Adventure Comics presents DIAL H FOR HERO ##481
DC Comics • Adventure Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Marv Wolfman
Interior Artist
Carmine Infantino
Cover Artist
Carmine Infantino & Dick Giordano
Publication Date
May 1981
Cover Variant
UK Price Variant (15p)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features the Bronze Age relaunch of the Dial H for Hero concept. Chris King and Vicki Grant find the H-Dials and transform into various heroes. This issue features the characters Stellar, Volcano, and the villain Neptune. It also includes an Argus backup story.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine (CGC 6.0)
Condition Details
Visible color-breaking spine stress/ticks; blunting at the top and bottom right corners; slight edge wear on the right side; minor surface scuffing particularly visible in the orange fields; possible slight spine roll.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10 - $20 USD. Graded: $45 - $60 USD (Note: UK variants can sometimes command a slight premium or discount depending on the specific collector market).
Recent Sales
Standard Direct/Newsstand editions in mid-to-high grade typically sell for $15-$25. Professional 9.8 graded copies have reached $150+, but mid-grade copies remain affordable.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The estimated grade (approx. 6.0) does not offset the cost of grading fees. Best kept in a high-quality mylar sleeve and board for personal collection.
Notable Features
Bronze Age 'Dial H for Hero' key. 15p UK Price Variant. Notable for featuring characters created by DC fans through a reader submission contest. The cover indicates 'More New Pages' signifying the era's expanded page count.
Authentication Notes
Appears to be an authentic 1981 original. Correct 15p price stamp for the UK market. Characteristic Bronze Age paper translucency and ink saturation. No signs of reproduction or counterfeiting.