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Supercrooks
Supercrooks
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Supercrooks
Cover of collected edition for Supercrooks, art by Leinil Francis Yu.
Publication information
PublisherIcon Comics
FormatLimited series
GenreHeist, superhero
Publication dateMarch – August 2012
No. of issues4
Creative team
Written byMark Millar
PencillerLeinil Francis Yu
InkerGerry Alanguilan
ColoristSunny Gho

Supercrooks is a four-issue comic book limited series by writer Mark Millar and artist Leinil Francis Yu. The series was published by the Icon Comics imprint of Marvel Comics from March–August 2012.

Plot

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Johnny Bolt is a supervillain who tries to make money by committing robberies with other masked criminals. Each of these crimes fail due to the intervention of random superheroes. In Bolt's latest robbery, he is stopped by the Gladiator and is sentenced to five years in prison.

After serving his sentence, Bolt returns to his ex-girlfriend and ex-supervillain Kasey, who now works as a waitress. Despite having psychic powers, she wants to lead a normal life and doesn't want Bolt back romantically. During their reunion, an elderly supervillain friend of theirs named Carmine informs them that he has been forced to raise $100 million for a Las Vegas casino because he was caught cheating with a man who has the power of foresight.

To help his friend out, Bolt comes up with a new plan to make money, involving a heist outside the superhero-filled United States. His research shows that Spain does not have superheroes and has a suitable target: the greatest supervillain of all time, the Bastard, who possesses great telekinetic abilities and has amassed a billion-dollar fortune.

Bolt manages to convince many of his fellow supervillains, some of whom are not even active anymore, to join his team of Supercrooks against the Bastard. The group consists of Carmine, Kasey, the Phantom (an ex-burglar), TK McCabe (an ex-supervillain with telekinetic powers), Roddy and Sammy Diesel (two semi-indestructible wrestlers who fight clandestine matches), and Forecast (an ex-supervillain who is able to change the weather). After they all arrive in Tenerife, Bolt manages to surprise the team by introducing one more member, the Gladiator, who has been blackmailed into joining.

With the help of each team member, Bolt manages to break into the safe under the villa of the Bastard, making off with $800 million, or $100 million per Supercrook. To keep the Bastard at bay, Kasey uses her psychic powers to create the illusion of him being in his residence when in reality he is in another place.

To avoid retaliation by the Bastard, the Supercrooks carry out the robbery wearing the costumes of the supervillains to whom Carmine owed money, who are then tracked down and killed by the criminal boss, furious for the wrong he suffered.

Release

[edit]

The first issue of Supercrooks reached #51 of US comic book sales in March 2012, selling approximately 34,673 copies through Diamond Comic Distributors.[1] World-wide sales of the first issue and additional copies sold after the first month reached up to 59,600 sales.[2]

To promote sales of the series' book, Millar held a contest for bookstores. Under the contest rules, the store that purchased the most copies of Supercrooks #1 would have Mark Millar personally visit for a book signing. The National Book Store in Manila, Philippines, won the contest.[3] Millar held the signing for the store in May 2012 alongside his Supercrooks collaborators, Filipino artists Yu and Alanguilan, and Indonesian colorist Gho.[4]

Reception

[edit]

The comic series scored an average rating of 7.7 for the entire series based on 29 critic reviews aggregated by Comic Book Roundup.[5] The series was generally praised for the artwork by Yu,[6][7] but some reviewers found the characters unlikeable and forgettable.[7][8] It was compared, both positively and negatively, to Ocean's Eleven with superheroes.[7][9]

Adaptations

[edit]

Supercrooks adaptations were attempted on two occasions, prior to an adaptation being released in 2017. In 2011, before the book was published, it was optioned to be a film directed by Nacho Vigalondo.[10] Those plans did not end up moving forward. Instead, in 2016, Waypoint Entertainment obtained the rights to develop a television series adaptation.[11]

After Netflix acquired Millarworld in 2017, the company developed an anime series adaptation titled Super Crooks,[12] which debuted in November 2021, and served as a prequel to the comic, before overlapping with it in the final episodes.[13] In 2021, Netflix released a Jupiter's Legacy adaptation, another Millarworld title. By June, after Netflix had cancelled Jupiter's Legacy after one season, a live-action version of Supercrooks was revealed to be in development, as a spin-off of Jupiter's Legacy.[14]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Supercrooks is a four-issue miniseries written by with co-plotting by and illustrated by Leinil Francis Yu, originally published by ' imprint from March to August 2012. The story is set in a world filled with and , centering on Johnny Bolt, an electrokinetic who, after serving time in prison, assembles a crew of superpowered criminals for one final heist to rescue their mentor, "The Heat," from a deadly debt owed to the mob. The plot unfolds as the team travels to to rob an impenetrable vault owned by the world's most dangerous , blending high-stakes crime thriller elements with action in a narrative described as " meets ." The series was collected into a trade paperback titled Supercrooks: The Heist in 2013 by Marvel, and later reprinted by in 2018 as part of the imprint acquisition. It received positive reception for its fast-paced storytelling, character dynamics, and Yu's dynamic artwork, earning praise as a fun, self-contained entry in Millar's oeuvre of gritty tales. In 2021, Supercrooks was adapted into the 13-episode series Super Crooks, produced by Studio Bones and streamed on , with Millar contributing additional story material to expand the narrative as a and of the original comic. The adaptation ties into the broader universe, connecting to properties like Jupiter's Legacy. A deluxe library edition of the comic is scheduled for release by in July 2026, featuring oversized hardcover formatting to highlight Yu's illustrations.

Creation and Production

Development

Mark Millar conceived Supercrooks as a heist narrative within the genre, drawing inspiration from the film and real-world concepts of supercriminals operating in a of superpowered individuals known as the . In this setup, Millar aimed to depict a group of low-level supervillains navigating a high-stakes , contrasting with typical narratives centered on heroic figures by focusing on the criminals' perspectives and challenges against more formidable threats. The project was announced in April 2011 at the Kapow! comic convention as a four-issue limited series to be published under Marvel's creator-owned imprint, with Leinil Francis Yu attached as the artist. Millar emphasized the story's cinematic potential from the outset, envisioning it as a villain-centric tale that explored the underbelly of superhuman crime rather than epic hero-villain clashes. Shortly after the announcement, in May 2011, the rights to adapt Supercrooks into a were optioned by Spanish director , which influenced the comic's development toward a more visually dynamic and film-like structure to facilitate the potential live-action project. This early adaptation interest reinforced Millar's goal of crafting a self-contained heist story that could stand alone while fitting into the broader framework of interconnected superhero tales.

Creative Team

Supercrooks was written by , a Scottish writer known for founding , his shared universe of creator-owned properties that includes titles like Kick-Ass and Supercrooks itself. Millar, who gained prominence in the 1990s with runs on DC's The Authority, approached Supercrooks by blending gritty with tropes, crafting a narrative centered on supervillains executing a high-stakes heist to subvert traditional hero-villain dynamics. His inspirations for the heist plot drew from classic films like , reimagined in a world overrun by where villainy demands ingenuity to survive. The penciling was handled by Leinil Francis Yu, a Filipino artist renowned for his work on Marvel's Secret Invasion, a 2008 crossover event that showcased his ability to illustrate large-scale conflicts. Yu's artistic style in Supercrooks emphasizes dynamic action sequences and expressive character designs, with lush, detailed linework that conveys both high-energy chases and nuanced emotional beats among the ensemble cast. His panels are full of , making the heist's tension visually palpable through powerful compositions and rich backgrounds. Inking duties fell to Gerry Alanguilan, a Filipino collaborator who frequently worked with Yu on Marvel projects, adding intricate line details that enhanced the pencils' depth and fluidity. Alanguilan's contributions provided visual polish by refining textures and shadows, ensuring the artwork's supervillain antics felt grounded yet explosive, as seen in his prior team-ups with Millar and Yu on titles like Superior. Complementing this, colorist Sunny Gho, another Yu regular, applied a realistic palette that grounded the fantastical elements, using subtle gradients and environmental tones to heighten the heist's dramatic realism and overall visual cohesion. The project was published under , Marvel's creator-owned imprint co-founded by Millar in 2005 to give writers greater control over their intellectual properties. Editorial oversight emphasized tight collaboration among the core team, resulting in a concise four-issue limited series format that allowed Millar, Yu, Alanguilan, and Gho to focus on a self-contained story without ongoing serialization pressures. This streamlined approach fostered a unified vision, with Yu also providing the cover art for the collected edition to maintain stylistic consistency.

Content

Plot

Johnny Bolt, a small-time supercrook with electricity-manipulating powers, has a history of failed heists , where superheroes constantly thwart criminal endeavors. After serving time for a botched on his wedding day, Bolt emerges determined to go straight for the sake of his ex-fiancée, the Kasey, but circumstances force him back into crime when his mentor, the veteran thief known as The Heat, incurs a massive $100 million debt to a ruthless supercriminal called The Salamander. To settle the debt and secure a final big score, Bolt assembles a team of fellow ex-supervillains, including Kasey, the intangible and invisible Ghost, the telekinetic T.K. McCabe, the weather-controlling Forecast, the regenerative Diesel brothers, and the blackmailed Gladiator, heading to Tenerife, Spain—a nation with no superheroes—to target The Bastard, the world's richest and most sadistic telekinetic supercriminal. The crew's motivations blend desperation, loyalty, and the allure of retirement, with Bolt leveraging their unique powers for a non-lethal approach distinct from typical supervillain brutality. The plot unfolds through meticulous planning of the heist on The Bastard's fortified and vault, filled with high-tech security and armed guards. As the team infiltrates the property using gadgets like molecular chain saws and coordinated superpowered distractions, complications arise from internal tensions—such as lingering romantic friction between Bolt and Kasey—and unexpected chases involving local authorities and the mansion's defenses. The robbery escalates into a tense cat-and-mouse game, testing the team's cohesion and ingenuity against overwhelming odds. In the resolution, the supercrooks successfully extract $800 million from the vault but must navigate The Bastard's vengeful pursuit to avoid retaliation in the superhero-saturated world they fled. By cleverly framing The Salamander's crew, including manipulating perceptions through Kasey's abilities to misdirect blame toward figures like the servant Miguel, the team evades capture and secures their survival, underscoring the precarious existence of supercrooks in a hero-dominated .

Characters

Johnny Bolt serves as the charismatic leader and protagonist of Supercrooks, wielding electrokinesis that enables him to generate, control, and project and . A seasoned supercrook with a track record of botched heists in a superhero-saturated America, he assembles a team for one final score in , driven primarily by unwavering loyalty to his mentor, the Heat (Carmine), who faces mob execution. Kasey functions as Johnny's ex-partner and a core team member, equipped with abilities for creating illusions and manipulating perceptions to aid in deceptions during operations. Their once-close partnership has evolved into a tense dynamic marked by unresolved personal conflicts, influencing team interactions throughout the narrative. The Bastard, real name Christopher Matts, emerges as the primary antagonist, a formidable telekinetic with capabilities that allow him to exert mental control over objects and individuals, including devastating effects like causing heads to explode. Portrayed as the most notorious and resourceful crime lord in history, now retired in opulent exile with immense wealth and influence, he represents an seemingly impregnable target whose vast empire tests the limits of the team's ambitions. The supporting cast comprises a diverse array of super-powered criminals, each contributing specialized abilities and gritty criminal histories to the heist crew. The Ghost (Josh) possesses intangibility and invisibility, leveraging his background as a retired architect and master burglar for infiltration tasks. The Gladiator provides enhanced strength as a blackmailed superhero turned reluctant ally, haunted by his closeted personal life. Other key members include Forecast, a con artist capable of weather manipulation; TK McCabe, a telekinetic former supervillain attempting a straight life before rejoining the fold; the Indestructible Men (brothers Roddy and Sammy Diesel), who boast rapid regeneration and a history of durable, brawling escapades; and the Heat, an elderly pyromaniac using flamethrower gear serving as the group's wise, debt-ridden patriarch. These figures, drawn from the underbelly of supervillainy, embody the comic's theme of overlooked talents uniting against overwhelming odds.

Publication

Initial Release

Supercrooks was originally published as a four-issue limited series by , an imprint of , under 's banner. The series, written by with art by Leinil Francis Yu, debuted with issue #1 on March 21, 2012. Subsequent issues followed a monthly schedule initially, with #2 released on April 25, 2012, and #3 on May 30, 2012, before #4 concluded the run on August 22, 2012. Each issue was released in standard American format, measuring approximately 6.625 inches by 10.25 inches, with page counts ranging from 32 to 36 pages including covers, ads, and credits. Leinil Francis Yu provided the main cover art for all issues, featuring dynamic illustrations of the protagonists in heist scenarios, while select variants, such as a 1:25 incentive cover for #1 by , offered alternative artwork to appeal to collectors. The series launched with strong initial market interest as part of , Marvel's showcase for Millar's creator-owned projects, including promotional previews in industry outlets and cross-promotions within Marvel's solicits. Issue #1 sold 34,673 copies through North American comic shops in March 2012, ranking 51st among that month's titles, with worldwide pre-orders reaching 59,600 copies. Sales declined steadily for later issues, with #2 moving 29,402 units in April, #3 at 26,969 in May, and #4 at 24,898 in August, reflecting typical patterns for limited series post-debut.

Collected Editions

The collected edition of Supercrooks was first released by in 2013 as Supercrooks: The Heist, a and trade paperback compiling the entire four-issue limited series. The volume spans 128 pages and features by Leinil Francis Yu. The had an original MSRP of $24.99, while the trade paperback was priced at $19.99. Digital versions became available shortly after, accessible via and subscription service, broadening accessibility beyond physical formats. Following ' acquisition of Millarworld rights in 2018, the series was reprinted by in both trade paperback and (Supercrooks Premiere) formats, maintaining the core collection while integrating into the publisher's lineup, including appearances in omnibus volumes like Millarworld Origins Vol. 1. Bonus materials in these editions include a by , variant covers, character sketches, and preparatory artwork, with Millar's afterword discussing influences from the heist genre in film and . In 2026, will release a deluxe edition in oversized format (8 x 12 3/16 inches, 136 pages, $49.99 MSRP), scheduled for July 8, 2026, to highlight Leinil Francis Yu's illustrations.

Adaptations

Anime Series

The Super Crooks anime series, directed by Motonobu Hori and animated by Studio Bones, premiered on Netflix on November 25, 2021, as an original net animation (ONA) consisting of 13 episodes. The production, with series composition by Dai Satō, expands the Millarworld universe by serving primarily as a prequel to the 2012 comic, delving into the early exploits of protagonist Johnny Bolt, a petty criminal who discovers his ability to manipulate electricity. This adaptation was developed in collaboration with Mark Millar, emphasizing a fresh narrative arc while tying into the comic's core characters like Bolt and his associates. In key deviations from the source material, the shifts the primary setting to the , chronicling events prior to the comic's central heist in and introducing original characters alongside mob conflicts within a super-powered criminal underworld known as "The ." The storyline follows Bolt's recruitment of a ragtag team of supervillains for a daring targeting a ruthless , with the first ten episodes comprising an all-new tale of , prison intrigue, and escalating stakes, and the final three adapting select elements from the comic's plot. This structure allows for deeper exploration of Bolt's motivations and alliances, highlighting tensions between low-level crooks and high-powered syndicates. The original Japanese voice cast includes Kenjirō Tsuda as Johnny Bolt, as Kasey (Bolt's partner), and Hiroshi Yanaka as Christopher Matts, among others. The English dub, produced by VSI , features voicing Johnny Bolt, as Kasey, and Jason Marnocha as The Bastard. These performances capture the blend of grit and levity in the characters' interactions. Episodes average 20 to 27 minutes in length, prioritizing fast-paced action choreography—such as electrified showdowns and heist set pieces—alongside humorous banter that underscores the dysfunctional camaraderie in the Millarworld's criminal underbelly.

Planned Live-Action Projects

In May 2011, Spanish director acquired the film rights to adapt Supercrooks into a live-action feature, with Millar praising Vigalondo's vision for capturing the story's heist elements akin to but with supervillains. and Millar collaborated on a to promote the comic's launch, featuring stylized animation that highlighted the project's cinematic potential. Despite a completed script, the film did not proceed to production, as subsequent efforts shifted focus elsewhere. In April 2016, Waypoint Entertainment optioned the rights to develop Supercrooks as a live-action film, partnering with Addictive Pictures to bring Millar's supervillain heist narrative to the screen. This acquisition aligned with broader Millarworld expansions under Netflix's ownership, which had purchased the imprint in 2017, positioning Supercrooks for potential integration into the streaming service's superhero universe. Following the May 2021 premiere and subsequent cancellation of Netflix's Jupiter's Legacy after one season, the streamer greenlit a live-action Supercrooks series in June 2021 as an anthology extension within the shared universe. The project aimed to explore the comic's criminal underworld, with characters potentially crossing over from Jupiter's Legacy, but it has remained in early development without advancing to filming as of late 2025. In the years following Netflix's 2017 acquisition of , Millar has expressed openness to rebooting Supercrooks adaptations under evolving publishing partnerships, including ' 2018 collected edition release, which revitalized interest in the property independent of prior stalled projects. The success of the 2021 adaptation has further positioned Supercrooks for potential live-action revival.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Response

Supercrooks received a critic rating of 7.7 out of 10 on Comic Book Roundup, aggregated from 29 reviews across its four-issue run. Critics frequently praised Leinil Francis Yu's dynamic artwork, which brought energy to the heist sequences and character interactions with vibrant, kinetic paneling. The series' pacing was highlighted as a strength, delivering a tight, engaging supervillain caper that maintained momentum through its limited format. Reviewers often compared the narrative to Ocean's Eleven reimagined in a superhero context, appreciating how it blended high-stakes robbery tropes with superpowered antics. Mark Millar's script was commended for its witty, flashy dialogue that infused the story with irreverent humor and a fresh take on villainous perspectives, exploring the moral ambiguities of crooks operating in a world dominated by heroes. However, some reviews noted drawbacks, including unlikable protagonists whose motivations felt underdeveloped amid the fast-paced plot. Plot twists were described as predictable in places, relying on familiar conventions without sufficient innovation. The limited series structure contributed to criticisms of shallow character development, as the focus on action left little room for deeper exploration of the . IGN awarded the debut issue a 6/10, acknowledging the action's potential but faulting the execution for lacking standout elements. Publications like Major Spoilers positioned Supercrooks within Millar's broader Millarworld oeuvre, valuing its connections to his signature style of bold, cinematic storytelling while noting its reliance on heist clichés.

Commercial Performance

Supercrooks achieved moderate commercial success in the direct market, with its four single issues collectively selling over 115,000 copies through to North American comic shops. The debut issue ranked 51st on the sales chart for March 2012, moving 34,673 units, while subsequent issues sold 29,402 copies in April, 26,969 in May, and 24,898 in August. Collected editions saw more modest performance, with the 2012 hardcover edition selling 2,800 copies and the 2013 trade paperback moving 2,400 units. Distribution occurred primarily through comic specialty stores via , supplemented by digital releases on platforms like under Marvel's imprint. In 2018, following Mark Millar's partnership with for the properties, assumed publishing rights, reissuing the series in new formats that broadened availability to bookstores and online retailers. This shift enhanced accessibility, though the series did not attain the blockbuster sales of Millar's Kick-Ass. The series contributed to the brand's growth, paving the way for crossovers in titles like Jupiter's Legacy and fueling interest in adaptations, including a 2021 Netflix anime series. Critical acclaim for Leinil Francis Yu's artwork helped drive initial sales momentum among fans of creator-owned . Long-term, Supercrooks has maintained steady availability through reprints and digital libraries, with a new library edition slated for release by in July 2026.

References

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