Forever Evil # 1 2013 NM-

Forever Evil #1 (2013) is the pivotal first issue of the New 52 crossover event, a seven-part miniseries that begins with the definitive victory of the villains. The story introduces the Crime Syndicate of Earth-3, who invade Earth-Prime and seemingly kill the Justice League, plunging the world into chaos.

Story Synopsis

The issue, titled "The World's Most Dangerous," begins on Earth-3, a twisted inverse of the standard DC Universe where the Justice League are the villains and the villains are the heroes. The Crime Syndicate—led by Ultraman, Superwoman, and Owlman—are destroying their own world when a mysterious, devastating force pursues them through a portal.

• The Invasion of Earth-Prime: The Syndicate arrives on the main DC Earth-Prime during a massive energy surge and eclipse. They immediately attack the Justice League Watchtower, overwhelming the heroes and trapping them within the "Tesseract," a device that bottles them inside a time loop and makes them vanish.
• The Proclamation: With the heroes gone, the Crime Syndicate broadcasts a message to the world: "This world is ours." They unleash every villain in the world by destroying Arkham Asylum, Blackgate Prison, Belle Reve (Suicide Squad headquarters), and other facilities simultaneously.
• Lex Luthor's Response: The event focuses heavily on the perspective of the villains. Lex Luthor, the self-proclaimed "savior" of humanity when facing actual threats, is offended by the alien invasion and immediately begins plotting his own counter-attack.
• Nightwing's Capture: A key plot point introduced is the capture of Dick Grayson (Nightwing) by the Crime Syndicate. Owlman is particularly interested in him, believing him to be his counterpart's (Batman's) "greatest weapon." The issue ends with Nightwing being unmasked on live television as the Syndicate asserts its dominance.

Creative Team

• Writer: Geoff Johns
• Artist: David Finch and Richard Friend
• Cover Artists: David Finch and Richard Friend