Publishers / DC / Checkmate (1988) / #1
1April 1988
$1.25; 1.75 CAD; 0.60 GBP

Checkmate #1

DC · April 1988 · on sale 1987-12-08

First appearance: Gary WashingtonFirst appearance: John ReedFirst appearance: Elizabeth Thorne
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How to read this file
  • Every claim on this page traces to a public bibliographic record; the sources are listed at the bottom of the file.
  • A first-appearance badge means this is the earliest non-flashback appearance on record in this database.
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Identification plate

Series
Checkmate (DC, 1988 series)
Issue
#1
Publication date
April 1988
Key date
1988-04-00
On-sale date
1987-12-08
Indicia publisher
DC Comics Inc.
Price
$1.25; 1.75 CAD; 0.60 GBP
Pages
36

Match the book in your hand against this plate before paying an edition-specific price.

Why this issue matters

First appearance of Gary Washington - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

First appearance of John Reed - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

First appearance of Elizabeth Thorne - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

First appearance of Black Thorn - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

First appearance of Phil Kramer - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

First appearance of Kevin Maxwell - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

First appearance of Scott Jameson - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

The evidence

Claims here come from the story records for this issue, listed under Sources at the bottom of the file. Character hubs with full evidence tables are coming to this site.

Contents

SeqStoryTypePagesCreditsCharacters
0He Doesn't Fight the Criminal Element... ..He Terminates It!cover1pencils: Kerry Gammill; inks: Karl Kesel; letters: Todd KleinGary Washington First
1Deluxe Apr Checklistpromo (ad from the publisher)0.33letters: typeset
2-in-house column0.66script: Dick Giordano
3Opening Gambit!comic story24script: Paul Kupperberg; pencils: Steve Erwin; inks: Al Vey; colors: Julianna Ferriter; letters: Janice ChiangBlack Thorn First, Harvey Bullock, Grace Guiness, Scott Jameson First, Phil Kramer First, Kevin Maxwell First, John Reed First, Harry Stein, Elizabeth Thorne First, Amanda Waller, Gary Washington First
4Checkmate!letters page2script: Mike Gold

Before you buy

  • Confirm the UPC box: a publisher mark instead of a barcode means direct edition, a barcode means newsstand.
  • Glossy covers of this era show edge chipping easily. Check black edges closely in the photos.
  • Check the staples and centerfold; heavily read anniversary and key issues loosen there first.

Series context

1 of 33#2 ›

Sources

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