Human Target

The Human Target is the name of two fictional characters in American comic books published by DC Comics. The first is Fred Venable, while the second is private investigator and bodyguard Christopher Chance who assumes the identities of clients targeted by assassins and other dangerous criminals. Chance has been in numerous books published throughout the decades and has also appeared in television adaptations.

Chance has appeared in two self-titled TV series in 1992 and 2010, portrayed by Rick Springfield and Mark Valley respectively, and made guest appearances in the Arrowverse TV series Arrow, portrayed by Wil Traval.

The first character to use the "Human Target" title (Fred Venable) appeared in Detective Comics #201 (November 1953), and was created by Edmond Hamilton and Sheldon Moldoff.

The second character to use the "Human Target" title (Christopher Chance) first appeared in Action Comics #419 (December 1972) and was created by Len Wein and Carmine Infantino. Later, the feature appeared in Batman titles such as The Brave and the Bold and Detective Comics. He starred in a limited series, a one-shot, and then an ongoing series written by Peter Milligan and published under DC's Vertigo imprint. In 2021, Tom King and Greg Smallwood began a 12-issue limited series for DC's Black Label imprint.

Writer Peter Milligan and Edvin Biukovic revived Christopher Chance in 1999, moving the character to DC Comics' Vertigo imprint for a four-issue limited series. The mini-series was followed by the graphic novel Human Target: Final Cut, as well as a series lasting 21 issues until its cancellation in 2005.

The Human Target story "The Unshredded Man" was analyzed as an example of depictions of the September 11 attacks in American popular culture.

• The Christopher Chance incarnation of the Human Target appears in a self-titled series (1992), portrayed by Rick Springfield. This version is a Vietnam War veteran in addition to being a private investigator and bodyguard who charges ten percent of a client's annual income to take their place. Additionally, he is assisted by eccentric computer genius Philo Marsden, who designs high-tech masks for Chance to use in conjunction with sophisticated makeup; Jeff Carlyle, the chauffeur, cook, and pilot for Chance's mobile base of operations, the Blackwing; and Lilly Page, an ex-CIA agent who helps coordinate Chance's missions.
  • Chance appears in the tie-in one-shot The Human Target Special #1.
• The Christopher Chance incarnation of the Human Target appears in a self-titled series (2010), portrayed by Mark Valley. This version is a former assassin who utilizes undistinguished cover identities that put him close to his clients rather than assuming their identity himself and is the fifth individual to take on the name "Christopher Chance", having inherited it from an unnamed guardian (portrayed by Lee Majors). Additionally, he is assisted by former police officer Winston, independent contractor Guerrero, financier Ilsa Pucci, and retired cat burglar Ames.
  • Chance appears in a tie-in comic miniseries, written by Len Wein and art by Bruno Redondo.
• The Christopher Chance incarnation of the Human Target appears in Arrow, portrayed by Wil Traval. This version is an old friend of John Diggle.

• Christopher Chance at the Comic Book DB (archived from the original)
• Human Target at IMDb (1992 television adaptation)
• Human Target at IMDb (2010 television adaptation)
• Chance's publication history at "Thrilling Detective"
• HumanTarget at Don Markstein's Toonopedia. Archived from the original on February 5, 2016.