The Mask (1991 series)

The Mask
Publication information
ScheduleMonthly
FormatLimited series
Publication date1989 – 1991
No. of issues5 (one-shot + 4)
Main character(s)
Creative team
Written byJohn Arcudi
Artist(s)Doug Mahnke
Letterer(s)Pat Brosseau
David Jackson
Colorist(s)Doug Mahnke
Matt Webb
Editor(s)Mike Richardson

The Mask is an American comedy horror comic book limited series written by John Arcudi and drawn by Doug Mahnke. Published by Dark Horse Comics as the first installment of the comic book series of the same name and resulting franchise, the series chronicles the events following the death of serial killer Stan "Big Head" Ipkiss, as police detective Mitch Kellaway uses the titular supernatural mask formerly belonging to Ipkiss to become a new vigilante "Big Head", attempting to clean up the city of its criminals.

The first half of the story (collected as Issue #0) was originally published in the four-issue anthology series Mayhem, between May and September 1989, with the four-issue miniseries following on from its events being published between July and December 1991, all receiving a generally positive critical reception, with a sequel, The Mask Returns, being published from 1992 to 1993, and a loose film adaptation releasing in 1994.