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Publishers / DC / Checkmate (1988) / #16
16May 1989
$1.50; 1.85 CAD; 0.80 GBP

Checkmate #16

DC · May 1989 · on sale March 30, 1989

First appearance (cover): Major ForceFirst appearance (cover): Clifford ZmeckStoryline: The Janus Directive
Buy it now on eBay ›Graded copies ›
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.
  • Buy links are eBay affiliate links. They never change what the record says.

Identification plate

Series
Checkmate (DC, 1988 series)
Issue
#16
Publication date
May 1989
Key date
May 1989
On-sale date
March 30, 1989
Indicia publisher
DC Comics Inc.
Price
$1.50; 1.85 CAD; 0.80 GBP
Pages
36

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

Why this issue matters

First appearance (cover) of Major Force - the earliest appearance on record is a cover, not an interior story.

First appearance (cover) of Clifford Zmeck - the earliest appearance on record is a cover, not an interior story.

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
0Checkmate -- Destroyed!cover1pencils: Gil Kane; inks: Gil Kane; letters: Todd KleinMajor Force First, The Peacemaker, Christopher Smith, Clifford Zmeck First
1-in-house column1script: Jenette Kahn, Richard Bruning
2Shadow Knightscomic story24script: Paul Kupperberg; pencils: Rick Hoberg; inks: Al Vey; colors: Julianna Ferriter; letters: Gaspar SaladinoThe Bronze Tiger, Harvey Bullock, Captain Boomerang, Digger Harkness, Lois Lane, John Reed, Harry Stein, Benjamin Turner, Amanda Waller, Gary Washington, Black Thorn, General Wade Eiling, Major Force First, The Peacemaker

Where to read it

CollectionYear
The Janus Directive
ISBN 978-1-4012-6261-7		2016On eBay ›
DC Finest: Peacemaker: Kill for Peace #[nn]
ISBN 978-1-79950-098-8		2025On eBay ›

Reading the story costs a fraction of owning the issue. Both routes are on every file.

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

‹ #1516 of 33#17 ›

Sources

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