The Human Target, Vol 2

Christopher Chance solves the mystery of who killed him. Posing as Lex Luthor, the Human Target ingested a slow acting poison. His fate is sealed. Chance is literally a member of the walking dead. With only 12 days left, he spends his remaining time trying to solve his murder while enjoying some fantastic scotch and time by the beach, his favorite place. But as his life comes to an end, Chance must confront his own demons.

This Tom King maxi-series from 2022-23 is very much a noir mystery with the Human Target providing the internal dialogue, heroes who are secretly villains and forbidden romance. As with just about any noir whodunnit, the solution is crystal clear while the motivations are the real enigma. For some reason, when the murderer confesses, they have no problem admitting their guilt and yet you need a thesaurus to understand what drove them to kill. 

That's okay however. I'm still a big fan of crime noir.

When I reviewed volume 1, I stated that Greg Smallwood's art looked familiar. I just couldn't put my finger on what it reminded me of. I managed to solve that mystery about a third into this book. With the sharp pencil angles and soft charcoal shading of the subjects, Smallwood's artwork reminds me of that set of Childcraft Encyclopedia books my mom ordered me sometime in the late70s. Published originally in the 1930s by W.F. Quarrie & Co, the volumes of 'the How and Why Library' I had had shiny modern covers. But the internal artwork hadn't been updated since the Kennedy administration. The artwork here gave the story the look of a more innocent time and yet there are no saints to be found.

A fantastic mystery with a great ending. It was awesome visiting some characters that I hadn't thought about in years. Thankfully, being a Black Label imprint work, this is not a canonical book. Yet I would not be surprised in the least to find out DC decided to make this story the official swan song of the Human Target.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

The Human Target, Vol. 1

I like Tom King. But he's got this annoying little habit of taking those more obscure, fan favorite DC characters that I grew up reading from my dad's comic book collection and deconstructing them. Even to the point of killing off the character.

This time, Tom King decides to strip bare the character Christopher Chance, the Human Target. Trained to be a master mimic with skills in various martial arts and proficient in countless weapons, Chance becomes the target of people who have a death wish against them. All you have to do for the Human Target to take a bullet for you is to pay him his asking fee of 10% of your yearly income. So when multi-billionaire Lex Luthor approaches Chance to discover who's planning to kill him at an annual technology conference, the Human Target sees nothing but dollar signs. 

Christopher not only takes the bullet for Lex Luthor, he also drinks the hemlock. It seems that more than one person wanted to kill Luthor. An seemingly innocent cup of coffee was laced with a slow acting poison. Now with 12 days left to live, the Human Target will investigate his own murder. But it's not going to be easy because the prime suspect in the case is the entire lineup of the original Justice League International!

This maxi-series is a superhero populated version of the noir classic D.O.A.. Readers go into this work knowing that the Human Target will die by story's end. We just don't know who killed him and what was the motive. That's the mystery being solved. Christopher Chance's fate is sealed.

Thankfully, this is a Black Label story. Those stories aren't canon. Still, that doesn't mean that I'm not hoping for a happy ending here. Plus, it doesn't mean that this story might not actually happen later on in the future. A bunch of Marvel What If... stories have been made into canon and DC is no different. Several of their Elseworlds tales were made into official alternate Earths populating the multiverse. What's not to say that some future crisis that occurs in the DC universe will not someday make this story along with the rest of Tom King's Black Label works from becoming real; killing off a bunch of my favorite B-list characters for realsies? That prospect scares the DC fanatic in me!

The first half of the story has been near perfect. I did think that the chapter involving the Martian Manhunter was unnecessarily chaotic. But it's been an engrossing read and a visual delight. Generally,it doesn't feel like a legitimate Tom King story without the artwork of frequent collaborator Mitch Gerad's. However Greg Smallwood has this style that looks and feels quintessential 1950s and very early 60s corporate art. I can't quite put my finger on just what Smallwood's artwork reminds me of just yet. However, if you told me that the artist used to draw the storyboards for Don Draper's ad pitches, I would believe it.

I checked this out at the library and now I am kicking myself! for some reason, I decided to only pick up volume 1! I've gotta rush to the library and hope nobody snagged up the follow up before I did!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Justice League International, #68

Chapter 3 of 'Return of the Hero' finally captures the humor and excitement of the 90’s Justice League. Triumph has finally convinced a couple of remaining Leaguers to assist him destroy that pesky alien menace once and for all. It’s a lot of madcap fun and a little sad as this is the final issue of Justice League International.

  Well, at least the series went out on a very high note!

  Worth Consuming.

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Justice League International #67

In this, the penultimate issue of Justice League International, the Justice League is this close to reemerging as a full-fledged team after the betrayal of Max Lord and the UN and the death of Ice, when it appears that Max’s League Busters have come to finish the job they attempted to do on Mount Everest, during the Overmaster debacle.

The ending is very shocking on two very different fronts and sets up for both the final issue of this series and a 3-part Zero Hour tie-in that begins in Justice League America #92.

Worth Consuming

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

JLA Showcase 80-Page Giant

Almost a dozen stories about the JLA, ranging from when the League was in Detroit and Europe, as well as taking up residence on the moon. Almost a collection of lost tales- most work, like the Steel/ Aquaman team-up that includes bonding over pork rinds and Wally West and Black Canary matching wits with a Rumplestiltskin-type sprite.

The art was very, very good and I enjoyed reading most of these tales. With an anthology, you can’t expect all perfect tales. But, it’s good enough.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Justice League International #66 (Judgment Day, Part 6)

The Doomsday storyline ends with a death that I must say, saw coming from the start- and that’s not because I knew the character was dead from other sources.

This epic 6-issue crossover wasn’t bad. However, it’s not the best thing I’ve read or the best Justice League tale. It started off very confusing and full of poison with brother vs. brother. Then the storyline got cleaner but the art was absurd with tiny heads superimposed on way-too-muscular bodies.

This final chapter was very good and it was fitting. It began with the promise of change and in the end, that’s just what is going to happen. Task Force and JL America will continue on. But the days of JL International are numbered. I just wish the editor of these titles, a Mr. Rueben Diaz, was more upbeat and not a Joe Quesada-type who felt he was more important that the reader and the titles themselves. Hopefully, the future JL titles will have a more positive editor and slant.

Worth Consuming

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Justice League International #65 (Judgment Day, Part 3)

   Under pressure by the UN, and lacking faith himself, Max Lord has created a team that will hopefully keep the League at bay and stand down. Only, Lord's team accidently went and attacked those Leaguers who decided to not fight this Doomsday entity. 

   Things are getting really dull in this story all of a sudden. 

   Plus, is the UN the only entity who seems to care about the actions of the League? What about Superman, Batman, and other international teams like the Global Guardians and the Rocket Reds?

   Rating: 6 out of 10 stars.

Justice League America #89 (Judgment Day, Part 1)

In a massive cross-over involving the Justice Leagues America, Europe, and Task Force; recent events have unfolded in which it appears to be Judgment Day, as foretold in prophecy. Meanwhile, a power struggle between Wonder Woman and Captain Atom have caused the United Nations to lose even more faith in the Super Human community. That’s resulted in the threat of disbandment and thus, all 3 teams have been summoned together in an attempt to get the Leagues under control or else trim the fat.

With that problem on the horizon, a super-powered alien has taken over Mt. Everest as it’s command post and given the world a week left to exist. Thankfully, because he is a time-traveller, Booster Gold knows what’s about to happen next and it involves him being the hero to save the day for once. 

  In other words, the earth is doomed!

I understand the League’s gotten too big and reading previous editor’s note’s in the letter sections, I’ve been ready for this. But, the editor seems to not like his books and his missives seem like sour grapes. Thankfully, the writers and artists of these titles don’t seem to feel the same way and have put out a very good opening chapter to this epic.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Justice League International #64

Don’t know who Lionheart is? Don’t worry, neither do I. But in the light of the global crisis created by this mysterious cult, the Justice Leagues are stretched out thin on resources and are calling in everybody with a super power to help with the catastrophes plaguing planet Earth.

When some of the member’s head to the Himalayas to help with disaster relief, Maya, Power Girl, Metamorpho, and this Lionheart guy are faced with an even bigger threat- there’s not just one child whose been trained to become the next incarnation of Shiva- the Hindu god of destruction!

Not the best issue by far. For one thing, the writing of the characters is so very out of place. I’m okay with Metamorpho being on edge fearful with his new “acid” touch as it will seriously hurt someone. But, this Lionheart guy is supposed to be very regal and chivalrous as described by other characters. Yet, he’s a bigger windbag than Guy Gardner- and 50 times less likable.

Better try next time.

Rating: 5 out of 10 stars.

Justice League International #63

Are they just not trying anymore? The international cultist storyline is gearing up for an epic crossover between JLA, JLA, and the Justice League Task Force. Yet, as all the International members get together to save Metamorpho, Maya, and Power Girl, it’s all very chaotic.

Several false gods, including the Druid (as seen in the pages of JL Europe) are gathered under the influence of someone claiming to be Prester John, a fabled protector and possible king of England. Yet, as some of the characters go digging, it seems this Prestor John isn’t the real muscle behind this global conspiracy and end of the world nonsense.

I've come to the conclusion that I need to get caught up on what’s happening in JL America. Without it I am totally lost. However still, the writing and art are not up to par and this League has lost it’s magic with the absences of Hal Jordan and the Dibnys.

I am not a fan of this AT ALL!

Not Worth Consuming.

Rating: 2 out of 10 stars.

Justice League International #62

You will not believe the new look of Metamorpho. Tangling with Godfrey’s parents have caused a new sort of chemical change in Rex, meaning that without complete control he could melt anything and anyone with his touch.

A great twist on one of my favorite characters. Excellent book and a very satisfying conclusion to the Godfrey saga.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Justice League International #61

Godfrey’s family has come to claim their errant child. Leaving a path of destruction in their wake, the JLI must protect earth from this fearsome family. What’s worse? Daddy’s cocoon is starting to open and it’s reeking havoc with some of the superheroes powers and abilities.

Finally some answers on the mystery of Godfrey. Plus, Godfrey’s family are complete loons and they are a demented delight.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Justice League International #56

The castle embassy of the JLI is under assault from druids who want to bring

England back under a form of pre-Roman Celtic rule. Only Power Girl is able

to save the league, yet her mysterious pregnancy has developed a precaution

in the form of an astral shiel that envelops her every time she tries to attack the

marauding forces.

Quite a new pickle has developed and I love it. I’ve been thinking for several

issues now that a pregnant superhero probably shouldn’t being kicking butt and

taking names afterwards.

I absolutely love the cover. Beautiful rendering of Power Girl and excellent coloring!

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Justice League International #55

The issue sees two long-time members bidding adieu. Though I hate to see them go, I am glad that Gerard Jones decided to have the restored Leaguers go back to the 30th century and do what they can to save the robots from the human villains. Last issue introduced us to some of Godfrey’s abilities and so with that new ammo, the JLI feels more ready to go back to the future and face some more even odds.

The lame ending of the previous issue is totally forgiven with the new developments of this issue. Making for both issues to be very much worth consuming.

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Justice League International #54

In one of the better story-lines in the entire 1990s Justice League gambit, the Leaguers are undergoing some strange changes. Powergirl’s no longer pregnant. It takes Flash almost 8 minutes to run to Scotland from London. And Doctor Light is horny as all get out.

An intriguing story with a great mystery that’s solved in the cliffhanger. It’s a quality tale that puts the static Leaguers into some very refreshing different lights.

It makes the reader anxious to know what happens next- and fast!

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Justice League International #53

The past catches up with the Crimson Fox when her husband shows up from the dead! Expect new paramour, Metamorpho, to not take this new competition lying down. From the looks of the cover, he’s not gonna.

A really good story that explores more of the history behind the Crimson Fox and her two secret identities. The ending will shock you!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Justice League International #60

An old member returns, sorta.

The Crimson Fox had returned and it’s shocking everyone, non the least, Metamorpho. Thankfully, this story let’s both Fox’s other alter ego and the Element Man heal and that’s very rare to have such pathos in comics.

Bravo!

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Justice League International #59

More reincarnated god gang hi-jinx. Alhough this issue isn’t half bad. That’s mostly through the clever use of newly introduced character Godfrey.

The art continues to amaze. Though, Godfrey looks an awful lot like Swamp Thing painted purple. There’s a mystery behind his true identity, so maybe it is ol’ Swampy in purple ink. Who knows?!

And no- I don't own the copy of the book used for this image. No way would I still allow for a price tag sticker to be doing damage to an almost 25 year old comic.

Worth Consuming!

Rating 7 out of 10 stars.

Justice League International #58

The wispy fading visages of Doctor Light and Metamorpho seem to indicate that this story is a continuation of the previous issue (of which I wasn’t a huge fan of.) Alas, that’s not the case.

But the League is having to deal with this mysterious gang of reincarnated gods and it’s getting very confusing figuring out whose of who’s side and so forth.

Not bad story, but it has some very tangled story lines that need tying up badly.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Justice League International #57

This is a case of the cover not really doing anything that occurs in the book. It along with the story itself was sort of a let down and not exactly the best offering by JLI scribe Gerard Jones.

Again, the art is fantastic and I have no arguments there. It’s just not a memorable issue.

Rating: 5 out of 10 stars.