The Human Target is a limited 12-issue maxi-series published under DC’s Black Label imprint that follows Christopher Chance, aka The Human Target, as he seeks to find and kill the person responsible for poisoning him. With only twelve days to live, the heart of the series is his relationship with Justice League International member Ice. The pair believe they have successfully taken care of the party behind Chance’s attack, an attempt originally aimed at Lex Luthor, whom Chance was impersonating at the time. Written by Tom King with art by Greg Smallwood and letters by Clayton Cowles, The Human Target #9 follows Chance and Ice on a paranoia-fueled road trip.
This issue opens with a gut punch, as readers see Chance effectively dead in the morning, saved only by Ice and her abilities. The sequence is completely silent, carried by Smallwood’s art, and it hits with tremendous impact. Following his near-death experience, readers are introduced to what will be the driving force of the rest of the issue. Chance is expecting a visit from Batman. The Human Target and Ice embark on a trip into the desert as he attempts to get as far away as possible. During the trip, some long-held secrets come to light, and Chance’s paranoia hits a fever pitch.
King brilliantly captures Chance’s state of mind in this issue. The narration throughout The Human Target has been strong, but this issue might be the best. Readers can feel the levels of dread boiling within Chance. His worry that Batman will appear at any moment drives every action and thought. While King’s narration is excellent, the personal connection between Chance and Ice also gets time to shine. Their relationship is the heart of the series. King never forgets that. The care between the two is palpable, and their chemistry is a true highlight.
Smallwood’s art is, as usual, the star of the show. King’s writing may be stellar, but the art is unbelievably good. The opening sequence alone is an example of tremendously powerful visual storytelling. The camera positioning for every panel is excellent. He treats small moments with a subtlety that conveys so much. Page and panel layouts are wonderfully paced, keeping the reader engaged and the story visually fresh.
It’s truly wonderful to see what Smallwood brings to the table in every issue. Character expressions are rendered with nuance, movements are drawn with force, and contrast is everywhere. Much of this issue takes place in the desert, and that warm palette is a brilliant counterpoint to the coolness of Ice. The techniques used for shading create multiple levels of visually compelling color. The action is clear and easy to follow. The majority of the issue is conversational, and Smallwood makes those moments just as exciting as any superhero slugfest.
Cowles’ lettering is the final component of the presentation, and it’s great. Narration and dialogue efficiently guide readers along each page. Narration boxes are routinely placed on the edges of panels, cutting into the art from the white gutters, which helps each page breathe.
As The Human Target barrels towards its conclusion, the characters are met with another layer of urgency. The love story at the center continues to thrive, and the looming sense of dread becomes increasingly apparent. With The Human Target #9, King, Smallwood, and Cowles deliver another masterclass in storytelling.
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