Kobe Bryant Mask: Pics of Mamba's New Black Mask

Newly masked wonder Kobe Bryant is switching up his mask to go with something that is more in tune with his nickname: The Black Mamba. 

Update: Tuesday, March 6 at 8:30 p.m. ET

The black mask didn't last long. The Mamba got off to a horrid start from the field, and he has gone back to the clear version. The Orange County Register's Kevin Ding had the news.

"

Kobe hits first shot with the clear mask back: a 9-foot fadeaway. LAL 39, DET 32.

— KEVIN DING (@KevinDing) March 7, 2012"

As you might have now guessed, his new mask is going to be black. Here is a look:

This new mask appears to be a little smaller than his last version, but a different color. You don't have to take my word on this. Judge for yourself:  

There is definitely more of an edge to this mask. Gone is the silly-looking clear, and it has been replaced with an ominous black. 

In fact, this mask has a certain Batman feel to it. Let's just hope that Bryant's move to a more Caped Crusader look stops with the mask. 

It would be far too awkward to see Bryant out there in a nipple-enhanced George Clooney Batman suit. 

A look at this mask from the side an it's pretty clear it has hints of Hannibal Lecter.

Maybe Kobe Bryant is just a big R Kelly fan?

At least Kobe had a medical purpose for this mask. R should have kept his mask in the closet.