MASK Origins #1 — The secret war between Matt Trakker and Miles Mayhem begins
The legendary rivalry between the high-tech heroes of M.A.S.K. and the villainous engineers of V.E.N.O.M. gets its definitive origin story. Joshua Williamson and Robert Kirkman team up to reframe Matt Trakker and Miles Mayhem’s earliest adventures in this double-sized one-shot, serving as the perfect gateway into the modern era of the franchise.
There is a specific kind of magic in watching two iconic franchises collide, especially when that collision has been bubbling under the surface for decades. If you’ve been following the recent M.A.S.K. series from Image Comics, you know the energy is palpable, but this one-shot steps back to show you exactly how the flame was lit. It’s the moment the arms race began, and it’s handled by a creative team that understands both the legacy and the potential of these characters.
We’re talking about Matt Trakker and Miles Mayhem, the brilliant minds behind the transformative helmets and the high-stakes gadgetry that defined their respective camps. This issue collects their earliest appearances from the pages of Transformers, G.I. Joe, and the Energon Universe Special 2025, but it does so with all-new covers and fresh narrative framing. It’s not just a reprint; it’s a recontextualization that sets the stage for the current saga.
The writing credit is a heavyweight duo: Joshua Williamson and Robert Kirkman. Williamson brings his signature character-driven momentum, while Kirkman’s touch ensures the tension feels grounded and personal. The art team, featuring Andrea Milana, Dan Mora, Lee Loughridge, and Mike Spicer, brings that classic 80s action aesthetic into sharp, modern focus. You’re getting the vibe of vintage toy-comics with the pacing of contemporary superhero action.
If you’re looking to jump into the M.A.S.K. world, this is the most accessible entry point available. It bridges the gap between the nostalgic origins and the ongoing series perfectly. It’s a love letter to the original concept, but it’s written for readers who want that same sense of wonder and intrigue that made the original comics so compelling in the first place.
The Pye Parr cover is a standout piece of art that captures the essence of the rivalry, but the real treat here is the depth of the archive material. These pages have been hidden in plain sight for years, tucked away in crossover specials and tie-ins. Now, they’re front and center, ready to introduce a new generation to the war between M.A.S.K. and V.E.N.O.M. It’s a quick, satisfying read that leaves you eager for more.