GVN Talking Comics Review: Mad Cave Studios ‘Dick Tracy,’ #1 By Alex Segura, Michael Moreci, And Geraldo Burgess

In the Beginning

On October 4, 1931, Chester Gould and the Chicago Tribune New York News Syndicate debuted his detective strip, Dick Tracy. The strip was based on Eliot Ness and featured various unique characters for Tracy to confront. It quickly gained popularity in newspapers across the United States. Gould worked on the strip until 1977, using it for decades to reflect contemporary times. Despite some controversies over the years, the strip and its characters became iconic. Dick Tracy inspired numerous toys, merchandise, and games, as well as a major film starring Warren Beatty as the yellow-coated detective.

Dick Tracy Returns

In 2023, Mad Cave Studios announced an agreement that would allow them to add Dick Tracy to their impressive lineup of titles. This provided an opportunity for both existing fans and new audiences to engage with the iconic hero. Issue #1, written by Alex Segura and Michael Moreci with art by Geraldo Burges, introduces familiar characters such as Tracy, reporter Tess Truehart, and iconic villains Mumbles and Flat Top. Set in 1947, the story unfolds in a world where criminal masterminds and their henchmen are plentiful, keeping the police force on their toes.

Issue# 1

Reflecting parts of the original story as told by Gould, Tess’s father, City Alderman Emil Truehart, and city crime reporter Langdon Marsh, are among the victims of a mass shooting at a diner. Soon afterward, Detective Dick Tracy arrives to surmise that the grisly scene is just a cover-up for the two main targets: Marsh and the Alderman. As for the reasoning behind the killing, that is still to be discovered. Both Tracy and Tess are hot on the trail of those responsible. Provided that they don’t get taken out before they can solve the mystery.

Setting the Hook

Part of the beauty of comic strip to comic book adaptation is the ability to expound on events without the limitations that the comic strip format puts on the creator. For starters, this allows Segura, Moreci, and Burges to detail the opening segment at the Diner with the intensity and horror that such an event would entail. Burges captures the violent mayhem in a powerful 8 panels. The only witnesses left on the scene are the readers who get instantly submerged in this new world of Dick Tracy. Talk about setting the hook and reeling the audience in at the start.

In the Crossfire

This sets the stage for further gunplay as Tess attempts to learn more about what brought her father to the Diner. Only to find out her “snooping” isn’t appreciated. Not the damsel in distress type, Tess manages to escape. Naturally, this intersects with Tracy as he follows the clues. The result is both caught in the crossfire of those who prefer their business kept private.

Thoughts

Those familiar with the Tracy comic strip will recognize the opening plot for this story. Segura and Moreci work to maintain the integrity of Gould’s original story while presenting a fresh take on the narrative. When combined with Burges’s energetic take on the world of Dick Tracy, it makes for a brilliant opening salvo. For those new to the Dick Tracy saga, welcome to the world that Chester Gould created. With the talents of Mad Cave, Alex Segura, Michael Moreci, and Geraldo Burges, you are in good hands. Let the adventure begin.