Review: ‘Dick Tracy’ #20 May Or May Not Press On
by Benjamin Hall
Summary
Breathless Mahoney and Big Boy Caprice’s plan is barreling towards completion. Meanwhile, Dick Tracy and his allies are trying to clear his name. Yet, both factions have traitors in their midst. The question: which side will get the final betrayal?
Overall
7.8/10Writers Michael Moreci and Alex Segura create a mostly solid script. Though some of the plot points are definitely formulaic to the extent that this script possibly comes close to going into paint-by-numbers territory. Still the characterization is consistent and the emotional beats are present. Not to mention that the word count stays far away from overabundance. Unfortunately, the ending page feels like a mixture of “next time in…” and “this is the end.” Yes, there is an advertisement for the Dick Tracy Veteran’s Day Special (2026), but currently there is no solicitation for an issue #21 of this series. Thus, one can only wonder if this version of Dick Tracy will continue.
Artist Geraldo Borges and colorist Mark Englert are responsible for creating cover A and the interior visuals. Both do great jobs on Cover A and the narrative, but Borges is rushing the sequencing to finish this arc. One can detect this probability because of select layouts and dialogue. Still, the line work displays confidence. Also there are no major problems with the inking. It is worth mentioning that Englert’s colors assist greatly with exhibiting the effects of action sequences.
The work of letterer Patrick Brosseau meshes rather well with the art. However, the sizing and spacing of the text is debatable at times, at least when it comes to certain emotional beats.
Creative Consultant Chantelle Aimée Osman contributes to this issue. However, the ways that Osman provides assistance to Segura, Moreci, and Borges is hidden from both readers and reviewers.
Cover B is the creation of artist Lee Weeks, and it references several villains in the Dick Tracy franchise. Not to mention that there is the clever use of the phrase “crime does not pay” which is a motto as well as an old comic series (Crime Does Not Pay #22 [1942]). Weeks is fantastic when it comes to drawing expressions and distinct facial features. The lines are thin enough that if inks are not seeing use that would not be a surprise. Lastly, the colors appear to enhance the image’s depth.
Dick Tracy #20 is out now from Mad Cave Studios.