Masks #2
Written by Chris Roberson
Art by Dennis Calero
Letters by Simon Bowland
Art direction by Alex Ross
Covers by Alex Ross, Howard Chaykin, Jae Lee, Adrian Syaf
Dynamite Entertainment
Release Date: December 19, 2012
Cover Price: $3.99

Masks #2 is pulp heroes at its best. I only wish DC Comic would’ve handled their pulp line as well as Dynamite does here. They’ve created a shared universe for all their characters that makes sense, is fun, and turns out to be one heck of a good time.

Writer Chris Roberson really goes a fantastic job in this issue. The previous issue introduced the villains and heroes, this is issue is where the team starts to take shape and head into action. A lot of company crossovers seem forced, going to great lengths to bring the heroes together, but here, it’s done in such a natural way, you never even think twice about the believability of the story. Roberson also introduces new characters in this issue and furthers the actions of the villains, forcing the team to get organized and ready to go. This is a REALLY well-written issue, and, so far, the comic reads a lot better in monthlies than it will in trade. Every issue so far has ended on a cliffhanger and when you’re reading a trade, all you do is turn the page, but it really helps that you get a month break to absorb the story and speculate at what might be coming next month.

Masks #1
Written by Chris Roberson
Painted by Alex Ross
Letters by Simon Bowland
Cover by Alex Ross, Jae Lee, Francesco Francavilla & Ardian Syaf
Dynamite Entertainment
Release Date: November 28, 2012
Cover Price: $3.99

Masks #1 is not just another mega crossover. It’s the BEST kind of crossover. One that’s natural and organic and one that makes sense. It’s not just another “let’s throw all our characters into one big fight” book. It’s a top of the line, great comic.

Dynamite could NOT have chosen a better person to write this, that comic scribe Chris Roberson. He works MAGIC in this book. As I stated before, everything flows naturally, and nothing is forced. The book takes place in the golden age of the pulp heroes, with everyone in their prime. Again, everything is natural and flows beautifully. The Green Hornet & Kato follow a big time criminal to New York City where they meet up with The Shadow. I don’t want to give too much away, but other characters follow and are introduced. Also, what I loved about this book is the villains. They’re perfect pulp villains. There’s no all powerful bad guy who holds the city hostage, it’s a natural enemy for the heroes of that time. This is some really solid writing, and I can’t wait for future issues.