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The Human Target #11
DC Comics

Comic Books

‘The Human Target’ #11 review: Love is a dangerous weapon

Christopher Chance is getting closer to his last days. How will he spend that time?

Last time in The Human Target, Christopher Chance dropped a massive bombshell by revealing that he knows about Guy Gardner’s actions in this plot. Now we get more details, but a wild cliffhanger will make you take note of this issue. You’ll find yourself on an emotional roller coaster as items come to light. Tom King and Greg Smallwood are putting the pieces front and center for us to see how it happened, but now they’ll put the readers in a situation wondering what happens next.

The Human Target #11
DC Comics

Tom King delivers a somber script with this issue, but it makes sense how he plays Christopher Chance’s actions. With the story having some reflection, it helps the reader to take notes and maybe even put themselves in Chance’s shoes. King’s rendition of the character seems like someone who has lots of experience but hasn’t truly lived. Having Chance and Ice become an item or fling has been a significant event in Chance’s life, and you can understand why Chance would feel the way he does about Ice.

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Last issue, it felt like Chance and Ice would be at odds with each other, but it plays incredibly differently on these pages. King’s writing presents to us that Christopher Chance does see Ice in a different light, and in the end, he isn’t going to worry about what has happened, finally living in the moment instead of looking for the answer or escape. To balance that, King gives Ice some very intense, emotional moments. There was a part in Ice’s words where she talks about her passing and return but not getting closure with the murder. That explanation helps to set up what is an exciting cliffhanger.

The Human Target #11
DC Comics

Overall, The Human Target #11 is a very somber issue, but the flashbacks and monologues are profound character moments. This is a series that helped to develop Ice from being almost background to a compelling character. King’s words and Smallwood’s art come together very gracefully to help showcase her as a dramatic character, putting her in a situation of a noir story about the “dame who killed me” or the “crook with a heart of gold.” Her anger and breakdowns drive the drama of the issue, and I like that Tom King helped build them up so they seem more natural once the truth comes to light.

Greg Smallwood might not have chances to show big fights or mighty heroics, but he does play the soap opera brilliantly. There is a page where Christopher Chance and Ice are lying down talking with each other. Smallwood draws the emotions so vividly on Ice, as you can see when it hits her and how much it hurts. An emotionally-driven issue like this is probably very challenging, but Smallwood is a champion. The different layouts help to keep you interested in how dynamic the presentation is without becoming repetitive. The last two-page spread will become art people will talk about, then the last panels, with the focus off the characters, help to elevate the suspense.

With The Human Target #11, Tom King and Greg Smallwood craft an issue that shows how passion can complicate life and death. Christopher Chance finally sees beyond the mystery and seeks a deeper meaning. Ice can’t accept her pending loss. The creative team gives us a tale that showcases these hurting hearts.

The Human Target #11
‘The Human Target’ #11 review: Love is a dangerous weapon
The Human Target #11
With The Human Target #11, Tom King and Greg Smallwood craft an issue that shows how passion can complicate life and death. Christopher Chance finally sees beyond the mystery and seeks a deeper meaning. Ice can't accept her pending loss. The creative team gives us a tale that showcases these hurting hearts.
Reader Rating1 Vote
8.8
Smallwood plays the colors of the atmosphere perfectly to reflect the joy and anger that Chance and Ice are feeling as they continue their affair
King gives Ice some story elements that help to give her stronger presence instead of just a member of the team
Soap opera dynamics that work to propel you into moving beyond the mystery how this happened, but wondering what they will do next
While a beautiful issue, this does play to parts that could've been shortened to make this a quicker read instead of drawing it out to 12 issues
8.5
Great
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