Comic Book Review - Dick Tracy #1

A new era for the iconic detective…

Mad Cave Studios along with writers Alex Segura and Michael Moreci, as well as artist Geraldo Borges herald a new era for the classic detective.

Set in the twilight years of World War II, “The City” finds itself in 1947. With the threat of global conflict now simmering in the shadows, The City falls back into the Hell of its creation. As corruption eats away at its core, up-and-coming Detective Dick Tracy is called to investigate a murder that will bring him into conflict with the rot that plagues his city. 

It’s hard to talk more about the overall story of this issue without going into some pretty major spoilers. What I will say is that Segura and Moreci have crafted something that blends the character's rich history with that of a modern detective noir. It’s brutal and hard-boiled in its approach but is oh-so better for it. Of course, there are a few characters who appear from the detective's past and rather than being included purely for fan service, each appearance ties well into the ongoing narrative. 

Segura and Moreci also tap into the violent nature of Dick Tracy’s world whilst simultaneously taking it up a notch for modern audiences. If you thought the opening massacre to Warren Beatty’s portrayal was a bit close to home, then you’ll certainly be shocked by this comic book's opening pages. This is further enhanced by some snappy and quick-paced writing that’s enhanced further by Geraldo Borges’ visceral artwork. 

Borges brings each page to life with an array of stunning artwork that’s packed with plentiful details. From the initial diner scene to the more serene scenes, Borges brings a cinematic quality that allows each page to flow smoothly without losing its impact on the reader. He’s also not afraid to use extreme close-ups, or plenty of blocks of black to denote the key message of that particular scene. Dick Tracy himself is also expertly designed and comes complete with his iconic yellow trench coat. He’s also brought bang up today with a more rugged look that fits in with the modern feel of the story as well as keeping with his traditions. 

Overall Dick Tracy #1 is the perfect opening to an ambitious retelling of a classic story's legacy. With this first issue, the creative team show a clear understanding of what makes the characters and world of Dick Tracy appealing, to then bring some of its more tired themes slap bangs into 2024. With a story that’s already gearing up to be very gritty, I can’t wait to see what comes next in this superb - and bloody - detective noir. 

Rating: 9/10 

Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow us on X/Facebook @GeekCultureRev, TikTok/YouTube @Geekculturereviews, and BlueSky @geekculturereviews.bsky.social