Checkmate #28

One-sentence summary: I love watching two walrus-monsters attack each other as much as the next guy, but isn't this my intrigue series?

If a comic book series promised me walrus-on-walrus action, I'd first wonder why they didn't choose a better choice of words and double-check what part of the comic store I'm in, but then I'd probably pick that book up, knowing my $3 would be well-spent. I'd especially love this if I were told that one giant walrus was transformed from an ex-soldier who can no longer think for himself, but does cause the giant walrus to have a giant tattoo. This sounds awesome. It makes it sound even better if I were promised more of the same in later issues.

Why, oh why, would I think this sounds awesome? Because I like stupid comics, gosh darn it, and if it weren't stupid it sounds like it'd at least be hilarious (ala Nextwave).

So, why am I less than excited about this? Because it's in one of DC's more plot-intensive, intelligent comics. I really like the political intrigue, character-based drama, and plot twists that are the standard of Checkmate arcs.

However, I guess I'd rather have this than the series be canceled. If I just have to get used to Checkmate going from blackmail and diplomacy to walrus-on-walrus fighting, well, I can adapt too (though not into a giant walrus. More into a reader of giant walrus drama).

Checkmate #16

One-sentence summary: An issue that begins a new story, it seems, while wrapping up others, all with an understandable romance -- done well!

Checkmate's an interesting book. I generally really like it, and this issue is no exception. Sometimes, above all things, it's a well-plotted book. This issue does an enormous number of things, and it does them all well. It features flashbacks to flesh out the character of Sasha Bordeaux a bit more, if for nothing else to show us just how horrible what's occurred to her is in the previous issues. At the same time, it shows the background and current developments in her relationship with Mr. Terrific, also wrapping up a storyline from Birds of Prey with the introduction of Ice, and with an end which hints at the directions this story's going next.

Checkmate can be a bit confusing for a new reader, due to the number of characters (particularly if you're unfamiliar with the characters outside of the book). But, I'd say it's worth getting into. The world of superhuman espionage and politics is, well, fantastic. Each development is interesting and has implications.

The art works well for the book; nothing fabulous, but good nevertheless.