Mild Mannered Reviews – Crime Syndicate #1

Crime Syndicate #1

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Crime Syndicate #1

 

Scheduled to arrive in stores: March 2, 2021
Cover date: May 2021

“The New Deal” – Part 1: “Strange Visitor”

Writer: Andy Schmidt
Penciller: Kieran McKeown
Inker: Dexter Vines
Cover: Jim Cheung & Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Variant Cover: Skan

Reviewed by: Craig Boehmer



The issue starts with an altered retelling of the assassination of JFK, who is shown as a dictator that is taken out by Ultraman as a boy. We then get a cool throw back to the Action Comics #1 cover with Ultraman lifting a green truck and smashing through a window. He confronts Cat Grant about an edition of the paper questioning Ultraman’s ability to control Metropolis. He cuts their conversation off due to hearing something that needs his attention. We then get a sequence of Superwoman brainwashing the President of the USA, Ollie, she is also interrupted by something odd. Similar scenes play out for Johnny Quick and Power Ring. It is revealed that the disturbance is Starro invading the planet, he quickly gains control of Ultraman. This leads to a closing sequence of Owlman killing a criminal and notifying Gotham that the Talon has arrived. He then comments to Alfred that something has invaded earth, and he hopes to exploit it.

 

This issue contains a back up story detailing the origins of Ultraman.

4Story – 4: If you like the Crime Syndicate, you may find this story more interesting. I like that they are detailing how the Crime Syndicate got together and drawing parallels to the origins of the Justice League. The characterization seems to be spot on. I also like the inclusion of John Stewart as Power Ring, I never really liked the Hal Power Ring character that we got in “Forever Evil”.


4Art – 4: Kieran McKeown does a good job with the art in this. It’s not so good that it sells the issue, but it doesn’t distract from the story either. I like the character design for John Stewart Power Ring, and the design for Johnny Quick is so trashy looking, but in a way that looks good for the character.


5Cover Art – 5: I love this cover. They are all imposing and shrouded in shadows. Each character looks great and it’s a greater teaser for the book.


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