Review of "THE HUMAN TARGET", "The X-CELLENT ", "STRAY DOGS", and "Star Wars: Be More Boba Fett"
/This week I, Jason, grabbed a couple of different books to get us started. The first is something I’ve been reading for a while and have been excited to get like I haven’t been in years.
THE HUMAN TARGET by Tom King & Greg Smallwood on DC Black Label ($4.99)
Before I even read a word I’m blown away by the cover art. Greg Smallwood brought the fire with the 50’s inspired art. Even down to the back where the days on the pin up calendar get marked off as they move through the story. The alternate covers are pretty rad as well. One being an homage to the classic CLUE game & “Whodunit” murder mysteries. While the art is fantastic, we still need a good story to tie it together. Tom King does not disappoint. The mix of characters they bring to the table is probably the highlight for me. I won’t ruin it all for you but anytime you get Guy Gardner & Booster Gold together, I’m in.
Here’s the official DC Comics blurb:
“Christopher Chance has made a living out of being a human target—a man hired to disguise himself as his client to invite would-be assassins to attempt his murder. He’s had a remarkable career until his latest case protecting Lex Luthor when things go sideways. An assassination attempt Chance didn’t see coming leaves him vulnerable and left trying to solve his own murder...as he has 12 days to discover just who in the DCU hated Luthor enough to want him dead.
Human Target is a hard-boiled, gritty story in the vein of classic detective noirs told by bestselling and critically acclaimed creators Tom King and Greg Smallwood!”
To wrap up, this could be my favorite book of the year so far.
Image Source: DC Comics
STRAY DOGS: Dog Days by Tony Fleecs & Trish Forstner on Image Comics ($4.99)
I’m going to be honest with y’all. I didn’t read STRAY DOGS.
But after reading this, I’m going to. I really like the art and the way this particular book is set up.
From Image:
“A series of vicious short stories howling straight out of the pages of STRAY DOGS, 2021’s surprise cartoon/horror smash hit! In DOG DAYS, each stray will get their moment to shine—questions will be answered, mysteries will be solved, and old wounds will be torn open. Starting this December…every dog has its day.”
There’s not much to tell other than it has drawn me in (no pun intended). I’m excited to review STRAY DOGS when I pick it up. Stay tuned.
THE X-CELLENT by Peter Milligan & Artist Michael Allred on Marvel Comics ($3.99)
Rounding out the comics portion this week, THE X-CELLENT! Uhm. What can I say? It’s a hoot. It’s funny and timely. It just makes sense in 2022.
From Marvel:
“They were loved by their adoring fans. They were reviled by the harsh press. They lived, they loved, they fought and they died…a lot - all for the sake of fame. They were the X-Statix, a team of mutant celebrities fighting for a brighter world and an even brighter spotlight! But they're old news now, because there's a new mutant team that will live harder, love harder, fight harder and die a whole lot harder than those has-beens! Peter Milligan, Michael Allred and Laura Allred return to introduce the best new super hero team you didn't know you needed! Meet…THE X-CELLENT!”
From me: It’s humorous and I already hate several characters. LOL. I’m also impressed with the level of actual words in the book. For $3.99 I think it’s a great break from the norm without breaking the bank. It’s serious without being serious. Again, very 2022. I think this will be a sleeper hit and definitely a series that will have a very loyal fanbase. I for one will continue to read even though they killed my favorite character in the first book. But hey, that’s what it’s all about.
Star Wars: Be More Boba Fett by Joseph Jay Franco
My last review isn’t a comic book. It’s Star Wars: Be More Boba Fett by Joseph Jay Franco. This is a hardcover book meant for the shelves of the super elite. Or those who want to be more elite. I think. The premise of the book is simple. How to be a freelancer in the works and words of Boba Fett. A ‘book of Boba Fett”, you might say. While the book isn’t your ideal inspirational book, it does have some really great words of wisdom. I really like it. Here’s my favorite:
“BE BOLD
In a competitive marketplace, those who are bold enough to take big risks earn big rewards. Some opportunities might be too much for the average contractor, but you want to make it so that no job is too hard for you to handle. This might mean taking the really tough assignment, accepting a seemingly impossible task, or simply standing eye to eye with a giant slug who enjoys watching gruesome
executions.”
”Show no fear and go for the big jobs—you will be rewarded in the end.”
Makes a great gift for that Star Wars person in your life (we all have one), who wants to get more out of their experience. To really dig in and get motivated. Or just have a good laugh.
Warning controversial content ahead: Considering Boba is the “enhancement talent” of the Star Wars universe and kind of got his butt handed to him by a blind guy and a slow moving worm.
All and all, I loved the book and would highly recommend it. This is the way….to freelancing. Click here to buy.
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