It’s safe to say that Image and Skybound have been laying the tracks for M.A.S.K. #1 to be the next big thing in the Energon Universe. G.I. Joe introduced Matt Trakker as a sometimes ally of the Joes, while Transformers has brought in his arch nemesis, Miles Mayhem. Even this year’s Energon Universe Special had a main story that features Trakker and Mayhem forming their respective forces M.A.S.K. and V.E.N.O.M. Needless to say, that’s a lot of road laid down, and the creative team of Dan Watters and Pye Parr hits the ground running.
The majority of M.A.S.K. #1 is dedicated to two parallel storylines: Trakker being chased and eventually interrogated by the U.S. Army while Mayhem and his V.E.N.O.M. operatives start searching for a mysterious energy source that can turn the tide against the Transformers. It’s here that Watters establishes just how different these two men are, as Trakker is literally ten steps ahead of everyone else while Mayhem is literally mad with power. It’s a dynamic sure to fuel future issues and to highlight that hero and villain alike will share the spotlight.
Parr also brings his own sense of style to the dual storylines, using visuals to draw a distinction between how M.A.S.K. and V.E.N.O.M operate. Trakker’s story opens in the middle of a high-octane car chase, with his sleek red car barrelling down the road with a legion of Army vehicles in tow. It then slows down as he deftly avoids the questions being thrown at him during his interrogation, even turning things around on his captors. Mayhem’s operatives, on the other hand, start off slowly investigating and then turn downright sinister once they’ve found their prey. It’s here that Parr introduces a good deal of body horror, showcasing what happens when alien technology meets human flesh. The true highlight comes when Trakker uses his M.A.S.K. technology, resulting in an epic fight scene.
Image/Skybound
Pierluigi Casolingo also deserves plenty of credit for the use of colors he brings to the table. Most of the color work consists of slightly earthy tones, but it pops whenever Trakker or Mayhem enter the picture. Part of that is due to the red-and-blue and navy blue suits that each man is wearing, but it also draws the eye to their respective facial expressions. Readers will be able to see the intelligence behind Trakker’s eyes, as well as the sheer madness dancing in Mayhem’s; it’s yet another divide drawn between the pair.
M.A.S.K. #1 brings another interesting idea to the table with the “M.A.S.K. Network”, which Trakker is using to gather operatives to battle V.E.N.O.M. In a neat twist, it turns out that anyone can be part of this network, depending on who Trakker picks to help him out. This is a great way to get readers invested, as you never know who might be part of M.A.S.K., and it also offers the audience a way to connect with the comic. After all, who hasn’t dreamed of saving the world?
M.A.S.K. #1 takes readers on a full-throttle ride into the latest corner of the Energon Universe, as it expertly draws the line between hero and villain. Even if you’ve never seen the original animated series, this is still worth a read and a great stepping stone into one of the most unique reboots in comic book history.
