In The Mask Returns (1993) #3, we learn the origin story of the Mask. Originally, the Mask was part of cult rituals. In fact, in Katherine’s dream, the ritual involved beheading a shaman wearing the Mask. After the shaman is beheaded, his headless body walks and puts the head back on the body. Probably, the Mask’s magic needed death in order to continue.

Then, the Shaman removes the Mask and places it on the altar. Criminally, a thief called Razziky steals and replaces the Mask with a fake duplicate. When his associates find him to request the relic, he gives them another fake one. Quickly, the thief wears the Mask and kills the hired men. Suddenly, Katherine wakes up and wonders if her dream was the Mask’s origin story.

STANLEY IPKISS

In Mayhem, the Mask appears for the first time in Dark Horse continuity. To begin, low-life Stanley Ipkiss buys the Mask at a shop for his girlfriend Katherine. At night, he puts it on. And true to form, he gains supernatural abilities with added blood lust. Indeed, the anti-hero goes on crime sprees and even murdering law enforcement. When Katherine learns about the Mask, she breaks up with Stanley.

KATHERINE AND OTHERS

However, Katherine steals the Mask. And true to form, she gains supernatural abilities with added blood lust. Indeed, she kills her own ex-boyfriend Stanley Ipkiss. Other Mask wearers include Lieutenant Kellaway, Mob Boss and Rick. For the most part, the Mask seems to grant the user’s desires though it gives them blood lust and aggression. Other Mask wearers such as Ben, Hugo and Archie have distorted perceptions of reality and little blood lust.