1. Nelson Jent In Dial H For Hero
DC ComicsWhen acclaimed author China Mieville assumed writing duties on the New 52 relaunch of Dial H For Hero, few could have expected quite what he had in store. The new story detailed the life of one Nelson Jent, a slightly overweight loser who seemingly could not catch a break in life. One evening, he discovers that dialing H-E-R-O in a mysterious phone booth will gift him with a random set of superpowers for a limited time. Mieville could have chosen quite a boring standard route with this concept, but what we got was something much more bizarre. Some of the heroes Nelson becomes include:
Control-Alt-Delete A computer-themed superhero with a giant monitor for a head that can rewind time and 'reboot' events Boy Chimney A skeletal gentleman with superhuman reflexes and flexibility, poison gas, smoke manipulation, brick-hard skin, smoke-based clairvoyance, and the ability to travel on chimney smoke. Captain Lachrymose An emo superhero who draws physical strength from his enemies' sadness as his powers enable them to relive the most sorrowful parts of their life The title is thinking outside the box at its finest. This isn't just your "everyman gets amazing powers" story as half the fun is Jent playing superpower roulette every time he dials, being as not all the powers are helpful or effective. It's a fine metaphor for the majority of us who don't know what life is going to hit us with next but try to do right by our loved ones regardless. Jent, despite being a down on his luck sap, is the ultimate underdog given the chance to make a difference, which whilst being a theme that comics use often, has never been done in quite this way before or dare we say ever again. As per usual, we want your opinions. Comment on here, share on social media and debate! Is there anybody we missed? Talk about it!