The creators are framing this as a necessary historical correction, positioning Dr. Syn as the true proto-pulp avenger who paved the way for Batman, while emphasizing the 'timely' nature of fighting tyranny.
Insiders whisper that Uslan has been 'itching away' at this project for decades, viewing it as the one legend that got away. The comparison to Tarantino’s revisionist style suggests they aren’t afraid to rewrite history to fit a modern, edgier narrative.
1. The four-issue miniseries debuts January 2027 via Oni Press. 2. Uslan explicitly calls Syn 'America’s first dark knight.' 3. The plot involves Syn being sent to the penal colony of 'Georgia' in 1775.
If you think Batman is the ultimate vigilante, you haven’t met the Scarecrow. This is pulp history getting a violent, stylish reboot.
In a move that proves comic book history is just as bloody as the pages themselves, Steven S. DeKnight, the man behind the visceral violence of Starz’s Spartacus, is joining forces with Michael E. Uslan, the executive producer who helped build the Batman cinematic universe.
Their target? A forgotten literary hero from 1915 named Dr. Syn.
This isn’t just another adaptation; it’s a resurrection mission. The duo has partnered with Oni Press to launch a four-issue miniseries, with art by Sebastián Cabrol, known for his work on EC’s Catacomb of Torment. The series is slated to debut in January 2027, bringing a character who once headlined popular plays and books back into the spotlight.
Uslan didn’t mince words in his statement, admitting that while he was busy bringing Batman to the big screen or writing for Archie, there was always one legend 'itching away in the back of my mind.' He describes Dr. Syn, created by Russell Thorndike, as 'America’s first dark knight.' The original character was a vicar by day and a smuggler known as the Scarecrow by night, leading a double life to help his parish at the turn of the 18th century.
His methods included using phosphorous to create supernatural illusions while leading a crew on horseback. Now, Uslan and DeKnight are co-writing a new vision that promises to be 'fierce.' The narrative has been given a sharp, revisionist twist. Set in 1775, this version of Syn is a reverend doctor waging an insurgency against King George III.
When captured, he is exiled to the British Empire’s most inhospitable outpost: the American penal colony known as 'Georgia.' The press release describes him as 'England’s most dangerous revolutionary,' teaming up with a mismatched crew to bring the empire down in an 'inferno of roaring flames.' DeKnight notes the political resonance, stating that an 'aggrieved citizen fighting back against a mad tyrant' is 'shockingly timely,' though he insists the core remains a thrilling homage to serial adventures with 'romance, swordplay, and everything else that makes this genre so incredibly entertaining.' Oni Press president Hunter Gorinson confirms this is not a simple refresh.
'It takes the kernel of this character – a British freedom fighter against the monarchy – and then puts it through a proto-superhero lens,' Gorinson explained. He bluntly stated that the creators are 'Tarantinoing' the character, referencing Quentin Tarantino’s revisionist approach in Inglourious Basterds. The creative team is explicitly comparing the tone to Alan Moore’s V for Vendetta.
Fans can catch a first look at this reimagined Scarecrow at New York Comic Con later this week, where Uslan is scheduled to join the Oni Press panel on October 9. This is one for the history buffs and the pulp lovers alike.
