REVIEW: ‘Young Justice: Targets,’ Issue #1

Young Justice: Targets #1 is written by Greg Weisman, illustrated by Christopher Jones, colored by Jason Wright, and lettered by Wes Abbott. It’s published by DC Comics. Two months after the events of Young Justice: Phantoms, the superhero community is rocked by the kidnapping of Queen Perdita of Vlatava, who’s been a friend to many heroes and even more to Beast Boy. With Green Arrow and Black Canary out of commission, various superhero teams—including Beast Boy’s Outsiders—leap into action to save Perdita.

When Young Justice returned for its third season, many fans hoped for a continuation of the tie-in comics as they helped flesh out the world of Earth-16. A large part of what made them a must-read event is that Weisman, who serves as the co-showrunner and co-creator of Young Justice, also wrote those comics. With Targets, he crafts a story that pays homage to the espionage setup that fuels the show and his first DC Animated work—he scripted a Green Arrow animated short which featured Oliver Queen saving Perdita from being assassinated by her villainous uncle Count Vertigo. The fact that Queen and Black Canary have an extended fight sequence alongside Bowhunter Security—led by his former sidekick, Will Harper/Red Arrow—shows that Weisman still has a love for the Emerald Archer.

Jones also had a journey of his own, as he started illustrating the Young Justice tie-in series and eventually landed a job doing storyboard revisions on Phantoms. This is reflected in his art, which has a sleeker and more animated look. A key example occurs during the fight scene between the Arrow Family and the trio of armored assailants who snatch Perdita. When Clayface, now a member of Bowhunter Security, leaps into action, it looks as though he’s literally flowing into his clay form. Likewise, when Green Arrow and Red Arrow pull off one of their signature moves, it feels like Green Arrow is leaping through the air. Wright’s bright colors and Abbott’s bold lettering, which gives oomph to Black Canary’s sonic scream and Arsenal’s laser arm, truly make this series feel like it’s part of the Young Justice universe.

A bonus story focuses on Will Harper, revealing a mission from his past and his burning desire to protect Perdita. This continues Phantoms’ homage of paying tribute to the ten-year history of Young Justice and more or less confirms that Targets is Red Arrow’s “story arc.” In addition, Weisman has ensured that each issue will feature a similar “memory” focusing on the past of Young Justice, which I think is an excellent approach as it adds to the history of this world.

Young Justice: Targets #1 continues the forward momentum from Young Justice: Phantoms with a story that taps into the espionage and emotional elements that drive the series. With future issues slated to cover every corner of Earth-16, Young Justice fans will no doubt want to pick up this series. Hopefully, interest in the series will convince Warner Bros. Discovery to greenlight the fifth season of Young Justice.

Young Justice: Targets #1 is currently available to read on the DC Universe Infinite app and will be available in print form on July 26, 2022.