REVIEW: 'Dick Tracy' #1 by Alex Segura, Michael Moreci, Geraldo Borges, and Mark Englert

 

DICK TRACY #1

Writer: Alex Segura, Michael Moreci, Chantelle Aimee Osman

Artist: Geraldo Borges, Mark Englert

Letters: Jim Campbell

Publisher: Mad Cave Studios

Release Date: April 24, 2024

Cover Price: $4.99

DICK TRACY RETURNS IN A NEW ONGOING SERIES FROM MAD CAVE!

A new era for the iconic detective starts here, from bestselling and acclaimed authors Alex Segura and Michael Moreci, as an all-new, noir-infused chapter in the Dick Tracy legacy kicks off with superstar artist Geraldo Borges.

In the aftermath of World War II, the country stands frozen--waiting for the next shoe to drop. In The City, a brutal murder draws the attention of rising star detective Dick Tracy, who soon discovers the bloodshed is just the beginning of a complicated web that threatens to ensnare everything he cares about.

Blending the classic elements of the Dick Tracy world (including his iconic villains, supporting cast, and unforgettable watch radio) with a hardboiled and realistic take, DICK TRACY #1 kicks off a fresh and modern take on the iconic detective that remains true to his rich history.

Score:

★★★★1/2 (4.5/5)

First, you don't have to be familiar with the legendary comic strip detective to enjoy this new comic book series. 'Dick Tracy' #1 is an enthralling crime story that's violent and intriguing. It stands on its own as a hardboiled noir-style drama. Second, writers Alex Segura and Michael Moreci are very familiar with the almost 100-year-old property, and they do Chester Gould's creation justice. 

Since the debut of Dick Tracy in 1931, the hit comic strip has entertained and inspired countless people with its pulpy storytelling, its tough brilliant detective, its inventive two-way wrist radio, and its colorful collection of bad guys. Depending on your generation you may only be aware of Tracy from a Looney Tunes parody or the 1990 live-acton film starring Warren Beaty, Al Pacino, and Madonna. But Tracy was the epitome of a tough, honest, detective for decades. The character and his rogues gallery inspired Batman co-creator Bob Kane. The influence on pop culture cannot be understated. The only surprise is that getting a new adaptation has taken this long. This new series itself took seven years to come to fruition. The result is absorbing, exciting, and action-packed. A mystery with a chockful of interesting characters and twisty plot turns. 

After a shocking crime, the square-jawed detective with the iconic yellow trenchcoat investigates and reveals a possible conspiracy. Geraldo Borges' designs are more realistic than the comic strip, obviously, but Tracy retains his rugged good looks and that well-known profile. The supporting characters are given a distinctive look and plenty to do. The pacing is quick but immersive as there's a good balance of dialogue and action. Borges approaches the noir aspect of the story with a generous amount of shadowy panels and villains emerging from the dark. Mark Englert draws a great contrast between the bright colors of certain characters with the more menacing features of others. The opening scene is a jaw-dropper. Jim Campbell's lettering and sound effects are the glue that keeps the comic together. 

Mad Cave Studios getting the rights to Dick Tracy was a big deal. Assembling this team of creatives only raised expectations even further. The property went to the right hands as the biggest honor to Gould's vision is the care and reverence the creators show with a faithful version that doesn't hold back. 'Dick Tracy' isn't just a trip into nostalgia but a legitimate hardnosed crime thriller ushering a new era for the iconic detective.