Dial H #1 Review

By MrComicBook on May 03, 2012 with Comments 0

The second wave of DC’s new titles has started, offering up a diverse amount of new titles to their young universe. One of the most interesting titles in that new batch is Dial H. Dial H #1 is a very interesting start to a new series.

I’ll admit before I go on, that I have never read anything by China Mieville before. But the premise has me hooked. The idea that this very un-hero like person could be a bunch of different heroes is a unique one. Mieville starts the book with numerous pages of dialogue, and gives the reader a good handle on Nelse and Darren are, and their relationship. They are relatable, if not overly sympathetic. Nelse can be kind of a douche, but this issue seems to hint that he will become heroic as the story goes along. Like any good #1, Dial H #1 sets up a lot of questions for readers to ponder each month. None of them are all encompassing and need to remain a secret, as most of them will be answered as time goes on. Also like any good #1, it gets you hooked. Mieville has set up this little part of the DC universe well. By the end of the issue, the reader has a firm grasp on who the main characters are, and who will be the side players. There is even hint of a romantic relationship. If this series does stay around, it’s going to very unique, as we have a very out of shape hero. Much like the rest of this book, it sticks to super hero tropes while also shaking them up a little.

On the super hero side of the things, there are plenty of questions as to what is going on. As stated before, it’s an interesting set up with plenty of longevity for stories. Much like Locke & Key, a reader will be trying to remember all the combinations of calls and what they turn our hero into. The two heroes that come out of the phone booth aren’t exactly original, but they are interesting. They fit the situations and don’t overstay their welcome. It’s clear the real hero of this book is Nelse, and that the super heroics are going to be a side plot. This is going to work in the book’s favor in the long run, as succumbing to super heroics won’t separate it from the rest of the DC bunch much. Mieville seems to have plenty of ideas ready for potential super heroes. Overall, Mieville has set up a nice little book.

Much like Mieville, I’m not familiar with Mateus Santolouco’s work. But I’d like to be now. His pencils fit every scene without missing a beat. The Boy Chimney scene is chaotic and crazy, fitting how Nelse’s mind is feeling while all of this happens to him. The panel structure rivals Swamp Thing for originality, and the pages are very easy to read. And the second Nelse is back to his normal self, so are the panels. It really helps to set the atmosphere for the book. Boy Chimney also has some great design, being something that the reader can’t’ stop looking at because he’s interesting, but also very creepy. Captain Lachrymose doesn’t get as many interesting panels, but his super hero look is still interesting.

Dial H #1 is off to a good start, and fans looking for something different in their super hero books should give it a shot.

Dial H #1 gets 4/5.

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MrComicBook

Senior Writer, Entertainment Reviewer & Editor at ComicBookTherapy

Kevin Finnigan is long time comic fan. He studied American History in college, wanting to become a teacher. As you can see, it didn't work out. He reads books by all the big publishers, and dabbles in indie publishers as well.