"Young Justice: Targets (2022 Mini-Series)" Talkback (Spoilers)

[M.O.D.O.K.]

We're halfway through the story and while some mysteries are resolved, others remain. Perdita is clearly a fake (and very obviously Everyman), but what is the endgoal of the plan? I would've thought a fake Perdita would've given control of Vlatava to The Light, but Everyman and Trajectory didn't really mind when she "disappeared" and sent Brion into a panic. So, the plot isn't as straightforward as that. And some folks called it that the flying goons are actually LexBots, but again, I don't think it's as straightforward as Lex Luthor being the main villain. Nice callback to Legacy with the Spider-Bots.

Out of the two hero teams, I think I liked the time spent with Dick's team more. I think this is probably the chattiest we've seen Stephanie. Cool that we saw her and Cass in their civvies as well. Steph looks a lot like her design in season 2, while Cass uses shades and a scarf to keep her identity secret. They did that annoying gag with her again where it seems like she's killed someone, only not really. But I did like her using ASL to communicate and observing body language to deduce they were bots.

Tim's team unfortunately didn't have as much to do. We hadn't seen Eduardo in a while and it was nice to see Looker doing some superhero action, but that's really about it. Oh hey, Tim can speak! I was amused that someone finally joked about Joe Henchy's last name and his life's work.

On the back-up, more of the recreation from the DC Showcase: Green Arrow short. Nothing too exciting beyond the (official) debut of Merlyn in this universe. He looks a lot like his version from that short. Cissie seems very close to Ollie while he's in a coma. I wonder if they're going with the implication that he is her biological father.

Overall, it's a more exciting issue than the last one, but it still feels like the plot pacing is a bit slow, especially considering the light amount of pages. I hope we get some resolution soon.

Other observations:

The Bat-Brats meeting with Dick, Tim, and Barbara displayed their icons, plus Cass and Steph's. Who is the "M" symbol in the middle representing?

We see Lizard Johnny in his Infinitor outfit, complete with a hoody. Celia Windward has also joined the team as Jet.

I think this is the first time we've heard Henchy's first name in a work. Though I'm sure Greg Weisman revealed that in an AskGreg answer.

I guess the Gargoyles of Notre Dame didn't join Tim's Raptor Squad after all. Oh well.

Nice touch that Beast Boy recognized it wasn't Perdita since she didn't ask about the coma victims.

 

[Frontier]

We're halfway through the story and while some mysteries are resolved, others remain. Perdita is clearly a fake (and very obviously Everyman), but what is the endgoal of the plan? I would've thought a fake Perdita would've given control of Vlatava to The Light, but Everyman and Trajectory didn't really mind when she "disappeared" and sent Brion into a panic. So, the plot isn't as straightforward as that. And some folks called it that the flying goons are actually LexBots, but again, I don't think it's as straightforward as Lex Luthor being the main villain. Nice callback to Legacy with the Spider-Bots.

Classic convoluted Light plan .

Out of the two hero teams, I think I liked the time spent with Dick's team more. I think this is probably the chattiest we've seen Stephanie. Cool that we saw her and Cass in their civvies as well. Steph looks a lot like her design in season 2, while Cass uses shades and a scarf to keep her identity secret. They did that annoying gag with her again where it seems like she's killed someone, only not really. But I did like her using ASL to communicate and observing body language to deduce they were bots.

It's like they're trying to make Cass into more of an edgier 90's hero than she actually was in the comics .

Tim's team unfortunately didn't have as much to do. We hadn't seen Eduardo in a while and it was nice to see Looker doing some superhero action, but that's really about it. Oh hey, Tim can speak! I was amused that someone finally joked about Joe Henchy's last name and his life's work.

A man with the last name "Henchy" thinking he's destined to be some dude's henchman is very on-point .

On the back-up, more of the recreation from the DC Showcase: Green Arrow short. Nothing too exciting beyond the (official) debut of Merlyn in this universe. He looks a lot like his version from that short. Cissie seems very close to Ollie while he's in a coma. I wonder if they're going with the implication that he is her biological father.

It's nice to see Merlyn but I can't help but feel "been there, done that" when I've already watched DC Showcase Green Arrow. Especially when it's not adding much new to the table.

Like, why not use the backup to give us Cissie's origin or background? I don't think they'd make her Ollie's bio daughter because that would take away from Connor Hawke (unless they have no plans for him), but these back-ups could be used to expand on characters, backstories, or relationships that we don't get to see the in show, not recapping a short that's free to watch on youtube.

 

[Yojimbo]

The Bat-Brats meeting with Dick, Tim, and Barbara displayed their icons, plus Cass and Steph's. Who is the "M" symbol in the middle representing?

I assumed it was Mist's darkwear icon since she was there on the op but now you got me second guessing. Of the 24 or so we've seen, it's a new one I believe. Funny they changed Spoiler's icon. Was a purple "S" on the show I think.

I think this is the first time we've heard Henchy's first name in a work. Though I'm sure Greg Weisman revealed that in an AskGreg answer.

That is correct on both counts.

 

[M.O.D.O.K.]

It's nice to see Merlyn but I can't help but feel "been there, done that" when I've already watched DC Showcase Green Arrow. Especially when it's not adding much new to the table.

Like, why not use the backup to give us Cissie's origin or background? I don't think they'd make her Ollie's bio daughter because that would take away from Connor Hawke (unless they have no plans for him), but these back-ups could be used to expand on characters, backstories, or relationships that we don't get to see the in show, not recapping a short that's free to watch on youtube.

I admit, I've never been a fan of the "Cissie may be Ollie's bio daughter" theory ever since it was implied in the comics, but I'd have to assume there's a reason she's standing by his bedside and holding his hand. It implies a stronger connection than any of the Harpers, at least.

I do agree that these back-ups could've been used to flesh out the characters and world more instead of just retelling a story we already know, unless there's a new factor we haven't seen yet. It doesn't help that the solicits made them sound like they'd be a bunch of new stories, but that's more on DC's marketing than on Weisman.

I assumed it was Mist's darkwear icon since she was there on the op but now you got me second guessing. Of the 24 or so we've seen, it's a new one I believe. Funny they changed Spoiler's icon. Was a purple "S" on the show I think.

I was initially thinking Tigress, but she had a different darkwear icon. Mist is a pretty good guess, but Dick's line implies it's a communication between Bat-Family members only. If it was open to the Team or Outsiders in the mission, it would've included El Dorado and Looker too.

 

[Frontier]

I admit, I've never been a fan of the "Cissie may be Ollie's bio daughter" theory ever since it was implied in the comics, but I'd have to assume there's a reason she's standing by his bedside and holding his hand. It implies a stronger connection than any of the Harpers, at least.

It wouldn't be the first protege that's very close to their mentor (I know Mia cared about Ollie a lot and the shows' take on Cissie feels kind of Mia-ish) but we really don't have a lot to go off of because of how little they've shown of Cissie up to this point.

Although I guess it would be kind of ironic that we saw Ollie help save her father from Black Spider even though in reality he was her actual father. Then again, Ollie and his kids are complicated .

I do agree that these back-ups could've been used to flesh out the characters and world more instead of just retelling a story we already know, unless there's a new factor we haven't seen yet. It doesn't help that the solicits made them sound like they'd be a bunch of new stories, but that's more on DC's marketing than on Weisman.

Maybe the backups and flashbacks will somehow bring it all together, story-wise .

 

[Yojimbo]

I was initially thinking Tigress, but she had a different darkwear icon. Mist is a pretty good guess, but Dick's line implies it's a communication between Bat-Family members only. If it was open to the Team or Outsiders in the mission, it would've included El Dorado and Looker too.

Well, maybe Mist decided to join the Bat-Family? She does happen to be on a squad with all Bat-Fam.

I'm not sure if everyone wears Darkwear. I figured it was a choice and some don't.

Also, who else thinks Professor Ivo built the robots? He came to mind immediately when it was noted it was above Vertigo's sophistication.

 

[Frontier]

Well, maybe Mist decided to join the Bat-Family? She does happen to be on a squad with all Bat-Fam.

Kind of random, but you never know what to expect from the show .

Also, who else thinks Professor Ivo built the robots? He came to mind immediately when it was noted it was above Vertigo's sophistication.

The robot "faces" kind of reminded me of Amazo's.

 

[Yojimbo]

Kind of random, but you never know what to expect from the show .

Artemis becoming Green Arrow's protege while not as random was the first time done ever in any medium, right? Weisman keeps up guessing.

The robot "faces" kind of reminded me of Amazo's.

Plus, a robot using multiple M.O.'s from other villains in way is like Amazo, too. Not same as power copying but similar. And a robot built to take orders, too. Hmm, yeah, feels like it's Ivo. It'd make some sense he was recruited by Lex Luthor to work on his robotics like the Spider Bots from Legacy which was what I was thinking in that Dublin incident back in season 3 before it turned out to be a sham. It is somewhat interesting that Ivo has been absent for a long time since that was just a robot duplicate in season 3. Wonder if there was some battle off-screen that really messed him up like how he was depicted in the comics for a bit and he's been kinda sidelined/invalid but his brain is still at work helping the Light build stuff with robotic assistance.

EDIT: But yeah, I'm sure the back ups will tie to the main story somehow and the last two or last one might be something new after the airport battle. But neat to see some little differences like Perdita grabbing his goatee, he's shot through the shoulder and the leg, Perdita tells him she came to see a heart specialist (which sets up Coldhearted). It is interesting that it seems to be all his proteges recounting the 'big story' Oliver told them all.

 

[Frontier]

Artemis becoming Green Arrow's protege while not as random was the first time done ever in any medium, right? Weisman keeps up guessing.

Also sometimes melding/compositing characters together, because YJ Artems is more like comic Cissie than it seems like YJ Cissie is so far.

Plus, a robot using multiple M.O.'s from other villains in way is like Amazo, too. Not same as power copying but similar. And a robot built to take orders, too. Hmm, yeah, feels like it's Ivo. It'd make some sense he was recruited by Lex Luthor to work on his robotics like the Spider Bots from Legacy which was what I was thinking in that Dublin incident back in season 3 before it turned out to be a sham. It is somewhat interesting that Ivo has been absent for a long time since that was just a robot duplicate in season 3. Wonder if there was some battle off-screen that really messed him up like how he was depicted in the comics for a bit and he's been kinda sidelined/invalid but his brain is still at work helping the Light build stuff with robotic assistance.

Or they couldn't afford to get Peter MacNicol back or fit in a cameo .

EDIT: But yeah, I'm sure the back ups will tie to the main story somehow and the last two or last one might be something new after the airport battle. But neat to see some little differences like Perdita grabbing his goatee, he's shot through the shoulder not the leg, Perdita tells him she came to see a heart specialist (which sets up Coldhearted). It is interesting that it seems to be all his proteges recounting the 'big story' Oliver told them all.

I think Dinah's flashback would probably add the most "new" content.

 

[Yojimbo]

Minor note, but Chris Jones confirmed that was Mist's darkwear icon.

EDIT: And the full version of #2 should now be available from all online vendors.

 

[M.O.D.O.K.]

Someone from the official Reddit page figured out that the first letters of the titles for both the main stories and back-ups are forming a secret message, just like they did in seasons 3 and 4. So far, the message "CHOSEN" has been spelled.

 

[Yojimbo]

Someone from the official Reddit page figured out that the first letters of the titles for both the main stories and back-ups are forming a secret message, just like they did in seasons 3 and 4. So far, the message "CHOSEN" has been spelled.

My first thought was "CHOSEN LOVE" doubling as a Shakespeare hat tip to A Midsummer Night's Dream and a nod to Garfield still being in love with Perdita. But then again, the other 2 were related to DC Comics.

 

[Frontier]

Maybe there's some kind of weird prophecy involving Perdita ?

 

[Yojimbo]

Issue Four of a six issue DC Universe Infinite digital first comic! Based on the upcoming DC Universe animated series from Warner Bros. Animation!

YOUNG JUSTICE: TARGETS #4 (of 6)




Written by: Greg Weisman
Art by: Christopher Jones
Colors by: Jason Wright
Cover by: Christopher Jones and Jason Wright
Variant Covers by: Meghan Hetrick (Variant) and Paul Renaud (Black Adam Variant)

"Foreign Affairs"
The search for Queen Perdita continues and the conspiracy behind her abduction deepens as Lex Luthor's involvement becomes apparent! Now the Outsiders and Gorilla Squad head to a Lexcorp robotics factory in Bialya to investigate further, and what they find will rock them to their core!

Digital Release Date: September 13, 2022 (DC Universe Infinite), October 13, 2022 (Full version, all digital retailers)
Print Release Date: October 25, 2022 (Local comic book shops)

Comments?

Related Links:
-Young Justice: Targets #4 comic at DC Universe

 

[Frontier]

"You're her ex!" And then Cassie's ex-boyfriend immediately starts talking .

 

[ShadowStar]

My first thought was "CHOSEN LOVE" doubling as a Shakespeare hat tip to A Midsummer Night's Dream and a nod to Garfield still being in love with Perdita. But then again, the other 2 were related to DC Comics.

Maybe it's "Chosen Family"?

 

[M.O.D.O.K.]

Probably my favorite issue so far. It's packed with characters, action, and some interesting reveals.

We finally catch up with the opening scene as the heroes trade information. It turns out that Perdita wasn't making a simple visit, but exchanging a discovery made in Vlatava. That discovery is the true target, and Count Vertigo's breakout, Perdita's kidnapping, and potentially her "disappearance" in Markovia might be distractions from that true goal. This was a nice surprise and it kept the story more interesting.

Too bad Cyborg couldn't join the Bialya mission. Fortunately, the Outsiders gain back up from old favorites like Static, Kid Flash, Blue Beetle, and more against the massive LexBot army. There's some good action, especially inside the LexCorp factory. It was nice to see Onslaught again, especially since we didn't see them at all in Phantoms. I was interested in their new recruit, Match. His mutation has gotten worse and he resembles the Elephant Man more with this swelled proportions. Though last time we saw him, the left side of his head was swelling, so I'm surprised his right side is massive instead. You'd think Onslaught would get another member that isn't just muscle, though.

The final reveal was pretty good as well. The element found in the Vlatavan mines ended up being Kryptonite, which has rather unsettling implications. But as Oracle tries to warn Superboy, both he and Match are ambushed by a brand-new villain: Juan Cordero AKA Metallo. I really like his design, as he's all cyborg except his head, and his robotic parts feel consistent with what we've seen of LexCorp's technology. It looks like he's a Latino version of John Corben, too. I'm intrigued as to why he called Superboy an "ingrate".

This time, the flashback is told by Lian in a rather touching attempt to reach out to "Uncle Ollie". While the section is pretty similar to the short, there's more key differences. Perdita takes the initiative to make Green Arrow a bandage, they don't talk about Vertigo, Henchy goes down a lot easier, and Merlyn ambushes the duo by the conveyor belt with a different line. The fact that Lian emphasizes that we know how this story ends makes me wonder if we're getting a bigger swerve. What if Vertigo ISN'T Merlyn's employer? Or what if Oliver doesn't get to propose to Dinah? We'll see.

Maybe it's "Chosen Family"?

Today's stories are "Foreign Affairs" and "Angry Wounds", so this could be it!

 

[Frontier]

It was nice to get more Outsiders action and Cassie leading the team in this issue, and it makes me wish we had gotten more of that in Phantoms instead of a Beast Boy depression arc that really didn't amount to much in the end .

Ah, Lian and her Uncle Ollie .

I love that image of Perdita hitting the robot with her purse as she's getting kidnapped .

I feel like they moved Cyborg out of the Outsiders into the League too quickly, but him helping the team out here kind of reminded me of Cyborg with the Titans in JLvsTT .

Stargirl being an internet reporter was a weird job they gave her, and seemed more like because of her VA being part of DC Nation at the time than fitting Courtney, but now I guess she can make reporter jokes as a Superhero .

Oh wow, Shimmer isn't immediately taken out for once .

Wonder Girl beating Devastation solo! Or not .

Match has gotten less Bizarro and more deformed...kind of feel bad for him .

I was wondering if they'd gone with an OC for Metallo or if there was another Metallo other than John Corben, but I guess they racebent Corben and tried to make his name more ethnically accurate? Or something completely different? I guess we'll get his backstory in the next issue and maybe that'll clear things up. But this shifted into being more Super-centric than I expected .

The backup continues to be DC Showcase Green Arrow, which is fun, but my complaints are still the same...yet it seems like maybe they're setting up some twists? Like is Green Arrow actually the target here instead of just Perdita ?

 

[Yojimbo]

I'm intrigued as to why he called Superboy an "ingrate".

More thoughts later but I took it as Metallo was being sarcastic since he took down Match with Kryptonite exposure and Superboy is standing there not saying "thanks."

 

[M.O.D.O.K.]

Match has gotten less Bizarro and more deformed...kind of feel bad for him .

Yeah, Match is downright pitiable at this point. If he survives this and they managed to capture him, I hope M'gann can help heal his fractured mind or something, at least.

I was wondering if they'd gone with an OC for Metallo or if there was another Metallo other than John Corben, but I guess they racebent Corben and tried to make his name more ethnically accurate? Or something completely different? I guess we'll get his backstory in the next issue and maybe that'll clear things up. But this shifted into being more Super-centric than I expected .

Yeah, I was expecting something different between the focus on Beast Boy and the trip to Bialya, but I guess we're focusing on Superboy more. I mean, Phantoms was also pretty Super-Centric too.

The backup continues to be DC Showcase Green Arrow, which is fun, but my complaints are still the same...yet it seems like maybe they're setting up some twists? Like is Green Arrow actually the target here instead of just Perdita ?

That's another good theory, and it would fit with the main story's theme of hidden/misdirected targets.