Black Mask

Ruthless boss of Gotham's crime organization

A heinous mafia boss who controls Gotham City's criminal organizations. One of Batman's archenemies.

Quotes

  • “Fear is what supports power.”
  • “This city is mine.”
  • “There is no truth behind the mask.”
  • “No mercy for traitors.”
  • “No one can stop my rule.”

Trivia

  • Black Mask's mask is modeled after a real human face.
  • Roman Sionis was originally the son of a wealthy businessman.
  • Has resurrected multiple times despite being defeated by Batman several times.
  • Popular villain in anime and games besides comics.
  • Leaves a deep impression on fans with his ruthless personality and intense violence.

Alternate names

Black Mask Roman Sionis Black Mask (Black Mask)

Tags

Gotham Crime Organization Villain Batman Enemy Boss Character Ruthless Dark Knight American Comics

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Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Male

Appearance

Overall appearance
Always wears a black mask, hiding his true face underneath. Prefers black suits and has a ruthless expression.
Height
Approximately 180cm
Weight
Secret
Eye color
Black
Hair color
Black
Distinguishing features
  • Black skull-shaped mask
  • Cold eyes
Iconic items
  • Black skull mask
  • Luxury suit
  • Firearms
  • Symbolic item of the crime organization
  • Leather gloves

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Ruthless
Detailed personality
Rarely shows emotions, ruthless and calculating. Ambitious to dominate Gotham's underworld. Doesn't hesitate to use brutal means and shows no mercy to enemies.
Keywords
  • Ruthless
  • Cunning
  • Ambitious
  • Violent
  • Calm and composed
  • Desire for control
Motto
Might makes right. Rule through fear.
Talents
  • Strong mental fortitude
  • Leadership
  • Strategic planning
  • Negotiation skills
Skills
  • Martial arts
  • Firearms handling
  • Mafia management
  • Information manipulation
Motivation
To dominate Gotham City's crime and make his power absolute. To defeat Batman.
Habits
Rarely removes his mask and doesn't show his true face. Doesn't express emotions unnecessarily.
Favorite foods
Fine wine, Steak, Cigar
Favorite places
Gotham's underworld, Secret hideout
Favorite colors
Black
Disliked situations
His plans being interfered with, Showing weakness
Disliked people
Batman, Police, Traitors

History

Backstory
Roman Sionis was born into a wealthy family and built power through both his father's fortune and crime. Obsessed with family and Gotham's honor, he aims to dominate the underworld, leading the crime organization as Black Mask. He repeatedly clashes with Batman in various forms.
Debut date
January 1, 1985
Work title
Batman: Faces of Death #1
Media type
Comic

Debut as Black Mask

Significant event
Debut as Black Mask
Description
Roman Sionis begins activities as Black Mask for the first time.

Multiple confrontations with Batman

Significant event
Multiple confrontations with Batman
Description
Faced organizational crises multiple times due to battles with Batman.

Death and Resurrection

Significant event
Death and Resurrection
Description
Killed once but has resurrected multiple times.

Relationships

Roman Sionis Sr.

Father

Black Mask's patriarch, a figure who influenced him

Hush

Rival

A complex relationship where they are enemies but sometimes cooperate.

Black Canary

Black Mask Gang

Black Mask Gang: leader

Gotham's Crime Organizations

Gotham's Crime Organizations: leader

Media appearances

unknown

Manga

Batman: The Animated Series

Anime / Supporting

1990s TV series

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

Movie / Supporting

1993 theatrical release

Batman: Arkham City

Game / Supporting

2011 game

Voice cast and creators

Yuichi Nakamura

Voice actor
Yuichi Nakamura
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Anime and game versions

Fred Tatasciore

Voice actor
Fred Tatasciore
Language
English
Version or series
Batman: Arkham series

Doug Moench

Creator name
Doug Moench
Role
Original author

Tom Mandrake

Creator name
Tom Mandrake
Role
Illustrator

Related goods

Black Mask Figure

Item name
Black Mask Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Black Mask Mask Replica

Item name
Black Mask Mask Replica
Category
Accessory
Availability
Limited

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