Comic books, Graphic Novels, Comic Strips, Cartoons, and Chess

by Bill Wall

Chess has found its way on many covers of comic books (now graphic novels) and in their stories.  Here are a few examples.

In January, 1940, Wonderworld Comics No. 9, published by Fox Publications, introduces an insane criminal mastermind called Karno the Chessman.  The character was created by Bob Powell (as Arthur Dean).  He is also featured in the next issue of Wonderworld Comics, No. 10, in a story called “The Return of Karno.”  Karno shrinks people to use as chess pieces on a chess board.

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 #33, published by DC Comics, ran a text story called “Human Chessmen,” written by Gardner F. Fox (1911-1986).

In March, 1941, Captain America Comics Vol. 1, No. 1, published by Timely Comics (later Marvel), had a story called “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 James “Bucky” Barnes.  Rathcone was a Nazi operating in the United States in the 1940s that played chess.  He plotted murders of military leaders using a chess board with chess pieces that resembled real people.  In a secluded section of town, Rathcone approaches a chessboard with chess pieces that resemble real people. He announces to his agents that Admiral Perkins is giving a lecture tonight and tonight is the night that Admiral must die. Meanwhile, Steve convinces a reluctant Bucky to attend the lecture. As the curtains part at the lecture, the audience is witness to the Admiral’s dead body. A stunned Steve and Bucky change into their costumes to chase down the killer. When Bucky prowls through the darkened alleys, he is watched by a lurking killer, Number 5. As Number 5 and Bucky begin to fight, Captain America jumps in and saves Bucky. The agent refuses to talk but Captain America convinces him too. At that moment, a bullet hits the Nazi agent. Number 5 slumps in death as Captain America wards off a deadly hail of bullets. Cap notices three men, but they can’t catch up to them. The duo decides to go back to Camp Lehigh. Rathcone continues his chess game and plans for General Ellsworth death. That same evening, Mike Duffy tells Steve and Bucky that they are on special duty at the General’s hut. However, the duo finds him dead inside the hut. The next day newspapers announce to the America public another brutal killing in the ranks of the nation’s military command. Rathcone moves onto to his next victims, Captain America and Bucky, by sending out Strangler and Herr Kameleon after them. Later back at the camp, Strangler visits Bucky and fools him into thinking he could solve the killing. That night, Bucky quietly approaches a shabby building. He descends to the bottom of the stairs and walks into a recreation parlor.  He sees a chessboard with a miniature of Captain America and Bucky as chess pieces.  He walks into a trap and sees Ratchone who says “…one day your country will refer to mes as dicatator.” Bucky tries to run but Rathcone trips him with his cane. He waits to kill Bucky because he wants to kill Cap and Bucky at the same time. Finding a note from Bucky, Captain America finds Rathcone’s hideout. A battle begins and Rathcone pulls a gun on him. The duo beats Rathcone and his gang.  The story was reprinted in Captain America: The Classic Years #1, published in July, 1988.

In the August 1941 issue of Walt Disney’s Comics and Stories, vol 1, No. 11, there is a comic story called “Monkey Chess.”

In February, 1942, More Fun Comics, No. 76, was published by DC.  Green Arrow is knocking out a few tough guys on a chess board with a few chess pieces scattered about as Doctor Fate looks on.  One of the stories is “The King of Crime.”  Cardwell Bates tries to steal his wife's gem, "The Sultan of Singapore" in order to pay off his debts. Michael Krugor, the psychologist and chess master, who instigated the robbery, plays murderous chess with Dr. Fate (Kent Nelson).  Krugor had already beaten Bates in chess and offered him $100,000 for his wife’s emerald.  The script was written by Gardner Fox.  The story was reprinted in the Golden Age Doctor Fate Archives #1, published in July, 2007.

In the February, 1942, The Blue Beetle, Vol.1, No. 11, by Fox Publications was published. It featured a story called “King of the Chess Killers.”  The story was written by Pierce Rice and Arturo Cazeneuve.  Dan Kenneth, art dealer who collects rare chess sets, walks with his secretary, June Starr.  He says, “There’s a chess tournament going on at the Physician’s Club.  Shall we watch it?”  She replies, “Oh yes!  Let’s go.”  Casova wins using the Casova’s Gambit as others say it is the most brilliant gambit ever seen.  Casova says collecting rare chess sets is his hobby, too and knows of a curio shop that has a wonderful chess set collection. Dan, Casova, Dr. Wrath, and Dr Joust go to the shop and discover a genuine Medici chess set.  The curio dealer, a former chess master, kicks them out, thinking they are criminals.  Later, Dr Joust calls Dan at night for help.  Dan turns into the Gladiator, nemesis of crime.  Some criminals have tied up Dr. Joust and have turned the gas on.  They light a match and the place blows up.  The Gladiator saves Dr. Joust from the inferno.  Later, we see the curio dealer playing chess in his shop with a powerful opponent.  His opponent says that his knight is in the way, and the knight is Dr. Joust.  The curio dealer says that Dr. Joust must die.  The curio dealer goes to Dr. Joust’s home and plays him a game of chess.  If Dr. Joust makes a wrong move, he dies.  Dr. Joust then moves his king’s knight and dies (by some poison on the knight).  The curio dealer says “You lose!  That was the wrong move!”  The next evening, Dan arrives at Dr. Joust’s home and discovers that the knight that was left was a piece from the Medici set he saw earlier at the curio shop.  Meanwhile, over the fatal chess board of the curio dealer, another victim is names, Dr. Wrath, who must now die.  The curio dealer throws a knight through the window of Dr. Wrath.  Dan tells him not to pick it up.  They find that the knight has a poisoned pin that shoots into the finger when the chess piece is handled.  Dr Wrath and Dan go to the curio shop, but some thugs are there.  Dan turns into the Gladiator and beats them all up.  He then slams the curio dealer on the floor, then notices the chessboard.  The opening is the Casova Gambit, and the Gladiator now suspects Casova.  Meanwhile, Casova kidnaps the June Starr.  The Gladiator goes to Casova’s house, but Casova pulls a gun on the girl.  Then the curio dealer comes in and wants to kill Casova.  The curio dealer and Casova both fire their guns at the same time.  The curio dealer is dead.  Casova says “All who oppose the chess master die!  Dr. Joust died because he refused to continue with my plan to kill Dr. Wrath and control the Institution’s money.  The Gladiator springs into action and knocks out Casova.  Apparently Casova’s mind snapped under intense nervous concentration, probably devising the chess gambit.  Being a psychiatrist, Casova knew how to compel the old curio dealer to do his bidding.

In July, 1942, Marvel Mystery Comics, Vol. 1, No. 33, was published.  In the comic story, “The Tunnel to China,” Jimmy Jupiter comes across a massive chess board as he tries to dig a tunnel to China.  He lands in a world that turns out to be Wonderland and meets the White Knight.  He shows how the White Kingdom can win by checkmate.

In July, 1942, Superman #17 was published.  It mentioned his Fortress of Solitude.  When Superman needed to relax, he retired to his hobby room in the Fortress of Solitude. Here, he enjoyed playing chess with robot servants on a giant man-sized chessboard. The individual game pieces could only be moved with someone of super-strength.

Batman, Vol. 1, 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 (1915-1998)

In November, 1944, Dynamic Comics No. 12, published by Dynamic Publications, shows tycoon Harry A Chesler (1898-1981) playing chess with a police officer.  The cover art work was done by Gus Ricca.  Harry was the entrepreneur behind the first comic book packager of the 1930s and 1940s.

In January, 1945, Captain Marvel, Jr., Vol. 1, No. 26, was published.  One of the stories was “The Pawns of the Killer.”  In the village of Glendale a serial killer strikes, using a distinctive knife with a handle shaped like a black king chessman. He dresses like a black king chess man, too, and is called the Black King.   Freddy Freeman (Captain Marvel, Jr) forms a suspicion about retired chess master Lucas Hawks living in a rook-shaped house, with life-size sets of chessman statuary. Freddy turns into Captain Marvel, Jr. and flies there and then lands to change back to Freddy. He meets Hawks’s housekeeper Mrs. Simmons and Lem, her half-wit son, and also learns that old Lucas’s nephew Peter Hawks lives there too. Peter and Lucas show up and show Freddy around the place, and one big room is a giant chess-board, with levers and control rods at the ends of the room.   That night Freddy goes prowling through the house, he spots a darting figure in the hallway, and sure enough, it’s the Black King. But he’s not quite quick enough to stop him from escaping through a secret panel in the wall. Junior is then distracted by the horrible groaning of a mortally-wounded Mrs. Simmons, somewhere nearby; he zooms around through this rook-house’s corridors until he finds her, but she’s been shot and has died before he does. Young Lem is on the scene, and Junior briefly wonders if the kid could be demented enough to be the Black King killer. But just as the boy is blurting out the killer’s name, a pistol shot from outside the room kills him. Junior gives chase again, and the trail leads to old Lucas Hawks’s room. Just then a blood-curdling scream draws him to the “hobby room” with the lifesize chess men, and he notices that there are two black kings on the board so be picks one at random and tackles it. It’s the wrong one, and the real Black King has now reached the control levers, and starts moving the large chess men around.  He toggles open a trap-door, so Junior falls into darkness, but he flies right back out, first through the floor and then through a wall, and grabs the real Black King, who turns out to be the nephew, Peter, who had a plan for killing the Simmonses and blaming it on uncle Lucas, and inheriting his fortune.

In February 1945, Popular Comics No. 108, by Dell, had a Smokey Stover story about chess (or checkers).  A man carrying a chessboard (checkboard) comes in and says, “I chess jumped over to play a game of checkers with Smokey.”   The comic story was copyrighted in 1941.

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 March, 1946, Action Comics, #96, was published by DC.  The cover has Superman playing checkers underwater with a diver.

In the summer of 1946, All Winners, Vol. 1, No. 18, was published by Marvel.  In the comic story “The Eye Has It,” the Eye challenges the Torch to a game of chess.  The winner gets to decide the fate of Betty, the niece of John Harriman.  However, this is a trap as the Eye has drugged the chess pieces, and the Torch and Toro are soon knocked out as soon as they touch them.

The August-September 1946 issue of Black Cat #2, by Dynamic Comics, has a text story called “The Death Move.”  Black Cat (Linda Turner), Hollywood’s glamorous detective star, solves the murder of Vasily Mihail, a Balkan chess champion, who was warned in a note, “withdraw from the contest or I’ll checkmate you.”   Instead of a signature, the note was signed with a drawing of a chess rook.  The Rook, a chess expert, was determined to exterminate the Black Cat.  In the tournament, the final match was between James Mason and Herbert Tides.  Tides checkmated Mason.  But then, there was a sharp explosion and Tides leaped erect, unhurt but screaming in terror.  James Mason, however, sat calmly still.  He was the Rook. He had been putting TNT in the hollow chessmen to kill the opposition.  Black Cat found out, switched the chessmen and shot off a blank under the table.  She knew the guilty player would be calm.

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 Nick Carter story called “Chess Master.”

In January 1947, Target Comics, vol 7, No. 11, by Novelty Press, featured a story called The Cadet, featuring Kit Carter  Giant “Mouse” Bowers is studying a chess position outside.  His big ambition is to make the chess team.  The rest of the cadets want him on the wrestling team.  The cadets won’t play chess with him, so Mouse plays chess with the janitor.  Mouse doesn’t fight until one of the opposing school members comes by and kicks his chess set.  Mouse wrestles and wins the match.

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 (1911-1986).  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).  The story was penciled by Arthur Peddy and inked by Bernard Sachs.

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 the June, 1948, issue of Mary Marvel #25, a Fawcett publication, there is a story called “Checkmate.”  When Freckles is miffed over Rodney Weatherspoon for saying she does not have enough brains to play chess, she and Mary Marvel (Mary Batson), the world’s mightiest girl,  head to the hobby store to buy a chess set, little knowing that some of the chess pieces hold a fortune in gems!  They are followed by a couple of thugs who steal the chess set.  The king and queen were used to smuggle diamonds and emeralds.  The jewels were stolen from a Mr. Trump who used the jewels for rare, expensive chess sets that they made.  Later, Freckles gives up playing chess, saying it is too dangerous.

In the November, 1948, issue of Mysterious Traveler Comics #1, there is a story called “The Grand Vizier’s Reward.”  The king of India rewards the grand vizier, Sissa ben Dahir, the inventor of chess, with grains of wheat on a chessboard.  When asked if he wanted some jewels and fine robes for the invention of chess, Sissa said, “Nay, sire.  These are too rich for one like me.  If thou wouldst reward me, give me one grain of wheat to put on the first square of the chessboard, two grains on the second square, and double the number of grains on each of the 64 squares of the chessboard.”  The king agreed and asked for a bag of wheat.  It turns out that there are 18,446,744,073,709,551,615 grains of wheat to fill the 64 squares.  The lesson was to think twice before making promises.

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.  Phantom Lady (Sandra Knight) must stop the Chessman and his gang from robbing the United States Mint and free her father, Senator Knight, who is being held hostage by the felons. The story was written by Ruth Roche.

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.”

The August, 1950, issue of Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse, #286, by Dell Publishing, features a story called “Feat of Fancy.”  Mickey falls asleep during a chess match with Goofy and dreams he is a knight who has to defeat a dragon to win the hand of the fair Princess Minnie.

In January, 1951, World’s Finest Comics, Vol. 1, No. 49, was published by DC.  The cover showed Robin playing a robot, invented by Tom Sparks, a game of chess.

In the August, 1951, issue of Adventures into the Unknown #22, there is a text story called “The Cosmic Chess Game.”  Sir Henry King takes a party to a hidden Himalayan valley that is divided into 64 squares.  King is a fanatic about the history of chess.  To learn the origins of chess, he had to come to this hidden valley with 32 live humans who resembled the chess pieces.  His party included four Hindu rukhs, or warriors, who corresponded to the 4 rooks in the game.  He also brought 4 officials of the Knights of Christopher, which represented the knights.  He paid a fortune to get the exiled king and queen of Transylvania, along with him, Mr. King, and Mae Queen the silent movie actress, to make up the two kings and two queens.  He brought along two French clowns (could not get two Catholic bishops).  The French substitute Fou, the jester, for the bishop in chess.  He then shouted the magical word “Chaturanga!”  32 people suddenly found themselves paralyzed into immobility, while from the clouds above, two gigantic pairs of hands grabbed the 32 chess pieces and placed them on the valley’s chessboard.  Then began the cosmic game of chess between the two Fates who had waited 5,000 years for live chess pieces.  The story was reprinted in the June, 1959, issue of Tales of the Unexpected #38.

In the Winter of 1951, Eerie Adventures No. 1, published by Ziff-Davis, features a story called “The Grim Reaper.”   Alan Baker, the chess master, goes to Bombay with his fiancée, Adrienne, to play in the world chess championship tournament.  Soon, it is Baker vs. Sudi Lee in the finals for the world championship.  Baker wins and Sudi wants his revenge.  A few weeks later, at a masquerade ball, Sudi is dressed up like the grim reaper and wants to play Baker a game of chess. The grim reaper, Death, trades places with Sudi and wants to start the game of chess.  Baker refuses and walks out, but his fiancée takes his place at the chess table.  Its death to whoever loses to the grim reaper.  But the chess game goes very slowly, and by dawn, the grim reaper has to quit.  But he has to take someone with him, and he chooses Sudi, who dies in the garden without touching a pawn.

In January, 1952, Mickey Mouse Weekly No. 611, was published.  Alice in Wonderland encounters the chess pieces.

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 the February, 1952 issue of The Hand of Fate: #9, there is a story called “Strange Rendezvous at 17 Rue Noir.”  Chess champion Guido Nicola is a vain and arrogant man, but a genius at chess and the world chess champion. He is challenged by a mysterious masked opponent at 17 Rue Noir to a game of life and death involving a living game of chess with human chess figures killing each other (they have real weapons) as the game unravels. The opponent is the late chess champion Jan Kovacs, who returns from the dead to teach Nicola a lesson. Kovacs checkmates Nicola and kills his king.  Now Nicola must forfeit his life.  Fate (a character) steps in, sends Kovacs (a ghost) back to the afterlife underworld. Fate also claims Nicola's life as well - for his vanity (and because he has "seen what no mortal can live to repeat").  Nicola dies of a heart attack in his study.  In one of the comic frames, the board is set up wrong (black square on the right instead of a light colored square).

The March, 1952 issue of Baffling Mysteries #7 had a story called “A Game with Lucifer.”  Grandmaster Barry Archer, age 22 and the youngest GM in the world, has a heart attack in Budapest.  The doctors told him he had one month to live.  He goes to a book store and finds a book called Devil’s Gambit by Darius Skalna, Hungary’s greatest chess master.  The book says it is “an account of my greatest match with the king of the underworld, against whom I played for life.”  Archer visits the old Skalna house to try to find the Devil and play him chess to get a few years more on his life.  He finds the devil playing Skalna the same game of chess over and over again.  The devil checkmates Skalna and makes him suffer in pain.  Later, at the chess club, Archer plays Lucifer and wins.  Archer then takes a train to Italy, but the train crashes and Archer is the only survivor.  He now thinks he is immortal.  A few weeks later he is playing in a world championship tournament.  He makes is final move and checkmates his opponent, but then falls over and dies of a heart attack.  Barry Archer had lost his match in the great tournament of life.

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 (1914-2001).  The story also appeared in the July, 1957, issue of Tales of the Unexpected #15.

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.  The characters are Steve Trevor, Chequerians, and Professor Lang.  The script was written by Robert Kanigher (1915-2002).  The story was reprinted in the March, 1958, release of Mighty: the 100-Page Comic! #4.

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 the November, 1952, issue of Fantastic Adventures, there was an essay called “Chess in 3 Dimensions” by A. T. Kedzie. 

In March 1953, House of Mystery No. 12, by DC Comics, had a story called “The Devil’s Chessboard,” by Leonard Starr.  Chess expert Alan Blake engages in a deadly game on the magical "devil's chessboard" where every lost piece equals a loss in real life. When Blake's queen is taken, his fiancée suffers a heart attack. She survives only because Blake can promote a pawn to a queen.

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, Beware! Terror Tales, vol 2,  No.7, by Fawcett Publications, had a story called “The Man who Defeated Death!”  Chess grandmaster Roger Capar, the finest chess player the world had ever known, dies of heart failure while on the operating table and his soul meets Death in the afterworld, which enjoys playing chess with him.  Death says he is a good opponent and that he played all the great masters when they died.  Death had beaten them all.  Death plays a chess game with Capar.  Small skulls are used as pawns.  In the middle of the game, Roger returns to his body on the operating table after 22 minutes of death.  When the doctors bring Capar back to life and he goes home to recover, Death visits him to continue the game, which Rogers wins.  Roger won’t play Death anymore unless he gets his wish of knowing when death threatens someone close to him.  Death tricks Roger into thinking his daughter was in danger, but she was not, and that killed Roger.  Death now had a permanent partner to play chess.  The story was edited by Will Lieberson and V. A. Provisiero, and the art work was by Al Jetter.

In May 1953, Our Army at War No. 10, by DC Comics, had a story called “Chessmen of War,” written by Hal Kantor.  In 2010, it was reprinted in Showcase Presents: Our Army at War.

In August, 1953, Menace, Vol. 1, No. 6, was published.  One of the comic stories is “Checkmate.”  A chess grandmaster, who has changed his appearance and gone underground after killing his wife, is told by a mafia don he must win his next match or else, as a large bet has been placed upon him. The next man to offer a challenge is the second best chess player in the world, so he knows that if he wins the game police will realize his identity and arrest him, but to lose will mean death by the mafia. He reaches into his pocket to withdraw the pistol he used on his wife and commits suicide.

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.”    It is the she story of a lady (dressed up as a boy) beating Robespiere three times at chess.  They played for a wager and the wager was to free her husband from prison and a death sentence.  Robespiere kept his promise and freed the man, who happened  to be Thomas Paine, the father of American democracy and the author of The Rights of Man.

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 hat to salute the flag.  The top hat hides a Siamese twin head that accounted for his superior abilities at chess.  The story is told by The Vault-Keeper.

In 1954, The World of Archie #208, was published.  The cover shows Veronica and Archie playing chess.  Veronica says “Betty, did you design this chess set?”  Betty says “How did you guess?”  The board is set up wrong.

In 1954, Archie’s Joke Book Magazine #2 had a story called “Throw Out Your Chess.”  Archie Andrews and Jughead Jones disrupt Mr. Lodge’s lawn chess game.

In March, 1954, Black Rider, Vol. 1, No. 21, was published by Marvel.    Dr. Matthew Masters plays chess with Jim Lathrop.

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!”

The December, 1954, issue of Leading Screen Comics #72 had a comic story where Peter Porkchops says to Wolfie, “Hi Wolfie!  I thought maybe you could teach me a few fancy tricks at playing chess!”  It was drawn by Otto Feuer.

In February, 1955, Jungle Action, Vol., No. 3, was published by Marvel.  In the comic story, “Drumbeats of Doom,” Pete and Professor Kreitzer are playing a game of chess.

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!”

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), along with characters Phony Elford Evans, Willie, Jeff Hunter, Car King Kelly, and Elford Evans.  An eccentric chess master forces people to act as markers on a human chess board.  The artwork was done by George Papp (1916-1989)

In June 1956, Batman No. 100, by DC, was published as the 100^th 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.  The same cover appeared on Sinister Tales #36.

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.  The script was by Henry Boltinoff.

In October, 1957, Tales of the Unexpected, #18, was published.  In the story, “Professor, your robot is marvelous…” Professor Eureka beats his robot at chess.  The script was written by Henry Boltinoff.  The story was reprinted in the May, 1963, issue of Blackhawk #184.

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 the March, 1958, issue of Strange Suspense Stories #36, the cover shows a man trapped in the corner on a chess board, surrounded by chess pieces.

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.  It was penciled by Joe Edwards.

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.  The story was penciled and inked by Ruben Moreira.

In September 1958, Mad Magazine No. 41, published by EC, featured a story called “The Chess Game,” written by Don Martin (1931-2000).  Fatal results can come from cheating at chess.  The same issue had a whiskey ad of snobs playing chess vs. slobs bowling.

In the January, 1960, issue of Tom and Jerry, #186, published by Dell, there is a comic story called “Chess Bored.”  The characters are Tom, Jerry, Tuffy, and King.

In August 1960, Archie No. 112, has Archie playing chess with himself or studying a chess problem on the cover.

In the November, 1960, issue of Mutt & Jeff Jokes #2, there is a comic story called “Jeff’s Dog Hunts Game in the Day and Plays it at Nite – Chess.”

In November 1960, Justice League of America No. 1, by DC, shows The 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.  The story was reprinted in the Nov-Dec, 1967, issue of Justice League of America #58.

In February, 1961, Batman, Vol. 1, No. 137, was published.  Chess is mentioned in the story “The Bandit with 1,000 Brands.”  A skywritten double-box brand indicated a clue of two squares of a giant chessboard.   Chess players would soon play a chess championship TV match on a large chess board with giant robot chessmen.  The villain called The Brand, who is after the gold championship cup stored in the studio safe, operates the remote control and hems in Batman with the robots on the chess board.  The rooks block batman from getting off the chess board and the pieces encircle Batman.  He is then attacked by the knights with swords.  The chess pieces were motorized and remote controlled so that a TV studio could broadcast the movements of chess matches.

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 the July, 1961, issue of Laugh Comics #124, there is a comic story called “Checkmate.”  Archie sees another guy flirting with Veronica.  Jughead convinces Archie to challenge the guy to a chess match for Veronica, rather than hit him.  The script was by Frank Doyle.

In December, 1961, Showcase Presents the Atom, Vol. 1, No. 36, was published.  One of the stories is “The ‘Disappearing Act’ Robberies.”  When Jean Loring’s friend, Jim Barnes, is accused of stealing a diamond ring from a jewelry store, it is just one of many strange robberies when it appears that the items stolen are simply disappear.   Deciding to get involved as the Atom, Ray Palmer decides to hide out inside a chrome chess set, correctly predicting that they would be the next items stolen. When the chess pieces suddenly lift out of the area at super-speed and hidden high above, The Atom waits to see who retrieves the chess pieces, and it turns out to be reporter Greg Phillips.

On March 1, 1962, Treasure Chest of Fun and Fact, vol 17, No. 13 was published.  It included an article called “It All Started With Knucklebones.”  It was about the origin of board games, including chess.

In March, 1962, Treasure Chest of Fun and Fact, vol 17, No. 14, was published.  It included an article called “The Origin of Chess.”  The article stated that chess pieces were discovered in Mesopotamia that were 6,000 years old.

In Spring, 1962, Archie’s Pals ‘n’ Gals #20 was published.  There was a story called “Check Mate” where Dilton Doiley plays 20 games at once, but has to quit because rushing from game to game is too hard on his feet.

In July, 1962, Fantastic Four #5 was published.  Chess is mentioned in the story “Prisoners of Doctor Doom,” written by Stan Lee and J. Kirby.  Doctor Doom (Victor Von Doom) makes his first appearance in this issue and he uses Fantastic Four chess pieces on a chess board.  He says, “The Fantasic Four!! Hah!  Little do they dream they are naught but pawns in the hands of Doctor Doom.”  The Fantastic Four are Mr. Fantastic (Reed Richards), the Invisible Girl (Sue Storm), the Human Torch (Johnny Storm), and the Thing (Ben Grimm).

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 “Prisoner of the Wizard.”  The Wizard (Bentley Wittman) is a chess champion who becomes a criminal mastermind.  He considers himself the world’s greatest brain who has beaten chess champions and calculating robots.  The story was repeated in the November, 1974, issue of The Human Torch #2.

In January 1963, Unusual Tales No. 37, published by Charlton, shows the hand of fate over humans on a chess board.

In April, 1963, Mad Magazine # 78 had an article in the One False Move Department on Modern Chess showing Mad’s Modern Chess Set.  The rules of chess were modified and the look of chess pieces reflects the modern issues.  The script was written by Al Jaffee (1921- ).

In the June, 1963, issue of Archie’s Madhouse #26, there is a comic story “Pain-in-the-Brain Machine.” Professor Transistor creates a brain machine for Joe, which raises his IQ from 90 to 9,000.  Chess is mentioned.

In July, 1964, Adventure Comics, Vol. 1, No. 322, featuring Superboy, was published.  One of the comic stories is called “Clark Kent, Chess Cheat.” 

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.”  Dr. Dan Garrett is enjoying dinner and a game of chess with his old friend, physicist Lewis Coll.  Dan beats Lewis by capturing his Red knight with 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.  The script was written by Fred Toole.

In June 1966, Archie Giant Series Magazine No. 139, features a story called “Chess Chatter.”  Archie Andrews plays chess by phone.  The story was reprinted in the 1981 issue of Jokebook Comics Digest Annual #9.

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 the November-December, 1967, issue of Justice League of America #58, the cover has a chess game being played.  The Flash must beat Despero in a strange chess-like game to save the other members of the Justice League and the people of Despero’s home dimension, Kalanor.  The story was called “The World of No Return” and first appeared in the Oct-Nov, 1960, issue of Justice League of America #1.

In April 1968, Strange Tales No. 167, Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D, published by Marvel, shows Dr. Doom and the Prime Mover (a chess robot) playing  chess.  Dr. Doom was playing a cosmic game of chess using automatons to confound the agents.

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 the story, “Let the Game Begin.”  The Grandmaster will restore the comatose Ravonna if Kang wins a chess game which pits champions of Kang’s choosing against those selected by the Grandmaster.  Should Kang lose, Ravonna and the Earth would be doomed to oblivion.

In the February, 1970, issue of Archie Giant Series Magazine #171, The World of Archie, there is a comic story called “Chess Mess.”  Jughead uses a chess game to trick Archie into calling for the restaurant check at a drive-in restaurant.

In April, 1970, Superman’s Girlfriend, Lois Lane, Vol. 1, No. 100, was published.  One of the stories was “Lois Lane’s Last Mile.”  Batman and Superman prove that the “Lana Lang” corpse is really an android, and that Lois Lane has been framed by aliens playing a variation of chess. The real Lana Lang is recovered.

In the March, 1970, issue of Jughead’s Jokes #17, there is a comic story called “Your Move.”  Jughead plays chess with the man in his painting.

In the April, 1970, issue of Betty and Me #27, there is a comic story called “Help the Needy.”  Betty Cooper takes up chess to impress Archie.

In the July, 1970, issue of Ghost Manor #13, there is a comic story called “The 3^rd Player.”  A ghost takes an active hand in a chess game meant to swindle his heirs out of their estate.

In the September, 1970, issue of True Life Library, #751, there is a comic story called “Everything’s Al’right.”  Dodie learns to play chess to impress Ricky Lomax.

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 the July, 1972, issue of Archie’s Joke Book Magazine, #174, there is a cartoon called “You Know Your’re a Dilton-type Genius When:”  Dilton Doiley plays chess on a date.  The cartoon was repeated in the April, 1978, issue of Archie Comics Digest #29.

In July, 1972, Avengers, Vol. 1, No. 101, was published.  In the story “Five Dooms to Save Tomorrow.”   There are a few chess references.  Hired as bodyguards to protect Comrade Sporadik, a Russian chess champion, during his match against a chess-playing computer called Nimrod, the Avengers are witness to him having a fatal heart attack. Taking on the guise of Dr. Donald Blake, Thor reports that Sporadik was poisoned and the Avengers soon learn that his chess pieces were coated with a poison that could be absorbed through the skin.

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 August, 1972, The Mighty Thor #202, was published.  In one of the frames, Odin is seen playing chess with himself using a chessboard full of pieces sculpted like the characters in this issue.  Odin says, “…For Odin doth play chess with the lives of gods…and men.”

In October 1972, the Brazilian O Pado Donald (Walt Disney’s Donald Duck) had a story called “Xeque-Mate.”  Gyro Gearloose plays chess.  Later, big automatic chess pieces causes troubles in the city.

In the December, 1972, issue of National Lampoon, vol 1, #33, there is a comic story called “Chess Piece.”  A crazed chess analyst airs a television show with life-size chess pieces.  The script was written by Ed Bluestone.

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…”  The script was by Joe Orlando.   It was reprinted in 2007 in Showcase Presents: The House of Mystery #2.

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 May, 1973, Midnight Tales #3 was published by Charlton Comics.  The cover shows a king playing chess with a modern guy.

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!”  After a US/USSR chess match, the defeated American appears to go mad.  The script was by Joe Simon.

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).  A chess master beats his computer opponent by becoming a machine.

In January, 1974, Weird Mystery Tales, Vol. 1, No. 9, was published by DC.  One of the stories published was “Checkmate.”  An Englishman’s obsession with chess leads to the murder of his competitor.

In the January, 1974, issue of Laugh Comics #274 (Archie Series), there is a comic story called “Chess Mess.”  Reggie Mantle rigs a chess tournament so that he will play against Jughead.  But Jughead has an interesting strategy lined up.

In the March, 1974, issue of Mad House Glads #92 (Archie series), there is a comic story called “It’s Shocking.”  Clyde Didit teaches Fran Frazier how to play chess.

In May 1974, Ghostly Haunts No. 38, 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.  The story was reprinted in the March, 1978, issue of Ghostly Haunts #57.

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 the July, 1974, issue of Archie at Riverdale High 17, there is a comic story called “Pep Rally.”  Coach Kleats finds Archie Andrews, dressed in his uniform, giving Dilton Doily a pep talk to psych him up for a chess match.

In the August, 1974, issue of Eerie #59, there is a comic story called “Chess.”  The character is Dax the Damned, who says, “I am a warrior.  Nothing more than a pawn upon some supernatural board, in a timeless game of chess.”  The artwork was done by Esteban Maroto.

In the October, 1974, issue of Wacky Witch #16, there is a story called “A Move in Chess Does Not Take a Van.”

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 June, 1975, the Brazilian Gilberto & Superpateta (Gilbert and Supergoof) has a story called “Une Problema De Xadrez.”  Mechanical chess pieces attack the US banks.

In November 1975, Dark Shadows No. 34, by Gold Key, the cover shows a chessboard and pieces being stabbed.

In December 1975, Weird War Tales No. 43, by DC, shows American army men fighting the Nazis 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 called “The Great Ajeeb, the Chess Playing Automaton.”  The characters mentioned included Harry Nelson Pillsbury, Sam Gonotsky, Jesse Hanson, and Bobby Fischer.  The story was written by Kim Deitch.  The story was reprinted in Knockabout Comics #10, published in 1985.

In June, 1976, Superboy, vol 1, No. 217, was published.  On the cover, Field Marshall Lorca shoots down some of the Legion of Super-Heroes on a chess board.  The cover story is called “The Charge of the Doomed Legionaires.”  Brainiac 5 plays a "chess game" for keeps against Marshal Lorca of the Khunds, with the Legion members as his game pieces.

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!”  The comic story is called “The Deadly Gambit of Conquer-Land.”  The Moon Knight battles the Conquer-Lord on a giant chessboard.

In October, 1976, the Brazilian Prof. Ludovico has the cartoon character Ludwig Von Drake losing a game of chess to himself.

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 September, 1977, the Brazilian Pato Donald (Donald Duck) has a story called “O Rei Do Xadrez.”  Donald Duck gets hit in the head by a chess board and becomes a chess master.

In December 1977, Detective Comics No. 474, by DC, has a giant chess set 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.’  The story is called “End Game.”  A chess game is played between Dr. Doom and the Prime Mover. 

In 1978, Battlestar Galactica comics featured a story called “Chess-Players of Space.” 

In the April, 1978, issue of Archie Comics Digset #29, there is a cartoon called “You Know Your’re a Dilton-type Genius When:”  Dilton Doiley plays chess on a date.  This is a reprint that appeared in the July, 1972, issue of Archie’s Joke Book Magazine, #174.

In September, 1978, the Brazlian Walt Disney’s Peninha had a story called “Opinando.”  Fethrey duck bothers Donald Duck’s chess game.

In the January, 1979, issue of Shootin’ Mad #88-440, there is a comic story about chess.  A busty waitress ruins the concentration of two me playing chess in a restaurant.

In February 1979, The Pink Panther No. 61, by Gold Key, had a story called “The Cheating Chess Player.”  The Inspector cheats at chess.  The story was reprinted in Pink Panther Super Special #1, October, 1993.

In December 1979, Archie’s Joke Book No. 263, by Archie Comics Group, the cover shows Archie losing chess to cousin Leroy.  The board is set up wrong.

In April, 1980, Justice League of America, vol. 1, No. 177, was published.  One of the stories was “The Graveyard Gambit.”  The Justice League members mysteriously encounter both humans and inanimate objects which take on the appearance of gigantic chess pieces. Sailors become pawns before Aquaman's eyes; Atom rounds up kidnappers, who transform into a bishop and more pawns: a renegade biker gang leader becomes a knight while fighting Green Arrow and Black Canary: and missile-firing rooks attack Superman and Batman. Zatanna calls a meeting to investigate the obviously related cases, but unknown to all, the bizarre happenings are the result of a life-and-death chess match between Despero and J'onn J'onzz, the Martian Manhunter.

In May 1980, Justice League of America No. 178, by DC, shows a chess game played by Despero, the evil villain, and the Manhunter from Mars (J’onn J’onzz), with trapped JLA members as chess pieces.  The story is called “The Chess-Master of Mars.”  A giant chess piece materializes in Justice League headquarters, downing Green Arrow, Superman, Batman, and Atom, before Aquaman and Black Canary, protected by Zatanna's magic, destroy it. When Atom's analysis of its fragments proves the chessman to be of extra-terrestrial origin, Zatanna discovers a clue planted secretly by J'onn J'onzz in the memory bank of the JLA computer. Despero's chess game, in which the captive Martian Manhunter is being forced to participate lest his people die by fire, comes to an abrupt end when the Justice League locates the villain's starship orbiting Mars II. They defeat him and his animated chessmen, and free J'onn J'onzz.  The script was written by Gerry Conway.

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 (Don Blake) on its cover in battle on a chess board.  One of the stories is called “The Godwar Gambit.”  In the story “The Great Game!” Odin and Dormammu play chess for the fate of the universe.  Thor travels to Dormammu’s dimension to try to find a way to stop him.

In January 1981, Savage Action No. 3, by Marvel, had a story called, “The Chessmaster.”  The story characters are the Chess Master, Night-Raven, and Shady Deale.  The story continued in the February, 1981, issue of Savage Action No. 4.

In February, 1981, The Illustrated James Bond, 007 appeared.  One of the stories is “From Russia with Love.”  Klonsteen is the chess master and SMERSH planner.

In March, 1981, Mickey Mouse No. 1290 was published in Germany.  The cover had Goofy playing chess with Mickey.  Goofy is looking at a chess book to help him.  The tag line on the cover was “Lern-Schach.”

In April, 1981, the Brazilian Disney’s Peninha, has a cartoon of Donald Duck playing chess with Fethry Duck.  Donald Duck does not know how to lose.

In November, 1981, Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends appeared as a comic episode.  One of the stories was “Pawns of the Kingpin.”  Kingpin (William Fisk) maneuvers chess pieces that look like Spider-Man, Firestar, and Iceman.

In 1982, Mad’s Dave Berg Looks Around #7 was published with a comic story called “Checkerbored.”  One man in a chess match takes bad advice from a spectator.

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 the February issue of Jughead #321, there is a comic story called “Jughead’s Gag Bag.”  Jughead Jones shows Archie Andrews how to beat a computer at chess.

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, Eagle comic was published.  The cover had a man playing chess with the tag line “My move – you die!”

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.”  The Chessmen villains are Bishop, Knight, Rook, and Pawn.  The Knight is assigned to assassinate Tony Stark.

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 and Archie Goodwin.

In January, 1984, in the Brazilian O Pato Donald, there is a story called “Voce Sabe Demais!”  Gyro Gearloose looks for a partner to play chess with him.  He asks Fethry Duck to play chess with him.

In the February, 1984, issue of The Mighty World of Marvel #9, a cosmic chess game is being played by Merlyn and Roma.  The script was written by Alan Moore.

In the April, 1984, issue of G.I. Joe, A Real American Hero #22, the cover shows Destro playing chess with the G.I. Joe characters.

In the January, 1985, issue of Arak, Son of Thunder #40, published by DC, the cover has Arak as a chess piece on a chess board of other warriors.  The cover says “Endgame in Baghdad.”  One of the stories is called “Shat Mat! The King is Dead!”  Harun orders that a game of shatranj (a variant of chess) be played with living pieces.

In January, 1985, New Mutants, Vol. 1, No. 23 was published.  One of the stories is “Shadowman.”  Peter Rasputin (Colossus) is playing chess against the owner of Harry’s Hideway.

In 1986, Dark Horse Comics was founded by Mike Richardson.  Their logo is a chess knight.

In June, 1986, Archie at Riverdale High #109 was published.  The cover shows a chess game being played by Dilton Doily and a rival player from another school.  Archie Andrews says, “Chess is pretty big at our school.  It’s our only winning sport.”  Veronica Lodge, Betty Coper, and Nancy Woods are cheerleaders.

In January, 1987, Swamp Thing, Vol. 2, No. 56, was published.  In “My Blue Heaven,” Swamp thing creates a double of himself to keep him company.  They play chess with each other, but after five stalemates in chess, the double grows boring, and the Swamp Thing allows it to die.

In the July, 1987 issue of Mad Magazine #272, there is a comic story called “Sports Activities for the Hyperactive.”  It includes chess.

In October, 1987, X-Factor, Vol. 1, No. 21, was published.  The main story is called “For Every Action…”  Hank (Beast) is playing chess with the kids. 

In January 1988, Millennium No. 1, published by DC Comics, introduced The Grandmaster.

In May, 1988, The Complete Crumb Comics #2 – Some More Years of Bitter Struggle, was published.  There is a drawing of two older men playing chess with 6 smaller drawing on either side. 

In the October, 1988, issue of The New Mutants #68, the cover shows Gosamyr playing chess with the New Mutants as chess pieces.

In the June, 1989, issue of Classic X-Men #34, there is a comic story called “Double Negative.”  Emma Frost and Mastermind play a mental game of chess.

In August, 1989, Aquaman, Vol 3, No. 3, was published.  One of the stories is “Queen to King’s Seven.”

In September, 1989, Calvin and Hobbes, by Bill Watterson, had a comic strip with a chess theme.  Calvin can’t beat Hobbes in football, so takes up chess.  He says, “I’ve decided to be an intellectual.”

In June, 1990, Batman No. 448 was published.  It included a story called “The Penguin Affair I: Pawns.”  Batman and the Penguin play chess.  In one of the frames, the Penguin says, “'I've been indulging in chess ever since I was a mere hatchling. Its play requires intricate planning that forces one to not only plan each move far ahead ... but to account for any and all contingencies.'

In July, 1990, Doom Patrol, Vol. 2, No. 34, was published by DC Comics.  In the story “The Soul of a New Machine,” Monsieur Mallah, the super-intelligent gorilla, will not remove his red beret until he is bested in battle or chess.  The Brain says he is eager to play some strip-chess.

In January, 1991, Checkmate #33 was published.  The cover shows some chess pieces on a chess board with the black king tipped over.  The tag line is “Endgame…”

In July, 1991, What The-- ?!, Vol. 1, No. 13, was published by Marvel.  It includes a comic story called “Top Ten Things That Can Stop the Juggernaut.”  One of the supporting characters is the chess player.

In December, 1991, Dilbert, by Scott Adams had a chess-themed comic strip.  Dilbert loses a chess game to his dog when the dong’s queen pulls out an uzi.

In 1992, Cold Equator (Froid Equateur) by the Serbian creator Enki Bilal introduced chess boxing.  In 2003, chess boxing became a real sport directly inspired by how it appeared in this graphic novel. 

In July, 1992, Batman: The Last Arkham, Shadow of the Bat #2 was published.  One of the frames shows Batman looking at a dead man.  Two people were killed by an insane asylum inmate.  They were killed while playing chess.

In October, 1992, Green Lantern, Vol 3, No. 30, was published.  One of the stories was “The Trouble with Gorillas.”  Grodd is in jail and has been playing chess by correspondence with Hector Hammond.  Grodd activates a mechanism in one of the chess pieces, and commands his sympathizers to rebel.

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.”  A few Alphans attend the funeral of Silver and Auric in America but Wildheart discovers that their bodies have been stolen. Spidey and Wolvie join Alpha Flight in discovering that their bodies have become part of a twisted super villain auction hosted by the Chess Set.

The July, 1993, issue of Laugh Comics Digest #108 (Archie series) has a comic story called “Sly Guy.”  Jughead tricks Dilton Doily to win a chess match.

In August 1994, Shanda the Panda No. 5, by Antarctic Press, has a story called, “Chesspieces.”

In November, 1994, Dilbert, by Scott Adams ran a chess-themed piece.  Dilbert thinks he is just a pawn in his boss’s little game.  Also, there was a new dress code.  Dilbert and other workers had to dress up like a pawn.

In 1995, Wildly FoxTrot was published.  It mentions a father and son chess tournament.

In February, 1995, Roy of the Rovers Monthly #18 was published.  A comic story called “Lord Rumsey’s Rovers Part 6” mentioned chess.  Needing cash, Lord Rumsey organises a fete on the football pitch and Walaski discovers the difference between football and chess.  The story first appeared in 1970 in Score’n’Roar magazine.

In 1996, Return of Herbie #1 was published.  The cover shows Herbie Popnecker on an ice rink wearing a # 99 hockey jersey (the number worn by Wayne Gretsky) with a green chess knight logo, facing three big hockey players.

In the January, 1997, issue of Veronica #59, there is a comic story called “Pawn of Fate.”  When Mr. Hiram Lodge discovers Archie plays chess, Veronica Lodge quickly becomes a chess widow.

In January 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,” written by Dan Stepp and Jim Harrison.  It also featured a story called “The Politics of Chess.”

In January, 1998, Dilbert, by Scott Adams, had a chess-themed comic strip.  The boss gave all his workers chess pieces to show that everyone was all on the same team.  The Deputy of Common Sense said that all the pieces were pawns.  The boss replies, “I’m saving the rooks for bonus day.”

In May, 1998, Batman: Bane of the Demon, Vol. 1, No. 3, was published.  Bane and Ra’s al Ghul play chess.

In August, 1998, Superman, Vol. 2, No. 137, was published.  The cover has superman playing chess with Muto.  In the story “Mutation War,” Muto offers a chance to defeat him by playing a game of chess.  Superman makes a move with his chess piece, which causes Green Lantern to mysteriously vanish. However, this move distracts Muto enough for Lena Luthor, who has snuck on board the Fortress of Solitude, to attack him, freeing Superman's allies in order to capture and contain Muto.

In November, 1998, Grendel: Black, White, and Red No. 1 was published.  It had a comic story called “Devil’s Mate.”  Hunter Rose (Grendel) teaches Stacy Palumbo how to play chess.  The script was written by Matt Wagner.

In January, 1999, Bruno the Bandit comic strip had a several comic stories with a chess theme.

In June, 1999, Superman, Vol. 2, No. 145, was published.  In the story, “Public Hearing,” Col. William T. Brooks challenges Clark to a game of chess.  Over the game of chess, Clark hopes the rest of the world will someday forgive Superman for his actions as Brooks has.

In September, 1999, Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight, Vol. 1, No. 121, was published.  In “Power Play,” there are references to chess during the fighting between Freeze and Batman.

In September 1999, Frank Frazetta Fantasy Illustrated No. 8, by Quantum Cat, featured a story called “The Chess Game,” written by Joe Pruitt and Allen Rogers.

In February, 2000, Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight No. 126 was published.  The cover shows the Joker playing chess  with a batman and a Commissioner James Gordan chess piece.  The title on the cover says “Endgame: 1.”  Endgame (Part Two) concludes in Batman #574.

In March 2001, Simpsons Comics No. 56 shows Mr. Burns playing chess with Simpson’s pieces on the cover.

In July, 2001, Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight, Vol. 1, No. 123, was published.  Joker and Ra’s Al Ghul play chess.

In August, 2001, Promethea, Vol. 1, No. 15, was published.  It includes the story “Mercury Rising.”  Hermes explains the concept of language through chess and mathematics.

In November, 2001, JSA, Vol. 1, No. 28, was published by DC Comics.  The main story was “Face-Off.”  Mister Terrific (Michael Holt) wakes up and finds himself strapped into a human-sized chess set as the King. Roulette (Veronica Sinclair) walks in and gently flirts with him. She then informs him he'll be facing off in a death-match chess game against Dr. Mid-Nite (Pieter Anton Cross) and walks off.  The loser of the chess games will be electrocuted.  In JSA, Vol. 1, No. 30, they draw their game as Mister Terrific discovers how to stalemate the position.  During the board reset, they break out of their holding chairs.

In 2002, Captain Britain, by Marvel, featured a story called “Merlin at his Chessboard.”

In January, 2002, Archie & Friends #53 was published.  It includes a comic story called “Check Mutt!”  Jughead plays chess with a Hot Dog.  The script was by Bill Golliher.

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 April, 2003, Harley Quinn #29 was published by DC Comics.  The cover shows a white chess bishop alongside some bullets.

In June, 2003, The Crossovers #5 was published by CrossGen.  The cover shows the characters on a chess board.

In November, 2003, Avengers/JLA #2 was published by Dc/Marvel.  The Grandmaster plays several games simultaneously.  Some of the characters are chess pieces.

In March, 2004, Spectacular Spider-Man #9 was published.  A comic story called “Countdown Part 4” was written where the chess pieces are moved into place.

In April, 2004, Supreme Power, Vol. 1, No. 7, was published.  Hyperion meets a Chinese government official playing chess by himself in the park.

In September, 2004, DC: The New Frontier #5 was published.  There is a comic story called “Chapter Eleven: Towards the Centre.”  King Faraday plays chess with J’onn J-onzz (Martian Manhunter) at Nellis AFB, Nevada.

In June, 2005, Street Angel #1 was published.  Street Angel and a squid play an intense game of chess.

In July 2005, Smoke No. 3, by IDW publishing, has a story called “The Men on the Chessboard,” written by Alex De Campi.

In August 2005, Rakan: The Lone Warrior No. 5, was published by AK Comics.  It had a story called “ChessMaster.”  Rakan has become a player in a deadly chess match.  The chess pieces are living men.

In September, 2005, Ultimate Fantastic Four, Vol. 1, No. 21 was published.  Stephen Hawking is mentioned as an opponent to play chess with Reed Richards.  Sue reminds Reed he has a chess game with Doctor Hawking, but Reed continues to work.

In October, 2005, Ultimate X-Men, Vol. 1, No. 62, was published.  Magneto says he was planning to teach Lorna how to play chess since he was an excellent teacher.

In November, 2005, Ultimate X-Men, Vol. 1, No. 63, was published.  Magneto teaches Lorna how to play chess.  Lorna complains that he is letting her win.

In December, 2005, Patty Cake & Friends #15 was published.  One of the comic stories was called “How to Avoid Being a Complete Jerk When Trying to Pick Up Girls.”  The characters are Ken Dew, Carrie, and a chess player.

In December, 2005, Ultimate X-Men, Vol. 1, No. 64, was published.  Lorna defeats Magneto in chess, making Magneto proud that she has beaten him after only 11 games.

In Christmas 2005, I Gotta’ Catch Santa Claus was published by Taylor Comics.  After radioactive guinea pigs go on a school wide rampage destroying the tournament chess room, the kids of the chess club seek the bounty offered for the proof of Santa's existence in order to rebuild and win the National Chess Championship.

In March, 2006, Young Avengers, Vol 1, No. 10, was published.   In the story “Family Matters,” Vision plays chess with Jarvis at Avengers Tower.

In May, 2006, Rex Libris #4 was published.  A comic story called “Pawn” appeared where two chess pawns discuss the sensation of being someone’s pawn.

In August, 2006, Rex Libris #5 was published.  It included a false advertisement of a hockey strike commemorative chess set.  It is a chess set where hockey players are pit against businessmen and lawyers.  The ad was written by James Turner.

In January, 2007, X-Factor, Vol. 3, No. 13, was published.  In “Re-X-Aminations,” Layla plays a game of chess against Samson, winning.

In June, 2007, Checkmate, vol. 2, No. 13, was published.  Nightwing says, “I’ve never been a big fan of chess…but from what I understand…this would be me putting you in check…wouldn’t it, Black Queen?”

In June, 2007, Justice League of America, Vol. 2, No. 8, was published.  In the story, “The Ligntinng Saga,” Mister Terrific challenges Black Canary and Hal Jordan to a simultaneous game of chess using two different chess boards.  Terrific handicaps himself by playing both games while blindfolded. Batman casually remarks that Terrific is simply having his opponents play each other - he moves as "white" moves, and then as "black" does. Either way, the worst he can do is "draw".

In October, 2007, Archie’s Pal Jughead Comics #184 was published.  In the story “The Right Moves,” Archie and Jughead are playing chess with Mr. Hiram Lodge's crystal chess set when Jughead accidentally breaks a piece. He knows that Reggie Mantle has a similar chess set, but in order to replace the broken piece, Jughead has to do a favor for him. Jughead ends up having to do favors for two other girls as well in order to get the needed chess piece.

In 2008, the Vern & Dern comic strip had a chess-related theme.  Chess is played with the pieces upside down.

In January, 2008, Case Closed #21 was published by Viz.  It included the comic story “Another Victim.”  With Conan Edogawa missing, Anita Haibara begins gathering clues to what's going on in the castle, while the others puzzle out the meaning of the lawn chess pieces and how it leads to the castle treasure.

In September 2008, Avengers No. 26 featured the Avengers challenging Galactus to a chess match in a story called “Paradigm Shift.”  The Avengers are the pieces.  Thanks to a blunder by Hulk, the game is stalemated.

In October, 2008, The Invincible Iron Man, Vol 1, No. 4, was published.  In the story “The Five Nightmares,” Tony Stark beats Reed Richards in a game of chess.

In March, 2009, a comic strip “Coby Cur Plays Chess” was released.

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 2010, Oddbox, by Bob Gonzales, had a comic strip on chess.  The winner says “Checkmate.”  His opponent says, “We’re playing checkers, dude.”  So the winner says “Checkermate!”

In February, 2010, The Complete Alice in Wonderland #3 was published as a comic book.  There were several frames related to chess.

In February, 2010, Dilbert, by Scott Adams, had a chess-themed strip.  The CEO invited everyone to visit his winery, but asks that you not park your helicopters near his human chess board because it frightens the dwarves.

In February, 2010, there was a FoxTrot comic strip where chess was played with dice.  The comic strip is written by Bill Amend.  Here is a five-part series where Roger is teaching his daughter how to play chess.

In February, 2010, Mighty Avengers, Vol. 1, No. 32, was published.   Amadeus Cho and Vision play chess.

In March, 2010, S.W.O.R.D., Vol 1, No. 3, was published.  Beast (Henry McCoy) plays the villain named Unit in a game of chess at the maximum-plus security brig.

In April, 2010, Wolverine: Weapon X, Vol. 1, No. 10, was published.  In “Love and the Wolverine,” Logan (Wolverine) plays chess over the Internet with Storm (Ororo Munroe).

In May 2010, chess was mention in The New Deadwardians, DC Comics, scripted by Dan Abnett and inked by N.J. Culbard.

In September, 2010, Welcome to Tranquility: One Foot in the Grave, Vol. 1, No. 1, was published.  Maximum Man and Henry Hate play chess as they discuss whether or not to go to Alex Fury’s welcome back party.

In December, 2010, The Incredible Hulk, Vol. 1, No. 614, was published.  Banner promises to teach Skaar how to play chess.

In December, 2010, John Byrne’s Next Men #1 was published.  The cover shows the characters as chess pieces that have fallen on a chess board.

In January, 2011, Wolverine, Vol. 4., No. 3, was published.  Rogue and Hope are playing chess.

In April, 2011, a comic strip in Rex and Dexter appeared with a chess theme.  Rex beats Dexter in three moves.

In May, 2011, Brightest Day #2, Justice League, Generation Lost, was published.  The cover had a chess board with chess pieces and human figures on it.

In July, 2011, Dilbert, by Scott Adams, had a chess-themed comic strip.  The secretary says that the new engineer is a gigantic dork.  Dilbert says, “Being a dork is not a romantic preference.”  The secretary gets an email from the new engineer and says, “He says he’ll bring his ‘Star Wars’ chess set.”

In January, 2012, Batman and Robin Vol 2, No. 3, was published.  One of the stories is “Knightmoves.”  Damian Wayne loses a game of chess to Alfred Pennyworth.

In May, 2012, The Invincible Iron Man, Vol. 1, No. 514, was published.  In “Demon,” Rhodey Rhodes (War Machine) plays a game of chess with Tony Stark (Ironman).  Tony explains that he doesn’t particulary enjoy chess, but it helps him think outside himself and connect things.

In December, 2012, Archie & Friends Double Digest Magazine #19 was published.  It includes a comic story called “Check, Mate!”  After beating Dilton at chess, Dilton arranges for Archie to enter a chess tournament.

In December, 2012, Catwoman, Vol. 4, No. 13, was published.  It contains the story “Burnt Offerings.”  Selina Kyle (Catwoman) meets Trip Winter in a chess club.  He shows her a map of Gotham City explaining that he wants her to steal the Black Queen from one location, and move it so that it kills the White Queen, leaving a pawn to be sacrificed. She really must steal and move a giant chess piece, being played by eccentric clients. Trip’s client wants Selina to sabotage the game by making Black's move for him. In the early morning, Catwoman scopes out the scene of her crime. She hopes that with the right planning, she can set a course of events that will allow her to drop the Black Queen chess piece onto the White Queen chess piece, just a block away. Of the tenants in the apartment building in which the Black Queen is sitting, most are suspicious, and Catwoman assumes that they are all guarding it. When her signal arrives from Trip, Catwoman waits until the thug outside goes back inside, and uses her whip to swing down to the balcony where the Black Queen sits.  She wraps some rope around it, and then sneaks through the inside apartment to a window, where a man posing as a window cleaner is waiting. She ties the other end of her rope around him, and uses him as the ballast for the heavy chess piece, as she commandeers his trolley. Attaching her line to the next ledge, she swings herself to the courtyard where the White Queen sits, cutting the rope free at the right moment to prevent the man on the other end from being dragged out the window to his death.  The large chess piece knocks the other piece over, and a scream alerts Selina to the fact that there is actually a woman locked inside the white chess piece. The woman shouts that she is not to be let out. It is the pawn who is supposed to be sacrificed. It's too late, however, and Catwoman's tampering with the lock causes the white queen to explode.  The pawn happens to be nearby, a child inside it, staring in horror at the woman inside the queen piece burning to death. Catwoman yanks the kid out of the chess piece and leaps aside as the bomb inside it explodes.  Catwoman clutches the boy to her, and spots the word "Checkmate" spattered on the wall behind her in white paint.

In 2013, Injustice: Gods Among Us, was published.  Superman plays chess with Flash.

In January, 2013, Betty and Veronica Double Digest Magazine #207 was published.  In the story “Games People Play,” Veronica leaves before Betty can beat her in a game of chess.  The script was written by Fred Doyle.

In March, 2013, Wolverine and the X-Men, Vol. 1, No. 24, was published.  In the story, “Ain’t No Sin to be Glad You’re Alive,” Storm plays electronic chess with her former husband, Black Panther.

In June 2013, “The Chess Master” appeared in Betty and Veronica Double Digest Magazine #212.  Archie can't stay quiet while Mr. Hiram Lodge plays his weekly chess game against Mr. Bishop.

In September, 2013, Justice League, Vol. 2, No. 22, was published.  Atom discovers a Justice League themed chess set in the ruins of the Watchtower, but notices that the Superman piece is missing.

In October 2013, “Chess Clubbed” appeared in the World of Archie Double Digest #31 magazine.  Archie and Jughead try to concentrate on a chess game.

In January, 2014, Constantine, Vol. 1, No. 8, was published.  The main story is “Spot the Hustle.”  John Constantine was instructed by his friend George, that in chess, spot the hustle, roll with it, and then do something different.

In January, 2014, Damian: Son of Batman, Vol. 1, No. 2, was published.  Damian plays chess online.

In February, 2014, Nova, Vol. 5, No. 11, was published.  The story is called “Pawn Takes Night.”  Sam Alexander (Nova) joins a chess club.

In November 2014, “The Chess Board of Death” appeared in Marvel’s 75^th 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.  The Danish issue of Donald Duck has Magnus Carlsen and Donald Duck lining up for a duel on the chess board.

In 2015, Francis the comic strip had a chess theme.  One of the rules of chess was that it was really hard to take out a bishop.

In July, 2015, Convergence Infinity Inc. #2 was published by DC.  The cover shows a chess board with pieces engaged in action killing each other off.

In August, 2015, Secret Wars 2099, Vol. 1, No. 2, was published.  Tania and Max are playing a game of chess until Max becomes so upset over losing, that he tosses the chess board.

In October, 2015, House of M, Vol. 2, No. 2, was published.  King Magnus sits in his study playing chess by himself. 

Excalibur by Marvel.

Superman and Batman play chess as Spiderman and Captain America look on

Comic Book Characters Who Play Chess

Here are some comic book characters who play chess

Disney’s Aladdin plays chess.  He appears on the Cover of Disney’s Aladdin #10 (1995) playing chess.  There is even a Disney’s Aladdin Chess Adventures game for the PC.

Alice on Wonderland appears in several comic books playing chess.  She first appeared on a chessboard in The Adventures of Alice #2 in 1946.

Andrews, Archie, created in 1941 by Vic Bloom and Bob Montana, appears on a few comic book covers and in a few comic strips playing chess. 

Aquaman plays chess.  He was beaten in 16 moves by AMAZO.

Batman appears on one comic book cover (Batman #24, June-July 1944) playing the Joker in chess.  He has a giant chess set in the bat cave.  There is a batman chess set.

Betty and Veronica are on the cover of an Archie comic book (1950) playing chess.    In an Archie comic strip by Bob Montana, Betty is a Riverdale High School cheerleader, but at a chess tournament.

Bizarro, a Superman clone and villan,  plays chess.  He beat Lex Luthor in a game of chess.

The Black Panther (T’Challa) plays chess with Dr. Doom.

Brainiac 5 plays chess against Marshall Lorca of the Khunds.  He also played chess against his progenitor, Brainiac 1.  Brainiac 5 has also played three-dimensional chess against three powerful computers.

Capar, Roger – he beats Death in a game of chess.

Captain Comet, a fictional DC Comics superhero who plays chess.  The Guardians of the Universe send Captain Comet (Adam Blake) on a mission to win a chess tournament.  He holds his own with Xtnal from Venus.  He defeats Pyg-Gar, a grandmaster from Pluto.  He is able to see 200 moves in advance. (Strange Adventures, ‘The Cosmic Chessboard,’ 1953).  In one issue, Captain Comet attends an Interplanetary chess match on Pluto.

Casova wins a chess tournament in The Gladiator in the Blue Beetle Comics.

Casper the Friendly ghost appears on a cover (Casper #117, 1968) playing chess.

Catwoman may not have played chess, but in one issue, she is hired to steal a large chess pieces from a city-wide game of chess.

Cerebus the Aardvark, a comic book series created by Dave Sim, plays chess with his friend Po.

Chequerians are masters of the checks and balances of the universe.  They play chess with entire planets as chess pieces.

The Chessmen is a team name of personal assassin of Millionaire industrialist Obadiah Shane, who is trying to eliminate competitor Tony Stark (Ironman).  Shane was brought up with a great respect for chess, so he patterned his actions associated with the game.  Members include the King, Queen, Bishop, Knight, and Rook.

The Chess Set are super-powered criminal individuals named Brass Bishop, Dark Tower, King Coal, Killer Queen and Over-Knight.  They first appeared in Marvel’s Alpha Flight #121 (1983).

The curio dealer in The Gladiator that appeared in the Blue Beetle Comics.  He uses poison pieces to kill his victims.

The Daredevil plays chess.

Death – he plays and loses his games of chess to Roger Capar, but has beaten all the chess masters before Roger.

Despero is a villain who first appeared in Justice League of America #1 (1960).  He likes to play chess for the fates of his enemies.  Despero forced Flash to a chess-like game.  He defeats Flash by cheating and using his third eye’s mental powers.   He also plays the Martian Manhunter in a game of chess.

Doily, Dilton plays chess in several Archie comic book stories.

Donald Duck appears on a comic cover playing chess.

Dormammu is a mystical entity who plays chess with Odin.  He battle Odin in cosmic chess to a draw.

Dr. Victor von Doom likes to play chess.  He plays chess against the Prime Mover in which real people are pitted against robots constructed by Doom.  He also plays chess with the Black Panther (T’Challa) and the Sub-Mariner.  Doctor Doom is the Black King in a chess set released by Marvel toys.

Doctor Fate (Kent Nelson) takes part in a chess game in which humans take the roles of chess pieces in a huge board. (‘King of Crime,’ More Fun Comics #76, 1942)

Dr. Mid-Nite is forced to play chess with Mr. Terrific.   Both are strapped in electric chairs.  The loser would be electrocuted by Roulette.  The game was intentionally played to a draw, and they escaped

Dr. Wrath – All who oppose this chess master die (‘King of the Chess Killers,’ The Blue Beetle #11, 1942).

Flash plays Despero in a game of chess and loses because Despero cheated.

The Hulk  makes a blunder in chess and the game is stalemated against Galactus.

Galactus  devours worlds. He plays chess with the Avengers after being challenged by Storm.  The game ends in a stalemated due to a blunder by Hulk.

The Grandmaster is one of the ageless Elders of the Universe who has mastered most civilizations’ games of skill and chance, including chess.

Green Arrow plays chess (‘The Human Chess game,’ Adventure Comics, 1955)

Hate, Henry

Hyde, Henry

The Joker plays Batman in chess.

In Archie’s Pal Jughead Comics #184, Jughead playing chess with Archie with a crystal chess set.  Jughead breaks one of the pieces and goes about trying to find a replacement.

Kang (Nathaniel Richards) plays chess with the Grandmaster for the life of Ravonna.

Karno the Chessman is a villain who shrinks his victims and plays chess with them on a chess board.

Kingpin (Wilson Fink), a villain, plays chess with The Foreigner

Krugor, Michael, a villain who plays chess with Doctor Fate.

Lex Luthor plays chess.  He was beaten by Bizarro.

Manhunter from Mars plays cosmic-level chess with Despero using Justice League of America figures as chess pieces.

Mister Mxyzptlk is the impish villain from the 5^th dimension.  He learned how to play chess from Superman’s advice.

Mr. Terrific is  forced to play chess with Dr. Mid-Nite.   The loser would be electrocuted.

Nicola, Guido – world chess champion in “Strange Rendezvous at 17 rue Noi” in Hand of Fate.

Odin (Master Order) plays cosmic chess with Dormammu (Lord Chaos).

The Prime Mover is a robot employed by Doctor Doom to play chess.  Real people, unaware of their status as chess pieces, are used in the game.

Prince Valiant played chess.

Rathcone was a Nazi operating in the United States in the 1940s who played chess.  He plotted murders of military leaders using a chess board with chess pieces that resembled real people.

Richie Rich played chess with his expensive chess set

Sabrina, the teenage witch, plays chess against Salem.

Seaguy plays chess with The Gondolier (Death) in New Venice and wins.

Sub-Mariner plays chess with Dr. Doom.

Superman plays chess on a few comics covers.

Thor appeared on some comic covers playing chess (The Mighty Thor Annual #9, 1981).  Thor and Orion play cosmic chess for the fate of the universe.

Veronica  and Betty are on the cover of an Archie comic book (1950) playing chess.

The Wizard (Bentley Wittman) was a child prodigy and chess champion who became a supervillain.

Yugi Muto – plays chess against Mokuba in a Capsule Monster Chess game and wins.

Sources:

Kerry Lawless - http://www.chessdryad.com/articles/comics/

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