The Human Target: A true hero without tights

I have searched high and low for three years to finally get my hands on King’s run of “The Human Target.” Finally, I acquired the two hardcover volumes in a comic shop in Maplewood. For the uninitiated, The Human Target, AKA Christopher Chance, is a DC Comics Antihero/ detective. His purpose in life is to pose as various successful and or controversial characters to foil any assassination attempts made on their life. He is putting himself in the crosshairs of any person or group who might want his client dead.

Our story begins with Christopher posing as Lex Luthor and spoiling an attempt on his life at a shareholder’s meeting. Upon a successful operation, it is revealed that someone else wants Luthor dead and uses a much more subtle way of doing it: Poison. Upon discovering his ingestion of the Poison, Chance is informed by Doctor Mid-Nite that he only has 12 days remaining before the poison takes its course. This gives our protagonist 12 days to uncover this mystery plot, which leads his investigation back to the Justice League International.

King’s ability to show genuine human emotions and relationships shines in the following 12 issues. Chance and JLI member Ice begin a passionate love affair, leaving our protagonist conflicted and questioning his investigation and motives. “Does he want to cure himself? Does he want to go out as a human target? Will he find his assassin and bring them to justice?” We are also treated to more cameos from the other JLI members (Booster Gold and Ted Kord, to name a few). These pieces finally culminate on a California beach where Ice is holding Chance at gunpoint. His whole life, he’s been trying to be in front of the gun. But now, possibly the last time, he still shoulders his duty and nom de guerre.

A million different writers have rehashed the classic trope of a hero putting themselves in harm’s way. Still, King’s finality in this story adds infinitely more weight to this trope. This story is a slow burn. We know already how it will end. You can argue that I’m spoiling the story even by reading this short synopsis. But the story isn’t about the plot… It’s about the characters.

I love Tom King’s ability to bring lesser-known characters to the forefront. He puts them under the microscope and dissects their motives and actions. Why must a man like Christopher Chance be the human target? What was his Crime Alley? All these questions have led me to believe that the human target is among the most noble and true “Superheroes” to date.