Year of the Villain: Black Mask #1 // Review
Done-in-one stories are hard to execute well. Doubly so when they tie into line-wide event stories. So far, however, DC has had success with its tie-ins to Year of the Villain. The Sinestro one-shot earlier this month was excellent, and this week’s Year of the Villain: Black Mask #1 follows suit.
The issue gives a quick origin of Roman Sionis, aka the Black Mask, followed by a harrowing escape with the help of one of Lex Luthor’s “offer” drones. After that, it’s a chase story, as Sionis goes to Atlanta working for Luthor, followed by Renee Montoya and Kate Kane.
The book is written by rising star Tom Taylor, who has been on a roll with both DCeased and Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. Taylor really gets into Sionis’ head in this issue, making one of Batman’s lower-tier villains seem as interesting and tragic as his headlining enemies. Taylor’s depiction of Kate Kane, Renee Montoya, and the young Bruce Wayne are all spot-on as well.
Cully Hamner’s art (with colors by Dave Stewart and letters by Wes Abbott) is a master class. Hamner’s design sensibilities are stunning, giving Sionis a quirk that makes him instantly recognizable regardless of which face he’s wearing throughout the issue. It’s a treat to see Hamner tackle Montoya and Batwoman, as well, although Montoya never suits up as the Question.
The only problem with the issue, unfortunately, is its reason for existing in the first place. The inclusion of Lex Luthor and his offer feels shoehorned into what is otherwise a stunner of an installment. Still, it’s great to see a one-and-done comic done well, and Year of the Villain: Black Mask #1 is definitely that.
