In the tenth chapter of The Human Target by Tom King and Greg Smallwood, we get another famous Justice League International member to guest star. This member of the former JLI is probably one of its most ridiculous members, but there is a soft spot for their brand of shenanigans. The way Tom and Greg play G’Nort makes him very tolerable and helpful to our Human Target. What new information will Christopher Chance and the reader learn in this issue?
This new issue hit me differently than the previous ones, and I wonder if it could be because Tom King will be writing the upcoming Batman: The Brave and the Bold from DC’s new Dawn of DC initiative. If there were a body of work that could justify Tom King’s potential for success with this new version of The Brave and the Bold, it would be this volume of The Human Target. Here is proof of Tom’s writing and story matching the formula of a consistent character teaming with a different guest star in almost every new issue. Here Tom King managed to make G’Nort enjoyable and valuable to the story plot, helping the main character. I was amazed to enjoy G’Nort as much as I did – I usually can’t stand him.
This issue also gave us quite a twist; as seen from the preview, Christopher Chance knocks out Ice to continue his investigation. We have seen this before, but in this solo venture, Chance gets a set of results that will make that ending a brutal cliffhanger to wait with. I appreciate that there is more movement on Chance’s investigation, and it helps to make you question guest-starring characters’ motivations. So, a reread might be in order to see if there were hints earlier. I appreciate that Tom King plays to the JLI members and their relationships, especially with some of the bonds being stronger among certain members.
With this issue having G’Nort guest star, artist Greg Smallwood gets some substantial challenges to his abilities. In this issue, the setting changes from our usual view from the hotel or some typical terrain setting. Here we go to outer space to the planet OA. Smallwood uses the Green Lanterns’ home world to be a visual in various shades of green that still make it fresh and grand on its initial page. Smallwood doesn’t stop with the shades of green there; he also uses them when we see the flashback panels to Christopher Chance’s life. I like how they are played in green, as it makes you feel like you’re reading the GLC’s file on Chance.
Tom King also uses that file for a wonderful character moment to help sober Chance up to the realization of his upcoming death. The page where Chance is processing his life and the current situation is a fantastic combination of writer and artist, making the reader feel for their character. When Chance says he is scared, I’m highly concerned! Chance finally confronting two members of the JLI also shows just how clever a non-powered character can be facing superheroes.
The Human Target #10 is a fascinating issue. Get ready for everyone to be talking about “One-Kick” as we get G’Nort booting a Guardian in the face. Issue #11 needs to get here quickly!
Join the AIPT Patreon
Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:
- ❌ Remove all ads on the website
- 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
- 📗 Access to our monthly book club
- 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
- 💥 And more!
You must be logged in to post a comment.