Human Target #1

Human Target #1, published by DC Comics in 1999, served as the debut of a Vertigo-imprint miniseries centered on Christopher Chance, a bodyguard who physically adopts the identity of his clients to draw out assassins. While the character originally appeared in the 1970s, this specific iteration was penned by Peter Milligan and illustrated by Edvin Biuković, leaning into a gritty, neo-noir aesthetic that explored the psychological toll of constant impersonation. The creative team aimed to ground the high-concept premise in a moody, character-driven narrative that distinguished it from traditional superhero fare.

The series was well-received for its polished visual storytelling and complex exploration of identity, with Biuković’s sophisticated, fluid line work becoming a hallmark of the title. Critics noted that the 1999 launch effectively updated a pulp-inspired concept for a modern audience, blending tension with introspective writing. It remains a notable example of the diverse, genre-bending storytelling that defined the Vertigo line during the late 1990s, cementing the character's legacy beyond his sporadic appearances in the decades prior.