80’s Cartoon series M.A.S.K. is set to make a huge comeback as it returns as a comic book series this fall along with a film treatment in the works. The comic book reboot will be helmed by writer Brandon Easton and artist Tony Vargas and published IDW.
Mobile Armored Strike Kommand, acronym M.A.S.K. was an 80’s cartoon staple alongside, G.I. Joe and Transformers and it borrows some element from both shows. M.A.S.K. Is a special task force consisting of a range of specialists with a powered mask and transforming vehicles, led by Matt Trakker. For they will be facing the criminal organisation, Vicious Evil Network Of Mayhem, V.E.N.O.M. headed by Miles “Mayhem” Manheim, a master manipulator and brilliant military strategist.
Easton revealed that for the 21st-century iteration of the task force will consist of a diverse team of specialist that have been chosen for a top-secret programme with a painful learning curve. In the end, all of them have to choose a side, and the consequence of that choice will be great.
Fans of the series won’t have to worry, as Vargas assured that the classic elements of the original M.A.S.K. will remain intact. It will feature modernised take on the show’s classic vehicle such as the Thunderhawk and Condor, plus it will retain the retro colour combination and components.
However, the team promises M.A.S.K. will take on a different approach and it will not be too dark. But do not expect any shenanigans from the reboot.
Of the upcoming reboot, Easton described the protagonist, Matt Trakker as “an engineering genius and intellectual bad boy who has been in search of stability since the loss of his father at an early age.” Given his troubled adolescence, the adult Trakker has been given one last chance at redemption, M.A.S.K. boot camp.
While Mayhem Manheim is not your typical 80’s bumbling villain, instead due to his brilliance, his plans to conquer the world will come close to actualization. The writer promises that the group and its leader will be deadlier than portrayed in the past.
For the reboot, Trakker and Manheim would have an almost father-son dynamics. However, when Trakker learns what the older Manheim have done to gain power, it compels the protagonist to stop looking for a role model and follow his own heart and soul, explained the writer.
The M.A.S.K. feature film is also in the works by Paramount Pictures’ and it will be the latest series to be included in Hasbro Cinematic Universe, alongside the existing Transformers and G.I. Joe franchise.
While the dates for the film adaptation has yet to be released, M.A.S.K. comic reboot is expected to hit the stands this fall.
