WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Checkmate #1 by Brian Michael Bendis, Alex Maleev, David Stewart and Josh Reed, on sale now.
The 2019 crossover story Event Leviathan saw the Bronze Age superhero Mark Shaw, the third Manhunter, break bad and systemically dismantle the various clandestine spy organizations and intelligence agencies of the DC Universe, including Checkmate. When the smoke cleared, Shaw led his own villainous organization after creating the mantle of Leviathan, targeting anyone who stood in the way of his ambitious vision for the DCU.
And while the heroes may have been outsmarted by Leviathan in the newly minted supervillain's opening salvo, they have set aside their differences to rally together a create a new iteration of Checkmate, protecting the DCU from the shadows and looking to rescue Talia al Ghul and Robin from Leviathan's clutches. Here's everyone on the new team.
Manhunter
The latest hero to wear the mantle of Manhunter, Kate Spencer, is among the fledgling Checkmate organization. A federal prosecutor who grew increasingly frustrated at supervillains getting off free on legal technicalities, Kate stole superhero equipment from the evidence room to become Manhunter before moving on to become Gotham City's district attorney.
Pursuing justice in the courtroom and out on the streets, the DC Rebirth era saw Kate shift her day job to become Oliver Queen's personal attorney, marking a transition to private practice after a lengthy career of federal and civil service. Kate's connection to the Department of Extranormal Operations (DEO) leads to her participation in the new Checkmate.
Green Arrow
Between balancing his personal life, professional career heading Queen Industries, his solo superhero career and his new duties as the current leader of the Justice League, Ollie brings his expertise as Green Arrow to Checkmate.
With his unique perspective on the world, Ollie is enlisted by Checkmate to help rescue Talia, though he is skeptical that he is risking his life and taking time from his busy life towards the cause of saving a supervillain.
Mr. Bones
The DEO was among the intelligence agencies dismantled by Leviathan, leaving its director Mister Bones looking for a way to reenter the intelligence community and take the fight back Leviathan. As a long-reformed supervillain, Bones worked with Infinity, Inc. before rising through the ranks of the DEO.
In addition to helping lead the new Checkmate, Bones also helps a reconstituted DEO investigate the reborn DC Multiverse, with him and his resurgent agency opting to follow a strict isolationist policy to steer clear from involving themselves with other universes.
The Question
Though former police officer Renee Montoya took over the mantle as the Question after her mentor and classic hero Vic Sage passed away, the DC Rebirth era saw Vic rise from the grave, alive and well once again with both heroes sharing the mysterious mantle.
Given his signature interest in conspiracy theories and the secrets kept from the public eye, Vic's participation with the new Checkmate is something of a no-brainer, now in the presence of those keeping the secrets as he prepares to confront Leviathan.
Steve Trevor
After a decorated military career and serving as the federal government's liaison to Wonder Woman and Themyscira, Steve Trevor found himself caught up in Leviathan's rampage through his own connection to A.R.G.U.S.
Following his agency being targeted, Steve is back to business as usual, working as a prominent member of the new Checkmate to bring Leviathan down for good and make Mark Shaw answer for his crimes.
Lois Lane
As the greatest investigative journalist in the DCU, Lois Lane actively goes into harm's way and speaks truth to absolute power, regardless of her connection to Superman. It was Lois taking point on the investigation of Leviathan that helped uncover Shaw's plot.
This knowledge of Leviathan and her ability to keep up with the former Manhunter leads to Lois playing a more prominent role with the superhero community as a part of the new Checkmate. Lois also has a particularly personal reason for wanting Leviathan to face justice, with her father General Sam Lane murdered by the villain for getting in his way.
King
Finally, the most mysterious member of the new Checkmate is known simply as King. A man with long, blonde hair, King appears to be calling the shots on the new team though Lois is justifiably wary of his background and role.
Steve Trevor personally vouches for King, though Lois deduces that the man is of extraterrestrial origin through his accent, a deduction that King casually dismisses as he returns to the matter at hand.