Review – Human Target #1

Review – Human Target #1

Writer: Tom King

Artist: Greg Smallwood

Letters: Clayton Cowles

Publisher: DC Comics

Release Date: November 3, 2021

Variant Artists: Jenny Frison, Trevor Hairsine & Danny Miki

Chapter 1: When We Are Born

Christopher Chance has made a living out of being a human target—a man hired to disguise himself as his client to invite would-be assassins to attempt his murder. He’s had a remarkable career until his latest case protecting Lex Luthor when things go sideways. An assassination attempt Chance didn’t see coming leaves him vulnerable and left trying to solve his own murder…as he has 12 days to discover just who in the DCU hated Luthor enough to want him dead. Human Target is a hard-boiled, gritty story in the vein of classic detective noirs told by bestselling and critically acclaimed creators Tom King and Greg Smallwood!

Writer: Tom King

Christopher Chance is dying.. in fact, he dies within the first few pages of the comic.. we then flashback panel by panel over the previous twelve days to when he took to the stage to impersonate Lex Luthor. A botched assassination attempt leads to the realisation that was also poisoned that day.

With Doctor Midnite tracing the chemicals within the poison Chance refuses any help and uses the remaining time to track down the surprising culprits… The Justice League International.

King sets the 50s and 60s noir tone perfecting in the script, with the brooding Chance monologuing most of the issue. With hints of Connery’s Bond, it allows you to focus on him, even in a world surrounded by superheroes and villains.

Artist: Greg Smallwood

For many Smallwood’s cover and artwork will draw them to this issue, regardless of their knowledge or history of the character. The colouring, also by Smallwood adds the perfect layering making the issue feel like an older printed issue on low-grade comic paper. Chance takes up about 90% of the panels, as he should, and you can almost hear the Jazz Horn playing slowly as he lays on the bed to breathe his last breath.

Overall Thoughts

Solving your own murder in the twelve days you have to live makes for a great comic. King and Smallwood’s style stands out from the pack with a brooding, darkly humoured noir story perfect for DC Black Label.

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Have a look at our preview of the first few pages to whet your appetite