Advance Review: Mad Cave Studios’ ‘Dick Tracy’ #1 Is Grounded, Gritty, And Great!

Welcome to the table,

As a kid, I would cobble together toy gadgets from odds and ends. One of my favorites was a concoction made from an empty matchbook, a bread tie — you know the ones, the small paper-covered metal wire twisty thing — and a couple of bits of kite string. With MacGyver-levels of “I hope this works,” I’d strap this thing onto my wrist, draw on a tiny square for a “screen” and two dots for nobs, and KA-POW! the thing transformed from a collection of trash into something magical. It was my very own two-way wrist communicator watch. In an instant, I was no longer in a house of worry and dread but whisked away into a world of make-believe, where strange criminals prowled rain-soaked streets, and detectives donned vibrant yellow trench coats!

Dick Tracy left an indelible mark on my childhood. Its vibrant colors, action-packed stories, and oddly realistic tone captivated me. Unlike Batman, who I love so this is in no way a judgment, Dick Tracy wasn’t a billionaire playboy with high-tech armor. He was just a regular guy, a simple detective, doing his very best to uphold justice while minimizing harm. As someone who saw a ton of injustice in the world, a brightly colored everyman doing his best struck a chord with me, and my lifelong fondness for the character was solidified.

The fine folks over at Mad Cave have strolled into the scene with a new addition to the long history of Dick Tracy detective tales with Dick Tracy #1 from the bestselling authors Alex Segura and Michael Moreci and artist Geraldo Borges. I can say firsthand after reading it the new Dick Tracy book is nothing short of spectacular.

Set in the post-World War II era, the nation holds its breath, anticipating the next twist of fate. But in The City, a brutal murder shakes the streets, grabbing the attention of rising-star detective Dick Tracy. As he digs deeper, Dick Tracy realizes this killing is just the beginning of a long thread to an even larger mystery.

What is so rad about this book is that it blends the timeless elements of the Dick Tracy universe, his fabulously odd rogues gallery, the loyal supporting cast — and, of course, that unforgettable two-way wrist communicator watch — with a gritty modern take that still feels true to the iconic stories of the past. Strap in, load your Tommy guns, and get ready for a thrilling ride that pays homage to Dick Tracy’s storied past while blazing a trail into the future.

The cut-off for final orders is March 24th, so reach out to your local shops or online retailers and tell them you want in on this brilliant adventure in the heart of The City!

Until next time, I wore a stupid fedora before the memes started because I love this comic and character so much. Iconic does not do him justice and I can assure you, if you are into crime noir and pulp, this book is going to probably be for you.