One of the most iconic episodes of the original Star Trek series is “Mirror, Mirror”. It features Captain Kirk and the Enterprise crew trapped in another universe where Starfleet are brutal conquerors. Airing in 1966, it was many folks first introduction to the concept of a “mirror universe” … but DC Comics had beaten them to the punch! Justice League of America #29 (1964) introduced The Crime Syndicate of America, the evil twins of the Justice League.
What is the Crime Syndicate of America?
Every summer from 1963 through 1985, the Justice League would team-up with their middle aged Earth 2 counterparts in the Justice Society. Their second team-up pitted them against their counterparts from Earth 3. Earth 3 is a world where history was “reversed”, like Abe Lincoln assassinating President John Wilkes Booth. Therefore, Earth 3’s mightiest beings were criminals rather than heroes. Called the Crime Syndicate of America, it boasted five members corresponding to the Justice League’s core membership:
- Johnny Quick, an evil version of The Flash!
- Super-Woman, an evil Wonder Woman who wields a shape-shifting magic lasso!
- Owlman, an evil Batman with a superhuman mind and enhanced vision!
- Power Ring, an evil version of Green Lantern with a one-of-a-kind magic ring!
- Ultraman, an evil Superman who draws power from Kryptonite!
The Crime Syndicate was able to get the drop on the Justice League, putting them well on the way to dominating a brand-new Earth. The JLA, however, had the ability to call-in the JSA! Since the JSA’s rotating line-up didn’t include any one-to-one counterparts of the League or the Syndicate at the time, the CSA found themselves unprepared for the unfamiliar, highly experienced heroes of Earth 2. Rather than send the villains back to terrorize their home universe, the JLA and JSA used their combined cosmic might to imprison them in the void between universes.
An Idea Too Good To Let Go
The Crime Syndicate would return for more crossovers in the 70s and 80s. The idea of an evil Justice League was just too cool to leave on the shelf too long. In fact, the concept would even be adapted into Super Friends – albeit with simple recolors of the series regulars rather than brand new character designs.
The Crisis on Infinite Earths was meant to erase DC’s Multiverse and simplify their continuity. One of the first casualties was the Crime Syndicate, whose world was one of the first to be destroyed in the story. But the idea of the mirror universe just wasn’t one that writers were willing to give up! Writers like Mark Waid and Grant Morrison brought the Crime Syndicate back as residents of the Antimatter Universe.
DC Universe Classics
The Crime Syndicate of America is top of mind around here because a beautiful action figure boxed set from DC Universe Classics is coming to auction this weekend! It mixes Pre- and Post-Crisis designs for the team, choosing the best-looking costume for each member. It was a Wal-Mart exclusive back in the day and is a must-have for any JLA or JSA fan’s shelf.
If you’ve got a collection of toys, key issues, or anything else collectible, we want to help you sell it. Back to the Past specializes in getting you the best value for a collection without any extra effort on your part. Drop us a line today!
What’s your favorite JLA/JSA crossover? Let us know in the comments or on social media @b2pcollect!
