CRIME SYNDICATE #1 DC COMICS
In 1964, writer Gardner Fox and artist Mike Sekowsky introduced us to the infamous Earth 3. On this alternate earth, super-heroes were super-villains and (in later storylines) super-villains were super-heroes. And thus the comic reading population was introduced to such characters as Ultraman, Owl Man, Power Ring, Johnny Quick, and Superwoman! These wonderfully twisted versions of classic Justice League members made for a great entry in the annual JLA/JSA team-ups. As the times changed, so did the Crime Syndacate. And this mini-series starts off well. Andy Schmit’s story focuses more on character than on the chaos these characters generate. And with Kieran McKeown’s pencils filled in with Dexter Vines inks and Steve Oliff colors, this is worth checking out. And pitting them against the likes of a twisted version of Starro the Conquerer is sheer genius. I give it an 8 out of 10 Grahams.
INFINITE FRONTIER #0 DC COMICS
Your standard #0 issue filled with little tastes of upcoming storylines that DC is so famous for putting out. With the new “ONE” in the form of the new and improved Wonder Woman, we get to tour a small part of the multiverse as she decides or her next step. We, of course, get glimpses into the main characters of the DCU (Batman, Superman, Flash, Green Lantern) but also get to visit a few old friends. Green Arrow and Black Canary have found each other again! Alan Scott-Green Lantern, but there is one snippet that steals the show. Stargirl has long been the last vestige of the greatness that was the Golden Age. But here we get Stripsey, a mysterious call from the Vigalante, and finally a group pose of the 7 Soldiers of Victory (or Law’s Legionnaires if you’re my age!) featuring the classic lineup as Mort Meskin and Mort Weisinger wanted you to see them! No Alias the Spider, no Billy Gunn, no TNT & Dan the Dyna-mite! No one but The Shining Knight, Crimson Avenger and Wing, Star-Spangled Kid and Stripsey, the Vigalante and … GREEN ARROW and SPEEDY! Now this is what I’m talking about! But while this little interlude makes my old ticker race a bit, the ending is a little …off. Judge for yourselves. I give it a 7 out of 10 Grahams. 