Checkmate #3

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis Artist: Alex Maleev Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: August 25, 2021 Cover Price: $3.99 Critic Reviews: 10 User Reviews: 13
6.0Critic Rating
5.4User Rating

All-new story! As the super-spies try to keep Leviathan from getting its hands on the Heroes Network, Lois Lane does her best to get to the bottom of the new truths in front of her. Meanwhile, her husband-the Man of Steel-has had just about enough of Leviathan. That’s right, finally! The man behind the rise of Leviathan, Mark Shaw, and Superman clash! Plus: Who is Mr. King really? Guest-starring Robin and Talia al Ghul! And Superman.

  • 9.5
    The Super Powered Fancast - Timala Elliott Aug 24, 2021

    Maleev and Stewart use a traditional comic book style that matches the tone of the story. The illustrations are transportive. And there is an emotional intensity that permeates the pages despite the heavy emphasis on content versus action. Read Full Review

  • 8.4
    Supergirl Comic Box Commentary - Anj Aug 30, 2021

    This was the best issue so far of this mini-series. Odd for a middle chapter to be the one that hits the gas pedal. But now I feel like the ball is rolling downhill. Can't wait for more! Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    But Why Tho? - William Tucker Aug 24, 2021

    Checkmate #3 is beginning to show its quality. Bendis character work is superb and that becomes clear with how some of the heroes and villains are written. But the massive ensemble cast is unruly and hard to manage. The story may still be causing confusion but the reader is not left with their head-spinning quote so fast as it did in the last issue. The art has been terrific since the start. With some sense starting to be made of what is happening, the remaining issues should possess some real excitement. Read Full Review

  • 6.2
    Comic Watch - Kevin Rossi Aug 24, 2021

    Checkmate #3 has all the pieces to be an engaging spy thriller but somehow feels stagnant. Realizations may be coming, but will it be too little too late? Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Dark Knight News - Kevin M. Gallagher, Jr Aug 29, 2021

    Checkmate #3 has all the pieces it needs to be an incredible spy thriller, but it doesn't stick the landing. Maybe something's coming to pull everything together, but I'm not sure how this series is going to wrap up in a satisfying way. As long as The Question and Green Arrow keep having some panel time, however, I'll be here to the bitter end. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    ComicBook.com - Spencer Perry Aug 25, 2021

    After its awful second issue Checkmate finds a balance between servicing its narrative that made the first so strong and also the confusing time jumps that made its second so weak. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Razorfine - Alan Rapp Aug 31, 2021

    It's good to see Damian get a larger role here, which I'd expect to see expanded in the remaining issues, especially once Talia's true objectives come to light. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    Batman-News - Cam Lipham Aug 24, 2021

    This doesn't feel like a mini, it feels like the intro to a longer series. I honestly don't see how this is going to satisfyingly conclude in three more issues. Please prove me wrong, Brian Michael Bendis, who I know is reading this. I wrote this review specifically for you. Read Full Review

  • 4.0
    Weird Science - Eric Shea Aug 24, 2021

    Checkmate continues to be a series that not only comes across like it's been left behind by everything else in DC Comics, but a series that just presents the characters we love in weird ways and has them saying and doing weird things throughout, while also not giving much progression in the long run. People standing around and talking about nothing with art that just isn't for me overall..... Hopefully, as we now hit the second leg of the story things will start happening and make it feel like Checkmate is somewhat worthwhile.... but I'm not holding my breath. Read Full Review

  • 2.0
    Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles Aug 24, 2021

    Checkmate is now at the halfway point and still feels like a vanity project for a story readers have been given little incentive to care about. Read Full Review

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