I guarantee you'll like this book. And I'm going to put money on it.
Okay, so I just saw the Top 300 for February. And I saw H.E.R.O. #1 ranked lower than I expected it to. I don't know the guys working on this book, I've just read it. And it's fucking great. I want to read more. I want this book to catch on so I can read more. So here's my offer:
Buy H.E.R.O. #1 -- if you don't like it, email me at GeoffJohns@aol.com and I'll arrange to buy it BACK from you. This is the new Y: The Last Man -- it's under-ordered and it's going to grab people. It may not become a top 10 book, but it will become a sought-after book and it will find an audience.
So to refresh your memory here is my review of #1 written back in November...
It's just been solicited for release in February, but when I was in New York a few weeks ago I managed to convince Peter Tomasi to pass me a black-and-white of #1. I was really intrigued by the premise. I also enjoyed Will Pfiefer's work on Finals (a mini-series he and Jill Thompson did for Vertigo) and Kano's pencils are reminiscent of Eduardo Risso.
I'm reviewing H.E.R.O. #1 now because, like Y: The Last Man, I'm betting this is going to be under-ordered and, by some of you, overlooked. Now's your chance to reserve a copy.
Let me also add that although the "H-Dial" (a device that turns the bearer into a random super-powered hero) has been in DC lore for years -- you don't need to know anything about its history or the DCU upon reading this issue. Go in fresh.
What's it about?
Watch as a strange device passes hands and transforms normal people of different backgrounds, ages and beliefs, into super-heroes. And see the highs and lows of its effects on them.
From what I know about the series, each story arc will focus on a different individual coming into contact with the mysterious dial. And as we follow the dial from person to person, so will others with their own motivations.
When I heard the premise and read issue 1 it felt very much like a cross between Grant Morrison's Animal Man and 100 Bullets -- two of my favorite series of all time. The street level and grounded approach and the twist on ones super-hero expectations have immediately grabbed my interest. Everything is laid out beautifully, the pacing is smooth, the characterization incredibly solid and intricate.
I don't want to spoil much here but we open with our lead on a payphone suicide hotline. Why in the hell would someone who was granted super-powers be on a suicide hotline?
Read the book.
I get my DC comics for free, but there are a few titles I buy off the stands. This is definitely going to be one of them.
