Checkmate #25

Checkmate #25, published by DC Comics in 2008, serves as the concluding chapter of the series' second volume. Written by Greg Rucka with artwork by Cliff Richards, the issue resolves the high-stakes espionage and political maneuvering that defined the title. As part of a series centered on a covert agency within the DC Universe, this issue functions as a final statement on the morally complex operations led by characters like Amanda Waller and Maxwell Lord, reflecting the gritty, grounded tone established throughout Rucka's tenure on the book.

The design and narrative approach of this final issue were intended to provide a sense of closure to the serialized political drama, moving away from standard superhero tropes toward a techno-thriller aesthetic. Critics and readers of the time noted that the creative team prioritized character continuity and thematic resolution over traditional action beats. The issue remains a point of interest for collectors who value mid-2000s DC continuity, particularly for its integration into the wider narrative landscape established following the Infinite Crisis event.