I love Christopher Chance.
Ah, wait, let me clarify; I love the Vertigo version of Christopher Chance. Peter Milligan’s run on the character is one of my all time favorite sagas. It’s a collection that I actually cherish. It’s one of the comics that I actually offer to share with people who ask me for recommendations. Hell, I’m sure that I’ve actually given it as gifts to my cousins. I love that character.
To be fair, I’ve never read the original Len Wein/Carmine Infantino version of the character so there’s a shot that I’d be equally enamored with his Action Comics exploits. Maybe one day I’ll track down his every appearance and die happy that I’ve got a complete Human Target collection.
I can say that I’m not really a fan of the Human Target television program that recently wrapped up it’s midseason run on FOX. It’s a relatively inoffensive show that barely insults my intelligence and it’s something that I can easily “watch” while I’m doing something else. But it’s not the Human Target that I know and love. It’s like some weird hybrid between 24 and Burn Notice; it’s got action, quirky characters, mystery and bits of humor. However it’s completely lacking the intelligence that was injected into the Vertigo title and that breaks my heart.
The reason why I’m writing this is because the show is currently “on the bubble” (meaning the network has yet to decide if it’s coming back or if it’s cancelled) and I’ve yet to decide if I’m rooting for it or against it.
On one hand, it’s continued success increased the likelihood of a) the full Milligan run getting collected in trades and b) Milligan returning to the character. There’s also the possibility that as the show continues it could feature storylines from the Vertigo run. Since it’s network television it’s be neutered and watered down versions, but I’d still geek out all the same.
Of course on the other hand; I’m really not that big a fan of the show. I mean, as a tv show it’s perfectly fun escapist entertainment. Everything is pretty much straightforward; twists are telegraphed and the audience is spoon-fed. It’s just that’s almost nearly the antithesis of the comic, which makes it almost infuriating.
As entertaining as Chi McBride and Jackie Earle Haley are, their “Winston” and “Guerrero” don’t make for the complete lack of Bruno (the restaurateur/sidekick from the comics.)
And the reinterpretation of the concept of “Human Target”, from “master of disguise” to “bodyguard” was equally disappointing. I can appreciate that a show without a lead actor might have difficulty finding an audience, but there’s got to be something said about staying true to the source material.
But despite my gripes and beefs, I don’t want to be one of those fanboys who threatens a boycott because their precious favorite character undergoes growing pains while adapting to a new medium. I hate that and it really makes the rest of the comic book community look bad by association.
Like I said, I’m really torn.
I’m supporting it as much as I can. I’m watching episodes on Hulu and even picking up the current miniseries, despite the fact that I could barely stomach reading the first issue (I told you; I love Christopher Chance.)
May 17th is right around the corner and that’s when FOX announces their fall line-up. It’ll also be when we learn the fate of Human Target. I really don’t know how I’m going to feel about the news. But I do know that I’ll be eagerly waiting for the word to be released.
