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Young Justice: Targets #1(DC Universe Infinite Digital First Edition)
- Writer:
- Greg Weisman
- Artist:
- Christopher Jones
- Letterer:
- Wes Abbott
- Cover Artist:
- Christopher Jones, Jason Wright
- Publisher:
- DC
- Price:
- $1.99
- Release Date:
- 2022-06-14
- Colorist:
- Jason Wright
Technically speaking, restoring Young Justice was the original Snyder Cut movement. Fans clamored for six years before the critically acclaimed animated show returned to screens. As the show continues to delight audiences, the franchise once again sets its sights on the world of comics. Created by Greg Weisman, Christopher Jones, Jason Wright, and Wes Abbott, Young Justice: Targets #1, the first in a six-issue miniseries, aims to share some of the magic from the animated series with comic book readers around the world.
The issue picks up after the events of Season 4 of the animated series. Queen Perdita visits Star City and stops by S.T.A.R. Labs to discuss business. The Young Justice crew keeps an eye on her to ensure that nothing bad happens to Count Vertigo's niece. However, Perdita's rendezvous in Star City doesn't go according to plan, as some unexpected visitors swoop in, and an almighty battle breaks out. This issue also features a backup story that explores the reason Roy Harper is adamant about keeping Perdita safe at all costs.
A lot has happened on the animated show, and Weisman is clearly aware that he's writing for both diehard fans and readers who might not have caught up with all the latest episodes. Instead of littering Young Justice: Targets #1 with winks and nods to the series, he keeps it simple and tells a story that doesn't rely on previous knowledge of the show. At the same time, Weisman demonstrates his understanding and investment in these characters. His faithful adaptation of the source material helps him deliver a tale that could just as easily function as an episode of the show.
Jones doesn't mess around with the winning art formula, either. There's a silent understanding of a specific Young Justice style that must be adhered to, and Jones doesn't try to reinvent the wheel. His treatment of the fight scenes, in particular, grabs the eye as the action feels frenetic and sprawling. Once the action starts, he refuses to come up for air. This unrelenting approach pulls the audience into the excitement to create an immersive and entertaining reading experience.
Wright's colors invigorate these special moments in Young Justice: Targets #1. He utilizes the same shades and textures as the animated series, but he also harnesses a vibrant tone that feels specific to the comic medium. Abbott's lettering also deserves a special mention as the sound effects exhilarate and heighten the intensity of the action scenes. It's equally impressive to see how Abbott gives each of the different sound effects with their own unique lettering style.
While Young Justice: Targets #1 might be targeted at fans of the animated show, it acts as a fantastic gateway for those who may be curious but haven't checked out the franchise yet. The first issue also features a different cast of heroes and villains who aren't associated with the Bat-Family -- something that many fans have wanted from DC for quite some time now. This issue is further proof of the extensive and exciting nature of the DC universe.