Yes, we've run out of proper Dial H for Hero stories, but this is Case 100, how I can I not get us to that magic number? It just so happens Bongo Comics published a Dial H homage in the pages of its Simpsons Super Spectacular series, a Bartman adventure called "Dial M for Milhouse" in which Houseboy gets a device not unlike the H-Dial stuck to his hand with superglue and, sidekick no more, gets amazing powers every time he "dials". I think we got our #100, guys! But since this is the Bongoverse, we won't try to integrate the characters as any good enough joke fits 100%.
Case 100: Bongo Comics Presents Simpsons Super Spectacular #12
Dial Holders: Milhouse
Dial Type: DNA Randomizer
Dialing: Invented by Professpr Frink, the DNA Randomizer looks like an old cell phone, but it rewrites your DNA (and clothing) to turn you into various superheroes, at random. Most of these are based on famous comic book characters. There does not seem to be a limit to the length of time each identity exists, and users can change their DNA any number of times. However, if the cell phone's batteries run dry, its effects are undone. The device does not force the user to be heroic; indeed, Milhouse is corrupted by the power and turns villainous. At the end of the story, Smithers uses the "small charge" left in the phone to transform into a dragon, but presumably, the effects immediately dissipated.
Name: Flasherdasher (sounds like the start of a reindeer list)
Costume: The pants are shorter, and Houseboy retains his green mask, but otherwise, pretty much the Golden Age Flash.
Powers: Superspeed. Like the modern-day Flash, there's a whole lot of electricity sparking off him while he runs.
Sighted: In Springfield, getting a burger for Bartman - FAST! (And raw.)
Name: Electroshock (...therapy?)
Costume: Very much the current-day Black Lightning.
Powers: Firing electrical blasts.
Sighted: In Springfield, defeating the Brotherhood of Bullies.
Name: Capybaraman (like Spider-Man, I think it would look better with a hyphen)
Look: A man-sized naked rat thing. Does not particularly look like a capybara.
Powers: Has the powers of the world's largest rodent. I did some research into what that might means. Uhm... Semi-aquatic? Living off grass? Scent marking? AH! They run as fast as horses! There we go!
Sighted: In Springfield, briefly, before changing identities again.
Name: Falconator (but wouldn't that means he makes things more falcony?)
Costume: A lot like the Hawkman of that era, metal wings with red-orange armor.
Powers: Flight. Presumably, a tangled continuity impervious to almost any comics writer or reader.
Sighted: In Springfield, stealing money from the Kwik-E-Mart.
Name: Forkupine (now THAT'S the kind of pun magic I've been waiting for)
Look: A massive gray upright porcupine with metal forks for quills.
Powers: Super-strength, and the ability to fire giant metal forks from his pelt. I love it.
Sighted: In Springfield, breaking into the grounds of Mr. Burns' estate. (But tell me, friends. Is that REALLY a crime?)
Bonus Dial M for Milhouse:
Milhouse committed more crimes as Campfire Kid, Batboy and Rubber Lad. Obviously, these are based on the Human Torch, Batman and (at least visually) Mister Fantastic.
Bonus H-Dial Sighting:
Very recently, in Action Comics #1001, an H-Dial was seen among the junk surrounding Jimmy Olsen's desk. Just a cute Easter egg, but... the mind does boggle.
Next: I guess we're just waiting...
Case 100: Bongo Comics Presents Simpsons Super Spectacular #12
Dial Holders: Milhouse
Dial Type: DNA Randomizer
Dialing: Invented by Professpr Frink, the DNA Randomizer looks like an old cell phone, but it rewrites your DNA (and clothing) to turn you into various superheroes, at random. Most of these are based on famous comic book characters. There does not seem to be a limit to the length of time each identity exists, and users can change their DNA any number of times. However, if the cell phone's batteries run dry, its effects are undone. The device does not force the user to be heroic; indeed, Milhouse is corrupted by the power and turns villainous. At the end of the story, Smithers uses the "small charge" left in the phone to transform into a dragon, but presumably, the effects immediately dissipated.
Name: Flasherdasher (sounds like the start of a reindeer list)
Costume: The pants are shorter, and Houseboy retains his green mask, but otherwise, pretty much the Golden Age Flash.
Powers: Superspeed. Like the modern-day Flash, there's a whole lot of electricity sparking off him while he runs.
Sighted: In Springfield, getting a burger for Bartman - FAST! (And raw.)
Name: Electroshock (...therapy?)
Costume: Very much the current-day Black Lightning.
Powers: Firing electrical blasts.
Sighted: In Springfield, defeating the Brotherhood of Bullies.
Name: Capybaraman (like Spider-Man, I think it would look better with a hyphen)
Look: A man-sized naked rat thing. Does not particularly look like a capybara.
Powers: Has the powers of the world's largest rodent. I did some research into what that might means. Uhm... Semi-aquatic? Living off grass? Scent marking? AH! They run as fast as horses! There we go!
Sighted: In Springfield, briefly, before changing identities again.
Name: Falconator (but wouldn't that means he makes things more falcony?)
Costume: A lot like the Hawkman of that era, metal wings with red-orange armor.
Powers: Flight. Presumably, a tangled continuity impervious to almost any comics writer or reader.
Sighted: In Springfield, stealing money from the Kwik-E-Mart.
Name: Forkupine (now THAT'S the kind of pun magic I've been waiting for)
Look: A massive gray upright porcupine with metal forks for quills.
Powers: Super-strength, and the ability to fire giant metal forks from his pelt. I love it.
Sighted: In Springfield, breaking into the grounds of Mr. Burns' estate. (But tell me, friends. Is that REALLY a crime?)
Bonus Dial M for Milhouse:
Milhouse committed more crimes as Campfire Kid, Batboy and Rubber Lad. Obviously, these are based on the Human Torch, Batman and (at least visually) Mister Fantastic.
Bonus H-Dial Sighting:
Very recently, in Action Comics #1001, an H-Dial was seen among the junk surrounding Jimmy Olsen's desk. Just a cute Easter egg, but... the mind does boggle.
Next: I guess we're just waiting...
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