Saturday Showcase: Black Mask

    Tonight, the nXt Takeover pay-per-view, War Games is a must see with the Undisputed Era taking on the team of Ricochet, Dunne, and the War Raiders.  With that said, I thought my Saturday Showcase should have something to do with War Games. So, I researched a bit and came across the War Games story line in Batman comics that resulted in the Black Mask gaining control of Gotham's underworld.

Batman: War Games

    Black Mask was first introduced to us back in the '80s in Batman #386.  He was created by Doug Moench and Tom Mandrake.  The Black Mask was born Roman Sionis.  Roman was born into a wealthy family but a series of unfortunate events would alter his "personality", among other things.  To show you how twisted he had become, he used part of his father's ebony casket to make his first mask. 

    The purpose of the Black Mask was not only to strike fear into those who saw him, but it was a representation of his true nature.  He is just as deadly as Two-Face, but he doesn't let a coin decide your fate.  If Roman doesn't like you, no one will ever see you again.

Batman: the Brave and the Bold

    Black Mask's Abilities:

• Criminal mastermind with gifted tactical mind
• Master of torture and intimidation techniques
• Skilled marksman and hand-to-hand combatant
• Expert with firearms
• Mind control via mask

Black Mask's Affiliations:

• False Face Society
• Gotham mafia
• Secret Society of Super Villains
• Black Lantern Corps

    The Black Mask started as a small time hood that came across the Bat occasionally to one of the biggest baddies in the DC Universe to ever go toe to toe with the great detective.  He is fearless as well as ruthless.  He has killed time and time again.  Each time Batman thinks he puts an end to him, the Black Mask just keeps coming back for more.

    In recent years, the Black Mask has turned his attention to the Red Hood and his team.  In fact, there was a time when he was able to "convince" Bizarro to do his bidding.  

Black Friday

    Well, that is my post about the one and only Black Mask.  I suggest you read up on him because he really is a great villain to root against.  If you want to check out the Batman: War Games story line, here is the list of comics you will need.  This issues are put in order for you to follow along.

War Drums:

• Detective Comics #790-796
• Robin (vol. 4) #126-128
• Batgirl #53
• Solo #10

Act One - Outbreak:

• Prelude: Batman: The 12 Cent Adventure #1
• Part 1: Detective Comics #797
• Part 2: Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #182
• Part 3: Nightwing #96
• Part 4: Batman: Gotham Knights #56
• Part 5: Robin (vol. 4) #129
• Part 6: Batgirl #55
• Part 7: Catwoman (vol. 3) #34
• Part 8: Batman #631

Act Two - Tides:

• 
  

  Part 1: Detective Comics #798
• Part 2: Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #183
• Part 3: Nightwing #97
• Part 4: Batman: Gotham Knights #57
• Part 5: Robin (vol. 4) #130
• Part 6: Batgirl #56
• Part 7: Catwoman (vol. 3) #35
• Part 8: Batman #632

Act Three - Endgame:

• 
  

  Part 1: Detective Comics #799
• Part 2: Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #184
• Part 3: Nightwing #98
• Part 4: Robin (vol. 4) #131
• Part 5: Batman: Gotham Knights #58
• Part 6: Batgirl #57
• Part 7: Catwoman (vol. 3) #36
• Part 8: Batman #633
• Epilogue: Detective Comics #800
• Epilogue: Batman #634

    There are also trades with these issues in a collected set, but they are hard to find.  If you are able to find them or download them, I really do suggest you read the series because it really is a good story line.

Until next time, get your READ on!

First Appearance: Batman #386 (August 1985)