Dial H For Hero #6 Embraces The Concept Of Heroism
by Tony Thornley
Besides reinventing the H-Dial mythology and existing as a just plain fun comic, Dial H for Hero has explored the larger themes of being a hero. It’s a point that’s hammered home by this last issue of the first arc, a story full of chaos, action, and answers to some big questions.
Sam Humphries, Joe Quinones, Scott Hanna, Jordan Gibson, and Dave Sharpe bring the first chapter of Miguel and Summer’s adventure to an end.
While Miguel and Robby Reed are still trying to overcome their obstacles in the heroverse, Summer finds herself alone in Metropolis, again transformed into LoLo Kick You to try to save the day. However, the city is overrun by Mister Thunderbolt’s newly transformed heroes, all of them causing more chaos than they’re helping. Can the duo reunite in time to save the day, or will Mister Thunderbolt accomplish his goals?
Humphries again tells an incredibly fun, action-packed story, however he gives it room to breathe in order to get us into Miguel’s head more. In rediscovering himself, and embracing his insecurities as a part of himself, rather than a weakness, he’s able to step up as a hero. It dives deep into this theme, revealing that the series has been about this all along, and really helping us as the reader see what we need to do to become a hero.
Alongside a great deeper meaning to the story, the art is astonishing. Quinones with Hanna’s help knocks this issue out of the park, both drawing on his own style and the homages that has made the series shine. We see Quinones mimic everything from Alex Ross (on both the Kingdom Come-inspired cover and several Marvels-inspired interiors) to the Simpsons, to classic Nintendo, to Mike Allred, and possibly every other art style and artist in-between. It’s a visual tour-de-force, which gets even better with Gibsons’ fantastic color work.
If this series ended here as originally intended I’d definitely be satisfied (but naturally wanting more). We saw a complete hero’s journey, but also some exceptional art and some deeper meaning behind the frantic road trip. However, I’m thrilled that we’re getting a continuation immediately, as it gives us a chance to see how Miguel embraces his destiny, how Summer continues to grow as a hero, and naturally more of Quinones’ absolutely incredible art.
This series should be considered a rightful classic, and I can’t wait to see where Humphries, Quinones, Gibson and team takes it next.
Dial H For Hero #6 is available now from DC Comics.
