By Jason Webb
“Masks,” the first Dynamite crossover featuring the publisher’s lineup of famous pulp heroes of yesteryear!
The concept of comic book crossovers quite often leaves people thinking “oh no, not another one” which more often than not is a very justified reaction. Dynamite comics recently decided to crossover all their main pulp heroes, which sounds like a lot when you consider the amount of properties they have, The Shadow, Green Hornet, The Spider, even Zorro just to name a few. Although if you have been following any of these stories recently, this really has the potential to be something amazing.
The story begins in 1938, a time with no superheroes, just vigilantes in masks. We encounter Green Hornet and Kato in the middle of dishing out some justice, when The Shadow appears and things quickly come to a violent conclusion for the criminals. Green Hornet and Kato have never met the Shadow before, however they quickly come to learn he is working towards the same course of justice as them, although they learn this the hard way.
Green Hornet and Kato have never met the Shadow before, however they quickly come to learn he is working towards the same course of justice as them…
We then come to learn of the “Justice Party” a political group that is run by all the major criminal organisations of the United States. This also brings to light that they have an ulterior motive to being the law. This does not sit too well with our crime fighters, who learn that justice needs to be served, as the law is quickly becoming more and more corrupt. After the introduction of the new law enforcement officers, the new comrades must swing into action to serve the justice the world needs.
After the introduction of the new law enforcement officers, the new comrades must swing into action to serve the justice the world needs.
Chris Roberson has done such a brilliant job on this issue. His writing is perfect, from the dialogue between characters to the justice party announcements it all just flows together brilliantly. I am not sure if Chris has a history of writing these characters, or if he is a fan of the whole pulp era, but he expresses a knowledge of the era the story is set in, and really portrays the characters well and their interactions together.
I know this issue’s interiors are all a one off, and anyone that knows me will know I am a HUGE Alex Ross fan. This issue is truly one of the best books, art wise, I have seen for a long time. Ross’ painting skills are known in the comic book world and he does not disappoint with this. The dark tones of the night scenes are made to give the dark shadowy effect of the main characters their desired effect, and are brilliantly done, while the bright lights of the club, and street scenes give the alter-egos of the characters the blending in effect they need.
This issue is truly one of the best books, art wise, I have seen for a long time. Ross’ painting skills are known in the comic book world and he does not disappoint with this.
This entire book has blown me away, the crossover event I hoped it would be. I am a fan of the whole pulp style heroes, and Dynamite in general. I know many people will already have this book by the time I write this, but if you have not I can’t recommend it any more. This would be the perfect time to jump on board and start getting a feel for the pulp heroes and their era.
You can follow Jason Webb on his blog jaybwebb.wordpress.com or on Twitter at @Jaybwebb
Posted on December 31st, 2012
Category: REVIEWS, WEBB OF SHADOWS
Tags: Alex Ross, Chris Roberson, Comic Reviews, Dynamite Comics, Dynamite Entertainment, Green Hornet, Jason Webb, Masks #1 Review, The Shadow, The Spider, WEBB OF SHADOWS #007 – “MASKS”