Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: Don’t Try This @ Home: Episode 1
Written by: Will Pfeifer
Penciled by: Patrick Gleason
Inked by: Christian Alamay
Colored by: J.D. Mettler
Lettered by: Ken Lopez
Editor: Peter Tomasi
Publisher: DC Comics
H-E-R-O is one of the most refreshing books on the market today. For all intents and purposes the book can be classified as an anthology series. The common thread of the hero device, which imbues everyday people with superpowers, is present through each story. Yet the book’s not about the device or the power; it’s always about the people. The stories, by rising star Will Pfeifer, are well written character driven pieces that evoke a ton of thought, yet never fail to add in the fun-factor.
Through the first six issues, Pfeifer has allowed the device to find it’s way into various different hands. The first arc encompassed issue 1-4, while issue 5 and 6 could be read together or separately. In issue 7 the device finds it’s into a large groups hands for the first time, and it serves as a great point to jump on and try the book out.
Chaos Inc., are the new possessors of this very powerful device. You may think the worlds in a lot of trouble, now that a group of super villains has it. Well they’re not villains, or even a pro wrestling stable, but the world’s in a heap of trouble. This really is just a collection of lame brained friends. This collection of slackers rises to the occasion, easily making the fools on the MTV’s JACK ASS look bright.
The crew passes the device between themselves, and once powered up the user commits a daring feat. Like sticking their head in a deep fryer. The entrepreneurial spirit of the group decides what better place to show off their “talentsâ€, and of course makes some money, then the Internet. People have been going the extra distance in an attempt to make fools of themselves since the advent of the camcorder. Yet the Internet has only made this more commonplace, and easily viewed by the masses. The story is very relevant to today’s society, and the added twist of superhero makes it fun.
The fill in art team of Patrick Gleason and Christian Alamay do a nice job following in the footsteps of regular artist Kano. It’s nice to see a team that doesn’t make a huge departure from the tone set before them.
So far H-E-R-O has met and exceeded any and all expectations that I had for it. The fact that the book’s going to last beyond a tenth issue is reason to celebrate. Coming in I wasn’t sold on the concept, but I really like the setup and the changing cast of characters. The art has been very good, and the writing has stayed away from trite, telegraphed stories. Like most good storytellers, Pfeifer has taken chances with the stories he’s told. This isn’t an everyday comic book, and that’s probably why it has met with critical acclaim, yet isn’t a top seller.
