DC’s Black Label maxi-series The Human Target follows Christopher Chance, aka The Human Target, as he uncovers who is responsible for his murder. Eight days ago, Chance was pretending to be Lex Luthor and ingested a poison meant for the billionaire. Clues pointed Chance toward the Justice League International. While investigating the team, Chance became intimately acquainted with Ice, and the pair deduced who was responsible for poisoning him. Written by Tom King with art by Greg Smallwood and letters by Clayton Cowles, The Human Target #8 is a brilliantly paced issue highlighting Chance’s calm under pressure.
The issue opens with high-intensity action. Immediately capturing the reader’s attention, it doesn’t let go as the story unfolds. Rocket Red, a member of the Justice League International, has some questions for Chance and takes the majority of the issue to interrogate him. The various methods of interrogation used are creative and terrifying, but Chance greets each with dry wit. While the issue is action-packed, it’s also full of thoughtful character work.
King’s narration for Christopher Chance is simply phenomenal. Charm oozes from the character when he speaks while a resigned pragmatism reigns in his thoughts. The issue challenges Chance physically and psychologically, and Chance remains as collected as ever. This constant composure makes his uncharacteristic outbursts even more impactful. The relationship between Chance and Ice is the heart of the series, and King continues to expand on it beautifully here.
Smallwood’s art is sublime from cover to cover. The Human Target has such a unique visual style that Smallwood continues to play with it in new ways. The coloring and shading techniques are consistently rendered in contrasting styles that establish a captivating tone. Every panel has an exceptional amount of detail, even in the simplest of images. Creative paneling helps set a quick, engaging pace. Smallwood also makes great use of gutters and negative space to heighten specific story beats. He draws character expressions with incredible nuance. Smallwood does an exceptional job of making mundane motions exciting, rendering action in a high-contrast red and yellow to make each punch pop off the page.
Cowles’ lettering is excellent, as usual. A lot of the narration boxes are placed at the edge of panels, allowing one side to remain open, blending with the white panel gutters. It’s a simple trick that gives the panels more room to breathe. The visual sound effects are also executed wonderfully. They carry power and accent the art perfectly. Cowles’ lettering works in tandem with the art on every level.
The Human Target has a captivating love story at its center, surrounded by a compelling murder mystery. The action takes the spotlight in this issue, but King never sacrifices the book’s emotional core. There are moments of calm amidst the chaos, and they land with as much power as a meta-human punch. The level of artistry on each page makes it a treat to read. With The Human Target #8 King, Smallwood, and Cowles present a shining example of a creative team firing on all cylinders.
