Comic Book Review - Dick Tracy #4

The mob isn’t the only thing to fear in the city… 

Mad Cave Studios reimagined Dick Tracy has hotly become my favourite comic book series. Across the last three issues, Alex Segura, Michael Moreci, and the rest of the creative team have crafted a dark, gritty story with a cast of solid characters who all have a penchant for violence. The beauty of the narrative here is that it never slows down. On one side we have the looming gang war as a new kingpin attempts to make his mark on the City. The other side is Dick Tracy’s investigation that’s rapidly entwined with the current power struggle that’s playing out in the city's underbelly. 

Dick Tracy #4 opens to Itchy’s mysterious employer overlooking the waterfront development. Through an internal monologue, we see that this power has been built from nothing and the stranger has acquaintances in quite a few high places. Itchy is then subsequently berated for his handling of the current situation and ordered to bring Lips Manlis to the construction site. The scene then shifts to Tess Trueheart who’s in the middle of writing a newspaper column about the city's recent violence.

On the other side of the city, Tracy and Pat continue their investigation into the whereabouts of Lips Manlis with the duo cracking down on a gambling ring. While the ring leader fails to give Tracy the information he needs, the group comes under attack from Pruneface and his men. With Tracy determined to save the city from the crime wave, Tess Trueheart manages to uncover the city's new Kingpin and the reason why her father was murdered. 

Segura and Moreci continue to craft quite a thrilling story for their cast of characters. The beauty of the narrative is that it takes the time to flesh out both its heroes and villains with both sides sharing the spotlight. The mystery that surrounds the new kingpin of crime, Alphonse Caprice is well-written and caters well for Dick Tracy newcomers and series veterans alike. Naturally, those who’ve followed the detective for a while will know that Alphonse ‘Big Boy’ Caprice quickly becomes arch nemesis to Dick Tracy, but the build-up to his reveal in this issue has been quite a gritty one. 

Geraldo Borges and Mark Englert continue to shine with their respective art and colourwork. The duo work well in tandem to bring the script to life through an incredibly rich attention to detail that works for the environment and the characters within. With this reimagined version of the classic detective and his world taking on a more modern feel, Borges and Englert have delivered the goods. Special mention also goes out to letterer Jim Campbell whose lettering work is the icing on the proverbial cake. 

Overall and Dick Tracy #4 is where everything changes. With the gang war looming ever closer the line between friend and foe has become increasingly blurred. Alex Segura and Michael Moreci are crafting something incredible with Dick Tracy and this is one comic you need to experience! 

Rating 9/10 

Rob Lake

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