Review: Dial H for Hero #1

If you want to feel old for a moment take look at how long it has been since there was a Dial H for Hero comic, and also realize that the idea of dialing a phone is as foreign to many of today“s youth as the pony express or the telegraph. So is this a relaunch doomed from the start? Of course not. Being retro is the new modern. At least that is what the kids tell me.Â Just look at the return of vinyl records. Ultimately quality will win out and Dial H for Hero #1 shows there are some calls still worth making.

That call does not happen immediately as much of the issue is spent telling the story of Miguel and what exactly made him the right person to handle this responsibility. His link to superheroes started when he was young and had a freak accident. Luckily for him, Superman was nearby the lend a helping hand. Ever since that moment he has been trying to find a way to relive that thrill. Unfroutinilty he hasn’t found a way quite yet even though he has plenty of reason to want to escape. Now living with his Uncle after an apparent tragedy occurred with his parents, he is stuck working at a mayo themed food truck instead of going off on major adventures.Â Â

It is interesting when you look at how much this compares to another Wonder Comics title Namoi. As both characters have lost their biological parents and have this deep desire to find something grander for themselves. Considering their situation it makes sense. If these are meant to be normal everyday kids in a world of superheroes the logical assumption would be that they would view those heroes as a possible way to capture something larger for themselves. Who Miguel is outside of that desire and his tragedy is still unknown. As a first issue, this is just stepping its toe in the water to provide a sense of what to generally expect moving forward.

On the downside that limits Miguel to more of an archetype than a fully fleshed-out character, however, it does allow for a broader scope to present more pieces of his world. Such as other key characters that will no doubt play a major role moving forward. Even the Dial-H concept is only briefly touched upon. When the phone call comes the reason is still unknown, but it at least helps save is life. When the call is made he becomes a superhero and this issue shows who that superhero is will be random and unpredictable. Artist Joe Quinones does most of the heavy lifting showing how it works in practice rather than a complex description. It is a welcome move as Quinones new design is fantastic as it sells the magic of the moment.

Quinones works well for this story. His character designs are more on the cartoony side which fits the tone. He does show major range as once the Dial H powers kick in the look and feel drastically changes. The colors become more muted and the design of the characters have more of a nineties edge. Based on sheer look it appears he went from digital tools to the classic pencil to make everything feel hand-drawn. Again showing you can allow the art to fill in the details instead of getting lost in overt exposition.

One criticism of Quinones“s art is there were a few times where his panel designs hinder the flow of the story. Where some left panel stacking undercut so major moments like Miguel first saying those words of power. Those moments were few and far between and typically minor, however a little fine-tuning could make this book look even better. Letterer Dave Sharpe also deserves a great deal of credit for solidifying the general look of this title. He used a number of different dialog balloons and font choices to fit each particular moment. It helped differentiate the real from this new found fantasy. Each major sound effect blended into the art with great effect by enhancing the moment but never overtaking the imagery on the page. Â

Final Thoughts:

Dial H for Hero #1 continues Wonder Comics streak of crafting comics that open the door for brand new readers but also have the right injection of nostalgia to welcome the old. This proved to be a great example of how small adjustments in the art can go a long way in establishing a story’s concept. Some enhancements are needed in the characters to allow it to distance itself from similar stories even within its own imprint. Still, it is great to read comics like this again that have the aura of imagination born through the desire to cure one“s curiosity.

[yasr_overall_rating]

Writer: Sam Humphries
Artist: Joe Quinones
Letter: Dave Sharpe

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Daniel Clark

A fan of all things comics. Growing up on a healthy diet of 90's Batman and X-Men cartoon series ignited a love for the medium that remains strong today.