DCU Comic Book Reviews

CHECKMATE #10

Pawn 502, Part Three: The End In Sight

March 2007

Written by Greg Rucka

Pencils by Jesus Saiz

Inks by Fernando Blanco

Cover by Jesus Saiz

Synopsis

In Michigan, members of Kobra, Tye and Lucas (Checkmate agent Pawn 502) are on the run after escaping custody of the Department of Metahuman Affairs (DMA), thanks in part to the combined efforts of Checkmate and members of Shadowpact.  The duo are approached by Kobra member Sister Devotion, who wants to conduct a blood ritual to determine their true faith to Kali Yuga.  Meanwhile, Black Queen Sasha Bourdeaux of Checkmate enlists the help of Enchantress from Shadowpact to cast a spell to make Kobra believe Pawn 502 is truly faithful.  Enchantress’ spell is timed to coincide with the blood ritual, which is timed with Checkmate’s attack on Kobra to capture Tye, who also happens to be a Checkmate agent in disguise.  The spell by Enchantress is success and Pawn 502 has become a member of Kobra, but he has also become one of the true believers of Kali Yuga.... 

Review by Binkley (e-mail)

“D’accord.  Request permission to resume sleeping, Black Queen”

This was an absolutely fantastic issue, with a terrific and sensible use of Shadowpact’s talents as well as a couple of twists to the story that made a lot of sense.  While I had a feeling that Tye was not really who he said he was (although I am uncertain if Lucas knew it or not), I did like the fact that they used his true faith as the method to fool the Kali Yuga ritual.  Plus, they also used “Tye” to capture the invisible man.  The ending was pitch perfect and I really, really hope that Rucka returns to Pawn 502 at some point; I think an entire storyline devoted to him would be worth it. 

While the crux of the story hinges on the last few pages making the rest of the story believable, Rucka still managed to the have the beginning contain bits and pieces that would make the issue worth even if the sting operation fell flat.  The couple of small comedic moments (Jo waking up and falling back asleep, the sing on Sasha’s door, even Blue Devil reaching for the donuts during the meeting) blended well with the political dealings with Sasha on the phone and the tension that Lucas might be outed as a spy before Checkmate can save his ass.  I also loved Detective Chimp’s appraisal of the situation and the fact that he was constantly being one step ahead of Sasha.  He is the greatest simian detective in the world. 

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