Checkmate #3 (Mild Spoilers)

[BatWolverine]

Checkmate #3

Story Title: ‘The Game of Kings’ (Part 3)

Writer: Greg Rucka
Pencils: Cliff Richards (Guest Penciller)
Inks: Bob Wiacek & Steve Bird (Guest Inkers)
Colorist: Tanya & Richard Horie
Letterer: Travis Lanham
Cover: Lee Bermejo & Patricia Mulvihill
Assoc. Editor: Rachel Gluckstein
Editor: Joan Hilty
Published by: DC Comics

'Checkmate' created by Paul Kupperberg & Steve Erwin

Review by: Batman_Wolverine

I don’t know what quite to make of this series. On one hand, the increased political play in the DCU (post OYL) makes me want to keep a track of it, but on the other hand, even after three issues, for the life of me, I cannot bring myself to care either for any of that politics…or for this title. Then again, it might be just me, after all, I am not getting even one single issue to anything related to Marvel’s Civil War, an event based on and around conflicting political ideologies and not giving up any chance to play up historical (recent and past) events. (eg. The Japanese internment, the current situation in the US, Civil Liberties vs. National ‘Home Land’ Security etc etc)

While not as ‘inciting’ as that series/event, and supposedly being primarily a ‘espionage’ series, Checkmate is nevertheless not all that exciting. Granted we have the obligatory fight scenes (both verbal and physical), the work vs. country loyalty, the question of America’s heavy handedness and other countries’ counter/reaction to it, double crossing/backstabbing, well, near about everything that are needed in a good spy mystery. But even with all that, somehow, Rucka and company can’t seem to inject the one very important thing. LIFE.

While two Blacks (Queen-Sasha, King’s Knight-Fire) and two Whites (King’s Knight-Jagger, Queen’s Knight-Count Vertigo), make their moves to infiltrate a secret facility in China’s Hebei Province, their actions and interactions making for an interesting start, the happenings at the ‘castle’ (back in Switzerland) don’t quite hold up. And being the mainstay of this issue, it lost me pretty soon. Even Alan’s actions in France don’t quite seem as convincing. But on the flip side, his Queen’s (Waller) behavior in London comes across as exactly hers.

A mixed bag of hits and misses, the ending once again rises to near about the same level as the start with one tenth of China’s Great Ten showing up. (check out 52 #6 for more on the ‘Great Ten’)

Conclusion: Don’t know how long I will last with this series. Starting at a medium pace, instead of gathering speed things have been slowing down…quite rapidly.

RATING: 7/10

Newsarama Style Rating: Story: B-, Art: B-

[Skully]

I'm waiting on the First Trade so I can compare it to Queen and Country since they're the only real Spy Comics.

[Vazquez]

I was expecting a little more from this series than it's been giving so far, but I can't say it hasn't been interesting so far. I'll stick with this series for a while longer because it has too much potential, but with the new and improved prices (every comic's $2.99 :( ) Rucka shouldn't take too long to pull me in. For that price I'm not getting an okay comic, I want it to be great.

[Bobo Da Hobo]

It's ok. But I'm a Marvel Zombie who picked it up on Rucka's name value - and they've made no effort to explain who half these people are. And changing artist mid arc is bad form. I'm dropping it with issue 4

[Da_Black_Goku]

This is a good series. I love the espionage and intrigue value of this series. I like the players and absolutely think AW is the baddest bitch in comics right now.

[aceatkins]

I just love this book. I can totally see how people could find it too slow--there is a LOT of talking--but it's not just talking for talking's sake. These folks are covering some ground here, and asking some pretty tough questions. I'm especially enjoying the queasy situation they're all in regarding Chen and his allegiances to his country vs. Checkmate. It's a thoughtful read with enough action to keep it moving. And I bet it'll read even better as a TPB.

[bg.]

I agree 100% with this review, I'll keep going with this title because it's Rucka and I always liked Sasha Bordeux. I'm trying to get into it more by rereading the first issues, but so far 7/10 pretty much sums it up.

[Slayton]

As a Marvel Zombie myself, I'm very happy to be able to read a DC book that is interesting and engaging. While a lot of "Marvel" creators work for DC now, so the "feel" is more similar, I still find DC to be very dry. So far I have loved the pacing, the action, and the talking heads don't matter at all because it is a spy book and all that is useful information. I understand that it might not be other's cup of tea, but I absolutely love it.

[Dr. Slim]

I'm liking this title, even though I still have no clue who half of the cast members are. It helps that this kind of espionage plot has payoff independent of characterizations (a bit like watching a mid-season episode of 24 or The Unit). The problem would probably be solved by including a character-oriented intro page or even an Intimates-style info-ticker on certain key dialogue pages, just to take the expositional load off of the dialogue.

The globe-hopping super-espionage is a welcome echo of both Rucka's own Queen and Country and (at moments) Ed Brubaker's Sleeper.

[BatWolverine]

I'm liking this title, even though I still have no clue who half of the cast members are. It helps that this kind of espionage plot has payoff independent of characterizations (a bit like watching a mid-season episode of 24 or The Unit). The problem would probably be solved by including a character-oriented intro page or even an Intimates-style info-ticker on certain key dialogue pages, just to take the expositional load off of the dialogue.

The globe-hopping super-espionage is a welcome echo of both Rucka's own Queen and Country and (at moments) Ed Brubaker's Sleeper.
I haven't read Queen or Country and hence say how this series compares to it (quality and story telling), but the more talking-less action, I don't particular like my DC (or Marvel) comics like this. This style is more suited to the dark, gritty Indies (or Vertigo and even a little Wildstorm)

BW

[earth2tom]

The first few issues of Checkmate had me wondering why I even ordered the book, but the third issue reminded me why. I ordered it for Rucka's knack for writing compelling intrigue. Sure, it is not an out and out superhero action slugfest, but doesn't DC and Marvel both have enough of these types of comics to saturate even the most shallow 90's loving fanboy. While the action has not ramped up much on the series the plot has thickened considerably with the possible infiltration of a Kobra agent into the Chinese superhero generating program. I am curious as hell to see how this plays out and to see if the book adheres to political correctness or goes against the grain. Of course since there is a White and Black side to the Checkmate organization it could really go both ways and cause some tension among the members. I am also wondering how the organization will survive with only a few days left before they have been ordered to disband. Blackmail anyone? And then you have all of the infighting thrown into the mix and with many members representing their own countries you have a chance to see some major backstabbing and corruption. As far as poltical comics go I would have to say that Checkmate is just shy of being as good as Ex Machina, but only because of the outstanding art by Harris.

[DaVeO]

This IS the book Greg needed to be on since he joined DC. Alan has never been written better (sorry Geoff) and this is a great direction for him, especially after losing his daughter a year ago. He seems more focused and a little more dangerous then in JSA.

The pacing is perfect for this kind of book and makes the reader actually think instead of just in-your-face action for actions sake slugfests *yawn*. The fights here are logical encounters instead of just to fill page space.

I never thought anyone but Ostrander could write Amanda Waller, Greg is proving me wrong with that scene in her hotel room. I love it.