Most promising new comics face a second issue slump. After a debut issue full of fireworks, showing what the concept, the second issue is often a less exciting prospect, really setting the table for what comes next. Dial H for Hero #2 faces the opposite problem--a chapter full of fireworks, but lacking real meat.

In this issue, Miguel and Summer are beginning to face the realities of having run away from home when agents of the mysterious Thunderbolt Club close in on them. One of those agents even gets hold of the H-Dial, and our heroes have to get it back. It’s a lighthearted romp that fits nicely into the tone of the Brian Michael Bendis-led Wonder Comics line (note a brief mention of Gemworld laying the seeds of a potential crossover down the line).

Writer Sam Humphries does solid work here, splitting his time between building out the world of the H-Dial and getting into the head of the frustrated and disaffected Miguel. Unfortunately, at the moment Miguel and Summer aren’t that terribly compelling--it’s not entirely clear why they’re so alienated, or why they need to run away, or what they need to learn on their journey. Still, Humphries’ comic banter and superhero fireworks--look out for two hilarious new H-Dial heroes--more than makeup for that misstep.

The artwork is the real highlight of this issue. For most of the chapter, artist Joe Quinones strikes a balance between realistic backgrounds and bodies and slightly cartoonish faces that is just perfect for a light-hearted superhero tale like this. Jordan Gibson adds luminescence to the art with his colors, mainly when depicting the mysterious Operator character or the unreality of the H-Dial phone. When characters operate the H-Dial, though, Quinones and Gibson really cut loose, turning the book into a pitch-perfect pastiche of not one but two different Manga styles--and then crashing those two styles together, often on the same page. Letterer Dave Sharpe shows a similar versatility, changing forms with the art and providing exquisitely designed sound effects and titles.

The second issue of Dial H for Hero is just as much fun as the first and is still a promising start to what could be an exciting new series. Here’s hoping future issues can manage some substance along with the razzle-dazzle.

Grade: A-