Convergence: Crime Syndicate #1 (2015) Review

Rebellion 

Written by: Brian Buccellato
Art by: Phil Winslade and Lovern Kindzierski
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 29, 2015

I wish that I could start this review by going on about how much I love the Crime Syndicate or how great it is to see Grant Morrison's DC One Million Universe again.  I do like the Crime Syndicate enough (but as villains) and up until now, have no experience with Grant Morrison's creation whatsoever.  I know that hurts my comic cred, but it's the truth.  I am a fan of Brian Buccellato, however, and for that reason alone, I was looking forward to this book.  Now that I've read it, have I fallen in love with the Crime Syndicate?  Am I running off to read DC One Million?  What am I making for dinner?  All those questions and more will be answered...



The issue starts off on Earth 3 Metropolis and this is my favorite Convergence opening so far.  We get a journal entry narration from Superwoman and it blew me away.  In just two pages, Buccellato gives us an introduction to the Crime Syndicate, what happened since the Dome covered their city, but more importantly, the regrets of a woman heading to her death.

You see, Superwoman is on death row for killing philanthropist Bruno Mannheim (remember, Earth 3) and while she claims it was an accident, she still sees what she and the Crime Syndicate are...cowards.  They chose the villain's life.  They are not the heroes.  That pretty much sums up the whole issue...who are the heroes and who should they fight for?  Brian Buccellato does a great job letting the reader decide because as most of us know, that's a very wide grey area.

While the rest of the Crime Syndicate work on saving Superwoman, Justice Legion Alpha of DC One Million is fighting their own battle.  Lincoln Luthor has taken over 853rd Century Metropolis and has been hunting down the heroes.  The Dome life is not pleasant in this book, I'll tell you. Buccellato gives us a nice peek at a bloodthirsty Batman and a calm collected Superman as they differ in their plan of defense.  The fun factor in a book like this is seeing the juxtaposition between these characters and the ones we know and love.

That continues back on Earth 3, where the Rogue Hunters foil the Syndicates rescue effort.  Captain Cold and the Rogues are this reviewer's favorite villain team and seeing this amalgam version standing up for what's right was awesome.  Having Buccellato feature characters that he obviously loves is the icing on the cake.

When I say that things aren't going well for either team at this point, that is an understatement.  Both of their worlds have gone to shit...and then we get Telos' speech and the Dome disappears.  The Crime Syndicate and the Justice Legion Alpha have to fight to save cities that want them dead.

Brian Buccellato explores so much in this issue, but the best is why would a hero fight for a city that wants them dead.  We also get a really awesome look at the differences between these universes' most famous heroes/villains and it's obvious that some are going to rise to the occasion while others stick with their old ways.  I'm so excited to see where this is going and can't wait for next month's finale.

As far as the art goes, Phil Winslade and Lovern Kindzierski should be commended for giving readers a book that looks so retro and awesome.  I know that other books have tried to match the art to the story and while some succeeded, none as well as this book.

Bits and Pieces:

This issue is one of my favorite Convergence titles of the entire first month.  Brian Buccellato's story had me the minute it started and the retro feel of Phil Winslde's art was perfect.  I can't wait for next month's finale to see who decides to be the heroes and who takes the cowardly route.  Highly recommended.  By the way, I'm making meatloaf and mashed potatoes for dinner.

9.4/10