Checkmate #2

The six-issue mini-series continues as Brian Michael Bendis and artist Alex Maleev remind us that Talia al Ghul can be a hell of a character when put in the hands of the right creative team as Leviathan's captive starts causing trouble for the cabal. (Although I'm not quite sure where the Damian part of the plotline is going). She's not the only female highlighted here, as Lois Lane's investigation into Leviathan's actions leads her to being kidnapped by the group leading to an inevitable showdown.

Speaking of Superman, although the Man of Steel is given only a cameo here, the second issue of the series has some fun exploring Mark Shaw's obsession with the Kryptonian and his struggle to bring the hero over to his side. So far things aren't going all that well on that front and I don't know that kidnapping his wife will help matters.

We also get more of Green Arrow and the Question working together for Checkmate which is quickly becoming one of the comic's more amusing pairings.

[DC, $3.99]

• Title: Checkmate #2 (of 6)
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
• Artist: Alex Maleev