One of DC’s most infamous villain groups is making a shocking return, but with a fresh twist that changes everything. Instead of a reunion of the classic team, one of DC’s most cunning villains has taken over the team name and is rebuilding it with an entirely new lineup to target the Justice League and the Titans.
In Titans #17 by John Layman and Pete Woods, the story takes an unexpected turn with the return of Deathstroke, last seen during the events of Dark Crisis. The issue ends with Slade striking an alliance with the newly empowered Clock King. The story ramps up in Titans #18, where it’s revealed that Deathstroke isn’t just working alongside Clock King—he’s laying the groundwork to reform the infamous Crime Syndicate. This reimagined team promises to be a major threat, creating chaos and challenging DC’s greatest heroes in ways no one could have predicted.
Deathstroke’s Bold Move: Rebuilding the Crime Syndicate with a Whole New Twist!
Fans were taken aback by the shocking revelation that Deathstroke is now re-forming the notorious Crime Syndicate. This unexpected turn represents a huge departure from the team’s usual ties to Earth-3 and its evil counterparts of the Justice League. Typically, the Crime Syndicate consists of villains who are dark mirrors of heroes like Ultraman (Superman), Superwoman (Wonder Woman), and Owlman (Batman).
However, in Titans #18, Deathstroke’s actions show he is reshaping this villainous group into something completely different. He’s taking over the name of the Crime Syndicate and transforming it into a new team, one with an entirely fresh roster and agenda. By the end of his speech, Slade declares that the newly reformed Crime Syndicate will hold all the power, marking a dangerous shift in the villain landscape. His plans are set to redefine the team, and this time, they won’t be just Earth-3’s dark reflection—they’ll be a force to be reckoned with across the DC Universe.
Will Deathstroke’s New Crime Syndicate Include Earth-3’s Iconic Villains? Here’s the Shocking Truth!
With Deathstroke making moves to re-form the Crime Syndicate, many fans are left wondering whether members from Earth-3, like Ultraman and Owlman, will join his new team. The answer is a firm no. The events of Absolute Power have set a major obstacle in the way of this potential reunion. After the heroes defeated Amanda Waller, Earth-Prime was sealed off from the multiverse, which included cutting off access to Earth-3 and its notorious villains.
This was confirmed in Absolute Power #4, where Flash (Barry Allen) disrupted Amanda Waller’s transmatter machine, blocking any connection between Earth-Prime and other Earths. As a result, Ultraman, Owlman, and the rest of the Crime Syndicate were effectively trapped on their own Earth. So, while Deathstroke may be rebranding the Crime Syndicate, it’s highly unlikely we’ll see the original team members in his new iteration—at least not anytime soon.
Deathstroke’s Crime Syndicate Is Getting a Major Overhaul—Here’s Who’s Joining the Team!
With the original members of the Crime Syndicate off the table, Deathstroke is turning to a new set of villains to form his revamped team. Titans #17 teased Clock King’s involvement, which was confirmed in Titans #18. The same issue revealed that Deathstroke plans to recruit Mammoth, though his sister, Shimmer, remains under the Titans’ watch and could potentially join later. Further hints from synopses and cover art for upcoming issues suggest more surprises.
Titans #19 strongly suggests Killer Frost will be part of the lineup, based on both the cover art and the issue’s synopsis. While Titans #20 doesn’t reveal any new members, Titans #21 introduces Psycho-Pirate, making him a likely addition to the team. Writer John Layman seems to be focusing on lesser-known and unconventional villains, setting the stage for a dynamic and fresh twist in the Titans storyline.
Deathstroke’s Ultimate Plan: Take Down the Titans and the Entire Justice League!
In Titans #18, Deathstroke reveals his shocking strategy behind forming a new Crime Syndicate. He plans to use this powerful team to “topple the first domino” by targeting his old foes—the Titans. However, with the expanded Justice League roster in DC’s ALL IN initiative, attacking the Titans would send a devastating blow to the League as well. Slade’s ambitions don’t stop there, though—his ultimate goal is to bring down the entire Justice League Unlimited. The stakes have never been higher! Don’t miss Titans #18, now available from DC Comics!