The origin of DC's Crime Syndicate is finally about to be unveiled. The first issue of the mini-series Crime Syndicate is slated for release on March 2nd, but DC has already presented a summary for the second issue. So far, it looks like there will be a lot to look forward to.
The Crime Syndicate of America first appeared back in 1964 and there have been many variations of the group appearing on different Earths. The present group includes Ultraman, Superia, Owlman, Power Ring/Emerald Knight, Johnny Quick, and Atomica. For the first time ever, fans will learn the origins of the Syndicate... or at least the version present on Earth-3. The Crime Syndicate is made up of evil counterparts to the Justice League. Ultraman is an evil alternative to Superman, while Johnny Quick is the evil counterpart of the Flash, etc. Dark Knights: Death Metal brought about a new Earth-3, and with it a new version of the team, which may have serious consequences.
April solicitations from DC reveal that Crime Syndicate #2 will feature Starro, the mind-controlling conqueror. The series will be written by Andy Schmidt, who has worked for Marvel and IDW as an editor and writer. The artist will be Kieran McKeown, who worked on DC Crimes of Passion #1 and Wonder Woman (2016) #82, with the backup story art being done by Bryan Hitch. The cover will be done by Jim Cheung with a variant cover by Tyler Kirkham. Check out the cover art and DC's solicit details below.
- CRIME SYNDICATE #2
- Written by ANDY SCHMIDT
- Art by KIERAN McKEOWN
- Backup story art by BRYAN HITCH
- Cover by JIM CHEUNG
- Variant cover by TYLER KIRKHAM
- ON SALE 4/6/21
- $3.99 US | 32 PAGES | 2 OF 6 | FC | DC
- With Starro ravaging the planet and controlling superheroes and villains alike, the fate of the world rests in the hands of Ultraman, Superia, and Owlman—in other words, win or lose, humanity is doomed!
- Question of the month: What famous Gotham foes are held in Owlman’s cave?
- Plus, in the backup story, witness the origin of Owlman in a tale illustrated by superstar artist Bryan Hitch!
Based on the cover art, as well as the direct mention of Starro controlling superheroes and villains, it seems like some of the Crime Syndicate may be out of commission by this second issue. Superia and Ultraman don't seem to be getting along very well and it looks like there's a good chance that half of the team will be left to handle the giant conquering starfish, presumably while the other half makes things more difficult. This could easily set up future conflicts between the team, putting additional strain where some already exists.
The main question for this six-issue miniseries will be either how long can the Crime Syndicate manage to stick together or how badly will they mess each other up? With a rift already seemingly opening up based on just the summary and cover, the group's doom may come sooner than later. Only time will tell.