Mar 12 2012
If You’re a Fan of Chess…
I found this Bobby Fischer graphic novel interesting. It’s refreshing to see a use of chess that isn’t a Hollywood cliche (e.g. the villain bullying the hero around the board until the hero unleashes a checkmate at the last moment). I think the characterization could be stronger, though–that would probably help give it some appeal beyond chess fans.
If you’re not a chess fan, it’s similar to a sport, but with more violence*, State Department shenanigans, and (above all) bedroom hijinx with Russians of dubious character. In most sports, if a guy flops, he’s probably trying to draw a foul call from a referee. In chess, a guy flops because he drank a KGB cocktail.
*Assuming you’re playing it right. Who would waste poison on a beginner?