Checkmate #33

The cover of this January 1991 DC issue says it all — a black king chess piece lies toppled across the board while a white knight, bishop, pawn, and queen stand amid long, dramatic shadows, the single word "Endgame…" burning in orange below. It's a striking, low-angle composition by cover penciler Steve Erwin and inker Al Vey that captures the spirit of a spy series built entirely around the chess metaphor. With Paul Kupperberg writing and Gabriel Morrissette on interior art, Checkmate! #33 closes out the "Patriotic Knights" arc with all the tension that image of a fallen king promises.