Checkmate #28

Checkmate #28, published in 1990, stands as a notable installment in the original DC Comics series focused on the covert intelligence agency of the same name. Following the group's introduction in the Invasion! crossover, the series explored the clandestine operations of the Suicide Squad's government-sanctioned oversight body. This particular issue belongs to the later portion of the title's original run, reflecting the gritty, espionage-heavy tone that defined the late eighties and early nineties DC imprint.

The creative direction for this period of Checkmate was steered by writer Paul Kupperberg and various artists who maintained the series' focus on geopolitical intrigue and character-driven tactical narratives. The design and visual storytelling sought to bridge the gap between traditional superheroics and the burgeoning interest in mature, realistic spy thrillers. While the series was often overshadowed by high-profile event titles, it remains respected by collectors for its commitment to a distinct, grounded sub-genre within the DC Universe.