REVIEW: ‘Dial H For Hero,’ Issue #4

Summer has just begun, which is the perfect time to pick up some new comic issues. Luckily for comic book fans, things are finally starting to heat up in the Dial H For Hero comic series. Dial H For Hero #4, published by DC Comics’ imprint Wonder Comics, is written by Sam Humphries, illustrated by Joe Quinones, colored by Jordan Gibson and Arist Deyn, and lettered by Dave Sharpe.

In the previous issue, Miguel and Sam arrive at Central City to ask The Flash for help but they quickly realize that he may not really be there. Corrine, the police offer who took the H Dial from Miguel in issue #2, has been talking to the operator. He instructs her to use the H Dial as a way for Miguel to get it back. He and Sam manage to revert Corrine back to human form and make their way to find Superman. A major surprise revealed at the end of the issue is that the operator is Robby Reed, the original owner of the H Dial.

This issue picks up with Miguel and Sam finally having arrived at the Justice League Detroit Headquarters hoping to find Superman. However, they run into Snapper Car, one of the sidekicks and poster boys for the Justice League. Snapper tells them that he hasn’t been on good terms with the League and was tasked to watch over the Detroit Headquarters. Meanwhile, the spirit of Mister Thunderbolt is seeking to reunite with his body. He comes up with a plan to distract Sam and Snapper long enough to convince Miguel to free him.

One of the elements of the mini-series that I have come to really appreciate has been Miguel’s inner monologues. Most of them have been letters he would send to Superman. They’ve provided both moments of character development and comedic relief. In this particular issue, they are included as a way for Miguel to express his excitement and grievances. There’s a monologue at the very end of the comic that serves as the set up for Miguel’s final step to becoming a true hero. This technique is often used in other pieces of literature, but Humphries has managed to implement it as a means for readers like myself to fully relate to Miguel.

After three issues, we are finally introduced to Mister Thunderbolt, the main villain in the mini-series who has been after the H Dial. The comic leads us to believe that he is a powerful being who is capable of great evil. It would be hard to believe but any villain that is causing harm in spirit form isn’t messing around. Humphries did an incredible job with writing him as a menacing and comedic villain. It would be a mistake to think that Mister Thunderbolt wasn’t serious about his plans but it’s great that he’s still able to be comedic. Quinones’ design for the character is completely menacing. It’s a perfect blend of class and power that embodies evil.

Aside from the introduction of Mister Thunderbolt, another major highlight was the comedic elements. The best comedic moment in the issue comes from the transformations at the hands of the H Dial. Some of the heroes that both Sam and Miguel have transformed into in the past have been hilarious, but nothing tops their transformations in this issue. Once again, Humphries and Quinones’ creations just add to how incredible this comic series has been.

Things are finally starting to get serious for Miguel. The ending will surely leave readings eager to find out what Miguel will do next. His journey to becoming a true hero is about to take the next step. I’m hoping that the doesn’t sidetrack the incredible plot development that his character has been given. Even though he still thinks that Superman can only help him, Miguel’s about to find out that he needs to be his own hero.

Dial H For Hero #4 is available now wherever comic books are sold.