Comic Book Review - Dick Tracy #2

Tensions begin to rise as Dick Tracy’s investigation continues… 

Mad Cave Studios along with co-writers Alex Segura, and Michael Moreci are onto something quite big with the reinvention of Dick Tracy. Through a single issue, the creative team have already laid the groundwork for a hard-hitting and mature narrative that isn’t going to take any prisoners. Throw in Geraldo Borges who brings this script to life with a visceral intensity and Dick Tracy is one comic that’s not to be missed. 

And that was just the opening issue! 

Dick Tracy #2 continues the same trend that starts in the opening issue. Throwing the hard-boiled detective straight into his next case, Segura and Moreci use this issue to further establish the movers and shakers of this world as a new war looms on the horizon. It’s a war that’s already caused a lot of bloodshed, and come to this issue's conclusion it’s about to get a lot worse. 

Much like issue #1, there’s not a great deal of the story that I can talk about without going into big spoilers. While I’ll give a brief overview of this issue's plot, it’s well worth going into this blind. There’s a heck of a lot of setups in this issue that further opens up on the diner massacre, as well as throwing the whole story into a much wider setting. 

There’s a new construction project happening within ‘The City’ and it’s got a reputation as a place to work for veterans from World War 2 looking for a bit of cash. Newcomer Pat Patton is one of these people, but his interest in the construction site lies in seeking answers to his brother’s death. Trouble is, that the construction is also a front for the mob. As Patton gets into a ruckus with the site's foreman, Mr. Itchy he spots a familiar face. And it may just have the answers he seeks. 

The scene then switches to Dick Tracy as he continues his investigation into the murders at the Green Eye diner. His only lead so far is a low gang member aptly named Mumbles due to his constant mumbling. Frustrated with his lack of progress, Tracy’s line of questioning is soon cut short by his police chief who takes Mumbles into protective custody. Ordered to take time off, Tracy is sent home to then re-live his own experiences of fighting the Nazis in World War II. Tensions then get cranked up a notch as Tess Truehart gets in touch with Tracy, and Pat Patton confronts that face from his past. 

As mentioned above, there’s a lot more to the narrative at play within this issue, and saying much else will reveal some tasty spoilers. 

Away from its plot, Segura and Moreci use the page allowance of this second issue incredibly well. There’s a great deal of character work involved here as this issue deals with what comes after a soldier stops fighting. For Tracy, this is conveyed as a form of PTSD that’s been brought on by the horrors he’s seen during the War. It’s quite a powerful scene as we explore a side of Dick Tracy that’s not been portrayed before. It shows a vulnerable side to the grizzled detective as he relives his past as it slowly morphs into his present-day war with the city's underworld.

Back in the present day, we’re then given more crumbs as to the wider goings on as Tracy and Truehart continue to perform their investigations into the murders at the diner. From  Tess’s connections as a news reporter, we learn of underhand money transfers, while Patton lets slip of a spate of missing war vets which is what’s ultimately brought his presence to the city. Each character is given their own time in the spotlight as we learn of their motivations. It’s all heading towards quite an explosive situation as the whole plot sits on one big tinderbox as all sides prepare for the inevitable war - which is going to make for one hell of a read! 

Geraldo Borges continues to produce some fantastic art that captures the general atmosphere and each character’s personality. There’s a great use of darker tones that cast a murky shadow over proceedings. It’s akin to the seedy underbelly of the city rising to take over the light. Whether it’s intentional or just simple shading, it’s quite effective. Even with their more grounded/modern look, each of the rogues gallery pertain to their classic look. Flattop is my personal favourite whose inclusion in this issue gives Borges a reason to let loose. 

Overall and Dick Tracy #2 continues to bring the hard-boiled detective and his work bang up to date. This more modern tale is already shaping up to be quite the detective noir - and a real page-turner at that! As Moreci and Segura start to widen their narrative scope onto the city, Dick Tracy and his allies are steamrolling their way into a much wider conspiracy. And it’s going to get a lot darker before the tale is finished. 

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