Malevolent Masked Men: Difference between revisions

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=== This varies by mask: ===
=== This varies by mask: ===
* ''[[In the Hood|Cowls and Hoods]]:'' Not exactly a mask, but used commonly enough to merit mention. A simple bag or cloth over the head, may be creepy (Scarecrow from [[Batman]], ''[[The Orphanage]]'', Jason Voorhees' original ''[[Friday the 13th]]'' appearance) or may be worn by an altogether nice [[Superhero]].
* ''[[In the Hood|Cowls and Hoods]]:'' Not exactly a mask, but used commonly enough to merit mention. A simple bag or cloth over the head, may be creepy (Scarecrow from [[Batman]], ''[[The Orphanage]]'', Jason Voorhees' original ''[[Friday the 13th]]'' appearance) or may be worn by an altogether nice [[Superhero]].
* A ''[[Domino Mask]]'', one that covers only the eyes, is a traditionally heroic mask. [[The Phantom (Comic Strip)|The Ghost Who Walks]] and [[The Spirit]] being two classic examples. However, it may also be worn by [[Blatant Burglar|comedy criminals]], such as [[Carl Barks|the Beagle Boys]].
* A ''[[Domino Mask]]'', one that covers only the eyes, is a traditionally heroic mask. [[The Phantom (comic strip)|The Ghost Who Walks]] and [[The Spirit]] being two classic examples. However, it may also be worn by [[Blatant Burglar|comedy criminals]], such as [[Carl Barks|the Beagle Boys]].
* Ski masks worn anywhere other than on the slopes in winter are often associated [[Blatant Burglar|with criminals or terrorists]]. Masks that cover everything except the eyes are also associated with [[Ninja|Ninjas]], and can be either good or evil.
* Ski masks worn anywhere other than on the slopes in winter are often associated [[Blatant Burglar|with criminals or terrorists]]. Masks that cover everything except the eyes are also associated with [[Ninja|Ninjas]], and can be either good or evil.
* If the mask covers the top half of the face, it emphasizes the mouth, aka [[Evil Tastes Good|gluttony]]: Never a good sign. Unless of course, it's to show a [[Lantern Jaw of Justice]] instead.
* If the mask covers the top half of the face, it emphasizes the mouth, aka [[Evil Tastes Good|gluttony]]: Never a good sign. Unless of course, it's to show a [[Lantern Jaw of Justice]] instead.
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=== A full face mask is perhaps the most ominous of the lot, varying by type: ===
=== A full face mask is perhaps the most ominous of the lot, varying by type: ===
* ''[[White Mask of Doom|Abstract Mask]]:'' Similar to the [[Uncanny Valley]] mask below, the abstract mask is a haunting, unidentifiable mess meant solely to frighten and distract the victim from their oncoming demise. See ''[[Scream (Film)|Scream]]''.
* ''[[White Mask of Doom|Abstract Mask]]:'' Similar to the [[Uncanny Valley]] mask below, the abstract mask is a haunting, unidentifiable mess meant solely to frighten and distract the victim from their oncoming demise. See ''[[Scream (film)|Scream]]''.
* ''Animal Mask:'' The kind you would see in a kid's birthday party. When worn by an adult (or several of them) it brings to mind not animal cuteness, but savagery.
* ''Animal Mask:'' The kind you would see in a kid's birthday party. When worn by an adult (or several of them) it brings to mind not animal cuteness, but savagery.
* ''Clown Mask:'' As pictured above, nothing says "evil" like a [[Monster Clown|clown]], add in the faux cheerful mask and it gets ratcheted to another level.
* ''Clown Mask:'' As pictured above, nothing says "evil" like a [[Monster Clown|clown]], add in the faux cheerful mask and it gets ratcheted to another level.
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* Last but not least... the ''[[Nixon Mask]]!'' Almost exclusively associated with bank robbers out to make a political statement. Expect a witty pun along the lines of "I am not a crook!"
* Last but not least... the ''[[Nixon Mask]]!'' Almost exclusively associated with bank robbers out to make a political statement. Expect a witty pun along the lines of "I am not a crook!"


See also [[Faceless Mooks]], [[Gas Mask Mooks]] and [[Scary Shiny Glasses]]. [[White Mask of Doom]] is a common subtrope. Compare [[Cool Mask]] and [[Coat, Hat, Mask]]. When combined with the classic [[Black Cloak|black cloak]], it's the uniform of a [[Secret Circle of Secrets]]. When the mask ''itself'' is malevolent, that's [[Evil Mask]].
See also [[Faceless Mooks]], [[Gas Mask Mooks]] and [[Scary Shiny Glasses]]. [[White Mask of Doom]] is a common subtrope. Compare [[Cool Mask]] and [[Coat, Hat, Mask]]. When combined with the classic [[Black Cloak]], it's the uniform of a [[Secret Circle of Secrets]]. When the mask ''itself'' is malevolent, that's [[Evil Mask]].


{{examples}}
{{examples}}
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== Anime and Manga ==
== Anime and Manga ==
* See also [[Henohenomoheji]]
* See also [[Henohenomoheji]]
* The Mask of Ice and his underlings in ''[[Pokémon Special (Manga)|Pokémon Special]]''
* The Mask of Ice and his underlings in ''[[Pokémon Special]]''
* ''[[Bleach]]''
* ''[[Bleach]]''
** Hollow masks
** Hollow masks
** A group of people {{spoiler|invaded Yamamoto's office. They were}} so heavily [[The Blank|masked]] and clothed it was impossible to tell even gender. {{spoiler|They definitely weren't there to discuss tea ceremony lessons.}}
** A group of people {{spoiler|invaded Yamamoto's office. They were}} so heavily [[The Blank|masked]] and clothed it was impossible to tell even gender. {{spoiler|They definitely weren't there to discuss tea ceremony lessons.}}
* Shirley's nightmare in ''[[Code Geass]]'' has everyone wearing masks, laughing creepily. Also the mask worn by the [[Anti-Hero]] Zero.
* Shirley's nightmare in ''[[Code Geass]]'' has everyone wearing masks, laughing creepily. Also the mask worn by the [[Anti-Hero]] Zero.
* The intro of ''[[Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni]]'' had Rika wearing a [[Obake|Kitsune]] mask.
* The intro of ''[[Higurashi no Naku Koro ni]]'' had Rika wearing a [[Obake|Kitsune]] mask.
* A few characters in ''[[Naruto]]'' wore masks, including Madara and Kakuzu. Orochimaru sometimes pulled off the face he wore like it was just a second skin to reveal a different face behind it. Sometimes, the second skin [[Face Stealer|actually was someone's skin]]...
* A few characters in ''[[Naruto]]'' wore masks, including Madara and Kakuzu. Orochimaru sometimes pulled off the face he wore like it was just a second skin to reveal a different face behind it. Sometimes, the second skin [[Face Stealer|actually was someone's skin]]...
** Recent chapters have revealed the probable reason for Madara's mask. {{spoiler|He's not really Madara.}}
** Recent chapters have revealed the probable reason for Madara's mask. {{spoiler|He's not really Madara.}}
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* ''[[Neon Genesis Evangelion]]'' had the Angel Sachiel wearing something that looked a lot like a mask. Arguably, Lilith also qualifies.
* ''[[Neon Genesis Evangelion]]'' had the Angel Sachiel wearing something that looked a lot like a mask. Arguably, Lilith also qualifies.
** And [[Rebuild of Evangelion|EVA-Mark.06]] as well.
** And [[Rebuild of Evangelion|EVA-Mark.06]] as well.
* The Iron Mask Marauder from ''[[Pokémon 4 Ever (Anime)|Pokémon 4 Ever]]''.
* The Iron Mask Marauder from ''[[Pokémon 4Ever|Pokémon 4 Ever]]''.
* Friend from ''[[Twentieth Century Boys]]'' has his signature eye-finger symbol mask, but earlier wore a cartoony monkey mask. ''And it made him no less awesome''.
* Friend from ''[[Twentieth Century Boys]]'' has his signature eye-finger symbol mask, but earlier wore a cartoony monkey mask. ''And it made him no less awesome''.
* ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh]]'''s Battle City arc has villains of the week Luna and Umbra.
* ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh!]]'''s Battle City arc has villains of the week Luna and Umbra.
** This was significant as it marked an "upgrade" of sorts from the first time they had appeared in the show. The masks (which where the half-faced variety, hiding their left and right side respectively,) [[Awesome Yet Practical|also hid the microphones and earpieces they were using to communicate with one another.]]
** This was significant as it marked an "upgrade" of sorts from the first time they had appeared in the show. The masks (which where the half-faced variety, hiding their left and right side respectively,) [[Awesome Yet Practical|also hid the microphones and earpieces they were using to communicate with one another.]]
* In ''[[Rurouni Kenshin]]'', one of Aoshi's [[Elite Mook|Elite Mooks]], code-named [[wikipedia:Hannya|hannya]], wears the eponymous mask as his mask (his unmasked face isn't that much more pleasant looking).
* In ''[[Rurouni Kenshin]]'', one of Aoshi's [[Elite Mook|Elite Mooks]], code-named [[wikipedia:Hannya|hannya]], wears the eponymous mask as his mask (his unmasked face isn't that much more pleasant looking).
** Gein wears a black and white cloth with an abstract skull on it over his face.
** Gein wears a black and white cloth with an abstract skull on it over his face.
* Char Aznable of ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam]]''. Probably the most famous masked villain in anime.
* Char Aznable of ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam]]''. Probably the most famous masked villain in anime.
** As well as his various [[Expy|"clones"]] - [[Gundam Wing|Zechs Marquise]], [[Gundam Seed|Rau Le Cruset]], [[Gundam 00|Mr. Bushido]], etc...
** As well as his various [[Expy|"clones"]] - [[Gundam Wing|Zechs Marquise]], [[Gundam Seed|Rau Le Cruset]], [[Mobile Suit Gundam 00|Mr. Bushido]], etc...
*** Char inherited his mask from the character he was inspired by, Prince Sharkin of [[Raideen]].
*** Char inherited his mask from the character he was inspired by, Prince Sharkin of [[Raideen]].
** Char and his clones tend to be [[Anti-Villain|Anti Villains]], though, with the mask mostly there because [[Rule of Cool|it's cool]] rather than for creepy factor.
** Char and his clones tend to be [[Anti-Villain|Anti Villains]], though, with the mask mostly there because [[Rule of Cool|it's cool]] rather than for creepy factor.
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* CP9 in ''[[One Piece]]'' before [[The Reveal]] of their identities.
* CP9 in ''[[One Piece]]'' before [[The Reveal]] of their identities.
* Hei, from ''[[Darker Than Black]]'', wears an [[Uncanny Valley]] [[White Mask of Doom]] which looks like the child of V's mask and Jigsaw's. While we know him as an [[Anti-Hero]], most of the rest of the cast would see him as [[Hero Antagonist|at worst]] a terrorist and assassin and at best [[Mook Horror Show|very]] [[The Cowl|scary]].
* Hei, from ''[[Darker Than Black]]'', wears an [[Uncanny Valley]] [[White Mask of Doom]] which looks like the child of V's mask and Jigsaw's. While we know him as an [[Anti-Hero]], most of the rest of the cast would see him as [[Hero Antagonist|at worst]] a terrorist and assassin and at best [[Mook Horror Show|very]] [[The Cowl|scary]].
* Darcia from ''[[Wolfs Rain]]'' has two. The first is a blank mask with a built-in [[Eyepatch of Power]], but the second is a smiling [[White Mask of Doom]] with an eye hole to expose his {{spoiler|wolf's eye}}.
* Darcia from ''[[Wolf's Rain]]'' has two. The first is a blank mask with a built-in [[Eyepatch of Power]], but the second is a smiling [[White Mask of Doom]] with an eye hole to expose his {{spoiler|wolf's eye}}.
* Masquerade from ''[[Bakugan|Bakugan Battle Brawlers]]'' and his [[Expy]] Spectra from ''[[Bakugan|Bakugan: New Vestroia]]''
* Masquerade from ''[[Bakugan|Bakugan Battle Brawlers]]'' and his [[Expy]] Spectra from ''[[Bakugan|Bakugan: New Vestroia]]''
* Boris from ''[[Beyblade]]''.
* Boris from ''[[Beyblade]]''.
* Turkey from ''[[Axis Powers Hetalia]]'' is a subversion, and more often than not [[Played for Laughs]]. Yes, he was VERY unpleasant in the past to ''many'' nations (young Greece, young Hungary, the Italies, Spain), but after having gone from the personification of the Ottoman Empire to the one of the Republic of Turkey, he's portrayed as a [[Hot-Blooded]] [[Jerk With a Heart of Gold]] who's actually rather fun to hang out with. [[The Rival|Unless you're the now grown up Greece]].
* Turkey from ''[[Axis Powers Hetalia]]'' is a subversion, and more often than not [[Played for Laughs]]. Yes, he was VERY unpleasant in the past to ''many'' nations (young Greece, young Hungary, the Italies, Spain), but after having gone from the personification of the Ottoman Empire to the one of the Republic of Turkey, he's portrayed as a [[Hot-Blooded]] [[Jerk with a Heart of Gold]] who's actually rather fun to hang out with. [[The Rival|Unless you're the now grown up Greece]].
** Go tell that to the [[Fan Dumb]], though, considering how much [[Ron the Death Eater]] and [[Die for Our Ship]] he's subjected to in a regular basis.
** Go tell that to the [[Fan Dumb]], though, considering how much [[Ron the Death Eater]] and [[Die for Our Ship]] he's subjected to in a regular basis.
* ''[[Hellstar Remina (Manga)|Hellstar Remina]]'': The black cloak and hood-wearing cultists who want to sacrifice Remina.
* ''[[Hellstar Remina]]'': The black cloak and hood-wearing cultists who want to sacrifice Remina.
* ''[[Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water]]'': Lord Gargoyle and Neo Atlan members wear these at all times. Besides slight resemblance to his voiceactor, Lord Gargoyle's face is completely unremarkable.
* ''[[Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water]]'': Lord Gargoyle and Neo Atlan members wear these at all times. Besides slight resemblance to his voiceactor, Lord Gargoyle's face is completely unremarkable.
* Mixed with [[Bandaged Face]] in a [[Detective Conan]] case, where {{spoiler|a man who kept his HEAVILY scarred face under bandages commits suicide... and his [[Smug Snake]] brother in law uses it to fuel his [[Evil Plan]].}}
* Mixed with [[Bandaged Face]] in a [[Detective Conan]] case, where {{spoiler|a man who kept his HEAVILY scarred face under bandages commits suicide... and his [[Smug Snake]] brother in law uses it to fuel his [[Evil Plan]].}}
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*** Also, like a Mardi Gras mask, the hedonistic overtones of a gimp mask promise ultraviolence. It also matches his belief that "the joke" is that people aren't better than animals and lets him shove that in people's faces by looking like a violent pervert in service of the government.
*** Also, like a Mardi Gras mask, the hedonistic overtones of a gimp mask promise ultraviolence. It also matches his belief that "the joke" is that people aren't better than animals and lets him shove that in people's faces by looking like a violent pervert in service of the government.
* Mazikeen the demon from ''[[Sandman]]'' wears a half-mask to cover the left side of her face, which [[Squick|is missing the skin, cheek, and part of the jaw.]]
* Mazikeen the demon from ''[[Sandman]]'' wears a half-mask to cover the left side of her face, which [[Squick|is missing the skin, cheek, and part of the jaw.]]
* Both the protagonist and villain in a ''[[Twenty Eight Days Later]]'' comic book use a riot mask and a hockey mask, respectively.
* Both the protagonist and villain in a ''[[28 Days Later]]'' comic book use a riot mask and a hockey mask, respectively.
* ''[[The Mask (Comic Book)|The Mask]]'', natch. In [[Real Life]], people wearing masks often report feeling uninhibited. In its original form, this work turns it [[Up to Eleven]] with the ''complete'' suppression of the inhibitions of the wearer, essentially a possession by the Id. The titular Mask is also a [[Mask of Power]]. The result is an ultraviolent [[Anti-Hero]].
* ''[[The Mask (comics)|The Mask]]'', natch. In [[Real Life]], people wearing masks often report feeling uninhibited. In its original form, this work turns it [[Up to Eleven]] with the ''complete'' suppression of the inhibitions of the wearer, essentially a possession by the Id. The titular Mask is also a [[Mask of Power]]. The result is an ultraviolent [[Anti-Hero]].




== Film ==
== Film ==
* ''[[Star Wars]]'' has Darth Vader, Darth Maul, General Grievous, and the Stormtroopers. The Jawas aren't that evil, but they probably count.
* ''[[Star Wars]]'' has Darth Vader, Darth Maul, General Grievous, and the Stormtroopers. The Jawas aren't that evil, but they probably count.
* The ''[[Scream (Film)|Scream]]'' series gives us the Ghostface killer, who can occasionally be a Malevolent Masked Woman.
* The ''[[Scream (film)|Scream]]'' series gives us the Ghostface killer, who can occasionally be a Malevolent Masked Woman.
* ''[[Batman Begins]]'': The Scarecrow wears a burlap sack sewn into the form of deranged scarecrow. He uses a gas which induces waking nightmares.
* ''[[Batman Begins]]'': The Scarecrow wears a burlap sack sewn into the form of deranged scarecrow. He uses a gas which induces waking nightmares.
* [[The Joker]] and his henchmen in the opening of ''[[The Dark Knight]]''.
* [[The Joker]] and his henchmen in the opening of ''[[The Dark Knight]]''.
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* ''[[Nightbreed]]'' (1990). [[David Cronenberg]]'s character wears a bondage/scarecrow mask.
* ''[[Nightbreed]]'' (1990). [[David Cronenberg]]'s character wears a bondage/scarecrow mask.
* ''[[Dragnet]]'' (1987). The Evil High Priest wears a goat mask.
* ''[[Dragnet]]'' (1987). The Evil High Priest wears a goat mask.
* Michael Myers in the ''[[Halloween (Film)|Halloween]]'' series, with his modified [[William Shatner]] mask.
* Michael Myers in the ''[[Halloween (film)|Halloween]]'' series, with his modified [[William Shatner]] mask.
* Subverted in ''[[The Princess Bride (Film)|The Princess Bride]]''.
* Subverted in ''[[The Princess Bride (film)|The Princess Bride]]''.
{{quote| [As the Man in Black is climbing up the cliff toward them]<br />
{{quote| [As the Man in Black is climbing up the cliff toward them]<br />
'''Fezzik:''' [to Inigo] You be careful. People in masks cannot be trusted. }}
'''Fezzik:''' [to Inigo] You be careful. People in masks cannot be trusted. }}
* ''The Strangers''
* ''The Strangers''
* Leatherface of ''[[The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Film)|The Texas Chainsaw Massacre]].''
* Leatherface of ''[[The Texas Chainsaw Massacre]].''
* The ''[[Friday the 13th (Film)|Friday the 13 th]]'' franchise has Jason and his hockey mask.
* The ''[[Friday the 13th (film)|Friday the 13 th]]'' franchise has Jason and his hockey mask.
** Except in the first where it was not him and the second where he wore a burlap sack
** Except in the first where it was not him and the second where he wore a burlap sack
* The attendants of the masked ball from ''[[Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Film)|Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street]]'', where the [[Rape As Drama|"Poor Thing"]] scene takes place, wore animal masks. It's exactly as nightmarish as it sounds.
* The attendants of the masked ball from ''[[Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (film)|Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street]]'', where the [[Rape as Drama|"Poor Thing"]] scene takes place, wore animal masks. It's exactly as nightmarish as it sounds.
* In [[Kick Ass (Film)|Kick Ass]], the men who are in the live internet broadcast of the torture video of Kick-Ass and Big Daddy are masked with balaclavas, with the exception of one man who wears a red supervillain mask. Katie Deauxma, originally excited to see a video of Kick-Ass's retirement, stops smiling as soon as a balaclava-clad man appears and introduces a kidnapped Kick-Ass to the viewers. In a draft script the "Baby Goon" brings supervillain masks, but the "Sporty Goon" rejects them and asks for balaclavas instead; however "Baby" gets to keep his supervillain mask.
* In [[Kick-Ass (film)|Kick Ass]], the men who are in the live internet broadcast of the torture video of Kick-Ass and Big Daddy are masked with balaclavas, with the exception of one man who wears a red supervillain mask. Katie Deauxma, originally excited to see a video of Kick-Ass's retirement, stops smiling as soon as a balaclava-clad man appears and introduces a kidnapped Kick-Ass to the viewers. In a draft script the "Baby Goon" brings supervillain masks, but the "Sporty Goon" rejects them and asks for balaclavas instead; however "Baby" gets to keep his supervillain mask.
* In ''[[The Black Hole]]'', the {{spoiler|formerly human}} crew members of the ''Cygnus'' wear smooth, featureless metal full face masks.
* In ''[[The Black Hole]]'', the {{spoiler|formerly human}} crew members of the ''Cygnus'' wear smooth, featureless metal full face masks.
* Pavi's faces from ''[[Repo the Genetic Opera]]'' are a little of this and a little of [[Uncanny Valley Makeup]]. They're skinned off women he particularly likes and held onto his face with metal clips, and underneath, he's horribly scarred, but they have an uncanny factor about them all on their own.
* Pavi's faces from ''[[Repo! The Genetic Opera]]'' are a little of this and a little of [[Uncanny Valley Makeup]]. They're skinned off women he particularly likes and held onto his face with metal clips, and underneath, he's horribly scarred, but they have an uncanny factor about them all on their own.
* Makkabeus and his cultists in [[Damnatus]].
* Makkabeus and his cultists in [[Damnatus]].
* The Jigsaw Killer of ''[[Saw (Film)|Saw]]'' has a freaky [[Uncanny Valley]] mask along with a pig's head mask.
* The Jigsaw Killer of ''[[Saw]]'' has a freaky [[Uncanny Valley]] mask along with a pig's head mask.
* Naturally, this is all over ''[[Trick R Treat]]'', with [[Creepy Child|Sam]] (in a scarecrow mask), the [[Undead Child|Undead Children]] (dressed as Halloween staples), and the masked vampire (in a Venetian mask) {{spoiler|who turns out to be a [[Serial Killer]] using fake fangs.}}
* Naturally, this is all over ''[[Trick 'r Treat]]'', with [[Creepy Child|Sam]] (in a scarecrow mask), the [[Undead Child|Undead Children]] (dressed as Halloween staples), and the masked vampire (in a Venetian mask) {{spoiler|who turns out to be a [[Serial Killer]] using fake fangs.}}
* The ''[[Eyes Wide Shut]]'' sex sect.
* The ''[[Eyes Wide Shut]]'' sex sect.
* ''[[The Anderson Tapes]]'', as seen on [http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f3/The_Anderson_Tapes_film_poster.jpg the poster].
* ''[[The Anderson Tapes]]'', as seen on [http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f3/The_Anderson_Tapes_film_poster.jpg the poster].
* [[David Lynch]]'s ''Rabbits'' (also included in [[Inland Empire|INLAND EMPIRE]]) are people wearing rabbit costumes. Impressively, they never look [[Narm|Narmful]], even when finally seen up close.
* [[David Lynch]]'s ''Rabbits'' (also included in [[Inland Empire]]) are people wearing rabbit costumes. Impressively, they never look [[Narm|Narmful]], even when finally seen up close.
* In ''[[Maximum Overdrive (Film)|Maximum Overdrive]]'', autonomous semis are the biggest threat to the Muggles, but the one sporting a grinning Green Goblin mask is especially chilling.
* In ''[[Maximum Overdrive]]'', autonomous semis are the biggest threat to the Muggles, but the one sporting a grinning Green Goblin mask is especially chilling.
* In ''[[Dagon (Film)|Dagon]]'' there is a cult wearing human skin masks.
* In ''[[Dagon]]'' there is a cult wearing human skin masks.
* Satoris' wrestler [[Mooks]] in ''[[The Final Sacrifice]]''.
* Satoris' wrestler [[Mooks]] in ''[[The Final Sacrifice]]''.
* Subverted in ''[[The Nightmare Before Christmas]]''. The three shady trick-or-treaters, Lock, Shock and Barrel, wear masks all the time, but in their introductory scene they take them off, revealing faces that look exactly the same.
* Subverted in ''[[The Nightmare Before Christmas]]''. The three shady trick-or-treaters, Lock, Shock and Barrel, wear masks all the time, but in their introductory scene they take them off, revealing faces that look exactly the same.
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* The Watraii in [[Star Trek Vulcans Soul]]. At first.
* The Watraii in [[Star Trek Vulcans Soul]]. At first.
* Martin Lake, a character in Jeff VanderMeer's [[Ambergris]] collection ''City of Saints and Madmen'', is invited to a very grim event and met there by three men. One wears a raven mask, one a heron, and the last an owl. Lake is [[Why Did It Have to Be Snakes?|afraid of birds]] to begin with. He's also dressed as a frog, who could be eaten by any one of them.
* Martin Lake, a character in Jeff VanderMeer's [[Ambergris]] collection ''City of Saints and Madmen'', is invited to a very grim event and met there by three men. One wears a raven mask, one a heron, and the last an owl. Lake is [[Why Did It Have to Be Snakes?|afraid of birds]] to begin with. He's also dressed as a frog, who could be eaten by any one of them.
* The cultists in ''[[Diario De Un Zombi (Literature)|Diario De Un Zombi]]'' wear formless wax masks. These actually serve a purpose as they confuse zombies and makes recognizing them as humans difficult for them.
* The cultists in ''[[Diario de un Zombi]]'' wear formless wax masks. These actually serve a purpose as they confuse zombies and makes recognizing them as humans difficult for them.
* In the ''[[Belgariad]]'', the Grolim priesthood wears steel masks when they want to be intimidating, such as in combat or [[Human Sacrifice|when attending their religious duties]]. They wear these in imitation of their god, whose mask covers his maimed face.
* In the ''[[Belgariad]]'', the Grolim priesthood wears steel masks when they want to be intimidating, such as in combat or [[Human Sacrifice|when attending their religious duties]]. They wear these in imitation of their god, whose mask covers his maimed face.


== Live Action TV ==
== Live Action TV ==
* Torchwood Miracle Day has a cult, all wearing white masks and marching in the streets. Since they were never even slightly relevant to the plot in any way at all ever, it's likely that this trope was invoked just to have an epic freaky cult marching in the streets for the trailers.
* Torchwood Miracle Day has a cult, all wearing white masks and marching in the streets. Since they were never even slightly relevant to the plot in any way at all ever, it's likely that this trope was invoked just to have an epic freaky cult marching in the streets for the trailers.
* The ''[[Are You Afraid of the Dark]]'' episode called "The Tale Of The Twisted Claw" had a group of older kids wearing masks of some kind and bullying these two trick-or-treaters.
* The ''[[Are You Afraid of the Dark?]]'' episode called "The Tale Of The Twisted Claw" had a group of older kids wearing masks of some kind and bullying these two trick-or-treaters.
** Also, "The Tale Of The Many Faces" was all about people wearing masks, and asked the question "Is it our masks (faces) that define who we are?" The villain in the episode stole girls faces and wore them to keep herself young. The girls faces she stole, were left with fish lips and white eyes, so they were given masks to cover up their ugliness.
** Also, "The Tale Of The Many Faces" was all about people wearing masks, and asked the question "Is it our masks (faces) that define who we are?" The villain in the episode stole girls faces and wore them to keep herself young. The girls faces she stole, were left with fish lips and white eyes, so they were given masks to cover up their ugliness.
* ''[[The Prisoner]]'' final episode ''Fall Out''. The rows of Village members wearing white/black masks as well as [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEOYq-5NKrc#t=2m35s Number One wearing a white/black mask ''and'' a gorilla mask]. And maybe, maybe not, a Number Six mask.
* ''[[The Prisoner]]'' final episode ''Fall Out''. The rows of Village members wearing white/black masks as well as [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEOYq-5NKrc#t=2m35s Number One wearing a white/black mask ''and'' a gorilla mask]. And maybe, maybe not, a Number Six mask.
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* The ''[[Twilight Zone]]'' episode "The Masks," involved a dying old man wearing a death mask and forcing his [[Inadequate Inheritor|greedy family]] to wear masks that reflected their personalities. Unfortunately, when the old man finally dies, the family members' [[Becoming the Costume|faces change to resemble their masks.]]
* The ''[[Twilight Zone]]'' episode "The Masks," involved a dying old man wearing a death mask and forcing his [[Inadequate Inheritor|greedy family]] to wear masks that reflected their personalities. Unfortunately, when the old man finally dies, the family members' [[Becoming the Costume|faces change to resemble their masks.]]
* In ''[[Flash Forward 2009|FlashForward]]'', [[Mook|mooks]] working for the show's big conspiracy wear clown masks.
* In ''[[Flash Forward 2009|FlashForward]]'', [[Mook|mooks]] working for the show's big conspiracy wear clown masks.
* ''[[Luther (TV)|Luther]]'' has Cameron Pell, who commits brutal murders while wearing a Punch mask, in order to create a striking and memorable image as well as hiding his identity.
* ''[[Luther]]'' has Cameron Pell, who commits brutal murders while wearing a Punch mask, in order to create a striking and memorable image as well as hiding his identity.
* Sqweegel on ''[[CSI]]''-not only a mask but a whole body suit.
* Sqweegel on ''[[CSI]]''-not only a mask but a whole body suit.
** ''[[CSI: NY]]'' had an episode with clown masks being used in a bank robbery. An explosion caused an outline of a mask to get seared into one guy's face.
** ''[[CSI: NY]]'' had an episode with clown masks being used in a bank robbery. An explosion caused an outline of a mask to get seared into one guy's face.
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== Tabletop Games ==
== Tabletop Games ==
* The Guardians of the Veil, of ''[[Mage: The Awakening (Tabletop Game)|Mage: The Awakening]]'', are often viewed as at least creepy and people you shouldn't get involved with (if not viewed as outright malevolent), and much of their symbology revolves around masks such as these. In particular, the Interfector (read: executioner) wears a blank masks with only eyeslits, and bloodstained gloves, whenever appearing in the capacity of Interfector.
* The Guardians of the Veil, of ''[[Mage: The Awakening]]'', are often viewed as at least creepy and people you shouldn't get involved with (if not viewed as outright malevolent), and much of their symbology revolves around masks such as these. In particular, the Interfector (read: executioner) wears a blank masks with only eyeslits, and bloodstained gloves, whenever appearing in the capacity of Interfector.
* In the ''[[Battle Tech|BattleTech]]'' universe, Clan warriors are issued full face animal masks reflecting their Clan's totem to wear for ceremonial purposes. Further, the mercenary known as The Bounty Hunter is also only ever seen masked
* In the ''[[BattleTech]]'' universe, Clan warriors are issued full face animal masks reflecting their Clan's totem to wear for ceremonial purposes. Further, the mercenary known as The Bounty Hunter is also only ever seen masked
* The ''Fiend Folio'', another Monster Manual of the 3.5 edition of ''[[Dungeons and Dragons]]'', introduces the Ethergaunts, coldly rational and atheistic aberrations from the Ethereal Plane who are [[Colour-Coded for Your Convenience]] and also sport featureless masks over their faces... which is fortunate since their faces [[Body Horror|are]] [[Alien Geometries|truly]] [[Brown Note|horrifying]].
* The ''Fiend Folio'', another Monster Manual of the 3.5 edition of ''[[Dungeons and Dragons]]'', introduces the Ethergaunts, coldly rational and atheistic aberrations from the Ethereal Plane who are [[Colour-Coded for Your Convenience]] and also sport featureless masks over their faces... which is fortunate since their faces [[Body Horror|are]] [[Alien Geometries|truly]] [[Brown Note|horrifying]].


== Video Games ==
== Video Games ==
* The Splicers from ''[[Bio Shock]]'' often wear Mardi Gras-ish masks. Possibly justified, as it's stated in Audio-Logs that everything really went to hell in Rapture on New Year's Day.
* The Splicers from ''[[Bioshock]]'' often wear Mardi Gras-ish masks. Possibly justified, as it's stated in Audio-Logs that everything really went to hell in Rapture on New Year's Day.
* ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' has a boss and some mooks which you must remove a mask from before you can hit them. Lots of different masks appear in ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]: Ocarina of Time'' in the Happy Mask Shop in Hyrule Castle Market. ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]: Majora's Mask'' game is all about masks. There are three masks that can change you into a Zora, Goron, and a Deku Shrub, as well as a whole inventory of masks that you collect and you can wear them, using some of the powers that the masks have. Also at the Carnival Of Time, all the townspeople wear masks as part of a tradition. Then there's the evil Majora's Mask that you must defeat.
* ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' has a boss and some mooks which you must remove a mask from before you can hit them. Lots of different masks appear in ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]: Ocarina of Time'' in the Happy Mask Shop in Hyrule Castle Market. ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]: Majora's Mask'' game is all about masks. There are three masks that can change you into a Zora, Goron, and a Deku Shrub, as well as a whole inventory of masks that you collect and you can wear them, using some of the powers that the masks have. Also at the Carnival Of Time, all the townspeople wear masks as part of a tradition. Then there's the evil Majora's Mask that you must defeat.
* The Pigmasks in ''[[Mother 3 (Video Game)|Mother 3]].'' Their general is also specifically known as the Masked Man, but his isn't a pig mask.
* The Pigmasks in ''[[Mother 3]].'' Their general is also specifically known as the Masked Man, but his isn't a pig mask.
* Thanatos of ''[[Secret of Mana]]'' - for a 16-bit pixellated fellow he's shockingly eerie, too.
* Thanatos of ''[[Secret of Mana]]'' - for a 16-bit pixellated fellow he's shockingly eerie, too.
** His energy-sapped fanboys wear freaky full-faced masks too. NPCs comment on this, too, along the lines of: 'What's with all those masked weirdoes in the ruins?"
** His energy-sapped fanboys wear freaky full-faced masks too. NPCs comment on this, too, along the lines of: 'What's with all those masked weirdoes in the ruins?"
** Thanatos's mask is echoed by the one worn by Hakuoro of ''[[Visual Novel/Utawarerumono|Utawarerumono]]'', incidentally. It really is the exact same mask writ animated, complete with the quirky little mark at the top of it.
** Thanatos's mask is echoed by the one worn by Hakuoro of ''[[Visual Novel/Utawarerumono|Utawarerumono]]'', incidentally. It really is the exact same mask writ animated, complete with the quirky little mark at the top of it.
* Each shadow in ''[[Persona 3 (Video Game)|Persona 3]]'' wears a mask that IDs it with one of the [[Tarot Motifs|major Arcana]].
* Each shadow in ''[[Persona 3]]'' wears a mask that IDs it with one of the [[Tarot Motifs|major Arcana]].
** The [[Power Rangers|Power Ranger]]-esque ''[[Show Within a Show|Phoenix Ranger Featherman R]]'' masks, first seen in ''[[Persona 2]]''. It is also in this game that they are significant to the plot.
** The [[Power Rangers|Power Ranger]]-esque ''[[Show Within a Show|Phoenix Ranger Featherman R]]'' masks, first seen in ''[[Persona 2]]''. It is also in this game that they are significant to the plot.
** And, of course, the word ''persona'' itself literally means "mask." Aside from the Shadows, several character-specific Personas from throughout the series wear additional masks to hide their own inhuman facial features.
** And, of course, the word ''persona'' itself literally means "mask." Aside from the Shadows, several character-specific Personas from throughout the series wear additional masks to hide their own inhuman facial features.
* The Testaments of ''[[Xenosaga (Video Game)|Xenosaga]]'' wear concealing robes, hoods, gloves, and blank face masks; in fact, before each individual [[Reveal]], they're simply referred to by the color of their mask and robes (Black Testament, Red Testament, etc) -- this being the only way to tell them apart, other than their voices. At first, not so much malevolent as really, really mysterious, but later in the series they're definitely antagonists. {{spoiler|Except for Albedo. He's a [[Reverse Mole]].}}
* The Testaments of ''[[Xenosaga]]'' wear concealing robes, hoods, gloves, and blank face masks; in fact, before each individual [[Reveal]], they're simply referred to by the color of their mask and robes (Black Testament, Red Testament, etc) -- this being the only way to tell them apart, other than their voices. At first, not so much malevolent as really, really mysterious, but later in the series they're definitely antagonists. {{spoiler|Except for Albedo. He's a [[Reverse Mole]].}}
* More than one Sith Lord in ''[[Knights of the Old Republic]]'' and its sequel. Darth Malak wears not exactly a mask, but a metal prosthetic plate thingy covering his lack of a jaw. Darth Revan wore an abstract/blank mask that emphasizes his mysterious anonymity. Darth Nihilus has a creepy, vaguely skull-like mask that gives him an inhuman look.
* More than one Sith Lord in ''[[Knights of the Old Republic]]'' and its sequel. Darth Malak wears not exactly a mask, but a metal prosthetic plate thingy covering his lack of a jaw. Darth Revan wore an abstract/blank mask that emphasizes his mysterious anonymity. Darth Nihilus has a creepy, vaguely skull-like mask that gives him an inhuman look.
** Which is befitting of Nihilus' nature, as he really ''isn't'' human anymore. He is, more or less, a living black hole in The Force whose life essence is bound to his mask.
** Which is befitting of Nihilus' nature, as he really ''isn't'' human anymore. He is, more or less, a living black hole in The Force whose life essence is bound to his mask.
* ''[[Dead Rising]]'' has the Raincoat Cult. Aside from [[Exactly What It Says On the Tin|the obvious]], they all go around in Green Goblin-esque masks.
* ''[[Dead Rising]]'' has the Raincoat Cult. Aside from [[Exactly What It Says on the Tin|the obvious]], they all go around in Green Goblin-esque masks.
* Relius Clover of ''[[Blaz Blue]]''. A man who sought perfection in everything, a man who turned his family except his son to automatons without conscience, a [[Complete Monster]], and [[Man of Wealth and Taste|a man who likes opera very much]].
* Relius Clover of ''[[Blaz Blue]]''. A man who sought perfection in everything, a man who turned his family except his son to automatons without conscience, a [[Complete Monster]], and [[Man of Wealth and Taste|a man who likes opera very much]].
* Several of the ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (Video Game)|Assassin's Creed Brotherhood]]'' multiplayer characters wear masks, such as [[An Axe to Grind|the Executioner]], [[Deadly Doctor|the Doctor]] [[Rule of Three|and]] [[Monster Clown|the Harlequin]].
* Several of the ''[[Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood|Assassin's Creed Brotherhood]]'' multiplayer characters wear masks, such as [[An Axe to Grind|the Executioner]], [[Deadly Doctor|the Doctor]] [[Rule of Three|and]] [[Monster Clown|the Harlequin]].
* The protagonists in ''[[Army of Two]]'' [http://guidesmedia.ign.com/guides/image/article/861/861645/armytwo_guide_1206398818.jpg both wear masks] - ostensibly this is to offer head protection, but the designs (a snarling skull and a blank face with no features) are pure [[Rule of Cool]]. Incidentally, this troper has an airsoft mask based on the left-hand, blank design and can attest to the discomforting effect many people feel when faced with a featureless face and [[Black Eyes of Evil|no visible eyes]].
* The protagonists in ''[[Army of Two]]'' [http://guidesmedia.ign.com/guides/image/article/861/861645/armytwo_guide_1206398818.jpg both wear masks] - ostensibly this is to offer head protection, but the designs (a snarling skull and a blank face with no features) are pure [[Rule of Cool]]. Incidentally, this troper has an airsoft mask based on the left-hand, blank design and can attest to the discomforting effect many people feel when faced with a featureless face and [[Black Eyes of Evil|no visible eyes]].
* ''[[Fallout New Vegas]]'' [[Cannibal Clan|The White Glove Society.]] and their creepy ass Domino Masks. Their leader meant the masks to give them a "mysterious allure" but all it does is make them creepier in the eyes of others.
* ''[[Fallout: New Vegas]]'' [[Cannibal Clan|The White Glove Society.]] and their creepy ass Domino Masks. Their leader meant the masks to give them a "mysterious allure" but all it does is make them creepier in the eyes of others.
* The bank robbers of ''[[Payday the Heist]]'' all wear creepy clown masks.
* The bank robbers of ''[[Payday: The Heist]]'' all wear creepy clown masks.
* The Masked Man, [[Big Bad]] of ''[[Rune Factory Oceans]]'', well... wears a mask. [[Exactly What It Says On the Tin|Obviously.]]
* The Masked Man, [[Big Bad]] of ''[[Rune Factory Oceans]]'', well... wears a mask. [[Exactly What It Says on the Tin|Obviously.]]


== Web Comics ==
== Web Comics ==
* ''[[Digger (Webcomic)|Digger]]'' has "been seeing a lot of people with strange masks lately." One major group are are the Veiled, whose leader is a [[Well-Intentioned Extremist]], and the other group is the enormously creepy cold servants who serve the dead god.
* ''[[Digger]]'' has "been seeing a lot of people with strange masks lately." One major group are are the Veiled, whose leader is a [[Well-Intentioned Extremist]], and the other group is the enormously creepy cold servants who serve the dead god.
* Hackers in ''[[The Fancy Adventures of Jack Cannon (Webcomic)|The Fancy Adventures of Jack Cannon]]'' all wear masks that are red on one side, white on the other, with varying facial expressions.
* Hackers in ''[[The Fancy Adventures of Jack Cannon]]'' all wear masks that are red on one side, white on the other, with varying facial expressions.
* In ''[[Derelict (Webcomic)|Derelict]]'' [http://derelictcomic.com/?strip_id=21 Cattle skull double up as hats and masks].
* In ''[[Derelict (webcomic)|Derelict]]'' [http://derelictcomic.com/?strip_id=21 Cattle skull double up as hats and masks].


== Web Original ==
== Web Original ==
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** {{spoiler|Zuko's}} Blue Spirit mask.
** {{spoiler|Zuko's}} Blue Spirit mask.
** Many of the Fire Nation soldiers, especially in the first season, have helmets that double as masks.
** Many of the Fire Nation soldiers, especially in the first season, have helmets that double as masks.
* The Equalists from ''[[The Legend of Korra (Animation)|The Legend of Korra]]'' are [[Gas Mask Mooks]], and their leader Amon wears a [[White Mask of Doom]].
* The Equalists from ''[[The Legend of Korra]]'' are [[Gas Mask Mooks]], and their leader Amon wears a [[White Mask of Doom]].
* ''[[Scooby Doo]]''. Every episode. Subverted, inverted, played straight, whatever you can think of.
* ''[[Scooby Doo]]''. Every episode. Subverted, inverted, played straight, whatever you can think of.
* ''[[Teen Titans (Animation)|Teen Titans]]'' has Slade and Red-X.
* ''[[Teen Titans (animation)|Teen Titans]]'' has Slade and Red-X.


== Real Life ==
== Real Life ==
* The KKK.
* The KKK.
* Cuirassiers (armoured heavy cavalry) of the early 1600s wore helmets with [http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b8/Savoyardarmour.jpg intimidating faces] to rattle their opponents and gain confidence.
* Cuirassiers (armoured heavy cavalry) of the early 1600s wore helmets with [http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b8/Savoyardarmour.jpg intimidating faces] to rattle their opponents and gain confidence.
* The band [[Slipknot (Music)|Slipknot]] [[Alternative Character Interpretation|may or may not be malevolent]], but their masks are definitely menacing.
* The band [[Slipknot]] [[Alternative Character Interpretation|may or may not be malevolent]], but their masks are definitely menacing.
* Averted with [[Hollywood Undead (Music)|Hollywood Undead]]. Their masks are [http://www.somethingawful.com/d/garbage-day/hollywood-undead.php not at all menacing], and their [[Wangst|Wangsty]], [[Emo]]/PrettyFlyForAWhiteGuy songs are even less so.
* Averted with [[Hollywood Undead]]. Their masks are [http://www.somethingawful.com/d/garbage-day/hollywood-undead.php not at all menacing], and their [[Wangst|Wangsty]], [[Emo]]/PrettyFlyForAWhiteGuy songs are even less so.
* The men in the Nick Berg video and other beheading videos. The executioners wear balaclavas and kaffiyeh, so we do not know their real identities.
* The men in the Nick Berg video and other beheading videos. The executioners wear balaclavas and kaffiyeh, so we do not know their real identities.
* The identical "X Face" masks worn by the band Mushroomhead.
* The identical "X Face" masks worn by the band Mushroomhead.
Retrieved from "https://allthetropes.org/wiki/Malevolent_Masked_Men"