Comic books and chess
by Bill Wall
Chess has found its way on many covers of comic books (now graphic novels) and in their stories.
In January 1940, Wonderworld Comics No. 9, published by Fox Publications, introduces a villain called Karno the Chessman. He is also featured in the next issue of Wonderworld Comics, No. 10, in a story called The Return of Karno.
In May 1940, Black Book Detective Magazine featured a cover of two men playing chess with guns in front of them. One player is stabbed in the hand.
In February 1941, Action Comics, published by DC Comics, ran a story called “Human Chessmen,” written by Gardner Fox.
In March 1941, Captain America Comics No. 1, published by Timely Comics (later Marvel), had a story called “Captain America and the Chess-Board of Death.” The story was written by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon. A villain named Rathcone has carved wooden chess figures of people who must be killed before he launches the mightiest blitzkrieg the world have ever seen. Two of those figures are Captain America (Steve Rogers) and his friend Bucky.
More Fun Comics, No. 76, was published by DC in February 1942. Green Arrow is knocking out a few tough guys on a chess board with a few chess pieces scattered about as Dr. Fate looks on.
In February 1942, The Blue Beetle No. 11, by Fox Publications, featured a story called “King of the Chess Killers.” All who oppose the Chess Master, Dr. Wrath, die.
Batman, No, 23 was published by DC in June-July 1944. Batman is playing the Joker as Robin looks on. The chess pieces are the Joker in the corner with Batman and Robin chess pieces about to mate. The cover art was done by Bob Kane.
In November 1944, Dynamic Comics No. 12, published by Dynamic Publications, shows some tycoon (Harry Chesler) playing chess with a police officer. The cover art work was done by Gus Ricca.
In February 1945, Popular Comics No. 108, by Dell, had a story called, “I chess jumped over to play a game of checkers with Smokey.” Chief Cash U. Nutt plays chess with Smokey Stover.
In 1945, Adventures of Alice No. 2, published by the Civil Service and Pentagon Publications, shows Alice, through the magic looking glass, on a chess board with other characters.
In January 1946, Shadow Comics, Vol 5, No. 10, published by Street & Smith, is entitled “The Shadow meets the Crime Master.” The cover shows the Shadow stopping the Crime Master playing chess and knocking over the chess pieces. The story was written by Walter Gibson, and artwork by Charles Coll.
In October 1946, Shadow Comics, Vol 6, No. 7, shows Nick Carter, world famous detective, interrupting a chess game played by some villain.
In December 1946, Shadow Comics, Vol 6, No. 9, has a story called “Chess Master.”
In January 1947, Target Comics, vol 7, No. 11, by Novelty Press, featured a story called, “Giant ‘Mouse’ Bowers is so taken up with his beloved chessboard…”
In July-August 1947, Boy Commandos No. 22, published by DC, shows a chess board on its cover with chess pieces as treasure, with a spotlight on the people and treasure by Crazy Quilt.
In the summer of 1947, International Comics No. 2, published by EC Comics, had a story called “The Chessman,” written by Gardner Fox. The chessmen are King, Bishop, and Rook. Rook summons King to the Thames River where a body has been recovered. Bishop removes a clue from the victim’s hand that helps solve the murder.
In September 1947, Action Comics, No. 112, by DC, shows Superman as a chess piece knocking over Mr Mxyztplk as a chess piece on a black and red chess board. The feature story, by John Sikela, is called “The Cross-Country Chess Crimes.” Mxyztplk returns and is causing trouble in Metropolis. Superman convinces him to take up chess. Mxyztplk then kidnaps two chess champions and builds a gameboard using castles and statues as pieces. Superman comes by and returns the stolen landmarks. He then challenges Mxyztplk to a chess game. They go to the Sahara Desert where superman creates giant pieces including a surprise pieces called a Klptzyxm (Mxyztplk spelled backwards). When Mxyztplk speaks the name of the piece, he is sent back to his own dimension.
In October 1947, All-American Comics No. 90, by DC Comics, features a story called “The Haunted Chessboard,” featuring Dr. Mid-Nite (Charles McNider).
In the March 1948, Land of the Lost Comics No. 9, published by EC Comics, shows a chess board and a battle in front of a castle, featuring knights and kings and other pieces battling it out. The story is called “The Battle of the Chessmen.”
In December 1948, Phantom Lady No. 21, published by Fox, had a story called, “Case of the Criminal Chessmen.” The Chessman (Algemon Blackwood) is the villain.
In December 1948, Sub-Mariner Comics No. 29, produced by Timely Publications (later Atlas Comics and Marvel), features a chess game on the cover, with some evil person saying, “It’s your move sub-mariner.” The story is called “The Deadly Game of Captain Black.”
In April 1950, Detective Comics No. 158, by DC, shows a chess board and knight with a gun, rigged by Dr. Doom, trying to shoot Batman and Robin at their Hall of Trophies.
In 1950, Betty and Veronica No. 2, published by Archie Publications, shows Betty and Veronica playing chess with Archie, Jughead, and Reggie as chess pieces. Veronica says, “Boys and cute, we must confess, but they’re just like a game of chess.” Betty says, “The way we make ‘em jump just proves that it’s us girls who make the moves.”
In the Winter of 1951, Eerie Adventures No. 1, published by Ziff-Davis, features the Grim Reaper playing chess with a lady in chains.
In February 1952, Star Spangled Comics No. 125, by DC, had a story called “Murder On the Chessboard,” written by David Vern and featuring Robin.
In June 1952, Action Comics No. 177, by DC, featured a story called “A great invention! Now for a nice game of chess.” Professor Eureka builds a new robot, but then dismantles it after the robot beats him in chess. The story was written by Henry Boltinoff.
In September-October 1952, Wonder Woman No. 55, by DC, had a story called “The Chessmen of Doom!” The Chequerians play chess with entire planets as chess pieces.
In October 1952, The Beyond No. 16, shows the grim reaper playing on a chess board with humans as pieces. The grim reaper says, “A brush of my hand and three more people are eliminated from the chessboard of humanity. Now, who will be next?”
In March 1953, House of Mystery No. 12, by DC Comics, had a story called “The Devil’s Chessboard,” by Leonard Starr.
In April 1953, Black Cat Mystery No. 43, featured a story, called Black Knight, about a man who wanted a chess set so badly, he was willing to kill for it. After he does, he is forced to play a game of chess with death for his life.
In May 1953, Our Army at War No. 10, by DC Comics, had a story called “Chessmen of War,” written by Hal Kantor.
In August 1953, Strange Adventures No. 35, by DC, shows Captain Comet, who becomes a human pawn, playing chess on the cosmic chessboard. The story is called “the Cosmic Chessboard,” written by John Broome and drawn by Murphy Anderson.
In September 1953, Ripley’s Believe it or Not Magazine No. 1, published by Harvey, featured a story called, “History Was Changed In a Chess-Game.” The story of Thomas Paine and Robespiere.
In November-December 1953. The Haunt of Fear No. 22, published by EC Comics, had a story called “Chess-Mate,“written by Albert Feldstein and drawn by George Evans. Townspeople try to convince an eccentric local genius to take part in a chess tournament that will put the town on the map. A genius chess player finally shoots himself after the townspeople hold a parade and he is expected to remove his top had to salute the flag. The top hat hides a Siamese twin head that accounted for his superior abilities at chess.
In July-August 1954, Haunted Thrills No. 16, published by Ajax Company, shows a skeleton playing chess with a lady, saying, “Check-mate! You really didn’t expect to win from me, did you? Even with your cheating, I am destined to win…every time!”
In March 1955, Uncanny Tales No. 30, published by Atlas (later Marvel), shows two people playing chess with strange chess pieces. The story is called “Too Human.” Famous chess wizard Blanik just can’t seem to win. So he invents a set of thinking chess pieces, which are so human they can think for themselves. Unfortunately, at the end of the game, his king can’t kill the opposing queen…he has become too human.
In October 1955, Baffling Mysteries No. 26, published by Ace Comics, shows chess pieces checkmating a human. The king chess piece says, “There’s no further place to move! You are checkmated!” (http://archive.org/details/baffling-mysteries-26)
In December 1955, a story appeared in Adventure Comics No. 219, by DC, called “the Human Chess Game,” featuring Green Arrow and Speedy (Red Arrow). The artwork was done by George Papp.
In June 1956, Batman No. 100, by DC, was published as the 100th batman issue. This commemorative issue showed the cover of Batman playing chess with the Joker from an earlier issue.
In March 1957, Strange Suspense Stories No. 36, by Charlton Comics, shows chess pieces cornering a human on a chess board and being pushed over the edge. The cover was done by Maurice Whitman.
In July 1957, Felix the Cat No. 85, published by Harvey Comics, shows Felix the Cat riding a knight chess piece, calling it the mysterious white knight.
In August 1957, Spunky the Smiling Spook No. 1, by Ajax-Farrell, shows the ghost playing chess with an upside down bat.
In 1957, Century Comics No. 10, had a story called “Lefty and prison visitor play chess,” featuring Casey the Cop.
In March 1958, Man in Black No. 4, published by Harvey, shows the man in black playing chess with humans, calling it “Pawns in the hands of Fate.” The cover was done by Bob Powell.
In March 1958, Wilbur Comics No. 77, by Archie Publications, features a story called, “Mrs. Lewis left her chess playing husband.” Laurie Lake and Linda discuss a woman who left her chess-playing husband.
In August 1958, House of Mystery No. 77, by DC, shows a giant playing chess with humans. The cover tagline is “I was trapped on the chessboard of giants!” The cover was done by Bob Brown. The story centers around an expedition that is shipwrecked on an island inhabited by giants. The giants force the crew to act as chess pieces in a game for their freedom.
In September 1958, Mad Magazine No. 41, published by EC, featured a story called “The Chess Game,” written by Don Martin. Fatal results can come from cheating at chess.
In August 1960, Archie No. 112, has Archie playing chess with himself on the cover.
In November 1960, Justice League of America No. 1, by DC, shows Flash playing chess with an evil villain called Despero, with chess pieces in the shape of the Justice League (Aquaman, Batman, Green Latern, Martian Manhunter, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Flash). The board is set up wrong (the dark square is to the right instead of the light square). The story is called “World of No Return.” Despero offers the Flash a chance to save his friends by planning a version of chess. Each chess piece represents a different JLA member. If they move on a free square, that member is set free and Despero will leave Earth and give up his conquest. However, if the pieces were to land on a disaster square, the Flash would have to leave Despero alone. Flash eventually loses because Despero tampered the board, while each JLA member was transported to a different world. They eventually escape and reunite to track down and stop Despero, who was stopped by an energy absorption machine built by Jasonar, an honorary member of the JLA.
In May 1961, Four Color No. 1175, published by Dell Comics, features MGM’s Mouse Musketeers playing chess on top of two chess knights.
In October 1962, Checkmate No. 1 was published by Gold Key. In December 1962, Checkmate No. 2 was published by Gold Key. The cover says, “On a Hollywood movie set, Checkmate investigates a series of near-fatal accidents that aren’t in the script!” The cover has a picture of Anthony George, Sebastian Cabot, and Doug McClure with a silhouette of a knight. The two issues were published at the end of the TV series’ run with the same name.
In November 1962, Strange Tales No. 102, published by Marvel, introduces the villain called The Wizard (Bentley Wittman). He is a chess champion who becomes a criminal mastermind.
In January 1963, Unusual Tales No. 37, published by Charlton, shows the hand of fate over humans on a chess board.
In April 1965, Blue Beetle, Vol 3, No. 5, by Charlton, shows Blue Beetle (Dan Garrett) on a chessboard challenging the Red Knight (Lew Coll) and trying to save Regina White. The feature story is ‘The Capture of the White Queen.” The story was written by Joe Gill.
In November 1965, Dennis the Menace No. 81, published by Hallden-Fawcett, had a story called “The Chess Mess.” Dennis plays his father Henry Mitchell in a game of chess.
In June 1966, Archie Giant Series Magazine No. 139, features a story called “Chess Chatter.” Archie plays chess by phone.
In May 1967, Stupendous Series No. 10, by Fleetway, had a cover called The Chessman and a man battling chess pieces. The cover tagline says “The Spider faces a fantastic King of crime!”
In April 1968, Strange Tales No. 167, published by Marvel, shows Dr. Doom and the Prime Mover playing chess.
In May 1968, The Friendly Ghost Casper No. 117, published by Harvey, shows Casper playing chess as all the chess pieces run away.
In October 1969, Avengers No. 69, by Marvel, introduced The Grandmaster.
In December 1970, Twilight Zone No. 35, by Gold Key, shows a chess scene with the tagline “It’s a special game of chess – death to the loser.” The story is called “To the Death.”
In August 1972, Eerie No. 41, by Warren Publishing, has a story called “Chess” where chess pieces come to life – in a battle against Dax the Warrior. The story was written by Esteban Maroto.
In February 1973, House of Mystery No. 211, by DC, featured a story called, “Across from me is a guy who claims to be the chess champ of the world…”
In April 1973, Richie Rich Diamonds No. 5, by Harvey, shows Richie Rich playing chess with an expensive chess set with jewels.
In May 1973, Laugh Comics No. 266, published by Close-Up, features Archie playing chess on stage with a demo board in the background. The board is set up wrong (black to the left).
In August 1973, Bugs Bunny No. 151, published by Gold Key, has a story called “Chess Chump,” featuring Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd, and Jo-Jo, the friendly Gorilla.
In October-November 1973, Wonder Woman No. 208, by DC, shows Wonder Woman on a chessboard. The cover story says, “The Chessmen of Death!”
In November 1973, Prez No. 2, has, on its cover, “The final chess match – Russia vs. USA. Winner take all!” The villain seems to be Robby Fishhead saying “Your Move.” The cover is entitled, “They’re Here! In the White House! The Deadly chess Men!”
In December 1973, Weird Mystery Tales No. 9, by DC, had a story called “Checkmate!” They they’ve played chess to a draw for many years, the vicious Squire Kent’s rage knows no bounds when he his beaten by his friend Deacon Fitzugh.
In December 1973, The Witching Hour No. 37, by DC, has a story called “The Devil’s Chessboard,” written by George Kashdan (no relation to Isaac Kashdan).
In May 1974, Ghostly Haunts No. 138, published by Charlton Comics, had a story called “the Devil’s Chessman,” written by Nick Cuti. Al Kline makes a deal with Satan and finds that his new pieces have trapped Kline’s soul.
In June 1974, Dr. Strange No. 1, by Marvel, has a chess-playing caterpillar. The story, Through an Orb Darkly, is by Steve Englehart.
In January 1975, Giant-Size Defenders No. 3, published by Marvel, shows the Hulk, Fantastic-4, and Flash battling on a chessboard. The title is “When the Grandmaster plays – the prize is Earth.”
In November 1975, Dark Shadows No. 34, by Gold Key, shows a chessboard and pieces being stabbed.
In December 1975, Weird War Tales No. 43, by DC, shows army men fighting on a chess board.
In 1975, International Master John Watson wrote The Incredible Adventures of Chessman as a comic book, published by The Chess House.
In the Spring of 1976, Arcade No. 5, published by Print Mint, featured a story on the Great Ajeeb, the chess playing automaton. The story was written by Kim Deitch.
In August 1976, Marvel Spotlight No. 29, by Marvel, shows Ironman battling chess pieces. The bad guy says, “You are but a pawn in Conquer Lord’s master play!” Ironman replies, “And a pawn is doomed to die!”
In July 1977, the cover of Unknown Soldier No. 206, by DC, shows a battle on a chessboard with the words, “Your struggle is hopeless, unknown soldier…you’re just a pawn in the hands of the Black Knight.”
In December 1977, Detective Comics No. 474, by DC, has a giant chess in the Batcave. Batman and Robin are standing on a giant chessboard.
In January 1978, Master of Kung Fu No. 60, by Marvel, shows a battle on a chessboard, with the title, ‘doom game.’
In 1978, Battlestar Galactica comics featured a story called “Chess-Players of Space.”
In February 1979, The Pink Panther No. 61, by Gold Key, had a story called “The Cheating Chess Player.” The Inspector cheats at chess.
In December 1979, Archie’s Joke Book No. 263, by Archie Comics Group, the cover shows Archie losing chess to a kid.
In May 1980, Justice League of America No. 178, by DC, shows a chess game played by an evil villain and the Manhunter from Mars, with trapped JLA members as chess pieces. The story is called “The Chess-Master of Mars.”
In May 1980, Star Wars No. 35, by Marvel, has Darth Vader playing chess against the star warriors. The feature story is called Dark Lord’s Gambit.
In December 1980, The Mighty Thor Annual #9, by Marvel, featured Thor on its cover in battle on a chess board. One of the stories is called “The Godwar Gambit.”
In January 1981, Savage Action No. 3, by Marvel, had a story called, “The Chessmaster.”
In February 1982, Brave and the Bold No. 183, by DC, shows Batman being cornered on a chessboard by villain chess pieces. The villains are called the Chessmen (Rook, Knight, Bishop, and Pawn). The story was written by Denny O’Neill.
In July 1982, Star Rider and the Peace Machine No. 1, by Star Rider Productions, has a story called, “The Chess Game of Death,” written by Ric Estrada.
In October 1982, Iron Man No. 163, by Marvel, shows Iron Man (Tony Stark) fighting on a chess board. The title tagline says, “The Challenge of the Chessmen.” The story is called Knight’s Errand.
In November 1982, Iron Man No. 164, by Marvel, shows Iron Man in a fight with a chess bishop. The cover says, “Beware the Bishop! He may look like a man of the cloth…but he’s really a deadly chessman.”
In April 1983, Epic Illustrated No. 17, published by Marvel, had a story called “The Chess Game,” by Pepe Moreno.
In January 1988, Millennium No. 1, published by DC Comics, introduced The Grandmaster.
In 1992, Cold Equator (Le Froid Equateur) by Enki Bilal introduced chess boxing. In 2003, chess boxing became a real sport directly inspired by how it appeared in this graphic novel.
In June 1993, Alpha Flight No. 121, by Marvel, features a villain group called The Chess Set. They include the Brass Bishop, the Dark Tower, the Killer Queen, and King Coal, and the Over-Knight. The story is called “The Return of the Brass Bishop.”
In August 1994, Shanda the Panda No. 5, by Antarctic Press, has a story called, “Chesspieces.”
In Janaury 1997, Star Wars: Tale of the Jedi No. 4, has a story called “Pawns of the Sith Lord.” Naga Sadow plays a deadly game of chess and the Daragon siblings are his pawns.
In November 1997, Humongous Man No. 2 , by Harrison and Stepp, was published with a story called “Chess and the Crooked Hat.” It also featured a story called “The Politics of Chess.”
In September 1999, Frank Frazetta Fantasy Illustrated No. 8, by Quantum Cat, featured a story called “The Chess Game,” written by Joe Pruitt.
In March 2001, Simpsons Comics No. 56 shows Mr. Burns playing chess with Simpsons pieces on the cover.
In 2002, Captain Britain, by Marvel, featured a story called “Merlin at his Chessboard.”
In 2003, Smax No. 3, Death (Lionel) plays chess, who happens to be terrible at chess. He plays against the “wily peasants,” but the peasants always win.
In July 2005, Smoke No. 3, by IDW publishing, has a story called “The Men on the Chessboard.”
In August 2005, Rakan: The Lone Warrior No. 5, has a story called “ChessMaster.” Rakan has become a player in a deadly chess match. The chess pieces are living men.
In September 2008, Marvel Adventures Avengers No. 26 featured the Avengers challenging Galactus to a chess match. The Avengers are the pieces. Thanks to a blunder by Hulk, the game is stalemated.
In April 2009, Seaguy, vol 2, Slaves of Mickey Eye, Seaguy plays chess with The Gondolier (Death) in New Venice, and wins. The graphic novel is by Grant Morrison.
In May 2010, chess was mention in The New Deadwardians, DC Comics, scripted by Dan Abnett and inked by N.J. Culbard.
In June 2013, “The Chess Master” appeared in Betty and Veronica Double Digest Magazine.
In October 2013, “Chess Clubbed” appeared in the World of Archie Double Digest magazine.
In November 2014, “The Chess Board of Death” appeared in Marvel’s 75th Anniversary Omnibus.
World champion Magnus Carlsen is a Donald Duck enthusiast. Carlsen was featured in a Donald Duck comic strip in November, 2014, and was on its cover.
Marvel has started the Marvel Chess Collection with a heroes vs. villains chess set and collectors magazine at http://www.marvel-chess-usa.com/ .
DC has also created a DC Chess Collection of its heroes and villains, such as Batman vs. the Joker.