The Mask ##1
Dark Horse Comics • The Mask (1991 Series)
Writer
John Arcudi
Interior Artist
Doug Mahnke
Cover Artist
Doug Mahnke
Publication Date
May 1991
Cover Variant
Regular/A Cover
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First issue of the first solo 'The Mask' miniseries. It follows Stanley Ipkiss, a weak-willed man who discovers a magical mask that transforms him into a chaotic, ultra-violent, and indestructible anti-hero 'Big Head.' Much darker than the 1994 Jim Carrey film adaptation.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Near Mint- (CGC 9.2)
Condition Details
Generally sharp corners and vibrant colors. Minor spine stress visible under the light along the left edge. Slight blunting on the bottom right corner. Bag and board reflection obscures minor details, but the cover appears flat with high gloss.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $50 | Graded (9.8): $250 - $400
Recent Sales
CGC 9.8 copies have recently sold between $300 and $450. Mid-range grades (9.0-9.4) sell for $60 - $100. Ungraded 'reader' copies sell for $25 - $40.
Grading Recommendation
Potentially worth grading if it can achieve a 9.6 or 9.8 after a professional press. Given the white cover, any dirt or color-breaking creases will heavily penalize the grade. If it appears to have more than 3 minor spine ticks, keep it raw.
Notable Features
First appearance of Stanley Ipkiss as The Mask in a self-titled series. Key 1990s Dark Horse title. Features the iconic Doug Mahnke 'Pie' cover art.
Authentication Notes
First printing established by the missing barcode and the specific $2.50 price point (if visible inside). Paper stock is the standard 1991 semi-gloss cover; colors are saturated and alignment on the title font is correct.