Human Target #17 Review

Archive

Reviewed by: Mathan “Rick Springfield?” Erhardt
Story Title: You Made Me Love You

Written by: Peter Milligan
Penciled and Inked by: Cameron Scott
Colored by: Lee Loughridge
Lettered by: Clem Robins
Cover by: John Watkiss
Editor: Karen Berger
Publisher: Vertigo/DC Comics

The issue begins with the daily life of Patricia Jones. She’s a “Jane Average.” But she finds herself in harms way after a date tries to kill her. Fortunately an agent of the FBI comes to her rescue. Y’see “Patricia Jones” is really Maggie Stains, a woman who turned state’s evidence against her husband and landed in the Witness Protection Plan. Unfortunately her husband is still trying to kill her and almost successful.

Since she needs a new ID, she turns to the master; Christopher Chance. During their initial meeting, two goons attack Maggie. Chance decides to help her adopt a new identity.

She undergoes plastic surgery to alter her appearance. Chance sets her up with a new name, backstory, and life. He teaches her how to believe it, and how to sell it. So much so that the goons who tried to attack her during her meeting with Chance recognize him but not her.

As a result of the success Chris and “Virgina” decide to celebrate, in the carnal sense. After that we get an interlude with Chance and his girlfriend Mary, which hints at a past story.

Then we find Maggie, taking a day off from being “Virginia.” Chance finds her and chastises her for her lack of devotion to her new life. Tempers flare and an argument ensues. Chance leaves and Maggie follows. She doesn’t like what she sees, which causes her to drown her sorrows. The issue ends in an unsettling way.

Milligan again shows his ability as a writer. The character at the focus of the issue isn’t Chance, it’s Maggie. We learn through her. It’s fun and enlightening. Robins manages to make letters look threatening and sound effects scream pain.

Stewart isn’t the “regular” fill in artist, but he does so very well. His style very much matches the look of the book, and doesn’t take away from the read. He also has a flair for action sequences, as seen in the patio scene. The colors are superb. This is just a fine looking issue.