Checkmate #23

Checkmate #23, released in 2008, serves as a pivotal installment in the second volume of the Checkmate series written by Greg Rucka. This iteration of the title focused on a clandestine United Nations-sanctioned espionage agency operating within the DC Universe, navigating the complex geopolitical fallout of the Infinite Crisis event. The series was designed to explore the intersection of global superhero dynamics and traditional intelligence agency tropes, balancing high-stakes political maneuvering with the established continuity of the publisher's broader mythos.

The interior art for this issue was provided by Joe Bennett, whose grounded, realistic style helped reinforce the series' departure from typical costumed heroics toward a more serious, noir-inspired espionage aesthetic. The visual approach sought to emphasize the shadowy, bureaucratic nature of the organization, moving away from bright, bombastic imagery to highlight characters trapped in moral ambiguity. The series was well-regarded by critics for its sophisticated tone and character-driven writing, standing out as a unique entry in DC's mid-2000s catalog.