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Dick Tracy is on the case! In a new story from Mad Cave Studios, Alex Segura and Michael Moreci bring us the hard-boiled detective dressed in yellow hot on the heels of a corrupt scheme full of bullets, dames, and zany psychopaths! With a couple of big time names shot dead in a diner full of civilians, something in The City smells rotten to the core. It may start on the streets, but it’ll certainly end all the way at the top.
- Written by Alex Segura & Michael Moreci
- Illustrated by Geraldo Borges
- Colors by Mark Englert
- Letters by Jim Campbell
- Creative Consultant Chantelle Aimée Osman
- Published by Mad Cave Studios
We sit down with John Caglione Jr. Oscar Winning Make-up and effects artist for Dick Tracy!
Dick Tracy Roars Back Into Comics!
It’s almost 6 years since we’ve had a Dick Tracy comic book and with so much anticipation…I feared at what would be delivered. I’m happy to say though, so far so good. Issue 1 was a great way to kick off this new Dick Tracy story. The first few pages grabbed my attention and pulled me in. A reporter and an Alderman are vaguely discussing corruption at a high level of power. As they continue this conversation, it’s apparent that some one is stalking this meeting and then…all hell breaks loose. One of my favorite comic book pages this year shows the aftermath of that.
Dick Tracy is the epitome of Noir. A big city, full of gagsters and corrupt government officials. Enter hard-boiled detective Dick Tracy to find the clues, bust the skulls, and kiss the girl and you got the recipe for the oldest form of Noir storytelling. That exactly what this book is and will be.
Crafting The Legend of Dick Tracy
What I like best about the introduction of Tracy is that Segura and Moreci assume you know the legend of Dick Tracy but maybe not the details of the character. In only 2 to 3 panels, we see Tracy for the first time and find out the basics about who he is and how he operates from two beat cops having a discussion. It’s short, sweet, and doesn’t drag the story down.
From there we get textbook Dick Tracy. He shows his expert detective skills in examining the scene of the crime. Afterwards, he meets Tess Truehart, daughter of one of the victims. There’s a great exchange between the two, showing that Tess isn’t your run of the mill “Damsel in Distress”, but a strong woman with a desire to seek justice.
Both of these characters are working towards solving this case and eventually meet again as Tess runs from trouble when she goes snooping around for answers. What she has is a a name, Mumbles. Dick Tracy knows where to find ’em and when they do, they get more than they bargain for when Flattop shows up!
What Makes This Dick Tracy Different?
What a great beginning to this story. We got some iconic characters and villains and few new ones. Everything flowed so well and Dick Tracy was fleshed out so well as character without any excessive explanations. Everything you need to know about Dick Tracy was conveyed through his actions and his dialogue with other characters.
Geraldo Borges has done a bang up job with the illustrations. The book has a classic Dick Tracy comic strip style while still feeling updated and modern. Tracy has a presence about him in every panel he appears. Villains look intimidating and unique, but not in an over-the-top way we’ve seen them before. It’s grounded. At least as grounded and Dick Tracy can be with losing what’s special about it.
Of colors are a HUGE part of this book. You can’t have Dick Tracy without the iconic bright yellow trench coat and fedora. Every detail is fantastic on his suit and others. Colorful suits that don’t look cheesy, but stylish. Black and shadow is prevalent due to the Noir style and it works with the bright colors perfectly.
Everything Points To 9.5/10
I’m love what I see thus far. This is classic Dick Tracy with a pretty new paint job and some upgraded parts. The characters are fleshed out and explored, but not in an exhausting way. Everyone grows through action, not tons of exposition. There are little to know narrative boxes which is great. Dialogue and actions drive the story. It’s very cinematic in that way. It’s my opinion that the art of any Dick Tracy book is the cornerstone of its success. Geraldo Borges and Mark Englert are off to a great start. If they can keep this momentum, the sky is the limit for this series.
