This is DC’s second stab at an ongoing Checkmate series, and I have to give Greg Rucka credit for setting this incarnation apart from its predecessor. The key is his inclusion of some recognizable, super-hero cred among those running the show. It’s a smart move, one that’s bound to hook longtime DC readers such as myself. I worry, though, that newer readers will have a hard time following who’s who. I know I did, and I know most of these characters. The problem lies in the fact that the main characters all have two names, and as the reader’
s trying to make his or her way through that maze of information, the complex mix of politics and espionage in the UN scenes is in danger of being lost completely.
The newly formed Checkmate agency – designed to be an international intelligence agency monitoring and policing metahuman affairs – faces a pivotal vote before the UN Security Council. On the line is the financial and political support Checkmate needs to survive and thrive, but the Black Queen, Amanda Waller, and the White King, Alan Scott, discover the French are trying to block that support. Meanwhile, Checkmate also has a key operation underway overseas, as Black Knight Sasha Bordeaux leads a team on a mission to destroy a Kobra cell. And like their bosses, they discover not all will be going
according to plan today.
Saiz's art strikes me as being much more refined and fleshed out as compared to his efforts on The OMAC Project. He distinguishes among the various characters fairly clearly. The biggest challenge is telling the almost-identical Sasha Bordeaux and Jessica Midnight apart, but fortunately, some subtle visual cues and clear dialogue ensure clarity. The Alan Scott as Nick Fury design is a bit much to swallow all of a sudden, but that new design and radical new look does help to demonstrate that the character has changed dramatically. Generally, Saiz establishes a grim but realistic look for the book that helps to enhance the tension, but I found the art was lacking in terms of backgrounds. A stronger sense of place and detail could have reinforced the realism a great deal.
The double-page splash on pages four and five sets out the main characters for the title, which is helpful. But we're given so much information so quickly, and there are so many new faces that it ends up being a bit dizzying. Rucka's expansive cast combined with new codenames and esionage speak makes for a challenging read. Still, it's great to see Amanda Waller back doing what she does best, and Rucka's use of established super-heroes, such as Alan Scott and Mr. Terrific, is a surprising and intriuing element.
As Rucka has proven with his Queen & Country comics and novels, he is adept when it comes to handling espionage and international intrigue stories. I'm pleased to find that he brings real countries into the conflict, not just DC's fictional nations. The mix of super-hero elements and spy genre works pretty well, mainly because there is an emphasis on holding back the metahuman tactics as a last resort. 7/10
Note: This comic book was not among this week's new releases.
