Some behind-the-scenes art from HERO

Way back in 2004, when I was writing my first actual comic book series, DC's HERO, I was lucky enough to work with artist Leonard Kirk on issues 12 through 14. The premise of the series, in case you never read it, was that various people would find a magical keypad (updated from the dial in the original), and when the typed in H-E-R-O, they'd turn into a superhero.

Or, in the case of this story a super-heroine. In the three-part story, entitled "CH-CH-CHANGES," Joe Hamill, a he-man construction worker, typed in those letters and became Electro-Lass, a female hero with electrical powers. Then he promptly lost the keypad, never to find it again -- or change back to his old, male self. (As far as I know, he's still female, somewhere deep inside of DC continuity.) The story avoids almost all crime-fighting action and instead focuses on Joe's changing relationships with his wife, Amy, and his buddy, Mike. It was written in the days before gender fluidity was much talked about, and I'm guessing the story reads a lot different in 2017 than it read back in 2004. Still, I think it's pretty solid, and I especially like the scene where Joe tries on his normally-shaped wife's clothes when he's got the physique of Power Girl.

Anyway, back to Mr. Kirk. When I attended the Mid Ohio Con the next year, Leonard (whom I'd never met) was kind enough to give me three pieces of conceptual art he worked up for the series, along with the full-page splash that closed the story. I think you'll agree they're excellent...


First up, Joe (our hero/heroine), Mike (his confused buddy) and Amy (his confused wife)

Then the star of our story, Electro Lass, Joe's heroic identity. The costume is meant to be ridiculously revealing -- honest!

Another costume design. Like I said, we went with the more revealing version.

And finally, the last page, which is really a beautiful piece of work. That's Mike, by the way, on the sidewalk after being tossed out of The Hideout by the bouncers. Poor guy is still hung up on Electro Lass (or "Shocking Suzi," her nom de dance) after all these years.

Honestly, if anyone wants to re-read this story with 2017 eyes and let me know their reaction, I'd be very curious to hear it.

And thanks again, Leonard, for the pages and drawings. Believe me, they hold a proud place in my collection!