The Official Checkmate thread

[GoldenAgeHero]

eres an interveiw with creator greg rucka on chekmate and if you guys have'nt noticed the omac project infinite crisi special has been released since wendsday which kicks things off with the new ongoing series.

i read the issue and amanda waller can suck my nuts.

heres a link to the interviewhttp://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=65810

[Assassin]

theres a newbie going around with a similar sn..dunno if its you or not is your name nate? from ohio?

[Elongated Man]

I'll check out "Checkmate" for sure. :up:

[GoldenAgeHero]

theres a newbie going around with a similar sn..dunno if its you or not is your name nate? from ohio?

nope. im rom florida and my name is vladimir.
and ive seen that newbie around.

[Assassin]

i bet hes gonna get bashed because ppl are gonna think he's you :D

[GoldenAgeHero]

where does he hang out ?

[drastic_quench]

This should be hot. It's sort of like a whole new take on the DCU. If Waller's dialogue is going to be as good as it was in the OMAC special then this'll be awesome. Plus - Alan Scott!

[Lackey]

i read the issue and amanda waller can suck my nuts.



so.... you think she's hot too? :o

[GoldenAgeHero]

so.... you think she's hot too? :o


no:mad:

[cerealkiller182]

Is this basically a police force for superheroes? Or what?


If it is, it reminds me of Cameron Chase? Whatever happened to her?

[Lackey]

Is this basically a police force for superheroes? Or what?


If it is, it reminds me of Cameron Chase? Whatever happened to her?


it's like DC's version of Marvel's S.H.I.E.L.D.

[hippie_hunter]

it's like DC's version of Marvel's S.H.I.E.L.D.

I love Rucka, but I am sad to see that Checkmate so far is a S.H.I.E.L.D. rip-off.

[BlackOpsTengu]

I've always loved comic book black ops (hence my City of Heroes avatar Black Ops Tengu). I own most of the Sucide Squad and the origional Checkmate! series, so I"m looking forward to this a lot.

[hippie_hunter]

I've always loved comic book black ops (hence my City of Heroes avatar Black Ops Tengu). I own most of the Sucide Squad and the origional Checkmate! series, so I"m looking forward to this a lot.

Rucka is writing it so it is going to be good. But I'd rather see Rucka's talents on something that isn't such a blatant rip-off of something from Marvel.

[Lackey]

I love Rucka, but I am sad to see that Checkmate so far is a S.H.I.E.L.D. rip-off.


it doesn't bother me


although... Checkmate has its roots in the Suicide Squad and Task Force X which predate S.H.I.E.L.D.

[GoldenAgeHero]

I love Rucka, but I am sad to see that Checkmate so far is a S.H.I.E.L.D. rip-off.

but better and with it's own book and like lackey said chekmate was around long before shield.

[BlackOpsTengu]

http://www.comiccovers.com/comiccovers-280/Checkmate%20%5BDC%5D%20V1/0001.jpg

[Assassin]

shield blows.

-ohh FBI? no CIA? no, ATF? no, DTA? SOB?

-we need more letters damnit...ohh i know

-S.H.I.E.L.D!

-thats the stuff, now lets go get a moca java latte and blame more **** on scarlet witch's delusions

-K, i'll bring the weed

[drastic_quench]

shield blows.

:up:

[Harlekin]

I don't know what you guys are smoking, but S.H.I.E.L.D. predates the Checkmate Organisation by about 2 decades.

Amanda Waller still rocks though. I really want a new Suicide Squad.

[Lackey]

I don't know what you guys are smoking, but S.H.I.E.L.D. predates the Checkmate Organisation by about 2 decades.

Amanda Waller still rocks though. I really want a new Suicide Squad.


I said Checkmate has its roots in Suicide Squad and Task Force X...and those two are what predate S.H.I.E.L.D.

[Harlekin]

I said Checkmate has its roots in Suicide Squad and Task Force X...and those two are what predate S.H.I.E.L.D.
Mostly responding to GAH, who blindly followed you.

Still, the Suicide Squad may have predated it, but Task Force X didn't. And although the Suicide Squad inspired Task Force X, it hardly inspired Checkmate.

[Darthphere]

Mostly responding to GAH, who blindly followed you.

Still, the Suicide Squad may have predated it, but Task Force X didn't. And although the Suicide Squad inspired Task Force X, it hardly inspired Checkmate.


I concur. Either way, ive never been a fan of the whole Checkmate concept myself, this looks pretty good.

[Lackey]

Still, the Suicide Squad may have predated it, but Task Force X didn't. And although the Suicide Squad inspired Task Force X, it hardly inspired Checkmate.


Suicide Squad and Checkmate were born out of Task Force X.

[ToddIsDead]

I'm planning on checking out the series. It should be really good. The best part in the O.M.A.C. Project IC Special was when Waller walked into the room and hung up on Mr. Bones.

[Harlekin]

Suicide Squad and Checkmate were born out of Task Force X.
There was a Suicide Squad that predated the 2nd Suicide Squad (the 2nd being the one that was a part of Task Force X). Task Force X wasn't anything more than the Squad and Checkmate though.

The first Squad inspired Task Force X/2nd Squad, which also lead to Checkmate. And the first Suicide Squad appeared way back in I believe it was 1959.

[TheCorpulent1]

Do we know who more of the big "pieces" are yet? So far, as I recall, it was:

White King: Alan Scott
White Queen: Amanda Waller
White Queen's Knight: Fire
Black Queen: Sasha Bordeaux

I also know that Mr. Terrific, King Faraday, and Count Vertigo are somehow involved, but I don't know their respective positions.

[ToddIsDead]

I though Waller was the Black King. I'm probably wrong though.

[TheCorpulent1]

She showed up as the Black King in the OMAC Special because she had officially taken over Max Lord's position. Checkmate is supposed to be restructured by the start of the new series, though.

[ToddIsDead]

Oky-dokey.

[drastic_quench]

I also know that Mr. Terrific, King Faraday, and Count Vertigo are somehow involved, but I don't know their respective positions.

Once Alan Scott becomes the White King, for example, he turns around and says, “Who’s the smartest man I’ve ever met?”

NRAMA: And Mr. Terrific’s phone rings?

GR: That it does. And we have a White Bishop. He says yes to Alan because of the challenge of setting up the new Checkmate tech, as well as the opportunity to serve as, essentially, the chief analyst.

[TheCorpulent1]

Ah, so that would make Mr. Terrific the White Bishop. The Bishops are basically the thinkers? I'm still confused about what exactly each rank does. The Kings and Queens are obviously top-level management. The Knights seem to be the highest tier of field ops specialists. I'm guessing the Pawns are going to just be the random, nameless agents that Checkmate uses as cannon fodder until their Knights arrive on the scene. What about Rooks?

[ToddIsDead]

Their headquarters maybe?

I have no idea.

[Flonk]

This should be good. Rucka doing spy stuff, with some super powers thrown in for good measure.

[TheCorpulent1]

Rucka's great at real world politics and that sort of thing. I'm really looking forward to where he takes Sasha Bordeaux, too. She's kind of his baby and I've enjoyed watching him evolve her from Batman's shadow into a much more well-rounded character in the IC stuff.

[The Flash!]

I may pick this up. :up:

[drastic_quench]

Did #2 come out today, or was it delayed? My LCS didn't have it.

[Darthphere]

Did #2 come out today, or was it delayed? My LCS didn't have it.


According to Diamond, next week.

[drastic_quench]

Thanks.

[TheCorpulent1]

Looking forward to it. Alan's all beat up and out of the picture in JSA, so I needs me my fix from Checkmate.

[Darthphere]

Looking forward to it. Alan's all beat up and out of the picture in JSA, so I needs me my fix from Checkmate.


Well judging by the cover on the next issue of JSA, he recovers quite quickly. Of course never trust a cover though.

[TheCorpulent1]

I don't. A cover killed my brother and raped my puppy. :(

[Darthphere]

I don't. A cover killed my brother and raped my puppy. :(


Damn that Uncanny X-men #426 cover!

[GoldenAgeHero]

wow i forgot about this thread, blast from the past. yes checkmate 2 had been delayed for next week.

[GoldenAgeHero]

http://www.dccomics.com/media/covers/5548_400x600.jpg

Checkmate#4
Written by Greg Rucka; Art by Jesus Saiz; Cover by Lee Bermejo

A Kobra traitor is revealed and an international metahuman battle joined as "The Game of Kings" concludes!







http://www.newsarama.com/dcnew/Aug06/DC_U/CheckmateCv5.jpg


CHECKMATE #5
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Jesus Saiz
Cover by Lee Bermejo
Three candidates compete to become Black Queen's Knight in the sensational stand-alone tale "Selection."
On sale August 16 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US







are they going to put new members in the JSA? thats not really cool, terrific is great in that book.

[warren_sparta27]

#1 was excellent, i love sasha, and the cover art is the best i've seen in....ever :O

[TheCorpulent1]

are they going to put new members in the JSA? thats not really cool, terrific is great in that book.
Alan and Mr. Terrific are just pulling double-duty, I think. I wish Hourman would get back on the JSA, though. Any of them, really. They're all great characters.

[GoldenAgeHero]

so are alan and terrific keeping the checkmate agent under wraps or do the other jsa members know? i guess we'll have to see.

[Darthphere]

Checkmate isnt coming out this week either.

[batnkevlar]

Dude,these look so cool... I wish i could buy them... what'll be cool is when all these series come out in tpb...

[TheCorpulent1]

so are alan and terrific keeping the checkmate agent under wraps or do the other jsa members know? i guess we'll have to see.
I doubt they'd feel the need to hide it. If the JSA members don't like it, all Alan and Michael have to do is point to what happened when Checkmate had no oversight but the government and Max Lord was in control. I'm sure the JSA members would all agree it's better to have Alan and Michael there making sure Checkmate never comes to that again.

[GoldenAgeHero]

alright here's my very late reveiw of checkmate issue 2.


i didnt understand alot of the political jargan, this book was spewing out, but i got the jest of it. sahsa and mr.terrific are sleeping together, im interested in how this is going to played out in the long terms. wtf isup with the eye patch, makes him seem a little to nick furish to me. and it seems alan is coping an attitude, is this new or has it always been that way? it also seems like miss waller has gone under some chnages also, she doesnt seem like the biatch she was in the past years. all in all issue was a pretty good read.

[Harlekin]

What happened with Count Vertigo?

[GoldenAgeHero]

^que?

[Harlekin]

Y'know, Count Vertigo. He's supposed to be a member of the regular cast of this book. I'm wondering what happened to him/what he did in this issue.

[GoldenAgeHero]

oh , i had to go review the page i saw him in, he didnt do much, but waller has him going on a special op mission to blackmail china into passing a resolution, that would help checkmate keep metahuman order in check. sorta like check and balances for metas.

[Harlekin]

Okay, cool. Thanks GAH.

[TheCorpulent1]

I loved Checkmate #2. There's a little in-joke with Jessica Midnight calling the Outsiders "Nightwing's little band of goons," which got me thinking: Rucka's basically doing everything Winick's trying to do in Outsiders, but Rucka's doing it about a thousand times better. The issue of casualties is left hazy in Outsiders, but here Rucka attacks it head-on, using the built-in dynamic of superheroes vs. government agents to get the opposing viewpoints across. Amanda Waller guaranteed Alan minimal casualties in the op in #1, so when the op results in heavy casualties Alan is understandably pissed. The political intrigue of Outsiders is decent, but takes a backseat to action--in Checkmate, Rucka tackles the political stuff so well that it's even more exciting than simple action scenes. I'm definitely more interested in how Amanda's plan will turn out and what Alan will do if he finds out about it than I am about the Outsiders blowing up tanks that may or may not be filled with soldiers.

[yenaled]

Completly agree, can't even think of anything to add...

... I liked Alan's suit.

[GoldenAgeHero]

yeah the new suit he has looks cool.

[TheCorpulent1]

Completly agree, can't even think of anything to add...

... I liked Alan's suit.
Yeah, I'm much happier with the less fascistic-looking uniforms they've got. I also like the setup of Checkmate's leadership. Apparently even white and black have significance to them. White seems to be more on the political hobnobbing side while black seems to be the covert ops side.

[Lackey]

I loved Checkmate #2. There's a little in-joke with Jessica Midnight calling the Outsiders "Nightwing's little band of goons," which got me thinking: Rucka's basically doing everything Winick's trying to do in Outsiders, but Rucka's doing it about a thousand times better. The issue of casualties is left hazy in Outsiders, but here Rucka attacks it head-on, using the built-in dynamic of superheroes vs. government agents to get the opposing viewpoints across. Amanda Waller guaranteed Alan minimal casualties in the op in #1, so when the op results in heavy casualties Alan is understandably pissed. The political intrigue of Outsiders is decent, but takes a backseat to action--in Checkmate, Rucka tackles the political stuff so well that it's even more exciting than simple action scenes. I'm definitely more interested in how Amanda's plan will turn out and what Alan will do if he finds out about it than I am about the Outsiders blowing up tanks that may or may not be filled with soldiers.


You really should get into Rucka's Queen & Country

[Darthphere]

I loved Checkmate #2. There's a little in-joke with Jessica Midnight calling the Outsiders "Nightwing's little band of goons," which got me thinking: Rucka's basically doing everything Winick's trying to do in Outsiders, but Rucka's doing it about a thousand times better. The issue of casualties is left hazy in Outsiders, but here Rucka attacks it head-on, using the built-in dynamic of superheroes vs. government agents to get the opposing viewpoints across. Amanda Waller guaranteed Alan minimal casualties in the op in #1, so when the op results in heavy casualties Alan is understandably pissed. The political intrigue of Outsiders is decent, but takes a backseat to action--in Checkmate, Rucka tackles the political stuff so well that it's even more exciting than simple action scenes. I'm definitely more interested in how Amanda's plan will turn out and what Alan will do if he finds out about it than I am about the Outsiders blowing up tanks that may or may not be filled with soldiers.


In Outsiders defense, the only real thing it has going is a bad ass Nightwing unlike in his own title where hes a male model.

[TheCorpulent1]

Except that Nightwing's apparently fallen back into a gray area with killing. He's willing to sacrifice whole villages now, apparently. :o
You really should get into Rucka's Queen & Country
Are there trades?

[GoldenAgeHero]

bumped this thread forour checkmate talk corpy.

[LinternaVerde]

how did alan scott lost his eye?

[GoldenAgeHero]

i have no idea, it happened during an arc in JSA classified.

[TheCorpulent1]

Really? When? I thought it happened during 52 sometime.

[GoldenAgeHero]

didnt you say it happend in a JSA classified arc? you and someone else bought the topic up and said it happened in JSA classified.

[Assassin]

besides the art, i really hate checkmate

[TheCorpulent1]

Why? :confused:
didnt you say it happend in a JSA classified arc? you and someone else bought the topic up and said it happened in JSA classified.
I'm fairly sure I didn't, since I'm not aware when it happened. I think I might've mentioned that he had the patch in the current JSA Classified arc, which he does, but the current arc takes place OYL too, and it seems like he's had the patch for a while by the time it starts.

[Assassin]

becaus ei'm not into special agencies and ops crap, besides, allan scott as a pirate blows, and they only did that to mak eit look like S.H.I.E.L.D

[Assassin]

Why? :confused:

I'm fairly sure I didn't, since I'm not aware when it happened. I think I might've mentioned that he had the patch in the current JSA Classified arc, which he does, but the current arc takes place OYL too, and it seems like he's had the patch for a while by the time it starts.


why are jla classifies taking place in th epast and jsa class are in current times? does that make sence to u?

[TheCorpulent1]

Most things you post don't make "sence" to me. But that did. I imagine the primary reason why JLAC's stories take place in the past and JSAC's stories take place in the present right now is because the JSA still exists while the JLA does not.

[Assassin]

but its been like that since it started...when the jla was around. and every arc in JSA class has been in the present

[Assassin]

Most things you post don't make "sence" to me. But that did. I imagine the primary reason why JLAC's stories take place in the past and JSAC's stories take place in the present right now is because the JSA still exists while the JLA does not.

i didnt notice i misspelled it untill u quoted it..ass wipe :(

[warren_sparta27]

haven't been able to get #2 yet, i loved the first issue though, is there much 'action' in the second issue?

[marcofthebeast]

If by action you mean political jargon, Yes there is plenty of that.

and there is some bedroom action between Sasha And Mr. Terrific

[warren_sparta27]

hot damn :eek:

[Vic Von Doom]

I am absolutely floored by this book. I've never read Queen and Country, but I think I will since I imagine he used his experience on that book to make Checkmate so kickass. Call me hooked. And thanks to Mr. Reis, I had always wondered if Sasha Bordeaux had a sweet booty. SPOILER: She does.

[Darthphere]

This comic is doing pretty good considering theres been no big action scenes or anything like that. The story is that interesting.

[ToddIsDead]

Yeah. I've really enjoyed it so far.

[TheCorpulent1]

This comic is doing pretty good considering theres been no big action scenes or anything like that. The story is that interesting.
The political stuff is engaging enough for me that there doesn't need to be action. It's kind of like Gotham Central in that respect--the personal tribulations of the cops and the complexities of their investigations were enough to overcome the fact that they had encounters with villains or Batman only once or twice every arc or less.

[Darthphere]

The political stuff is engaging enough for me that there doesn't need to be action. It's kind of like Gotham Central in that respect--the personal tribulations of the cops and the complexities of their investigations were enough to overcome the fact that they had encounters with villains or Batman only once or twice every arc or less.


Word.

[Assassin]

to ya motha

[TheCorpulent1]

My mother doesn't tolerate that kind of talk. :(

[Lackey]

Are there trades?


Yeah, there's 7 trades of the regular series along with two novels, and 3 "Declassified" trades (which are a look into the past of certain characters). You should be able to find all of them on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/192999821X/sr=8-2/qid=1149101922/ref=pd_bbs_2/002-5980602-3707231?%5Fencoding=UTF8

Although the novels do fit in to the continuity of the series, they are not necessary to understand what's going on... and the novels can be read and understood without ever having read the regular series.

[Darthphere]

I read A Gentleman's Game. Nice:up:

[Green Lantern]

I loved Checkmate #2. There's a little in-joke with Jessica Midnight calling the Outsiders "Nightwing's little band of goons," which got me thinking: Rucka's basically doing everything Winick's trying to do in Outsiders, but Rucka's doing it about a thousand times better. The issue of casualties is left hazy in Outsiders, but here Rucka attacks it head-on, using the built-in dynamic of superheroes vs. government agents to get the opposing viewpoints across. Amanda Waller guaranteed Alan minimal casualties in the op in #1, so when the op results in heavy casualties Alan is understandably pissed. The political intrigue of Outsiders is decent, but takes a backseat to action--in Checkmate, Rucka tackles the political stuff so well that it's even more exciting than simple action scenes. I'm definitely more interested in how Amanda's plan will turn out and what Alan will do if he finds out about it than I am about the Outsiders blowing up tanks that may or may not be filled with soldiers.I too am loving Checkmate. It's jumped up to my top three comics right now. Behind Fables and Teen Titans. Now if only we eventually get a past Checkmate operative... *crosses fingers*

[Darthphere]

Roy is totally going to be the new Black Knight.

[sinewave]

I'm fairly sure I didn't, since I'm not aware when it happened. I think I might've mentioned that he had the patch in the current JSA Classified arc, which he does, but the current arc takes place OYL too, and it seems like he's had the patch for a while by the time it starts.

wasn't there mention of gentleman ghost attacking alan during the gentleman ghost arc that levitz wrote in jsa? i think that's how he lost it. i don't remember them going into specifics, but alan almost died from his injuries.

[sinewave]

I had always wondered if Sasha Bordeaux had a sweet booty. SPOILER: She does.

yeah, she's got a tasty robo-booty. or would that be a nano-booty?

[sinewave]

one thing i'd love to see is mr. terrific getting into some action. i know he's only the bishop, which is basically a consultant or consiglieri, but he could be a real bad-ass if he wanted to. come to think of it, i don't recall ever seeing michael's martial arts skills ever being fully displayed. with his stealth and tech he'd make a pretty great knight.

[Green Lantern]

Roy is totally going to be the new Black Knight.I think I would literally cream my pants.

[TheCorpulent1]

wasn't there mention of gentleman ghost attacking alan during the gentleman ghost arc that levitz wrote in jsa? i think that's how he lost it. i don't remember them going into specifics, but alan almost died from his injuries.
Alan had already lost his eye by then. It's clear in this week's issue of 52 that he lost it during the Infinite Crisis, actually. When some of the survivors from space zeta-beam back to Earth, Alan's shown with blood coming out of his eye.

[Lone Wolf]

Great issue. I enjoyed the first one, but #2 really showed the potential in the concepts and characters. I love the fact that Rucka respects his readers enough not to force feed any one side of the debate down our throats. And without darkening Alan Scott or whitewashing Amanda Waller.

[warren_sparta27]

this is probably the greatest book Dc has going for it oustide the Batman and Superman titles. it's only two issues in, and already i'm hooked.

[sinewave]

Alan had already lost his eye by then. It's clear in this week's issue of 52 that he lost it during the Infinite Crisis, actually. When some of the survivors from space zeta-beam back to Earth, Alan's shown with blood coming out of his eye.

you're right. i made that post before i had a chance to read that issue. man, they got effed up out there! hawkgirl is huge now!

[GoldenAgeHero]

took me awhile to get the third issue since my store didnt have it on release day. this was great issue. im still getting used to the political jargan. the plot unflods as checkmate figures out why the chinese vetoed the checkmate resolution. sasha,vertigo,fire, and the rest of the gang goes to a facility to see what the chinese are hiding( a meta facilty that got discovered by cobra),but to cover it up the chinese officials have ordered th e buildings to be destroyed, before the gang can get evidence. looking forward to issue 4.

[Assassin]

I think I would literally cream my pants.

why would you put whipped cream in your pants? does it help with that rash?:confused:


tell me fast, it burns when i pee :(

[GoldenAgeHero]

i hope someone besides me read checkmate 04, so is alan scott not in checkmate anymore? all in all this was a pretty good issue, seems like the great ten can put up a pretty good fight against black queens field agents.

[marcofthebeast]

Issue 4 was great I hope Allen stays on Checkmate, I wonder how he's gonna get out of this mess

And the great ten are pretty cool. I really like the sound manipulation thing that The Accomplished Perfect Physcian has.

[yenaled]

Yes, the Great Ten surprised me. I hadn't got a feel for them in 52 but in this issue they felt like real full characters and dangerous. Like to see more of them.

Alan will stay around me thinks. Just have to see how he does that.

[sinewave]

if allen does leave, there's a pretty good chance that michael will leave, too.

[onceasaint]

writing messages in spoiler tags is fun. :)

[yenaled]

thanks for that.

[OA blaster]

who will take Alan place as the white King maybe Mr Bones

[TheCorpulent1]

Alan's still going to be the White King, I think. The president vetoed him out of his position, but that doesn't mean he's automatically out. If there's one thing you can count on in beaurocracies, it's that there's always a loophole. Checkmate needs Alan. He's the entire organization's conscience at this point. If Checkmate were left in the hands of Waller, Sasha, Bheni Khalid, and some other White King who would be willing to go along with their agenda, it'd probably end up no better than when Max Lord was running things. :o

[drastic_quench]

Checkmate needs Alan for me to keep picking up Checkmate.

[TheCorpulent1]

The series is good enough to continue without him, but I don't see how the organization would remain as effective on both the political and covert fronts. We've seen that Waller and Sasha are both willing to run Checkmate as a less than honest organization, which may help in the missions, but will certainly hinder Checkmate's standing in the realm of international politics and public opinion.

Also, what's up with sticking Alan in a politician's seat? White-siders can't ever run missions? They've got one of the most powerful men on the planet on their payroll, but they can't use him in the field. That just confuses me.

[OA blaster]

i think alan being on the white side was a PR stunt

[Darthphere]

Because Alan Scott's name sells tons of books. :confused:

[TheCorpulent1]

I think he means a PR stunt within the comic world. Alan's almost as universally loved as Superman in DC's United States, and the fact that he fought Nazis back in the day probably looks pretty good to most other countries.

[Darthphere]

Ah ok.

[Green Lantern]

I think he means a PR stunt within the comic world. Alan's almost as universally loved as Superman in DC's United States, and the fact that he fought Nazis back in the day probably looks pretty good to most other countries.Makes the Germans hate him though :o

[TheCorpulent1]

Well, yeah, but everybody else already hates the Germans.

[sinewave]

Makes the Germans hate him though :o

and, vicariously, David Hasselhoff.

[TheCorpulent1]

Alan Scott would turn KITT into a toaster. :o

[Green Lantern]

Jack Bauer has nightmares about Alan Scott... and Chuck Norris craps himself in fear of the sight of Alan.

[sethcohen]

Jack Bauer uses an Alan Scott GL decoder ring he got in a cereal box as a child... thats how he stays one step ahead of terrorists...

[onceasaint]

If we drop Checkmate cause Alan might not be the white king anymore the terrorists win...:mad:

[Darthphere]

Im not dropping Checkmate.

[onceasaint]

I wonder if Alan hides secret messages in his empty eye socket like the guy in Once Upon A Time In Mexico...

[GoldenAgeHero]

http://www.comicbloc.com/images/stories/solicits/dc/october_2006/DCU/CheckmateCv7.jpg
CHECKMATE #7
Written by Greg Rucka, Nunzio DeFilippis & Christina Weir
Art by Cliff Richards & Dan Green
Cover by Jesus Saiz

An original member of SUICIDE SQUAD returns!
But there’s more to it than meets the eye as this founding father’s outnumbered by his own prey!
On sale October 18 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

[Harlekin]

I so cannot wait for the return of the Suicide Squad and the Bronze Tiger.

[onceasaint]

Aww! Look at the kitty! :)

[TheCorpulent1]

I so cannot wait for the return of the Suicide Squad and the Bronze Tiger.
What, the half-tiger Bronze Tiger? Me either. He used to suck but he's gonna be so badass now that he's half-tiger. :up:
I wonder if Alan hides secret messages in his empty eye socket like the guy in Once Upon A Time In Mexico...
Alan hides his secret messages in the corpsified asses of his enemies.

[Harlekin]

What, the half-tiger Bronze Tiger? Me either. He used to suck but he's gonna be so badass now that he's half-tiger. :up:
Die please.



IT'S A MASK!!!



LET IT BE A MASK!!! :(

[drastic_quench]

It's like Tigerrific from the first episode of Venture Bros season two.

[TheCorpulent1]

Die please.



IT'S A MASK!!!



LET IT BE A MASK!!! :(
You know you love the half-tigerness. I bet he's gonna get his name legally changed to Tony and everything. :up:

[Harlekin]

You know you love the half-tigerness. I bet he's gonna get his name legally changed to Tony and everything. :up:
You're a dead man.

Besides, there's nothing to even remotely suggest he's going to be half-tiger. :D

[TheCorpulent1]

Except the giant half-tiger dude on the cover there. Denial ain't a river in Egypt, my friend. :p

[GoldenAgeHero]

^^haha that was a good one.

[Harlekin]

Except the giant half-tiger dude on the cover there. Denial ain't a river in Egypt, my friend. :p
It's a mask! He's worn it before! :(

[Ben Urich]

Just dropping in to say that Checkmate is the best title that DC publishes and that Greg Rucka is the most underrated writer in mainstream comics. :o

[GoldenAgeHero]

underated? no he's not.

[TheCorpulent1]

He's not really underrated, but he's not quite up in the level of stratospheric fame that Johns, Bendis, Waid, Morrison, et al. have attained. I think it's because he hasn't had that one truly memorable, astronomically amazing story yet. Waid has Kingdom Come, Morrison has a slew of things, Bendis has Alias and Daredevil, etc. Rucka's got Gotham Central, but many view Brubaker's arcs as the superior ones, and his AoS and Wonder Woman runs were great but underappreciated in sales. Maybe Checkmate will be the title to catapult him into the big leagues of comic writing fame.

[sinewave]

He's not really underrated, but he's not quite up in the level of stratospheric fame that Johns, Bendis, Waid, Morrison, et al. have attained. I think it's because he hasn't had that one truly memorable, astronomically amazing story yet. Waid has Kingdom Come, Morrison has a slew of things, Bendis has Alias and Daredevil, etc. Rucka's got Gotham Central, but many view Brubaker's arcs as the superior ones, and his AoS and Wonder Woman runs were great but underappreciated in sales. Maybe Checkmate will be the title to catapult him into the big leagues of comic writing fame.

Hiketeia was a pretty big success for Rucka. It's not up there with Kingdom Come or Arkham Asylum, but it is considered one of the best WW stories of the last 20 years.

[TheCorpulent1]

Yeah, but no one cares about Wonder Woman. It's sad but true. Wonder Woman just kind of slides under the radar for some reason. Rucka was doing excellent work on WW's ongoing series at the time, too, but no one really took notice except a handful of fans.

[Darthphere]

I love thee Checkmate.

[TheCorpulent1]

I do, too. Although I don't feel the need to cloak my love in Shakespearean turns of phrase. :confused:

[Darthphere]

Wait til you see my sonnet.

[TheCorpulent1]

I don't read poetry. It makes me break out in hives.

[Darthphere]

So do girls.

[TheCorpulent1]

No, those are more like pus-filled boils, actually.

[Darthphere]

My mistake.

[OA blaster]

Yeah, but no one cares about Wonder Woman. It's sad but true. Wonder Woman just kind of slides under the radar for some reason. Rucka was doing excellent work on WW's ongoing series at the time, too, but no one really took notice except a handful of fans.

she does, the only times i picked up WW title was because of the Flash crossover and the sacrifice storyline

[The Question]

Except the giant half-tiger dude on the cover there. Denial ain't a river in Egypt, my friend. :p

What if it's Mr. Tawky Tawny?


http://www.supermanartists.comics.org/fawcett/mrtawny-cma79.JPG

[OA blaster]

What if it's Mr. Tawky Tawny?


http://www.supermanartists.comics.org/fawcett/mrtawny-cma79.JPG

http://www.superherohype.com/forums/images/icons/icon10.gifEXACTLY.................

[sinewave]

^ man, that cat sure knows how to dress!

[TheCorpulent1]

Exactly. The dude on the cover's nowhere near as stylish as Tawky Tawny.

[The Question]

I doubt that if Mr. Tawky Tawny were fighting terrorists for the government, that he would be wearing a pimpin' green plad suit. I mean, he doesn't want to stain a nice suit like that with blood, does he?

[TheCorpulent1]

You underestimate Tawky Tawny's pimp suit. :o

[OA blaster]

Mister Tawky Tawny. A humanoid sapient tiger (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger) who, in classic-era continuity, wishes to live among the humans in civilization instead of in the wild or the zoo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoo). As such, he is typically dressed in a tweed business suit and usually carries himself in a formal dignified manner. The modern-day Tawky Tawny was a stuffed tiger doll (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doll) who was animated by Lord Satanus to assist the Marvel Family in their battle against Satanus's sister Blaze. He only appeared as an animate being to Billy, Mary, and later Dudley at first (a la Hobbes in Calvin and Hobbes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvin_and_Hobbes)), but later was made permanently real by the power of Ibis the Invincible.

does this reads like a international spy for the government to anybody

[The Question]

You underestimate Tawky Tawny's pimp suit. :o

Do you realize how hard it is to get blood out of pimp suits? That's why pimps stopped wearing that. Couldn't get out the stains from when they cut on their hoes.

[The Question]

Mister Tawky Tawny. A humanoid sapient tiger (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger) who, in classic-era continuity, wishes to live among the humans in civilization instead of in the wild or the zoo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoo). As such, he is typically dressed in a tweed business suit and usually carries himself in a formal dignified manner. The modern-day Tawky Tawny was a stuffed tiger doll (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doll) who was animated by Lord Satanus to assist the Marvel Family in their battle against Satanus's sister Blaze. He only appeared as an animate being to Billy, Mary, and later Dudley at first (a la Hobbes in Calvin and Hobbes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvin_and_Hobbes)), but later was made permanently real by the power of Ibis the Invincible.

does this reads like a international spy for the government to anybody

He could be. If they hire him.

[sinewave]

Mister Tawky Tawny. A humanoid sapient tiger (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger) who, in classic-era continuity, wishes to live among the humans in civilization instead of in the wild or the zoo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoo). As such, he is typically dressed in a tweed business suit and usually carries himself in a formal dignified manner. The modern-day Tawky Tawny was a stuffed tiger doll (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doll) who was animated by Lord Satanus to assist the Marvel Family in their battle against Satanus's sister Blaze. He only appeared as an animate being to Billy, Mary, and later Dudley at first (a la Hobbes in Calvin and Hobbes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvin_and_Hobbes)), but later was made permanently real by the power of Ibis the Invincible.

does this reads like a international spy for the government to anybody


wait, wait, wait, wait, WAIT! there's a character named "Satanus"??? that may be the most unintentionally funny name i've ever heard!

[TheCorpulent1]

Do you realize how hard it is to get blood out of pimp suits? That's why pimps stopped wearing that. Couldn't get out the stains from when they cut on their hoes.
Yeah, normal pimp suits. You think Tawky Tawny wears just any old pimp suit? Please. Tawky Tawny's pimp suit is surrounded by a pimp field that b****-slaps any potential staining factors that come within 100 yards of it.

[OA blaster]

He could be. If they hire him.

would you hire him

[The Question]

Yeah, normal pimp suits. You think Tawky Tawny wears just any old pimp suit? Please. Tawky Tawny's pimp suit is surrounded by a pimp field that b****-slaps any potential staining factors that come within 100 yards of it.

That, my good sir, is just utterly ridiculous. :o

[TheCorpulent1]

Ridiculous like a fox.

[The Question]

And Tawky Tawny is a tiger. Tigers > foxes. I win. :o

[TheCorpulent1]

Pimp tigers > tigers, so I win, actually.

[The Question]

Tigers are pimps by their very nature. The win retunrs to me.

[TheCorpulent1]

Prove that any normal tiger is as much of a pimp as Tawky Tawny and we'll talk.

[The Question]

Ah. This is true. Tawky Tawny is the most pimpin' of all tigers. But that simply makes him the most pimpin' of all pimps. All tigers are still inherently pimpin'. Tawky Tawny is simply the kind of all pimpiosity. :o

[Knives122]

on a scale from 1-10(10 being the best) how enjoyable is checkmate?

[marcofthebeast]

10 - For sure, It's one of the best books DC is putting out right now IMO.
It's like a James Bond movie but with a superhero team. But if you're a strictly action person this isn't the book for you.

[PWN3R]

I'm adding this to my pull list. Darn you Darth!:(

[marcofthebeast]

I'm adding this to my pull list. Darn you Darth!:(
It's totally worth it!

[PWN3R]

will I be lost? I'm going to start on #5? My shop doesnt have any of the back issues, I guess its a big seller.

[marcofthebeast]

I don't think you'll be too lost, The next issue is a stand alone about The Black Queen (Sasha Bordeaux) Selecting a new Knight. After that a new arc kicks in. Which may or may not be about Alan Scott's status of White King.
They have a nice little write up on wikipedia about the first arc checkmate info (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Checkmate_%28comics%29)
It's in the Checkmate vol. 2 section.

[PWN3R]

Thanks for that. :up:

[marcofthebeast]

No problem, The write up dosen't really give it justice but it gives you a decent idea of what happened.

[TheCorpulent1]

If all else fails, come on the boards and ask questions. Just start reading Checkmate as soon as possible. I'm sure there'll be a trade of the first arc eventually, too.

[OA blaster]

another reason to get into the series is in the next story arc is the new suicide squad

[TheCorpulent1]

Yep, new Black Queen's Knight, new Suicide Squad, an arc involving Alan Scott's tenure as White King, and Bronze Tiger are all coming up. From all of that, we can of course extrapolate that the message Rucka is trying to get across is that Checkmate will pwn all other comic books put together.

[Darthphere]

I ****ing love this book. I can't believe there are people out there that dont like it.

[OA blaster]

they will join us...one way or another

[Green Lantern]

Anybody get the new issue yet? My shop won't have it out for another three hours :(

[TheCorpulent1]

I don't get off work until 6. But at approximately 6:20 it will be mine...

[Green Lantern]

I want it so bad I can taste it :( Please, let me get my Roy fix :(

[TheCorpulent1]

Roy would be a great Knight. I wouldn't mind seeing Richard Dragon or some other cool, underused character either.

[Green Lantern]

I want my Roy :( I miss him OYL :( Roy >>>> Captain Boomerang Jr. WTF were they thinking?!? :(

[OA blaster]

no the question, imagine him working for a black ops organisation

[Green Lantern]

Q would never work for the government...

[OA blaster]

Q would never work for the government...

you never know after 52

[TheCorpulent1]

He doesn't seem like he'd work for the government in 52, either.

[Harlekin]

Still more than 30 weeks to go though.

[Blue_Beetle]

I ****ing love this book. I can't believe there are people out there that dont like it.

I agree! :) :up:

[Darthphere]

I havent read #5 yet, whos the new Knight?

[Green Lantern]

Not Roy... :sad:

[GoldenAgeHero]

the only i hate about this book is everyone codename is after some freakin chess piece. i can't remember any of those chess piece names nor do i care for them...it really gets annoying after awhile.

[Green Lantern]

Uh thats the point of the organization :huh:

[Darthphere]

the only i hate about this book is everyone codename is after some freakin chess piece. i can't remember any of those chess piece names nor do i care for them...it really gets annoying after awhile.


You sir, are a dumbass.

[GoldenAgeHero]

I never said it was'nt, the codenames are just very annoying.


what rucka should've done was create secret organzation within checkmate( if you've seen X files you know what im talking about) the members of the organization will held secret. you'll only see them in shadows or thier silloute. and the organzation will assign a chess piece to each member the main members(bourdeuax(sp?),fire, count vertigo, etc.) they would'nt have chess piece codenames. they would be the organzations puppets..

its kinda hard to explain, but imagine playing chess and the pieces you move would signify one of the members. in order to advance, members of the secret organization would coerce the puppets into a situation that either benefits them or checkmate. something like that.

[Green Lantern]

That is a completely stupid idea, but thanks for sharing anyway. :down

[GoldenAgeHero]

how is it stupid?

[Darthphere]

I never said it was'nt, the codenames are just very annoying.


what rucka should've done was create secret organzation within checkmate( if you've seen X files you know what im talking about) the members of the organization will held secret. you'll only see them in shadows or thier silloute. and the organzation will assign a chess piece to each member the main members(bourdeuax(sp?),fire, count vertigo, etc.) they would'nt have chess piece codenames. they would be the organzations puppets..

its kinda hard to explain, but imagine playing chess and the pieces you move would signify one of the members. in order to advance, members of the secret organization would coerce the puppets into a situation that either benefits them or checkmate. something like that.


Thats a ****ing stupid idea.


Look im GAH " Ugh, I hate Green Lantern Corps, why do they have to be green?" Thats the equivalent of what you just said.

[GoldenAgeHero]

Thats a ****ing stupid idea.


Look im GAH " Ugh, I hate Green Lantern Corps, why do they have to be green?" Thats the equivalent of what you just said.


thats not even the equivalent of what i just said. since the members are'nt even green in the first place. They wear uniforms, and uniforms are standard when it comes to joining militray type of service. all im saying that the book can work without the codenames.

[Darthphere]

thats not even the equivalent of what i just said. since the members are'nt even green in the first place. They wear uniforms, and uniforms are standard when it comes to joining militray type of service. all im saying that the book can work without the codenames.


Please stop reading the book. I rather save your issue for someone who isnt going to ***** about some of the most asinine things on earth.

[GoldenAgeHero]

Please stop reading the book. I rather save your issue for someone who isnt going to ***** about some of the most asinine things on earth.

this coming from someone whos complaining because new members are joining the titans, or some flying freakin T, i can search this whole ****inn website forpeople complaning about the most asinine shnit.

don't like what i have to say tough luck, go to your user cp. and ignore my posts. either that or continue to read them.

have fun, sweet pea.

[Darthphere]

this coming from someone whos complaining because new members are joining the titans, i can search this whole ****inn website forpeople complaning about the most asinine shnit.

don't like what i have to say tough luck, go to your user cp. and ignore my posts. either that or continue to read them.

have fun, sweet pea.


GAH, stop giving a damn, Its very unlike you. But really, the ****ing organization is called Checkmate. Theres a reason for this, because of their ****ing codenames. And believe it or not, Checkmate isnt some new organization, its been around for years. Really its really dumb that youre annoyed by one of the fundamental aspects of the Checkmate organization.


EDIT: And the flying T is ****ing awesome *******. :mad:

[GoldenAgeHero]

well sorry for not reading the old comics, the codenames are just annoying. and I'll probably continue to find them annoying.

[Darthphere]

Then dont read the book. I dont read things that annoy me.

[GoldenAgeHero]

Then dont read the book. I dont read things that annoy me.

yet you find time to complain about them anyways.

[Darthphere]

Hell yeah, I speak with my wallet though GAH. I put my money where my mouth is. Either way, keep buying the book, it needs the sales. Thanks GAH.:up:

[GoldenAgeHero]

i find the codenames annoying, not the book. im interested in the espionage aspect.

[Darthphere]

Then dont read the codenames.:confused:

[Green Lantern]

well sorry for not reading the old comics, the codenames are just annoying. and I'll probably continue to find them annoying.Maybe if you had a little culture and learned chess you'd appreciate the code names a little more :whatever:

[GoldenAgeHero]

i don't care for chess, thats why i never tried it.

[BrianWilly]

I love the codenames. The whole point of the organization is that it's about checks and balances, which is a fundamental part of chess, which is why it's called Checkmate and is structured around chess pieces.

I mean seriously, this isn't rocket science.

[Harlekin]

Exactly, and the codenames rock, although I'll let you know that the original White King/Black King etc. was only introduced with Maxwell Lord. Originally you just had your King and Queen (Harry Stein and Amanda Waller respectively) and the other chess pieces. They weren't actually any limits on how many rooks or bishops there were in the organization.

[TheCorpulent1]

i don't care for chess, thats why i never tried it.
How do you know you don't care for it if you never tried it? :confused:

Anyway, to take a page out of your very own book, GAH: lolz whether u like them or not they GOTS da codenames so i don't give a damn lolz.

:)

[sinewave]

i'm definitely not agreeing with GAH, but sometimes i get confused by the codenames. they're a little cumbersome, "black queen's knight", "white king's bishop", it's just a little bit tricky to follow sometimes. i'm sure the more i read of this series the better acquainted i'll become with the characters and their roles, but i can somewhat see where GAH is coming from.

[Darthphere]

Stop defending GAH, its disgusting. Like I said, its the equivalent of him asking why the Green Lanterns wear green.

[sinewave]

Stop defending GAH, its disgusting. Like I said, its the equivalent of him asking why the Green Lanterns wear green.

trust me, i'm not defending the guy.

stop sucking up to corp. ;)

[Darthphere]

Im not, Im the one that started the argument with him.

[sinewave]

Im not, Im the one that started the argument with him.

sorry, i was thinking about your behavior in the titans thread.

[Darthphere]

**** you!

[sinewave]

**** you!

settle down, sunshine.

[Varient]

Better than I expected.

Boy she's gonna be hard-core.
:eek:

[Darthphere]

God, I ****ing love this comic. Im sad that it wasnt Roy but its all good.

[Green Lantern]

Well... we still need a new White Kings Bishop....

[Darthphere]

Well... we still need a new White Kings Bishop....


That position is for smart people.:(

[Mister J]

Yeah. Smart enough to cut the cord connecting them to their partner while mountain climbing. :o
The standard has been set. :up:

[TheCorpulent1]

I don't think everything will be as cut and dried as it seems. There's something not quite right about the new Black Queen's Knight. I'm hoping Alan finds some way to remain as White King, too.

[Darthphere]

Yeah. Smart enough to cut the cord connecting them to their partner while mountain climbing. :o
The standard has been set. :up:


But she was fighting for the position of Knight, not Bishop.:o :o :o

[Darthphere]

I don't think everything will be as cut and dried as it seems. There's something not quite right about the new Black Queen's Knight. I'm hoping Alan finds some way to remain as White King, too.


Maybe Waller's Suicide Squad will factor into that. Maybe, he'll take her job. Unlikely considering I cant see the book working without Waller. It be awesome if Michael becomes White King and decides to bring in Alan as his Bishop sort of as a **** you to Waller.

[Mister J]

But she was fighting for the position of Knight, not Bishop.:o :o :o
Point taken. A Bishop should just kill the partner while they're both still on the ground. No sense in waiting to the last minute. :up:

[TheCorpulent1]

Maybe Waller's Suicide Squad will factor into that. Maybe, he'll take her job. Unlikely considering I cant see the book working without Waller. It be awesome if Michael becomes White King and decides to bring in Alan as his Bishop sort of as a **** you to Waller. Nah, Alan's not really a Bishop type of guy. The current setup was pretty much perfect.

There's also Fire and her King now knowing that she's being blackmailed to consider, too. There's too much stuff going on under the surface for this issue's events to be taken at face value. More's going on.

[Green Lantern]

True, I hope that the cover to GL 15 is a hint of what may come in the next arc of Checkmate

[Darthphere]

Nah, Alan's not really a Bishop type of guy. The current setup was pretty much perfect.

There's also Fire and her King now knowing that she's being blackmailed to consider, too. There's too much stuff going on under the surface for this issue's events to be taken at face value. More's going on.


Im pretty sure we havent seen the last of Alan.

[TheCorpulent1]

True, I hope that the cover to GL 15 is a hint of what may come in the next arc of Checkmate What would Crimson Fox have to do with Checkmate?

[Darthphere]

I think Waller is being set-up for a fall. Shes doing some shady **** behind the scenes with seemingly the President's approval. I wouldnt be surprised if Alan gets to the bottom of it all.

[TheCorpulent1]

Good, then he can boot the US out of having any say in Checkmate, reinstate himself, and put Waller in her place.

[marcofthebeast]

I would prefer if Alan to continue his role as White King, But Micheal is the perfect replacement and I can see him doing a lot of good in that role. Either way I'd be happy... Checkmates Awesome!

[Darthphere]

Good, then he can boot the US out of having any say in Checkmate, reinstate himself, and put Waller in her place.


Checkmate is a United Nations organization correct? No way are the US staying out of it, but Alan could gain some leverage.

[Green Lantern]

What would Crimson Fox have to do with Checkmate?I meant the solicit :( :cmad:

[TheCorpulent1]

Checkmate is a United Nations organization correct? No way are the US staying out of it, but Alan could gain some leverage.
Checkmate is apparently pretty democratic, however. If Alan exposes the US' business with Waller, the other countries who have votes on Checkmate's operations could probably stonewall the US. Hell, China almost did it by itself.

[Darthphere]

Checkmate is apparently pretty democratic, however. If Alan exposes the US' business with Waller, the other countries who have votes on Checkmate's operations could probably stonewall the US. Hell, China almost did it by itself.


Yeah, im just saying, the US is going to be a part of it no matter what. DC politics have never been this fun.

[TheCorpulent1]

Obviously, the US is a part of everything in international politics because it's the world's leading (or, some would argue, only) superpower right now. But that doesn't make them immune to being shut down by the other countries overseeing Checkmate.

[Darthphere]

Of course. Im really excited to see how this plays out.

[OA blaster]

who would mister terrific pick as his Bishop???

[Darthphere]

Jason Todd.

[sinewave]

who would mister terrific pick as his Bishop???

Perhaps Dr. Mid-Nite.

[Darthphere]

Jakeem Thunder.

[sinewave]

Jakeem Thunder.

Sticking with the brothers.

[OA blaster]

Perhaps Dr. Mid-Nite.

he's more of a doctor of medicine then global poltical science

[yenaled]

I love this series, I really enjoyed the last comic. Even though I was hoping Taka would win the position.

No idea why.