Action Comics #598 (1988) CGC 9.8 NM/MT 1st Checkmate John Byrne's Atomic Explosion Cover. Cover art by John Byrne. Checkmate starring Superman and Checkmate (1st appearance), script by Paul Kupperberg and John Byrne, inks by Ty Templeton; the Checkmate agency defeats a terrorist. 36 Pages, Full Color, $0.75. Cover price $0.75.