GVN Talking Comics Review: Mad Cave Studios ‘Dick Tracy’ Issue 3 By Alex Segura, Michael Moreci And Geraldo Borges –“…That Escalated Quickly”

Last Time

In our last encounter, Dick Tracy met his old army comrade, Pat Patton. Patton was dealing with his brother’s recent murder, which led to complications as Tracy was investigating the same individuals in connection with another case. The situation escalated when one of Tracy’s suspects was murdered under police guard, lighting the spark for a gang war. But for now, Tracy, Patton and Trueheart are checking out one of Patton’s leads: a possible drug ring.

Prune Face

As they surveil the warehouse Patton has observed drugs being trafficked through, they spot a familiar figure to Pat. Known as Prune Face, Pat believes the scars marking his face are light punishment for his deeds. Rumor has it he betrayed his unit during the war, revealing their position to the enemy. In an ironic twist of fate, he was ensnared in the firebombing that ensued, resulting in the scars he now carries.

Deputy Patton

As Pat narrates the story, Tracy appears lost in thought, haunted by the persistent echoes of war, though he would never admit it to anyone. When Pat brings him back to reality, Tracy realizes he must deputize his friend to involve him in the operation. He is adamant about conducting this raid by the book to avoid any impropriety. Meanwhile, Tracy had sent Tess to speak with Mumbles, believing she was the only one who could understand him, unaware that Mumbles had already been killed.

The stage was thus set, and Tracy dispatched a large force of police officers to raid the warehouse. However, instead of the anticipated drugs, they discovered only building materials, including toilets. The real issue, however, was not the innocuous findings but that their operation had been compromised. The evidence had been removed in time, indicating a leak within the department. Despite the setback, Pat’s conviction that the building was a conduit for drug trafficking remained unshaken. Clearly, they had a mole in their ranks.

Uninvited Guests

Before they could ponder further, additional uninvited guests arrived. Lips Manlis hired muscle Shoulders and his boys, armed with lead in abundance. Many in the warehouse had no time to react. Whether police or gangster, the onslaught did not discriminate. The barrage of bullets offered nothing but bloodshed and death. Tracy and Patton, having quickly perceived the peril, had sought shelter. That is, until Tracy saw his men falling. Disregarding his own safety, Tracy stood to retaliate, signaling Patton for support. Amidst Tracy’s courageous stand, the assailants chose to retreat. The message was clear and costly: a war among the gangs had begun and Tracy’s men were part of the carnage.

The Arsons

Later, at the station, Tess reconvened with Tracy and Patton, having discovered Mumbles’ body riddled with bullets. Given the multitude of wounds, it was likely from a Tommy Gun. While Tracy mulled over this development, the Chief approached with seemingly positive news: the arrest of the Arsons, Boris and Zora during a bank robbery. The weapons in their possession were a match for those used in the murders of Trueheart and Marsh, effectively closing that case.

Working Together

Tracy was skeptical. He knew the Arsons as petty thieves known for their “half-baked heists,” not murder. The Chief dismissed Tracy’s doubts, urging him to close the case and enjoy the victory, maybe even rest. However, Tracy sensed deeper issues at play, issues the Chief seemed eager to keep hidden. Now, Tracy realized he had to be cautious about his trust. Despite his intention to investigate alone, Tess and Patton were resolute. They were his partners, and they insisted on joining any further investigation. Conceding the point, Tracy decided their next move would be to approach Lips Manlis.

Another Unexpected Visitor

As for Shoulders, he was leaving his girl Marge’s house. And she was not too pleased by it. Shoulders jumped whenever Lips snapped his fingers and Marge was tired of it. But before their argument could escalate further, they had a visitor. Flat Top came to pay his respects. By way of a Tommy Gun for both Shoulders and Marge. Looks like neither of them need worry about Lips anymore.

Thoughts

As Ron Burgandy in The Anchorman said: “Boy, that escalated quickly.” At the rate that Lips and Big Boy (the Boss) are killing each other’s men, Tracy might not have to worry about cleaning up the crime in the city. However, it’s not just the thugs paying the price, as Tracy’s men can attest. When added to the possibility of a mole in the police force, Tracy, Tess and Patton have to watch each other’s backs. Before a serious case of lead poisoning takes them down as well.

With the third issue completed, Alex Segura and Michael Moreci have set in motion a classic gang war, where the prevailing rule is: eliminate them before they eliminate you. This is precisely the type of atmosphere and action anticipated in a Dick Tracy narrative. Similar to Game of Thrones, one should not grow too attached to any character; particularly if they’re a gangster, as they tend to be expendable in Segura and Moreci’s Tracy universe. This is the toll of their trade, vividly depicted by artist Geraldo Borges. His artwork conveys the harshness of the gangster epoch without excessive gore, remaining true to the world Chester Gould created with affection and enthralling me with every issue.

Coming Up

The war continues in Issue 4 as Tracy, Tess and Patton seek an audience with Lips and the animus builds between the rival gangs. In the meantime, Mad Cave Studios Dick Tracy, Issue 3 by Alex Segura, Michael Moreci and Geraldo Borges is available now. Check it out as well as issues 1 and 2 at your local comic shop or bookstore.