 in overall dollar sales. Not bad for a "non-premiere" publisher.

[James]

According to Diamond Comics' statistics for the month of November 2012, MASKS #1 was rated as the #1-ranking title (in unit sales) among "non-premiere" publishers. (Non-premier publishers are everyone except Dark Horse, DC, Marvel, IDW, and Image.) In the overall rankings, MASKS #1 was ranked #25 in unit sales, and was ranked #16 in overall dollar sales. Not bad for a "non-premiere" publisher.


For some reason I feel about DE the way a sports fan feels about their Home team, Masks #1 was an incredible comic book and a huge success financially. I like seeing my team do well.

[Green Lantern]

I was not able to find a copy of Masks #1 in Metro Manila. However, today I downloaded my free digital copy on Comixology. I absolutely LOVED it! After reading #1 and seeing the preview of #2, I don't think I am going to be able to resist buying the entire series in digital format.

I hope that after Masks #6 comes out that Dynamite will come up with a way to continue featuring all of our mystery masked men in the same story.

[positronic]

I was not able to find a copy of Masks #1 in Metro Manila. However, today I downloaded my free digital copy on Comixology. I absolutely LOVED it! After reading #1 and seeing the preview of #2, I don't think I am going to be able to resist buying the entire series in digital format.

I hope that after Masks #6 comes out that Dynamite will come up with a way to continue featuring all of our mystery masked men in the same story.

Unless I misunderstood, I believe it's 8 issues, not 6.

[comixfan1980]

Yes, the series will be 8 issues with issue #2 coming out this Wednesday!

[Green Lantern]

EIGHT issues? Thanks for the good news, guys! :)

Its so nice to be incorrect sometimes!

[Ghornet2]

Just picked up The Spider vs. The Empire State from my LCS. Your LCS can order it from the publisher (Argosy Communications) as it isn't listed by Diamond. It's next on my reading list (book wise).

[LetsRollKato]

I'm really enjoying the series so far. I am concerned that it'll get over-crowded with characters but it, thus far, has not.

Keep up the superb work!

[Ghornet2]

I'm really enjoying the series so far. I am concerned that it'll get over-crowded with characters but it, thus far, has not.

Keep up the superb work!

I wonder if some of the characters (Black Terror, Black Bat, Zorro) aren't going to play a minor roll or if each issue will feature a few different characters.

[Kane]

Just picked up The Spider vs. The Empire State from my LCS. Your LCS can order it from the publisher (Argosy Communications) as it isn't listed by Diamond. It's next on my reading list (book wise).

For anyone interested in additional information, or want to order directly from the publisher, you can get the information at, Fight the Empire State (http://fighttheempirestate.com/).

[Ghornet2]

Just finished the Spider vs. Very good. the ending was a little sudden but not bad. Definitely recoommended for fans a the Spider.

[positronic]

Black Terror first appeared in Exciting Comics #9, January 1941. But in the MASKS universe, he apparently has his origin in 1938. They're also fudging the first appearance of Green Lama, who first appeared in the pulp Double Detective Vol 5 #5, April 1940. What the heck, anything for a good story.

[magnoanddavey]

Pos,
Can they slip by if EXCITING #9 doesn't tell the origin...and they are vague in dating the origin when it did appear??

I can't remember if The Black Terror's origin is there in EXCITING #9.
We could let them "slip by" if there is no "date specific" in the origin story there at Standard.

Sometimes it's easier to stop the train and untie the girl than nail the date.

[Ghornet2]

Pos,
Can they slip by if EXCITING #9 doesn't tell the origin...and they are vague in dating the origin when it did appear??

I can't remember if The Black Terror's origin is there in EXCITING #9.
We could let them "slip by" if there is no "date specific" in the origin story there at Standard.

Sometimes it's easier to stop the train and untie the girl than nail the date.

Just checked the GCD (Grand Comicbook Database) and #9 is Terror's origin. As I don't own a copy :( I can't say anything about a date, but back then I don't think they worried or really delt with that sort of thing. I'll try and check my Mystery Man reprints in the next day or 2.

[positronic]

Probably best not to dwell much on it. Just as there are discrepancies between DE's versions and the pulp versions of The Shadow and The Spider, and the radio version of Green Hornet. DE's versions of all these golden age characters are sort of "approximations" of the historical versions.

[magnoanddavey]

Probably best not to dwell much on it. Just as there are discrepancies between DE's versions and the pulp versions of The Shadow and The Spider, and the radio version of Green Hornet. DE's versions of all these golden age characters are sort of "approximations" of the historical versions.
Good by me!!