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Human Target #1
Human Target
Christopher Chance has made a living off of making himself a human target. A master of disguise, he cunningly takes on the appearance and persona of men and women with contracts out against them. But when a routine assignment to impersonate an African-American minister with a bounty on his head goes south, Chance is soon caught between a lethal assassin and a vicious gang war. As this psychological thriller takes the reader through a roller coaster of unexpected twists and turns, it is soon...
In the psychological thriller HUMAN FINAL CUT, Christopher Chance, a unique bodyguard that assumes the identity of the person that he is protecting, finds himself caught in a tangled web of Hollywood deceit, drugs and duplicity.
While posing as an elderly film actor, the Human Target successfully takes down and kills the man who has been extorting aging thespians. But when Chance learns that the extortionist has also kidnapped a child actor, the master of disguise must impersonate his...
In the psychological thriller HUMAN FINAL CUT, Christopher Chance, a unique bodyguard that assumes the identity of the person that he is protecting, finds himself caught in a tangled web of Hollywood deceit, drugs and duplicity.
While posing as an elderly film actor, the Human Target successfully takes down and kills the man who has been extorting aging thespians. But when Chance learns that the extortionist has also kidnapped a child actor, the master of disguise must impersonate his...
104 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2000
1 person is currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Peter Milligan
1,298 books390 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
Peter Milligan is a British writer, best known for his work on X-Force / X-Statix, the X-Men, & the Vertigo series Human Target. He is also a scriptwriter.
He has been writing comics for some time and he has somewhat of a reputation for writing material that is highly outlandish, bizarre and/or absurd.
His highest profile projects to date include a run on X-Men, and his X-Force revamp that relaunched as X-Statix.
Many of Milligan's best works have been from DC Vertigo. These include: The Extremist (4 issues with artist Ted McKeever) The Minx (8 issues with artist Sean Phillips) Face (Prestige one-shot with artist Duncan Fegredo) The Eaters (Prestige one-shot with artist Dean Ormston) Vertigo Pop London (4 issues with artist Philip Bond) Enigma (8 issues with artist Duncan Fegredo) and Girl (3 issues with artist Duncan Fegredo).
Series:
* Human Target
* Greek Street
* X-Force / X-Statix
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
Peter Milligan is a British writer, best known for his work on X-Force / X-Statix, the X-Men, & the Vertigo series Human Target. He is also a scriptwriter.
He has been writing comics for some time and he has somewhat of a reputation for writing material that is highly outlandish, bizarre and/or absurd.
His highest profile projects to date include a run on X-Men, and his X-Force revamp that relaunched as X-Statix.
Many of Milligan's best works have been from DC Vertigo. These include: The Extremist (4 issues with artist Ted McKeever) The Minx (8 issues with artist Sean Phillips) Face (Prestige one-shot with artist Duncan Fegredo) The Eaters (Prestige one-shot with artist Dean Ormston) Vertigo Pop London (4 issues with artist Philip Bond) Enigma (8 issues with artist Duncan Fegredo) and Girl (3 issues with artist Duncan Fegredo).
Series:
* Human Target
* Greek Street
* X-Force / X-Statix
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 5, 2024
"In my former unreconstructed days, I might have balked at using a steak knife on a lady. So you can thank the feminist movement for your demise." -- bodyguard / private investigator / master of disguise Christopher Chance, a.k.a. 'The Human Target'
"**** you, Chance!" -- merciless assassin Emma Connors, a.k.a. 'Emerald,' quoting Shakespeare?
In one word: ugly. It's been a while since I've read such a downbeat and dreary graphic novel. Take an unconventional character who has been bopping around the DC universe for (at least at the time of publishing) about thirty years, but twist everything into a dark and dingy narrative in which there are no heroes, and most of the featured characters have a troubled or schizophrenic bent to them. I'm not sure which was my least favorite moment - the assassin Emerald opening fire on an outdoor cafe populated by many innocent bystanders (including gunning down a police officer attempting to intervene), or the notorious local narcotics kingpin who jumped in front of a barrage of bullets (thus becoming somewhat of a martyr) that were intended to fell a rabble-rousing preacher who regularly spoke out against the neighborhood's drug trade. The rear cover may be tagged with that 'suggested for mature readers' indication, but I would have a difficult time suggesting this book to anyone.
"**** you, Chance!" -- merciless assassin Emma Connors, a.k.a. 'Emerald,' quoting Shakespeare?
In one word: ugly. It's been a while since I've read such a downbeat and dreary graphic novel. Take an unconventional character who has been bopping around the DC universe for (at least at the time of publishing) about thirty years, but twist everything into a dark and dingy narrative in which there are no heroes, and most of the featured characters have a troubled or schizophrenic bent to them. I'm not sure which was my least favorite moment - the assassin Emerald opening fire on an outdoor cafe populated by many innocent bystanders (including gunning down a police officer attempting to intervene), or the notorious local narcotics kingpin who jumped in front of a barrage of bullets (thus becoming somewhat of a martyr) that were intended to fell a rabble-rousing preacher who regularly spoke out against the neighborhood's drug trade. The rear cover may be tagged with that 'suggested for mature readers' indication, but I would have a difficult time suggesting this book to anyone.
Read
January 16, 2021A comic very much in the classic Vertigo style: provocative, unusual, and very much a different animal than other comics of its genre and style. Milligan proved himself to me as an inventive, subversive voice in comics, and one that I would like to keep encountering.
Milligan's story here is well paced, fast yet not lacking in terms of character and theme. He can be provocative, yet doesn't become petulant or uber-edgy in his approach like DeConnick or Miller. He is cutting and playful with his political commentary, certainly it was apparent, but it felt more subtle in its approach than other comics of its type with political commentary, and luckily it didn't become self important like some other books that I could name.
Biukovic's art is also good, though I was reminded of the dirty, almost sleazy style of R.M. Guera's work on Scalped when reading through this arc. I was quite saddened to hear that we lost a talent of Biukovic's skill so early, and I much preferred his style to Javier Pulido, who would take over in some of the later arcs. It once again that only the good seem to die young, more often then not.
Full review here.
Milligan's story here is well paced, fast yet not lacking in terms of character and theme. He can be provocative, yet doesn't become petulant or uber-edgy in his approach like DeConnick or Miller. He is cutting and playful with his political commentary, certainly it was apparent, but it felt more subtle in its approach than other comics of its type with political commentary, and luckily it didn't become self important like some other books that I could name.
Biukovic's art is also good, though I was reminded of the dirty, almost sleazy style of R.M. Guera's work on Scalped when reading through this arc. I was quite saddened to hear that we lost a talent of Biukovic's skill so early, and I much preferred his style to Javier Pulido, who would take over in some of the later arcs. It once again that only the good seem to die young, more often then not.
Full review here.
July 28, 2021
I understand the concept, just unsure of the execution, and what is up with the woman?
February 3, 2011
I've come to expect a lot from Milligan over the years, and while this isn't his best series, the opening arc is strong. This is the least bizarre story I've read from him: it's mostly an action-packed (if rather dark) spy story, though that doesn't mean it is, by any stretch 'normal'. Once again, his penchant for plunging deep into character psychology and interrelationship pays off.
It certainly shouldn't surprise us to see a theme of lost self-identity in a book about a man who lives the lives of others, but Milligan's take is fresh and filled with those little, surprising bits of verisimilitude that mark him as the preeminent literary voice in comics, even in a less mind-bending story.
Unfortunately, Milligan doesn't expand much upon these themes in later volumes, as the series unfolds, we tend to get more of the same. It's unusual to see a Milligan who isn't pushing his own boundaries, but perhaps he felt limited by the setting, or it could be his way of writing a simpler, more accessible series.
Biukovic's art is solid and evocative, and it's a certain shame to have lost his talent so young. His replacement by Pulido in the next volumes is a big loss for the series, as the soft, light colors and blocky, cartoonish characters are hardly a good match for an introspective hard-boiled spy story.
My Suggested Reading In Comics
It certainly shouldn't surprise us to see a theme of lost self-identity in a book about a man who lives the lives of others, but Milligan's take is fresh and filled with those little, surprising bits of verisimilitude that mark him as the preeminent literary voice in comics, even in a less mind-bending story.
Unfortunately, Milligan doesn't expand much upon these themes in later volumes, as the series unfolds, we tend to get more of the same. It's unusual to see a Milligan who isn't pushing his own boundaries, but perhaps he felt limited by the setting, or it could be his way of writing a simpler, more accessible series.
Biukovic's art is solid and evocative, and it's a certain shame to have lost his talent so young. His replacement by Pulido in the next volumes is a big loss for the series, as the soft, light colors and blocky, cartoonish characters are hardly a good match for an introspective hard-boiled spy story.
My Suggested Reading In Comics
May 5, 2017
Human Target is a 1999 graphic novel written by rockstar comic book writer Peter Milligan, the
man behind a stellar run on Shade the Changing man. It follows Christopher Case, an elite con artist with a knack for impersonation. Be you a billion dollar business tycoon, or a pastor in a crime infested back alley, he will assume your identity and draw fire to himself, for a price. In the process, not only will he become a physical clone of you, but also become you.Down to the very little aspects of what makes you, you.
Human Target deals with what it does to one's mind to assume so many different identities, assimilating not only physical get ups, body language, but also one's memory and thought processes. The novel very subtly allegorizes how we do it everyday, in our day to day lives, assuming different personalities wherever needed. How our lives are often a testament,
an unflinching altar to artificiality.
While, the tale shines in terms of ideas, motifs and thematics it lacks in characterization. The 4 issue mini series moves forward very swiftly, with a cast of passable characters which i feel needed more breathing room to develop. The protagonist is probably one of the blandest anti-heroes I've encountered. But I've come to know there is a volume 2 of the series which ran from 2004, and maybe there will be more on the characters. The plot is swift, complex and well executed within the meager four issues with a vibrant, with a color that often reminds me of Glass Paintings in Churches, and the approach is the most prominent in the final issue
However, the world of Human Target is a very intriguing one (I can't help but be reminded of John Wick). A world of powerful people running the show from the shadows, a thriving market for shapeshifting impersonators where villains, and heroes alike need someone to draw fire off
of them, or to deliver their final sermon to the world after they have passed on. It's beautifully and
tastefully brought to life by Edvin Biukovic.
man behind a stellar run on Shade the Changing man. It follows Christopher Case, an elite con artist with a knack for impersonation. Be you a billion dollar business tycoon, or a pastor in a crime infested back alley, he will assume your identity and draw fire to himself, for a price. In the process, not only will he become a physical clone of you, but also become you.Down to the very little aspects of what makes you, you.
Human Target deals with what it does to one's mind to assume so many different identities, assimilating not only physical get ups, body language, but also one's memory and thought processes. The novel very subtly allegorizes how we do it everyday, in our day to day lives, assuming different personalities wherever needed. How our lives are often a testament,
an unflinching altar to artificiality.
While, the tale shines in terms of ideas, motifs and thematics it lacks in characterization. The 4 issue mini series moves forward very swiftly, with a cast of passable characters which i feel needed more breathing room to develop. The protagonist is probably one of the blandest anti-heroes I've encountered. But I've come to know there is a volume 2 of the series which ran from 2004, and maybe there will be more on the characters. The plot is swift, complex and well executed within the meager four issues with a vibrant, with a color that often reminds me of Glass Paintings in Churches, and the approach is the most prominent in the final issue
However, the world of Human Target is a very intriguing one (I can't help but be reminded of John Wick). A world of powerful people running the show from the shadows, a thriving market for shapeshifting impersonators where villains, and heroes alike need someone to draw fire off
of them, or to deliver their final sermon to the world after they have passed on. It's beautifully and
tastefully brought to life by Edvin Biukovic.
April 5, 2020
A one man Mission: Impossible team, Christopher Chance disguises himself as his clients and lives their lives in order to protect them from whatever danger they face—in effect he becomes a Human Target. Originally created in the 70’s by Len Wein and Carmine Infantino this 1999 reboot could have used another issue to help set things up better and to help with the overall flow of the story, it felt a little cramped and would probably leave a little lost anyone unfamiliar with Chance and why he does the things he does. As it was Peter Milligan tells an interesting story where all the principles—the not so pure Rev James Earl, stylish gangster and soon to be TV show consultant Dee Noyz, assassin at large Emerald, Human Target understudy Tom McFadden and Chance himself—all have secret lives that will come light. I liked the dip into madness and potential loss of identity that Milligan brings to the concept, and I especially loved the start of the climax where Chance unwittingly addresses to everyone gathered at the end about facing one’s self as they truly are in a moment of truth. Those few pages held a cinematic flair and was the high point of the story. Edvin Biukovic’s Art is crisp, clean and carries the action quite well. The story ends with one outstanding mystery—who wanted Christopher Chance dead? (The answer comes in the sequel, the Final Cut)
May 9, 2018
Peter Milligan es de esos autores que hacen volar tu mente con tremendos diálogos.
Los primeros 2 números de Huma Target son muy interesantes; te hacen querer entrar en la vida y personalidad de Christopher Chance. Sin embargo, sentí como que se perdió un poco... Como si de pronto las páginas para cada número fueran demasiado pocas y, al final, nos presenta una historia buena -pero se queda ahí-.
Es un buen arco, pero para ser Milligan, siento que no tiene esa intensidad a la que nos tiene acostumbrados.
Los primeros 2 números de Huma Target son muy interesantes; te hacen querer entrar en la vida y personalidad de Christopher Chance. Sin embargo, sentí como que se perdió un poco... Como si de pronto las páginas para cada número fueran demasiado pocas y, al final, nos presenta una historia buena -pero se queda ahí-.
Es un buen arco, pero para ser Milligan, siento que no tiene esa intensidad a la que nos tiene acostumbrados.
June 15, 2024
Re-read
A bit more action packed than a typical Milligan book but very very good. Taking Human Target and playing with the loss of identity is very fun. Putting so much on Tom McFadden vs Christopher Chance was odd BUT that changes by the next volume.
A bit more action packed than a typical Milligan book but very very good. Taking Human Target and playing with the loss of identity is very fun. Putting so much on Tom McFadden vs Christopher Chance was odd BUT that changes by the next volume.
October 5, 2020
A very quick read, nothing spectacular. Vulgarity for the sake of vulgarity and an overplayed spy cliché narrative.
July 4, 2024
The art was fantastic. Similar to Kevin Maguire. Very expressive. I followed the plot mostly. Not sure about D Noyz's storyline. It's worth a digital read.
Want to read
March 31, 2019Synopsis: if your life is in danger, call Christopher Chance. A master of impersonation, he's an assassin's nightmare. This time it's difficult.
December 27, 2014
Local Comic Book Store had a $1 trade paperback sale. As I flipped through every title on the table I notice a title that inspired a show that I quite enjoyed.
So, it turns out the TV series had little more in common with its source material than the names, and maybe attitudes, of the characters. Excuse me while I act sarcastically surprised.
SURPRISE!
I enjoyed the TV series, but I'm pretty sure I would have enjoyed this as a series even more. In the comics, Christopher Chance, the Human Target, impersonates other people--taking over their lives--in an effort to protect them from assassins, attackers or whatever other dangers might ail them.
The story twists and turns all over the place. In the end it plays out like a spy/gang thriller version of the Looney Tunes sketch where Sam the Sheep Dog and Wile E. Coyote keep taking off disguises until one is a stick of dynamite and the other is toast. Right up my alley.
This is my first exposure to both writer Peter Milligan and artist Edvin Biukovic. It seems Milligan is known for this kind of deeply psychoanalytical character analysis. I might have to seek out some of his non-Human Target stuff after I finish the other HT Trade I picked up. I thought Biukovic's art was great as well. His expressive faces really sold the story and emotions of the characters. Combined with Lee Loughridge's colours the art here really sells the deep, tortured stories of the characters.
I was sad to discover at the end of the trade that he's no longer with us. Brain tumor it seems.
My main issue with the book is one that happens to a lot comics, when you're diving through old trade paperbacks. For the most part, the story is self-contained. But one arc doesn't really resolve itself by the end. Also, with a title like this, that's started and stopped so many times over the years, if you are enticed enough to continue on, it can be hard to determine what book you'll need to pick up next. This particular series appears to continue into Human Target: Final Cut... which I think I will have to track down sometime.
So, it turns out the TV series had little more in common with its source material than the names, and maybe attitudes, of the characters. Excuse me while I act sarcastically surprised.
SURPRISE!
I enjoyed the TV series, but I'm pretty sure I would have enjoyed this as a series even more. In the comics, Christopher Chance, the Human Target, impersonates other people--taking over their lives--in an effort to protect them from assassins, attackers or whatever other dangers might ail them.
The story twists and turns all over the place. In the end it plays out like a spy/gang thriller version of the Looney Tunes sketch where Sam the Sheep Dog and Wile E. Coyote keep taking off disguises until one is a stick of dynamite and the other is toast. Right up my alley.
This is my first exposure to both writer Peter Milligan and artist Edvin Biukovic. It seems Milligan is known for this kind of deeply psychoanalytical character analysis. I might have to seek out some of his non-Human Target stuff after I finish the other HT Trade I picked up. I thought Biukovic's art was great as well. His expressive faces really sold the story and emotions of the characters. Combined with Lee Loughridge's colours the art here really sells the deep, tortured stories of the characters.
I was sad to discover at the end of the trade that he's no longer with us. Brain tumor it seems.
My main issue with the book is one that happens to a lot comics, when you're diving through old trade paperbacks. For the most part, the story is self-contained. But one arc doesn't really resolve itself by the end. Also, with a title like this, that's started and stopped so many times over the years, if you are enticed enough to continue on, it can be hard to determine what book you'll need to pick up next. This particular series appears to continue into Human Target: Final Cut... which I think I will have to track down sometime.
August 2, 2015
Christopher Chance, the Human Target. When your life is on the line and you need someone to take your place and handle the threat, Chance is the man to call. A master of disguise, Chance completely takes on the appearance and persona of his client while on the case.
This collects the Human Target mini-series from DC's Vertigo imprint. Vertigo had gained a reputation of taking older, lesser-known DC properties and adulting them up, making the stories more mature. The Human Target mini-series is one of those. It is certainly a well-handled storyline, and clearly sets things up either for a second mini or a regular, monthly series.
This would also be the inspiration for the Fox series of the same name with Mark Valley in the role of Chris Chance.
This collects the Human Target mini-series from DC's Vertigo imprint. Vertigo had gained a reputation of taking older, lesser-known DC properties and adulting them up, making the stories more mature. The Human Target mini-series is one of those. It is certainly a well-handled storyline, and clearly sets things up either for a second mini or a regular, monthly series.
This would also be the inspiration for the Fox series of the same name with Mark Valley in the role of Chris Chance.
August 12, 2008
Looking back, The Human Target is the perfect character for Peter Milligan to tackle. The questions about identity, becoming other people, how much can you change of yourself before you are someone else, why psychology doesn't work...that's exactly the type of stories the Croenberg of comics writes.
If they were to ever make a Human Target movie, this would be the perfect adaption for it. Personally, I'd cast George Clooney as Christopher Chance, and Mark Whalberg as Tom McFadden, but that might only be because Edvin Biukovic draws the characters similar in appearance to those stars.
If they were to ever make a Human Target movie, this would be the perfect adaption for it. Personally, I'd cast George Clooney as Christopher Chance, and Mark Whalberg as Tom McFadden, but that might only be because Edvin Biukovic draws the characters similar in appearance to those stars.
December 16, 2009
Great renewal of an old character. A psychological thriller that deals with the issue of identity both in who we think we are and who we pretend to be. Fantastic art by Biukovic, who died much too soon. the fluidity of motion and emotion he was able to render on the page is hard to match to this day.
July 13, 2013
I will admit, I came to this book as a fan of the (for the first season, at least) quite enjoyable show almost negligibly based on this character. No surprise, then, that I was disappointed. But I intend to revisit the series at a later date, attempt to approach it on its own merits, and see what it holds.
September 14, 2014
Leído en la edición de dos tomos que sacó Norma hace varios años (supongo que Planeta lo habrá vuelto a editar, me tengo que fijar). Un comic prácticamente impecable que es culpable de volverme fan (casi) incondicional de Milligan. Cuando lo pueda releer escribiré su merecidísima reseña.
August 15, 2010
Read this mostly by accident and Oh man. This deals with identity and race with the nuance of a sledgehammer. The character concept--the twin, doubling etc holds potential but this should have been twice as long.
November 8, 2009
A pretty interesting character, but not necessarily very compelling.
June 23, 2011
Confusing yet boring storyline. The art, in my opinion, was murky, and had a weird color palette.
April 6, 2012
Pete Milligan took a great 70s era silver age character and reinvented him in an amazing and logical way, making the Human Target one of my favorite series from DC.
September 15, 2012
Forget the middling television show (ever so) loosely based on Milligan's work, and read the comic instead. If you do, you'll find a meditation on identity dressed up as a comic-book thriller.
July 2, 2013
A fun story of changing identities and pulpy action.
August 27, 2014
One of the best Human Target comic I read so far.
June 29, 2025
Great mind job.
February 26, 2010
To listen to my review go to V for Vertigo, Episode 51 at http://vforvertigo.blogspot.com
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews