Who Are DC Comics' Blood Syndicate? The Justice League Gone Gangsta!

[@noahlomax1]

I had the original comic back in 93 after meeting Dwayne McDuffie at the Black Expo here in Chicago. The thing is, I lost that comic and have since been looking for the entire volume. Does anyone know where to get these comics from in or outside of Chicago? I'd appreciate any help.

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

Man, I don't know about in the Chicago area, but I'll pin this comment and maybe someone can throw a line your way.

[@tarmanjrakathegooch]

I miss going to the expo.i always loved getting out of gary to do stuff growing up

[@micdpayne]

Im currently collecting the series also missing about 10 to 20

[@coopforilla4000]

I have most of them I google that ish u prob got them already but let me know if u still interested

[@derekmason1881]

Alot of comic shops have Milestone comics in the .50 - $1.00 back issue bins. You can also order them from mycomicshop.com

[@metasapienrex5287]

Perfect example diversity done properly. That stuff went straight over my head at the time, and I didn't care. I'm willing to say Blood Syndicate was and is most diverse "group" of comic book characters ever done.

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

I'd agree with that. A lot of it went over my head, too. I had no idea. I was just reading and not catching any of the little nuances. Would love to see them make a come back

[@KeanWolcott]

This was actually my fav Milestone comic. These characters were so conflicted and true to life any lags in the action parts of the comic was not a problem since their stories were so interesting.

[@nope4831]

At the time Blood Syndicate was more x-men than the x-men. Ivan Velez jr should have gotten more opportunities in the industry.

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

Agreed. He was woefully under utilized once Milestone got absorbed into DC

[@Dominickudo]

Holy crap that’s exactly what I was going to say.

[@googleuser7454]

Milestone was groundbreaking and Blood syndicate had some pretty interesting dynamics for a team

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

Milestone was over 20 years ahead of the game. Especially with Blood Syndicate

[@PainKiller0247]

I will always love Blood Syndicate! One of my favs from Milestone. Please oh please cover Shadow Cabinet. It was amazing and ahead of its time

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

I plan to tackle them soon. Just gonna wait a minute. This video took a lot out of me to edit. Like several days spread out lol

[@davidturrentineii8992]

Damn that was FIRE!! Digging these Milestone Comics Character videos, keep'em coming! I'd say "these go to 11"

[@johnstewart6380]

David Turrentine II we live. I’m waiting for the live action movies or series on these great characters

[@_Dee2nd]

The most diverse team in comics!

[@TowDow3]

PERIOD.

[@nomadrichproductions]

Waiting for a Blood syndicate movie

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

I'd watch the shit out of that

[@nefspeaks1983]

I'm waiting for a Netflix series. I've been reaching out to the writers and Milestone

[@TajimaMunenori]

It has to be rated R!

[@RespectMyNerdz]

@@nefspeaks1983 who all have you spoke too ive talk to a sum of them Michael davis, Matt wayne, Ivan Velez jr

[@nefspeaks1983]

@@RespectMyNerdz i tweeted Dwayne McDuffie twice with no response

[@blackpotatomaster]

Haven't herd bang baby in awhile since my boy static shock

[@mrpapo2000]

Thanks for the kind words about my book, gee. ;)

[@liamearly4883]

With dc following the way of marvel comics. They really should bring back the milestone universe for today

[@captainomega6315]

I loved Blood Syndicate I really wish DC would do something with these characters.

[@liveanddieinchicagoliveand7074]

Young justice might do something with them eventually

[@RespectMyNerdz]

Dc cant do that with out Milestones permission and Milestones are currently in a dispute with DC for the rights to use the comics They've been trying too release content since 2016

[@RespectMyNerdz]

@@liveanddieinchicagoliveand7074 technically speaking dc wasn't going too use them anyways they just wanted the rights too the characters and they never got them

[@liveanddieinchicagoliveand7074]

have u not seen Ys3 OBVIOUSLY THEY CAN

[@liveanddieinchicagoliveand7074]

dc Could Buy milestone IF they wanted to dc worrth billions. Greg weismen Young justice Creator was on reddit answering questions from fans a fan asked If Milestone , Wildstorm , Or dc characters off limit s Greg weismen said no he was told he caN use any characters he wanted thats why milestone holocaust static rocket icon hardware on ys3

[@caliken10]

The Blood Syndacate was like nothing else I witnessed in comics!!!

[@IAmDifferentWorld]

Yooooooo!!!! You rock! Can KZbin pay ya to just do this for life? BlerdWithoutFear & BarTalkAndCocktails are some of the most underrated channels on this platform.

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

I wish! I'm chasing the bag as fast as I can lol. Thank you for putting respect on my name!

[@IAmDifferentWorld]

R.e.s.p.e.c.t. You got me saying plus ultra.... idek wtf +Ultra means lol

[@dawolf4274]

"Blood Syndicate" was by far the most interesting comic in Milestone. And my favorite comic. The dynamics were just... wow!

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

They had a level of story telling that was just on point. Ivan Velez Jr. was writing his ass off

[@dawolf4274]

@@BlerdWithoutFear Agreed. Met him once. Nice guy.. this was around time the Milestone heroes were popping up in various DC titles. Asked him would Syndicate ever make an appearance. Even though he didn't work for company anymore, he said DC would never incorporate "them" in. He said this with a knowing nod.... I got it.

[@kennyweekes8080]

Blood Syndicate was a mega comic. It asks many good questions. Didn't answer many lol but always tested the waters. Milestone Comics was what it was called a Milestone.

[@orangerhymed]

Gotta love Milestone.

[@kingmarkseven17]

Even though I knew of them, I wasn't too familiar with Blood Syndicate and it's members so thanks for this. I hope you can do a more complete breakdown so I can learn more. I'd love for DC to make an animated Blood Syndicate movie! That would be dope af!

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

Thank you! Would be a great thing, but I'm not holding my breath. Their rights are in a weird custody battle right now.

[@kingmarkseven17]

@@BlerdWithoutFear damn that sucks smh

[@ejaeda1]

Milestone was way head of its time as teen in the 90’s I would read blood syndicate and think damn this is what really going in from flashback drug problems, fade being gay to masquerade be trans having the one white boy in hood the Afro-latin and gang culture all of it was straight rip from my teens then amp it up with super powers milestone is the shiii forever

[@nope4831]

I like babasaur too. He was a kid that turned into a purple dinosaur that joined later on.

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

Yeah he one of the version I'm saving for later. i liked him, too. It was the perfect mix of everything I loved as a kid. Comics and dinosaurs lol

[@hatefulcupcake460]

Man I'm loving all the love you're giving to Milestone

[@uptriverside157]

This was and still is my favorite comic of all time. Chick with the time travel powers used to do crack after for example saving the team after using her power like 30 times. Her brother(ghost dude)scolded her and she was like u dont know what I see and go through when I save you so I'm doing g me. Comic was deep.

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

Definitely. Flashback was one of the best characters in the whole series

[@karlgarcia6269]

Thanks for the Milestone Media content!!!

[@fmc291]

You know. That’s an awesome cast, unfortunately we probably won’t have them play the characters.

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

Well, no. I have no illusions about that. I just do it for fun since everyone seemed to like it in other videos

[@antgto]

Solid video man. Now is a great time to have light shined on Milestone. Start raiding those long boxes for back issues people!

[@coopforilla4000]

Man U did this! This is amazing!

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

Thank you! One of my favorite things Milestone ever did

[@popshot5021]

If only you were a casting director. Great video and your casting choices for the syndicate are spotless. And like many, I've thought of Milestone comics as a plethora of highly-developed & personable black characters alongside great story lines; which beats out the typical black superhero sidekicks that DC/Marvel continually craps out. I never realized how culturally sound/adapted, Milestone Comics were until you mentioned it. McDuffie, Cowan & everyone who made milestone what it is, were geniuses in this line of work.

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

I wish. Been trying to raise awareness on Milestone's comic line. Hoping one day someone will take notice. These comics were light years ahead of today's crop. Mainstream comics wish they were as woke as these books. And they did it all on the lowkey tip. No one expected that stuff in the 90's. Fingers crossed, they make a come back

[@jonathanjolivet2057]

Milestone Extended Universe--NOW!!! Make it happen! Get Ryan Coogler behind the camera. Hell have him team up with Jordan Peele. Make it happen!

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

I'd be game for it

[@somerandomfan2096]

I WILL ALWAYS EFFFING LOVE❤️💕💗MILESTONE COMICS AND STATIC SHOCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FOREVER ♾️

[@thewoodchipperr]

UM IM HERE FOR THE TOTAL BREAKDOWN IF YOU DECIDE TO DO THAT MY G

[@joshuawatson575]

Fantastic video. More milestone

[@TajimaMunenori]

I've always thought Yassin Bey would make a great Wise Son The White Wolf!

[@Dougking1980]

Milestone comics were awesome. They had a crossover with DC called "A rift between Worlds" that was really good. I was a fan of all of them, glad to hear they are making a comeback.

[@melvinbanks7375]

Loved this comic a homeboy at work turned me on to it was super dope !!

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

It really is a good story. Ivan Velez Jr. wrote the shit out of it. They're still not telling stories like this today. He was ahead of his time.

[@JohnJames-Manifest]

I hope you do a in-depth look into this comic.

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

I might. Depends on whats going on at the time. This video took a lot longer than other videos I do because of how much content there was to break down lol

[@Dominickudo]

Diversity before diversity was a "thing"

[@DonShotta24]

Glad I found this channel. You’re awesome

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

Thank you! I'm glad you're here! Welcome to Earth's Mightiest. Hope you continue to enjoy the content!

[@michiganswagger1]

I think it's about time we see a Milestone Comic Cinematic Universe on the big screen.

[@DanielMorales-qp8rf]

I always loved milestone comics heroes and stories. Very relevant. Real character development. I dont know why DC is waiting so long to create movies on these characters.

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

Something is up with the rights to them. Which is weird because they're in Young Justice lol. We need these characters back

[@quotivation47]

Oh damnnnnnn. I gotta give this a look.

[@TowDow3]

maaaaaaan you are in for a treat

[@quotivation47]

@@TowDow3 lol. I know. Bout to run miles in reading these issues. Our dude ernie sure knows how to promote.

[@TheJohno95]

Thanks for doing this video! I loved Blood Syndicate! It was way ahead of it's time and my favorite Milestone comic other than Static. I agree with you that if this came out today, it would probably do better in sales. But I followed it for quite a while back in the day and enjoyed it a lot. It would be nice in some of these reboots if they would bring some of these Milestone characters back rather than trying to shoehorn Cyborg into every team.

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

Anytime. Thank you! Unfortunately, legal issues keep the Milestone characters out of action. I get it though. DC has a tough job. Making new characters people will care about, especially black and brown ones, is difficult. Because no matter how well they're written/drawn, there will always be thousands of people who hate them just because, thousands of people you like them just fine, and millions more who would rather read the same old comics they've been reading than try something new. Thats why Cyborg gets shoehorned around lol. After 32 years of reading comics, its just something I've learned to accept. People don't like change... even when its good

[@TheJohno95]

You're right. It was a shame the Milestone books came out during that big bubble of the 90's. I feel if it were a little bit after, they would have done better. And I do like Cyborg....Just as a Titan.

[@botboyvs3646]

Great video!

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

Thank you!

[@guitarbla3k]

The memories of early milestone comics. I lived in harlem then........we had no idea how great life was as a 7yr old

[@marqueseason6360]

Michael Jie White would be my pick for the character fade...although i admit im a little bias because i think he's great in anything.

[@jeffdzurnak3071]

Great picks wouldn't mind seeing that

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

Thank you! It was hard to think up so many actors and actresses, but if they did with even half the people I picked, I'd be down.

[@jeffdzurnak3071]

@@BlerdWithoutFear I'd watch it on Netflix or Hulu of they did it

[@marcusrobinson-johnson]

Love that you've been doing a lot of Milestone videos lately. Think you might do one for the Shadow Cabinet one day?

[@jdtroup198683]

Tech Nine should be Laz Alonzo

[@antivescasteal2184]

I still have all the first editions from Milestone comics. My favorite character of blood syndicate is Brick House.

[@garytucker3563]

Had a couple of them. Was definitely ahead of it's time. RIP D.Duffie. I like your casting, really nice and "agreeable", LOL! Even though you clearly made it known you weren't covering certain characters, I was and still am fascinated with HOLOCAUST, and if I was fortunate enough to play him, I would. #BlackVillains

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

Yeah I felt Holocaust I would save for a separate video since he's more a member of the New Blood Syndicate. Love his powerset though. Hey you never know. Anything can happen if you put the idea out there!

[@pjchatmon60]

I been waiting on this one bra! 👍👍💯

[@johnstewart6380]

Good Stuff man quality work

[@allan5996]

Great Video!!!

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

Thank you, Allan!

[@vicwhite5462]

Yo dog...u picked an excellent cast....good job bro.. Waiting for more

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

Thank you! It took a lot of time lol. Thank you so much!

[@JamesMathurin]

Good video. I'm a huge fan of the Blood Syndicate, so I think there were a couple of small inaccuracies in this, but I love seeing anyone show love to these characters.

[@fredjones4859]

I am a big fan of Milestone Heroes and I really hope that Milestone Heroes return to DC Universe before the summer of 2019. I liked Heroes like Hardware, Icon, Static, Kobalt, DeathWish,Wiseson, Holocaust, And The Xombi. I liked The SuperTeames of Milestone Heroes That are: Blood Syndicate, Shadow Cabinet, Heroes Inc..And The BangBabies.

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

They were good books. Well ahead of their time. From what I hear, Denys Cowan has faith they'll be back very soon .Fingers crossed!

[@tonyweaver5953]

This the one I've been waiting for!!

[@claudegrinnell9602]

Who else was a young black artist and created a character just like “Fade” with phasing powers n a clean .... fade ??? Lol

[@jacovbtarver7052]

I had all thirty something issues.....this comic introduce a whole new type of super beings and the art work seemed more freestyled...the storylines from this era were epic..... best DC milestone group bar none! Loved the Kwai, Flashback,Fade and Brick House stories and characters!

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

Yeah I miss the story telling here. It was so good. Hell, it was way more advanced than anything we're reading now.

[@hmcguin]

Thank you Brother!!!

[@doctorindigeaux318]

Shadow Cabinet next??

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

Possibly. This video was a monster to finish. Took several days lol. I'll do it, but maybe later. Give myself a breather

[@ZahJehm]

Your casting choices are always cleanly bro. Got a new sub today 💪🏾

[@kelvinblunt6051]

love the way you explain this I really wish this was a movie I would definitely go see it.

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

Thank you! Its a labor of love! Hopefully one day once everyone at DC can get their act together it can happen

[@dochoskinsjr9807]

Much Love for the walk down Memory Lane... This was my 4th fav of the Milestone books, but I felt they held the team back from becoming what it they were ultimately meant to be. Basically they should have evolved into a heroic assault team. When members went off they should have received training from various sources, ie: the govt, tactical teams, hidden or mystic organizations and years later they could have reformed and become something better than they ever were, knowing more about the world and threats that face it. They should have been the Avengers while the Shadow Cabinet was the Authority of the Dakota Universe.

[@cee119]

Thank you so much for making this video, while I understand why you Left Holocaust out, he was a founding member. I'll biased though because he was such a cool character. Good casting btw. Lance Gross would make a perfect Wise Son. This Comic would sell a lot today. Way ahead of its time. Thank you again. You bodied it. Oh! That kid from that tv show Snowfall would be a good Wise Son as well

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

Thank you, Cee! Holly is definitely a founder. I originally had him in the video, but once we crept over 20 minutes after edits, I removed him and one other founder because they both became bad guys. I'll likely do another video with the villain version, and probably hook up a Shadow Cabinet video as well since there's a smidgen of cross over there

[@cee119]

@@BlerdWithoutFear True. Shadow Cabinet comic was action packed! Iron Butterfly was doing her thing in there and Xombi was on display. Dwayne McDuffie was ahead of his time

[@jacovbtarver7052]

Cardio B as Flashback......Bumper Robinson as Fade......Michael Jai White....as DMX....or Icon......Marsai....as Rocket........Omar Epps as Wise son....Lamar Odom....as Holocaust.....man I could cast that....and Spike Lee and Tyler Perry could make that movie!

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

I could see it happen. Hope they get brought back now that Milestone is a thing again. Sort of.

[@Zulu-Lemon]

DMZ was my favorite Good stuff ...milestone is a great universe I also had milestone trading cards

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

Those cards were amazing! I wish I got my hands on those back then

[@taviscaron4192]

Great video my man. Hadn't heard much of this group and now I'm learned! Thank you. Subscription earned my friend.

[@couufdr]

I feel like he also exist in static shock, they just changed things about him. He sounds a lot like Bigfoot I think the dude's name was. He could absorb energy and forces and gain more massive and get stupid strong also

[@patrickharvey6979]

Amazing..I need to check it out

[@SkyHiGradtrw]

Very interesting role choices. A 4 to 6-episode series one off that hit all the major plot and character development points would be crucial right now. I read as an adult and was still blown away, ahead if it's time for sure.

[@d-rishamusic9107]

Thank you for this

[@vicwhite5462]

Oh yeah ..u just got A new subscriber homie

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

Thank you, Vic!

[@SupaSargeakaQ]

Holocaust wasn't mentioned considering he was one of the original members of the Blood Syndicate and was featured in Static Shock

[@darkmanex1485]

My favorite super group.

[@TheDarkSilence888]

Blood Syndicate was really cool

[@tyoungjjr]

This was a very interesting casting to these characters! Hoping someone is bold would put this on an real live movie or atleast a cartoon!

[@quintinr.6760]

I have almost all of this comic book, gave me hope as a kid!

[@robertobravo5732]

Please do Chapel

[@caanan02]

MILESTONE NEED TO COME BACK!!! NOW!!!!!

[@showkingsent]

You are the G.O.A.T. for this one.

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

Thank you, Show! I did what I could. This one was tough with so many characters. I had to cut stuff out lol

[@MLee0584]

This was a good video on an excellent, underrated comic. I literally have every issue in the series. Good casting also

[@ejshepherd4592]

I think it would make for a better television show than a movie

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

Probably. Thats why I chose actors that could do both

[@klepto411]

Anyone else come back to watch this vid after watching Blerds most recent Blood Syndicate vid?? I’m gonna need that individual breakdown of each character 😉

[@terrenceharris-hughes4436]

Wish they were characters on the Static Shock show

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

They technically were. Some of them at least

[@johnhendricks1998]

I Learned a lot about the Blood Syndicate. You should checkout Manifold a native Austrailian aboriginal mutant.

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

I've seen him in Black Panther and few other books. He's legit

[@daydreamer4451]

Milestone books felt so different to me than Marvel and D.C.

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

They were trying to tell stories people were too afraid to tell. Stories that, oddly enough, Marvel and Dc are being criticized for telling now lol

[@hermanknight9620]

Marvel and DC comics couldn't compete with Milestone comics so they copyed them instead

[@robinlue2008]

I'm interested to know it what capacity they copied?

[@hermanknight9620]

@@robinlue2008 The Politics, Diversity & Sexual Orientation in comics. Marvel & DC was not doing that in the 90's.

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

This is true for the most part. A lot of ideas Milestone used got copied into DC and Marvel proper. Iron Man, though he came first, copied Hardware's nano machine suit. And trust me when I tell you that Miles Morales, for all the love I have for him, is not very different from Static, in much the same way Static wasn't very different from Spider-Man. Every imprint copies the other. Its the business.

[@positivevibes4957]

My co worker just told me about this comic. I never heard of it and I was born the same year 1993. She told me that DC and Marcel were threatened by Milestone because they were selling at a very fast pace and they showed a lot of black and minorities in the comics. Can someone explain more on why these writers walked away from this beautiful company? Did they threaten their families or something? These writers were in their 30’s when this happened.

[@robinlue2008]

@@hermanknight9620 oh ok. I didn't know. I always assumed at least marvel was doing the same back then with their characters but I guess not. On another note I feel DC snatched up the milestone characters as a business/political power move so they wouldn't gain any more traction in popularity seeing as how they were already ahead of their time. Mind you we're still at war (psychological) and its not to be taken lightly.

[@willofthecreator]

Metahuman Breed next?

[@sirtokez7594]

I surely believe Mos should be Wise Son he’d walk into the role seamlessly

[@levelzanimations]

You're better than comicsexplained

[@lugit36]

Maaaaan lemme tell ya sumthnnnnn maaaaaan

[@metatronblack]

What about the sexy voice?

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

Hey, I'll take that lol. I don't dislike Rob or anything, but I don't watch other comic book channels. Never wanna do what they're doing

[@levelzanimations]

@@BlerdWithoutFear He think jiren solo marvel, he's an idiot

[@jacovbtarver7052]

I bought every single issue.....I was a big fan....I especially liked the powers of the brother sister duo Fade and Flashback......The character Kwai....met them in their future...the stories were outrageous....I remember when they fought Demon Fox and Masquerade got beat so bad Fade discovered he was really a she ....yeah you right.....we'd literally be hear all day......Spike Lee should make this into a movie.....him and Robert Townsend they got the dollars

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

It was really good stuff. Spike Lee and Robert Townsend could definitely bring this whole thing to life. Especially with the types of stories they've told throughout the years.

[@jawofajackass4047]

If this movie gets made it changes the CBM game😍... Which is why it wont get made😭

[@MotionKomyx]

Uau!! Amei esse elenco. Netflix, Warner, HBO, já está hora de sair uma série ou filme desse clássico. Parabéns pelo vídeo, mano.

[@HaightTheGreat]

Is there a Static Shock movie anywhere in the works? I feel like Hollywood needs to expand into the Dakotaverse and Image comics for new content.

[@liveanddieinchicagoliveand7074]

Image creator owned company image would never have film universe

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

Unfortunately, the rights to Milestone are tied up in legal shenanigans between the McDuffie estate and Dc Comics. Otherwise, we'd have seen something by now

[@HaightTheGreat]

@@BlerdWithoutFear damn I learn so much from you. DC needs to just pay the man because this could put them back in the game. Between the Dakotaverse and the Watchmen, DC is completely under utilizing their catalogue.

[@liveanddieinchicagoliveand7074]

On reddit fan questioning Greg weismen told a fan who asked a question about are milestone and wildstorm off limit he said no dc told him he can use any characters he wanted thats why milestone Holocaust , static,rocket , icon , hardware on Ys3.

[@liveanddieinchicagoliveand7074]

Watchmen doomsday clock amazing, Watchmen also getting tv series on hbo coming out this year.

[@chrismasters4740]

Condiment King so underrated

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

I'm gonna sneak Condiment King references in videos until one day... he gets his respect

[@showkingsent]

Honestly, it would be best if the movie was acted by unknown actors or actresses.

[@wind5039]

I know no one asked but I like earth's mightiest comics or milestone comic's over blerd without fear.

[@poweredbygarri1]

Reagan was a dopehead in some movie with dmx. At least she will have drug addiction part down.

[@BlerdWithoutFear]

I think she'd do very well

[@Bobby-ix4fx]

Rosa Salazar for Jessica Cruz