Dial H # 1 2012 NM-

Dial H # 1, released on May 2, 2012, is the debut of a surreal, Hugo Award-winning series by novelist China Miéville. Part of DC’s "Second Wave" of The New 52, the series reimagines the Silver Age Dial H for Hero concept with a dark, psychological tone. 

The story follows Nelson Jent, an out-of-shape, unemployed slacker in the run-down town of Littleville, Colorado. 

• Discovery: After witnessing his friend Darren being beaten by thugs, Nelson attempts to use an old phone booth to call for help.
• Transformation: By dialing 4-3-7-6 (the letters for H-E-R-O), Nelson is transformed into bizarre, short-lived superheroes.
• Consequences: These transformations are random and often carry the memories and psyches of the heroes, which begins to take a psychological toll on Nelson. 

Featured Superheroes in Issue #1 

Nelson assumes two distinct personas in this debut issue, which reflect aspects of his own life: 

• Boy Chimney: A gangly, brick-skinned figure who controls smoke and toxic fumes (representing Nelson's heavy smoking).
• Captain Lachrymose: A hero fueled by intense sadness who can induce crippling depression in others (representing Nelson's own depression). 

Creative Team 

• Writer: China Miéville.
• Artists: Mateus Santolouco (Penciler/Inker) and Brian Bolland (Cover Artist).
• Editor: Karen Berger.