Comic Book Flashback

[kybearfuzz]

I've posted about this before, I think. As a kid, one of my favorite comic characters was "Dial 'H' for Hero" where two kids found magical dials that would transform them into a variety of superheroes for one hour. Kids (and grown ups) would submit their heroes for consideration in the hopes of seeing their hero in print and to win a tee-shirt. In my pre-teen years, I sent several heroes in and never won a thing. I wish I could remember some of the heroes I sent in, but I'm sure I'd cringe in horror at how bad they were.

Or maybe I wouldn't. One of the fun things about it was that the heroes were basically quick, throw-away characters you'd never see again. Most had a singular power and an easy-to-draw costume. Some had lengthy, tongue-twisting names that no sane hero would pick for the long haul.

So last night, while watching a Norweigan horror movie from Netflix, I was doodling and came up with these two heroes that would have fit the Dial "H" motif pretty well. Now if I could only get that tee-shirt.

Comments

[blockade-boy.livejournal.com]

Pure early 80's! Especially Invulnerable Girl's goggles, thigh-high boots and Ms. Marvel hair. Well done, sir.

I remember a character called "The Moth" (I think) submitted by "Danny Vozzo." I always wondered if it was the same Daniel Vozzo who a mere decade later would ruin scores of Vertigo comics with his sloppy, murky coloring...

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I remember those early Dial "H" characters usually had those long, sweeping hairstyles, made famous by Carmine Infantino's artwork.

I think the Moth was the first male Dial "H" hero when the series was relaunched (along with "Futura" as Vicki Grant's first change). I can't believe you remember the creator for the Moth! You have a great memory. The only creator I can remember was a guy named "Stefan DiStefano" I think. I only remember him because it seems he created a ton of them (he must have quite a storehouse of tee-shirts).

[dendren.livejournal.com]

ugh, those 80s Infantino hairstyles drove me nuts. I liked his 60s and 70s work but for some reason by the 80s he got annoying to me LOL I did love Dial H for Hero tho. I'll have to pull out those Adventure Comics and re-read them one of these days.

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

I think he did some awesome work in the 1970's, especially on the original Spider-Woman series. My favorite was the "Sins of the Flesh" issue where Jessica Drew inadvertantly dates a man who's skin is literally alive and seeks out warm skin to smother. Very creepy.

In regards to his art, I often wonder if the inker didn't make or break the art, as I've seen it make significant differences in some penciller art.

[dendren.livejournal.com]

I think the inker did make a difference, and I totally remember that Spider Woman story. I loved that series. I wish the new SW series was as much fun but it's kind of boring me :P

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

I've not read the new series. I've pretty much given up on Marvel since they canned the Scarlet Witch. I still pick up "The Incredible Hercules" and the occasional X-Men comic with good artwork.

[dendren.livejournal.com]

I'm actually enjoying marvel more than I have in some time but think I am reaching burnout again on them. The sheer number of books they put out is intimidating. DC will always be my top pick tho. Have you been reading anything DC?

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

I have been following the "Blackest Night" saga, in it's own book, the Lantern books, and the ones I usually collect (Titans, Teen Titans, JSA, JLA, etc.).

[dendren.livejournal.com]

cool, I wish I was more into JSA all stars. I miss Geoff Johns on the JSA. I hope he does right by the Flash, tho I'm still not real hip on returning Barry Allen.

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

I have to agree, I think he was a character that had (pardon the pun) run it's course.

Still, I'm sure a lot of fans love it.

[dendren.livejournal.com]

Barry Allen will always have a very special place in my heart. The Flash was the first super hero book I picked up in the 70s and was the first series I filled in the whole run of the book. But... I'm just not sure he's truly more interesting than Wally West. When I really thought about it I realized I had read Barry's adventure's for only 10-15 years, but Wally I read for over 20. I have yet to be disappointed in Johns tho, hopefully he'll really bring Barry into his own again.

I hate that they retro-killed off his Mom tho... it was nice to have a hero with normal two parent life. Poor Nora Allen LOL

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I like your icon. Now, that's sexy! What power does he have? :)

HUGS!

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

LOL... you're too kind! This is "Orion" who is my superhero-alter-ego. I created him back when I was in high school (over 20 years ago) as part of a team of heroes made up from my high school friends. This was my most recent costume design. I have magnetic powers.