Human Target #10 Review

Archive

Reviewer: Mathan “I remember the ABC pilot” Erhardt
Story Title: Five Days Grace

Written by: Peter Milligan
Penciled and Inked by: Cliff Chiang
Colored by: Lee Loughridge
Lettered by: Clem Robins
Editor: Karen Berger
Publisher: Vertigo/DC Comics.

Christopher Chance has the uncanny ability to not only walk in another man’s shoes, but walk like that that person as well. He uses this ability to impersonate people who are in over their heads. He’s been a baseball player, a movie executive, a priest and a radical from the 60’s.

This issue finds Chance meeting up with an old friend. Jim Grace is in prison. But he escapes in order to spend some quality time with his wife. Y’see he was arrested just two days after they were married. So he asks Chance to impersonate him, while he spends some time with his wife. All he wants is seven days with his wife and then he promises to return to prison. Chance gives him five days.

From there we see Jim return to his wife, who is less than elated to see him, while another “Jim” holds some police officers hostage. Since “Jim” is showing his face in public and maintaining a public appearance, it allows Jim to please his wife the way only a husband can.

On day two, “Jim” gets in a bar brawl, while Jim takes leave of his wife and visits a girlfriend, clearly taking advantage of being out of prison.

On day three Jim and the wife take a second honeymoon in Las Vegas. Meanwhile “Jim” evades the criminals who want his head because he testified against a mob boss. Back in Vegas Jim visits yet another girlfriend.

Day four sees Jim and the wife trying to savor their time together. She tries to convince Jim that maybe Chance would rather be “Jim.” Jim convinces her that a deal is a deal.

Day five comes and both Jim’s agree to meet and return to status quo. But sadly someone overhears the plot and the end isn’t pretty. In fact it’s rather shocking, but I won’t spoil it. Suffice it to say you won’t be disappointed.

Milligan has a knack for reading human nature. This issue really showcases that. What man, fresh from prison and knowing that he’s going back, isn’t going to sleep with every woman that he can? Plus there is the very real fear that Jim is going to double cross Chance, and stay out of prison. The moments between Jim and his wife are touching a tragic. And the conversations between Chance (as Jim) and Jim are equally interesting to read. The ending makes complete and utter sense. Milligan has created another perfect issue.

Chiang’s art is awe-inspiring. It is dynamic and fluid, yet maintains amazing clarity. As a guy who lives in Las Vegas, I can vouch for the Vegas scenes. The action of the fugitive Jim scenes and the passion of the lover Jim scenes provide an excellent contrast. I also appreciated the appearance of some familiar faces from 100 Bullets, back when Chiang was that book’s assistant editor.

The colors on this book are marvelous. From the vibrant Vegas scenes to the angry oranges and reds used in the stand off scenes, everything looks great. And Robins always delivers excellent lettering. Upon a second read you notice the subtleties of what words are emphasized, and when Jim’s narrative is used. While you are aware of this contribution initially, you don’t become fully aware until subsequent readings.