In the wake of the finale of Peacemaker Season 2, a new ensemble has emerged within the DC Universe (DCU): Chris and his allies have successfully manifested Checkmate. Originally conceptualized by Paul Kupperberg, John Byrne, and Steve Erwin in 1988 as an antihero team, Checkmate has since evolved into a governmental agency comprising a diverse membership, with members’ names drawn from chess pieces.
With Checkmate now integrated into the DCU, fan speculation is rife regarding its implications. Given the organization’s notable history and impactful members, it may provide significant insights into the development of the DCU’s upcoming narrative arch, Gods and Monsters. Beyond the 11th Street Kids and their associates, who else has played a pivotal role within Checkmate?
One of the more interesting members is The Jungle Automatic Killer Experimental #6.1, better known as J.A.K.E. 6.1. This robot serves as one of Checkmate’s rooks, namely Rook Delta, playing a crucial role in mission operations. J.A.K.E. is responsible for monitoring and controlling the toxicity levels of apocritic, a hazardous compound impacting fellow team members. Additionally, J.A.K.E. is equipped with various gadgets for scouting duties. The DCU has yet to introduce this version of G.I. Robot, a character originally created as a Nazi-fighting hero in Creature Commandos. There is rising anticipation among fans regarding the possibility of G.I. Robot making an appearance as part of Checkmate.
Following Checkmate’s reformation as a United Nations entity, its leadership sought out Alan Scott, the original Green Lantern, to join its ranks as the White King. Although Scott’s tenure with Checkmate was brief, he aided in thwarting a conflict involving the Great Ten, preventing a diplomatic crisis between the United States and China. Unfortunately, he lost his position in the agency, branded a traitor by the U.S. government due to this involvement.
Alan Scott’s status as a Green Lantern marks him as one of Checkmate’s most formidable members. However, his strong moral reservations regarding the organization’s methods, particularly concerning Sasha Bordeaux’s ruthless approaches, cast doubt on whether he will be part of the DCU adaptation in the near future. Currently, James Gunn appears to be focusing on other Green Lanterns, including Guy Gardner, Hal Jordan, and John Stewart.
Checkmate gained substantial influence, even co-opting several police departments over time. Among its original Kings was Harry Stein, a detective from the NYPD, who recruited Harvey Bullock from the Gotham City Police Department. Bullock assumed the role of Bishop, acting as an advisor within the organization.
Stein transitioned from primarily pursuing Vigilante, known as Adrian Chase, to collaborating with him as fellow Checkmate members. This trend of blending heroes, antiheroes, and villains is emblematic of how Checkmate operates within the DC Universe.
Sasha Bordeaux first appeared as Bruce Wayne’s bodyguard in the comics but quickly became his partner once she discovered his dual identity. Following a tumultuous relationship, she experienced near-fatal injuries, but Checkmate subsequently rescued her, offering cybernetic enhancements that allowed her to rise within their ranks. Eventually, she attained the position of Black Queen, significantly affecting the organization’s dynamics.
Her introduction in Peacemaker led fans to speculate about the eventual emergence of Checkmate in the DCU. With its realization now confirmed, Bordeaux is poised to be one of its most influential members, thanks to her enhancements. Fans remain curious whether her connections to Batman will play a role in her cinematic journey.
Mark Shaw, also known as both Leviathan and Manhunter, was a former U.S. Marshal who thrived in covert operations and was consequently recruited into Checkmate, even leading the organization at one point. However, he eventually became disenchanted with the government’s handling of crime and distanced himself from the agency.
Radicalized, Shaw joined Leviathan, an organization founded by Talia al Ghul as a successor to the League of Assassins, marking his descent into villainy. Speculation remains surrounding whether any DCU members of Checkmate will also veer into rogue territory.
At one time during their operation, Checkmate faced the loss of a Queen. Instead of promoting from within their ranks, the agency abducted Helena Bertinelli, extending an offer for her allegiance in exchange for information on Batman. Ultimately, Huntress remained loyal to the Dark Knight, accepting her role only with his approval.
Although Huntress led the organization briefly, her loyalty was primarily toward Batman. In the end, she gathered valuable intelligence on Kobra to benefit the Caped Crusader while acting as a double agent. This kind of intricate dynamic could present intriguing storytelling potential within the DCU, although it may take some time before such conflicts surface.
While Bullock served as a Bishop, Clifford Devoe, known as the Thinker, was also a White Bishop during this period. As a supervillain renowned for his genius intellect, he fit the role perfectly. Notably, Mister Terrific intervened at one point to rectify the A.I. controlling Thinker, preventing its corruption.
While the present-day composition of Checkmate has some strong members, the absence of a genius like the Thinker remains felt. Although this character made his cinematic debut in the DCEU, portrayed by Peter Capaldi, no news has emerged regarding his potential return in the DCU. Fans continue to anticipate whether Capaldi’s Thinker will join the ranks of Checkmate on the big screen.
Maxwell Lord stands out as one of Checkmate’s most significant leaders. While Amanda Waller was instrumental in establishing the agency as a branch of Task Force X, Lord conceived the dual operatives system, wherein black pieces undertook field operations while white pieces managed intelligence affairs. Lord’s tenure saw the agency flourish, albeit with a notorious reputation for his moral ambiguity.
Maxwell Lord has already made his presence felt within the DCU, as played by Sean Gunn. This billionaire’s effectiveness is evidenced by his sponsorship of the Justice Gang, suggesting a natural alignment towards supporting a more intelligence-driven agency like Checkmate.
Michael Holt, known as Mister Terrific, was recommended by Alan Scott as he joined Checkmate, initially serving in the role of Bishop. He quickly ascended through the ranks, ultimately being appointed as Scott’s successor when Scott departed the team.
As the Justice League prepares to take center stage, the Justice Gang may need to recede. This transition could open opportunities for Mister Terrific, who is well-suited for the formidable demands of Checkmate, whether as an intelligence officer or on the battlefield. Fans eagerly anticipate seeing him continue his journey within the DCU.
Amanda Waller emerges as the most critical member of Checkmate. This formidable individual orchestrated the organization’s inception, transforming it from a Black Ops unit of Task Force X. Despite her sagacious leadership, her tenure was cut short due to her morally questionable tactics, leading to her imprisonment, similarly to her DCU counterpart.
Currently, the DCU portrays Waller as disgraced following her exposure by the 11th Street Kids. Given their role in founding Checkmate, it remains uncertain whether Waller will resume her position there anytime soon. Nevertheless, her influence within the government remains potent, indicating that Checkmate may eventually find themselves seeking her assistance. Waller’s shifting moral compass, coupled with her current grudge against Rick Flag Sr., suggests potential for unexpected alliances down the line.
Based on reporting by CBR.com. Read the full story at CBR.com.