Episode 47: Finishing Moscow and Preparing for Apokolips

Welcome back Squadmates.  Here is Episode 47: Finishing Moscow and Preparing for Apokolips

We're back once again, this time with Checkmate #20.....

Checkmate 20

Checkmate 20
Cover Date: September 1989
On Sale Date: July 25, 1989
Cover Price: $1.50

Title: "Into the Knight"

Writer: Paul Kupperberg
Penciller: Steve Erwin
Inker: Al Vey
Letterer: Gaspar Saladino
Colorist: Julianna Ferriter
Editor: Jonathan Peterson

Cover Credits: Penciller: Steve Erwin
Inker: Dick Giordano

Then at 36 minutes in, I once again have a Character Profile.  This time we look at Force of July's Major Victory!

Then at 42 minutes in, we look at Suicide Squad 32

Suicide Squad 32

Suicide Squad 32
Cover Date: 1989
On Sale Date: July 4, 1989
Cover Price: $1.00

Title: "Steel Trap"

Writer: John Ostrander & Kim Yale
Penciller: Grant Miehm
Inker: Keith Stan Wilson & Kevin Phillips
Letterer: Todd Klein
Colorist: Carl Gafford
Editor: Dan Raspler

Cover Credits
Artist: Karl Kesel
Reprinted In:
Suicide Squad: Apokolips Now TPB (2017)

Commercials played this episode:

Zero Hour Strikes- I can't wait for this podcast to start covering the Zero Hour event!

Fanholes - A great podcast from friends of the show, looking at a variety of material

DC OCD - Mike and Paul continue their journey through DC's events....  May Joe Pesci have mercy on their souls....

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Thank you once again for listening to this episode of Task Force X.

Be sure to check the Facebook page for news and further information. That's where I tend to post information as it comes to light.

And you can still get directly to our page by going to taskforcex.headspeaks.com.

Other news for the Headcast family.

As usual, The Headcast Network is where you can find all of my podcasts under one feed.

Over on The Starman/Manhunter Adventure Hour, where I'll be talking about the Will Payton Starman comics.

Also, the fourth week of the month, I have Bravo Team, a G.I. Joe related cast, looking at other Joe related items.

Then, look for Head Speaks,where I'm nearing the end of my multi-episode look at Armageddon 2001 where I have guests from the internet and podcasting world join me every episode.

 The following week, look for G.I. Joe: A Real American Headcast the second week of the month, where we look at G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero comic from Marvel.

Finally, be sure to return next month and listen as I talk about Suicide Squad and Checkmate.

Again, thanks for listening and be sure to tell people about us. Also write in and let me know what you think of this episode!

All characters are owned and copyrighted by DC Comics. Check out DC Comics for the monthly adventures of the New Suicide Squad.

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please e-mail me at TaskForceX@HeadSpeaks.com (and you too can be read in Listener Feedback).

If you want you can also send us an MP3 file with your thoughts and I'll play them on the air.

Look for us on Facebook and Google+ (look for Task Force X).

Make sure to tell a friend and check back next month for another great episode of TASK FORCE X!

Episode 46: A Knight in Moscow and Father Cramer

Welcome back Squadmates.  Here is Episode 46: A Knight in Moscow and Father Cramer

After the commentary track on the Suicide Squad movie and The Blackest Night, we are back with our newest issues...

First up, Checkmate 19

One Knight In Moscow

Checkmate #19
Cover Date: July 1989
On Sale Date: May 30, 1989
Cover Price: $1.50
Title: "The Dead of Knight"

Writer: Paul Kupperberg
Penciller: Rick Hoberg
Penciller: Steve Erwin
Inker: Pablo Marcos
Inker: Al Vey
Letterer: Agustin Mas
Colorist: Julianna Ferriter
Cover Credits
Artist: Gil Kane
Editor: Jonathan Peterson

Then at 33 and half minutes in, I bring back the Character Profile and we look at SHRIKE!

Shrike

After that we take a look at Suicide Squad 31

Suicide Squad #31
Cover Date: July 1989
On Sale Date: June 6, 1989
Cover Price: $1.00
Title: "Acts of Contrition"

Writer: John Ostrander & Kim Yale
Artist: John K. Snyder III
Letterer: Todd Klein
Colorist: Carl Gafford
Cover Credits
Penciller: John K. Snyder III
Inker: Karl Kesel
Editor: Dan Raspler

Reprinted In:
Suicide Squad:Apokolips Now TPB (2017)

Commercials played this episode:

Rod Pod - A great podcsst about the IDW Transformers comic, by Jonathan and Maggie Schafter-Hames

Waiting For Doom - Paul and Mike have a great show covering both The Doom Patrol and all of the DCU events....

Zero Hour Strikes- I can't wait for this podcast to start covering the Zero Hour event!

---

Thank you once again for listening to this episode of Task Force X.

Be sure to check the Facebook page for news and further information. That's where I tend to post information as it comes to light.

And you can still get directly to our page by going to taskforcex.headspeaks.com.

Other news for the Headcast family.

As usual, The Headcast Network is where you can find all of my podcasts under one feed.

Over on The Starman/Manhunter Adventure Hour, where I'll be talking about the Will Payton Starman and Mark Shaw Manhunter comics.

Then, look for Head Speaks,where I'm nearing the end of my multi-episode look at Armageddon 2001 where I have guests from the internet and podcasting world join me every episode.

 The following week, look for G.I. Joe: A Real American Headcast the second week of the month, where we look at G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero comic from Marvel.

Finally, be sure to return next month and listen as I talk about Suicide Squad and Checkmate.

Again, thanks for listening and be sure to tell people about us. Also write in and let me know what you think of this episode!

All characters are owned and copyrighted by DC Comics. Check out DC Comics for the monthly adventures of the New Suicide Squad.

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please e-mail me at TaskForceX@HeadSpeaks.com (and you too can be read in Listener Feedback).

If you want you can also send us an MP3 file with your thoughts and I'll play them on the air.

Look for us on Facebook and Google+ (look for Task Force X).

Make sure to tell a friend and check back next month for another great episode of TASK FORCE X!

Episode 30: Double Checkmate

Again, Squadmates, I welcome you back to our newest episode! I present to you Episode 30: Double Checkmate

We finally finished our Deadshot coverage.. now on with Checkmate!

First up, I look at:

Checkmate 7

Checkmate 7
Cover Date: October 1988
On Sale Date: June 14, 1988
Cover Price: $1.25

Writer: Paul Kupperberg
Penciller: Steve Erwin
Inker: Al Vey
Letterer: Gaspar Saladino
Colorist: Nansi Hoolahan
Editor: Jonathan Peterson

Cover Credits
Artist: Gil Kane
Title: "Arabian Knights"


Synopsis (from DC in the 80’s):

Checkmate has tracked a ring of international arms smugglers to the rogue nation of Qurac. They covertly send three knights into the country to meet with local rebel groups. They also kidnap a Quracan minister who reveals that the supply of arms has been consolidated in a central location due to Checkmate's previous operations.

When the time is right, the order is given and the rebel groups begin a campaign of chaos throughout the capital city of Al Kuwait. Checkmate's knights then enter the compound where the weapons are stored and plant explosives. An assassin who has tangled with Checkmate on two other occasions awaits them. He wounds Winston O'Donnell just as he activates the bomb's timer. A female Knight named Beth then kills the assassin. Beth is forced to leave Winston behind to die in the explosion which destroys the weapons.

By the following morning, the Quracan troops have restored order. The rebel uprising fails to unseat President Marlo. However, Checkmate primary mission to destroy the weapons was successful, though it cost them the life of one of their own.

Then we take a look at....

Checkmate 8

Checkmate 8
Cover Date: November 1988
On Sale Date: July 12, 1988
Cover Price: $1.25
Editor: Jonathan Peterson

Title: "A Thorn in Her Side"

Writer: Paul Kupperberg
Penciller: Steve Erwin
Inker: Al Vey
Letterer: Albert Tobias De Guzman
Colorist: Julianna Ferriter

Cover Credits
Artist: Gil Kane

As you can see by the cover, this issue spotlights Black Thorn. Also, as seen on the cover, she's going up against Amanda Waller, so you know I'm going to love this one.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Task Force X.

Be sure to check the Facebook page for news and further information. That's where I tend to post information as it comes to light.

And you can still get directly to our page by going to taskforcex.headspeaks.com.

Other news for the Headcast family.

As usual, The Headcast Network is where you can find all of my podcasts under one feed.

Over on The Starman/Manhunter Adventure Hour, where I'll be talking about the Will Payton Starman and Mark Shaw Manhunter comics.

Then, look for G.I. Joe: A Real American Headcast the first week of the month, where we look at G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero comic from Marvel.

The following week, look for Head Speaks where I start my Armageddon 2001 coverage!

Finally, be sure to return next month and listen as I talk about Suicide Squad and Checkmate.

Again, thanks for listening and be sure to tell people about us. Also write in and let me know what you think of this episode!

All characters are owned and copyrighted by DC Comics. Check out DC Comics for the monthly adventures of the New Suicide Squad.

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please e-mail me at TaskForceX@HeadSpeaks.com (and you too can be read in Listener Feedback).

If you want you can also send us an MP3 file with your thoughts and I'll play them on the air.

Look for us on Facebook and Google+ (look for Task Force X).
Make sure to tell a friend and check back next month for another great episode of TASK FORCE X!

Episode 18: Millennium, Suicide Squad 9, & Checkmate 1

Welcome back once again, Squadmates!

I bring to you... Episode 18: Millennium, Suicide Squad 9, & Checkmate 1

This month I briefly mention Millennium (the first four issues as it ties in to Suicide Squad).
Then having covered that I talk about this month's Suicide Squad (issue 9).
Also tying in to this month's issues are Capt Atom 11, Spectre 10, Detective Comics 582

Suicide Squad 9

Suicide Squad Vol. 1 #9: "The Final Price"
Cover Date: January 1988
On Sale Date: October 6, 1987
Cover Price: $0.75
Editor: Robert Greenberger

Writer: John Ostrander
Penciller: Luke McDonnell
Inker: Robert Lewis
Letterer: Todd Klein
Letterer: John Costanza
Colorist: Carl Gafford

Cover Credits
Artist: Jerry Bingham

Synopsis:
The Suicide Squad is taking a bomb in to the Louisiana swamp to the heart of the Manhunters citadel.  On the way they meet up with Capt. Atom, who joins them.

Shortly after, they cross paths with Firestorm (being controlled by the Manhunters).  Capt Atom deals with Firestorm (in Capt Atom 11).

The Squad then encounters a group of Manhunters, where Bronze Tiger is injured and left behind.  Slipknot runs away and finds out that the bracelets on their wrists really do work.

Karin Grace reveals herself to be an agent of the Manhunters.  She becomes one after Rick “left her” as detailed back in Secret Origins 14.  Karin fell in love with Mark Shaw (that was really a Manhunter).  The Manhunter orders Karin to kill Flag.  Her love for him leaves her torn.  Suddenly the Manhunter collapse (Spectre 10) and Karin takes the bomb further in and detonates it.

The rest of the squad makes it outside where after the bomb goes off, they find themselves in a sudden snow storm (Capt Atom 11).

Checkmate ad

Checkmate 1

Also, I look at Checkmate #1
Cover Date: April 1988
On Sale Date: December 8, 1987
Cover Price: $1.25
Editor: Jonathan Peterson

Title: "Opening Gambit"

Writer: Paul Kupperberg
Penciller: Steve Erwin
Inker: Al Vey
Letterer: Janice Chiang
Colorist: Julianna Ferriter

Synopsis:
Harvey Bullock meets Black Thorn, who has been killing criminals since the death of Adrian Chase. Harvey and his agents drug her and bring her to Checkmate headquarters. He attempts to recruit her to work in the restructured organization. He also wants to ensure her silence since she already knows about the existence of the agency. However, Black Thorn is able to overpower the guards and escape the building.

Meanwhile Harry Stein, the appointed head of Checkmate, briefs his bishops, including Bullock, on the American Supremacist Party. A radical racist organization who recently bombed the Chicago trade market.

A Checkmate field agent, known as a knight, is dispatched to gather information on Kevin Maxwell, the head of ASP. The agent is forced to crash a meeting of the group to save the life of O'Connor, an undercover operative of the Justice Department. A chase ensues, and some of Maxwell's men are apprehended. Despite the capture, the ASP is able to carry out a bombing of the McCormick Place Convention Center.

Also, we have one Character Profile: Harvey Bullock

Harvey is in yellow near the bottom of the page.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Task Force X.

Be sure to check the Facebook page for news and updates on the Suicide Squad movie.  That's where I tend to post information as it comes to light.

As you might have noticed, you can now get directly to our page by going to taskforcex.headspeaks.com.

Other news for the Headcast family...

Coming next week, The Starman/Manhunter Adventure Hour, where I'll be talking about the Will Payton Starman and Mark Shaw Manhunter comics.  You may be familiar with Shaw from the last couple of issues of Suicide Squad.  Here are his continuing adventures.

Also coming soon, The Headcast Network where you can find all of my podcasts under one feed.

Then, look for G.I. Joe: A Real American Headcast the first week of the month, where Ryan, Kyle, returning guest host, Jif Fishman, and myself look at G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero issue 6 and the fourth episode of the cartoon.

The following week, look for Head Speaks episode 20 where I'll be talking about something....

Finally, be sure to return next month and listen as I talk about Checkmate issue 2 and Suicide Squad issue 10.

Again, thanks for listening and be sure to tell people about us.  Also write in and let me know what you think of this episode!

All characters are owned and copyrighted by DC Comics.  Check out DC Comics for the monthly adventures of the New Suicide Squad.

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please e-mail me at TaskForceX@HeadSpeaks.com (and you too can be read in Listener Feedback).

If you want you can also send us an MP3 file with your thoughts and I'll play them on the air.

Look for us on Facebook and Google+ (look for Task Force X).

Make sure to tell a friend and check back next month for another great episode of TASK FORCE X!

Episode 17: Action Comics 598 and Suicide Squad 8

Welcome back once again, Squadmates!

I bring to you... Episode 17: Action Comics 598 and Suicide Squad 8

This month I look at Action Comics 598, the first appearance of Checkmate, with a very special guest host.  From the Superman Homepage, From Crisis To Crisis: Superman Podcast, Views From The Longbox podcast, plus many more, and one of the spiritual founders of this Headcast, Michael Bailey!

Action Comic 598 - Checkmate!

Action Comics #598
Title: "Checkmate"
Cover Date: March 1988
On Sale Date: December 1, 1987
Cover Price: $0.75
Editor: Mike Carlin

Plotter/Penciller: John L. Byrne
Writer: Paul Kupperberg
Inker: Ty Templeton
Letterer: John Costanza
Colorist: Petra Scotese (Goldberg)

Cover Credits
Artist: John L. Byrne

Reprinted In:
Superman:The Man of Steel Vol. 8 TPB (2014)

Synopsis:
Lois Lane conducts an interview with Khareemali, Qurac's defense minister, who is in Metropolis to denounce Superman's actions against his country. Angered that a woman is sent to do the interview, the minister has his guard seize Lois. Members of a rival terrorist group known as the Angels of Allah then storm the office and take Lois and the minister hostage.

To ensure Superman is distracted, other members of the terrorist group hijack a Navy aircraft carrier and plant a bomb on its nuclear reactor. Lois is rescued by a man in black wearing a modified knight's mask. Superman meets a man in similar garb aboard the carrier. This man helps Superman defeat the terrorists. After the crisis is over, both "knights" disappear.

Lois then returns to the Daily Planet to write up her story. Clark writes up the story about the carrier. Elsewhere Harry Stein and Harvey Bullock hold a meeting. Their secret government organization, known as Checkmate, employed the two knights. Harry receives a report that the defense minister has left American airspace. He then detonates an explosive on Khareemali's plane, destroying it.

Checkmate ad with a Knight

Also, I look at Suicide Squad issue 8, entitled "Personal Files".

Cover Date: December 1987
On Sale Date: September 22, 1987
Cover Price: $0.75
Editor: Robert Greenberger

Writer: John Ostrander
Penciller: Luke McDonnell
Inker: Robert Lewis
Letterer: Todd Klein
Colorist: Carl Gafford

Cover Credits
Artist: Jerry Bingham

Reprinted In:
Suicide Squad:Trial by Fire TPB (2011)

Synopsis:
When the Suicide Squad returns from Russia, Dr. LaGrieve worries about the team members. Amanda Waller takes out her anger on Dexter Tolliver, the Squad's NSC liaison. Tolliver then puts a plan in motion to protect his own interests.

Rick Flag is also angry when a rescue mission to save Nemesis is not considered. An argument with Waller and Karin Grace causes new team member Mark Shaw to punch Flag. Waller then temporarily relieves him of command.

The Bronze Tiger is put in charge of the team. He takes the Enchantress to visit Madame Xanadu. She gives him a necklace and ring that will prevent the Enchantress from going out of control. However, Xanadu warns that the witch will become more powerful and begin merging with June's persona.

A counseling session between LaGrieve's associate Marnie Herrs and Deadshot leads to an argument. The two then share a kiss, before Deadshot storms out. Both agree to keep the incident quiet.

Finally, Captain Boomerang has assumed the costume and equipment of the late Mirror Master. He begins a crime spree in New Orleans.

Also, we have two Character Profiles: Henry Stein and Mark Shaw

Harry Stein

Privateer aka Mark Shaw

Thank you for listening to this episode of Task Force X.

Be sure to check the Facebook page for news and updates on the Suicide Squad movie.  That's where I tend to post information as it comes to light.

As you might have noticed, you can now get directly to our page by going to taskforcex.headspeaks.com.  You can still go to http://headspeaks.com and click on Headcasts to get to the embedded Stitcher player.

Other news for the Headcast family...

On Christmas day, The Headcast should have two presents for you.
1) A special Christmas episode of Head Speaks: Oh S**t, it's Christmas! where I'll play a selection of Christmas music for you.  This episode is not Family Friendly no Safe For Work.

2) G.I. Joe: A Real Christmas Hero will look at the first wave of toys, with our special guest host, Jif Fishman (from Comic Book Fight Club podcast).

Look for both show Christmas day.

Then, look for G.I. Joe: A Real American Headcast the first week of the month, where Ryan, Kyle, returning guest host, Jif Fishman, and myself look at G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero issue 5 and the third episode of the cartoon.

The following week, look for Head Speaks episode 19 which will probably be another Star Warscentrc episode!

Finally, be sure to return next month and listen as I talk about Checkmate issue 1 and Suicide Squad issue 9.

Again, thanks for listening and be sure to tell people about us.  Also write in and let me know what you think of this episode!

All characters are owned and copyrighted by DC Comics.  Check out DC Comics for the monthly adventures of the New Suicide Squad.

If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please e-mail me at TaskForceX@HeadSpeaks.com (and you too can be read in Listener Feedback).

If you want you can also send us an MP3 file with your thoughts and I'll play them on the air.

Look for us on Facebook and Google+ (look for Task Force X).

Make sure to tell a friend and check back next month for another great episode of TASK FORCE X!