The Evolution Of The Mask! From Horror To Comedy 

One major influence on the development of "The Mask" movie that wasn't mentioned was "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" released a few years before. Not only did that popular movie mix live action with animation, it also focused on classic cartoons and slapstick humor. Jessica Rabbit was definitely designed after the voluptuous red head from Tex Avery's "Red Hot Riding Hood."

As lighthearted and good-natured as it is, I always like to enter THE MASK into the "Make a movie sound really awful" game, that is, "Sexually frustrated "Nice Guy" writes manifesto, gets really into Nordic mysticism, puts on face paint and shoots up a city."

I love both versions, I would have liked to have a modern version where they balance the comedy and brutality a little bit more. I think it would make for a really fun dark comedy movie and would be much more accepted than it would have if they had tried that in the 90's

I would love to see a Mask movie done as an anthology. The seeds are there with the first Mask movie (different people wearing it = different outcomes), which can open up to some excellent ways to tell tales without being a total jarring horror shift from the comedic first movie. It would even be great to explore a first person view, like some LSD nightmare. The potential to tell really any kind of story is big here, with a nice 'be careful what you wish for' underlying theme

It is interesting to see the various creators apparently being so supportive of each other; and being so ready to pass the Mask on to someone else.

i love both the book and movie versions. For a "reboot" I would love to see an introduction of different masks. You can keep the Loki mask (which is a good idea given the popularity of MCU Loki) while introducing the amazon mask as more violent and controlling. Other masks could be Greek gods, ancient monsters, and personifications of aspects of the universe.

Use to love the Mask Movie, I would watch it on repeat as I kid. You should talk about the Mask cartoon. It's interesting how it combines elements form the comic and movie together, while also introducing a more traditional superhero element to it.

I think a Mask movie that embraces the dark horror of the comic would fare much better now than it did back then, partially because comic adaptations are taken much more seriously now than in the early 90s

I think the Mask movie is a great way to push forward a character and develop lore. It creates a talking point on how we want to view the world using two different pieces of material. I don't think we would still be talking about the comic outside of very small circles without it.

After learning the history, I can safely observe that The Mask was tailor-suited for Jim Carrey and not the way around. Almost as if it was destiny.

The Mask is a brilliant concept, largely because it is a paradox. Whereas ordinary masks conceal the wearer's true self, the Mask reveals who a person really is on the inside. The original, nihilistic message of the story is that many "good" people are actually quite twisted deep inside, and once they feel powerful enough to not have to fear consequences for their actions, they finally become the psychopaths they were all along. The movie version demonstrates this truth not only through Dorian, but at some points even through Stanley. "I could fight crime! Protect the innocent! Work for world peace! But first...[implied: "I'm going to sodomize these sleazy mechanics"]." Yes, it's played for humor and the mechanics are pretty much okay in the end, but in real life that would NOT be funny.

One of the best versions of the mask is probably Lobo vs the mask. It really keeps the violence and comedy aspects while not leaning to much into either. Don’t get me wrong it’s still hyper violent, but it fits

Finding out the history of the mask comic is very interesting since I never read it but I love the movie

I really like whne the Mask has another more serious character to balance it out, like the giant mobster who fights Kellaway's Mask or the crossover with Lobo. It's a fun dinamic.

I know I say this a lot but I just love how much I learn from your videos. I was not aware it was a Richardson character prior to the 90s books. And we may never get the surreal wonder that would have been Cage Superman, but we have more than enough time for a Cage Mask movie. Like you, I want to visit this universe.

I have a friend who would never stop singing the praises of the old school Mask comics, and wants a reboot to be just like it. This was about 11 years ago, when the possibilities were rising, and there was hope... Now, I expect for Netflix to make it, or some other streamer to make an original movie or series of it. We were so close to greatness with that Cameron Diaz sequel, but we got Son of Mask with plastic haired Jamie Kennedy.

I only found out that The Mask came from a comic like nearly decade ago. It’s one of my all time favorite movies since early childhood, so I was pretty surprised that its source material was so violent and gory, and that New Line was originally planning to make the movie a horror comedy.

Yes! Talk about the Joker/Mask crossover. I love the art in that book. I'm even considering digging it out of the box right now.

I think a Netflix series jumping between a comics dark tone and the movies comedic tone would be great showing how the Mask affects different people.

The funny thing is the Saturday morning cartoon incorporated more of the comic as well. Namely Walter and a few other elements from the comics that showed up but obviously toned down.

I once read a description of the Arcudi/Mahnke Mask in that it was a "Looney Toons cartoon directed by Sam Peckinpah".

Having read the Mask when younger I perceived it to be a dark almost horror comic and was surprised when they decided to turn it into a slapstick style comedy. I remember wondering what the creators of the comic thought of this recreation of their work.

I already love this movie growing up. It was so hilarious and yet I couldn’t help but to be a little bit scared and now I know that it was very intentional. This video in the comic itself has given me even more appreciation for the film. It’s a fsvorite and I’m gonna rewatch since it’s been ages.

If I remember the Mask did a lot of breaking the 4th wall. I wonder if the wearers remember doing that?

I would love a dark and gritty Mask reboot starting Ben Schwartz & Aubrey Plaza, and both wear the mask at different points, that’s be pretty cool.

Great video Sasha! Love the format. I grew up with the movie and checked out one of the comic runs later on, and yeah. While very different, they both work in their own way. I’d love to see more videos like this about other comic book movies. Especially the weird ones.

See also Men In Black for a very successful loose adaptation of a comic book most people never heard of.

Both versions are great to me. Watching the movie and loving it and than hearing there's a version where is super violent. Well, call me intrigued. After reading it, it made me think what would I do with the mask? Great idea in and out.

I love the film. A darker take could work but then I don't think you can discount the Carrey version. It's a bit like Ninja Turtles- there are variations you can do that can be lighter or darker but they seem to be within certain parameters.

I liked this movie, I don't think I would have enjoyed the comics. Still, I'm happy I got to learn more about it. Thank you

From a horror, to a comedy, to a what is supposedly a comedy but is more of a horror

Can I just say, am I the only one who has always compared the original mask to death note? They fill.... a similar niche in my head

There's also the cartoon as well, which is another medium, though one thing I always enjoyed was that the villain discovered the identity of the Mask in the first episode.

Hey Sasha, random person here who’s opinion doesn’t matter, but I just wanted to say I think you are very informative, entertaining and all around a wonderful presenter. I appreciate how not annoying at all that you are. God knows there’s enough of that on RU-vid great work.

Reimaging Stanley into a repressed nice guy was the film best dicision ever

I love The Mask movie and was obsessed with it as a kid, as well as the animated series. I've always been interested in the vastly different source material and would like to read it some time. However, I agree that any future adaptations or reboots should definitely be closure to the comics. I'd also love to see a video on the time the Joker got the Mask.

I wasn't really aware of the comic so this was interesting. I remember loving the cartoon as a kid (back when every movie seemed to get a cartoon show lol)

The Mask vs. Lobo miniseries was amazing. Highly recommended

24:02 - Completely off topic for the video, but I love how the first panel here maintains Harley Quinn's sort of "air-head" outward demeanor while simultaneously reminding us she has a psychology degree.

Am curious to see now if you'll talk at all about the cartoon series based off the movie but that drew elements from the comic that the movie had ignored.... i just love the mask property so much XD

This was fascinating! I remember being struck by The Masque's surrealism when I found some Dark Horse Presents comics, but wasn't able to collect the full run, so never fully understood the story. But that whole "bending reality around you" power really called to me. I enjoyed the later Mask stories, but hoo boy was it a different tone! The dance numbers in the movie actually called back to the Masque era I thought, with everyone getting caught up (at least psychologically) in the Mask's power.

I love this very in depth videos you make from time to time and this is probably one of my favorites

@7:36 was expecting the clip of JCVD doing the splits onto the kitchen counter 😆

I always love your looks, even the simplest ones. Another great video, too!

Anyone else notice The Mask cameo in God of War: Ragnarok? Loki's mask looks exactly the same as the model from the Jim Carrey movie.

Ah the 90s when you wanted your comicbook movies to be release without any hint that a comicbook was involved in anyway.

I'm so glad I found this channel. It's quickly becoming my favorite comics channel on YT. Thanks for the great content 😁

What I'd like to see is a movie based on the flashback (only a few pages in the comics) to the Mask getting stolen from the Amazonian tribe (The Comic book version of the mask, not the movie version, because no Loki Origin) that ends with the Mask winding up in the pawn shop, leaving us open for a "Comic book Ipkiss" movie.

The Mask is one of my favorite Jim Carey films.

I like the medium of dark and lighthearted shown in the Lobo vs The Mask comic run. In fact, that host/adaptation may be my favorite.

The differences between the comic and movie of The Mask remind me in certain ways of the differences with The Crow.

Love the first movie, i should really check out the comic

thanks for the video on the Mask loved listening to this. I think I'd be OK with a darker OG book tone, as long as they have fun with it. I personally prefer the lighter tone of the movie and animated show conveyed.

“ Sasha CC Is SMOKIN’ GOOD “!!! Lol Over the Top , but True …I was not aware that the comic preceded the movie & Yes initially Jim Carry was that White Guy from In Living Color …But this movie quickly changed it to In Living Color is that Show Jim Carry started in…I’m not sure I would have wanted to see a movie like the comic…but the movie Definitely made me but the Joker/ Mask Mini series…Keep Up The Outstanding Work Sasha 🖖🏾

Another great deep dive. Thank you Sasha.

Some part of me wants Loki Season 2 to have Tom Hiddleston encounter the Mask. Or maybe just an Alan Cummings variant of himself, for PTSD’s sake.

The Universe with Nick Cage as the Mask is R rated and Ultra Violent like the comics but it still has a happy ending for Stanly.

Nick Cage Mask?! I have never wanted something more in my entire life than this. I need it to happen.

My first exposure to The Mask was the cartoon, and it's still my favourite version

Love the movie. I've read the comic. Not my favorite, but I see the appeal.

One thing I find interesting in the sequel they I never see talked about is that Loki is Odin's son I've always found this strange as as far as I'm aware that's a Marvel only thing. I feel like they may have accidentally ripped off Marvel Comics because that was the writers only knowledge of Norse Mythology

I would love a mask list just so I can learn more and maybe get into the comics.

I remember watching the mask almost 21 years ago when I was on a plane leaving Hawaii back home . And they’re was some work friends my mom knew and they said they had a movie called the mask and I asked them what’s the mask. And they said it’s about a man who wears a mask and it’s really funny. And when I watched I was just blown away by the amazing story and laughter . And I watched a video about the comic cd rom from 1994 and i just pre ordered the comic on the mask and im so excited to read it and it’s the perfect comic horror show .

One of my favorite movies! So glad I got to learn more about it from you :)

Aww! Now I wanna see Sasha do a deep dive on Timecop.

I for one at all for more Mask discussion, especially the DC crossovers but more so Lobo than the Joker.

I like the new chapter break/title cards

I remember watching the 90's Mask cartoon as a kid.

The Mask movie is a great interpretation of the comic, while Son of the Mask is a great example of Running off the Rails. Would love the Big Head to come back to film as either a series of small stories or a return to Horror and Gore full feature.

the supervillain Red Death from Venture Bros. in my view is a worthy homage to the comic book incarnation of the Mask

Loved this style of video Sasha!

There’s actually a mask motion comic on RU-vid adapting the original story

I like both versions. The movie version really works with Jim Carry in the role. I do like that presentation of the mask more amplifying someone's inner traits. I think the cartoon even explored that a bit. I remember an episode with some mad scientist who believed he was so smart that he was beyond notions like good and evil. But when he put the mask on he understood he was evil and embraced it. But the idea in the comic is interesting too. That idea of having unrestrained power and just becoming adicited to lashing out and hurting everyone who ever wronged you. I am hoping the reboot draws much more from the comic, just because I want to see what that Mask would be like.

Seems like, with direct-to-streaming programming very much on the rise and here to stay, this would be the perfect way to do the next adaptation of the Mask. Each episode (or multi-episode arc) can feature a different character finding the Mask, and what ensues. Little to no recurring characters or actors.

I didn't read the comics or see the film, Sasha, but wow! how much time did you put into this vid? The research, script writing, and editing are excellent, evidence of the work you put in. Loved it, thanks! :)

The main villain of the movie who looked like a demonic version of The Mask must be a refference to the comics.

The most important part of any adaptation is the differences. The differences are what make an adaptation worthwhile and what allow it to stand on its own. Adaptations that stick too closely to the source material will always be lesser than those that change and add to the core concepts presented.

I think it might be great if the dark-comedy version of (The MASK) could be made into a show series someday. I can imagine a few new scenarios that could introduce a new sequence of events that introduces the cursed Mask, with twist weird dramatic comedy moments, and new versions of villains who could appear in the show series.

Jim's Mask is definitely an Adam West Batman take on The Mask. I hope there be an adaption that follow the original comic spirit.

I actually just finished the omnibus and feel you Covered it well

I knew almost none of this. Thanks Sasha.

I'm A Huge Fan Of Both. The Movie Actually Got Me Into The Comics, Hahaha. I Was Barely Scratching At The Surface Of Dark Horse At The Time. I'm Also An Artist, And Instantly Latched Onto Mahnke's Style. As A Viewer And An Inspiration. Great All Around, The Two Sides Balance Each Other. The Movie And The Comic.

A thought: William DaFoe wearing the Mask. "This Green Goblin goes to 11!"

was there any indication of the Mask persona Tina would portray in the notes for the proposed sequel? If not, what kind of Masksona do you think Tina would've portrayed?

The Mask works well as both and can go back and forth. Much like how Batman can be the Caped Crusader in one thing and a Dark Brooding seeker of Vengeance in the next.

I love both of them. But Jim Carrey Mask movie is always my favorite

I recently remembered that the Mask was a comic book and I love the Jim Carrey movie but I wanted to go back and see what's up with the comic books so I recently acquired issue #0 and #1 of the first series they were great I'll definitely get the other issues. Very serendipitous though I acquired those comic books a couple of days ago and right after I finish reading them your video drops amazing. I love the channel and all your videos!

It was to match the light-hearted comedic tone of Jim Carrey...imagine a steaming service doing a series that's faithful to the source material!

Sounds to me like you could get a decently fun anthology series out of this concept, either staying true to the tone of the comics or mixing both depending on the story. Maybe in one, someone mostly succeeds at being a superhero, but gives up the Mask after realizing they’re doing more harm than good. Others could explore the different impulses people might have, both violent & not (I dunno about you guys, but the only things keeping *me* from just scarfing down an entire bakery’s worth of pastries is money, society, and the limits of my own body. If I was unidentifiable, invulnerable, and didn’t give a shit…) You could also play with a fun concept that I’ve seen floating around on the internet: your first thought/impulse is instinct-what’s been drilled into you by a lifetime of learning/pattern recognition & eons of evolution-it’s how you react to it that’s really *you.* If someone lashed out in the Mask on instinct, responding violently to a minor annoyance, only to be just as shocked by their own actions as everyone around them (yes, while still wearing it, not once they take it off & come down from that high) it could make for a pretty good one-off story, *and* would stand in the background as a silent criticism of everyone who *didn’t* pause to think until they took it off. Sure, this character gave up the Mask willingly & turned themselves in, but they barely blinked before crushing that bus full of people like a tin can earlier; which reaction is more real? What about this one, who started out with good intentions but gradually slipped into hyper violence through the story of the episode? Is it more important who you are, or who you try to be? Fun stuff.

Great material! Thanks Sasha

I personally think it all has some merit(minus the second film, of course). In a way, it's a lot like what the Venom symbiote became for a portion of its existence, being moved from one character to another. One could say that the two have a number of parallels, especially when it was on Peter and messing up his life even more than being Spider-Man ever did. But I digress. The Mask is certainly something that could use a revisit in the near future.

Don’t forget Dr. Giggles. That came out two years before the Mask and Timecop.

I'm still sorry we never got the Cameron Diaz sequel. I remember entering the "Be In The Mask 2" contest in Nintendo Power back in the day. I think it could've been fun, and certainly better than the sequel we got. As for the comic I remember reading it way after the movie came out, I was a young adult at that point. The way I look at the differences is that everything tales place in their own dimension. One dark and gory, and the other a Tex Avery cartoon. That's basically how I look at all media franchise differences. If I had to pick the one I like better, I'd have to say the funny one. The gory version is just so empty and nihilistic. "Everyone Bad So Me Kill Everyone" isn't a great concept for a story (IMO). There's certainly something to be said of Stanley's pronounced NICE GUY syndrome though, in both versions.

I think with the success of darker shows like The Boys and Invincible, a darker themed Mask seems really possible. I’d watch

Great video Any! Any chance we're getting more DC vs Vampire content soon?

I saw the movie in theaters and loved it. I never read the comic version of The Mask. So without having context (if I had NOT seen this video) if I saw a reboot which was darker and more inline with the comic as explained by you, I think I would be put off by it and probably mildly triggered / annoyed. NOW, having proper context not so much. I would accept where the darker version was coming from. In fact, I may go out of my way to try and track down the comic just to see the original

I didn't learn of the comic til well after the movie. For a long time the comics I could get were the big 2 and other very popular ones like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Transformers because I wasn't near a comic book shop. The movie at least made me aware of it.

The production of this video !🙌

W video underrated comic channel

"A good cop that dies and comes back as a vigilante" is not The Shadow, that's The Spirit.