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By Anslem Samuel | Published April 24, 2011 | Full size is 481 × 480 pixels

When Blood Syndicate #1 launched in February 1993, it was considered the most controversial of Milestone’s core titles, depicting a group of outcast street gang members who gained super powers when they were sprayed with radioactive gas during a police action. Tough and gritty, its members learned the importance of brotherhood by being forced to work together. Co-creator McDuffie wrote the first issue, giving these gang members depth, humanity and plenty of attitude.

When Blood Syndicate #1 launched in February 1993, it was considered the most controversial of…