Dustin Gebel
Mad Cave Studios announces that it has paired with Tribune Content Agency and New Wave Comics to launch a new series featuring classic pulp hero, Dick Tracy. Written by Alex Segura and Mchael Moreci with art by Geraldo Borges, colors by Mark Englert, letters by Jim Campbell, and creative consultation from Chantelle Aimée Osman, the series launches April 24 with a focus on blending the pulp roots of the character with a modern, hardboiled storytelling approach.
In the press release, writer Alex Segura discusses the canvas that the radio play turned comic detective offers, stating:
“The world of Dick Tracy is rife with complex characters, twisted motives, and dangerous corners – and we really want to lean into the essence of what Chester Gould created without trying to imitate Dick Tracy’s creator. What Michael, Geraldo, Chantelle, and I are cooking up uses all the ingredients fans are familiar with – hopefully creating something that feels fresh and vibrant while honoring what’s come before. We don’t just want to tell a fun Dick Tracy story – we want to craft a great crime saga, too. Thanks for joining us on this ride.”
In addition to Borges and Englart’s interior work, they are also set to produce the main cover for issue one. Brent Schoonover and Nick Filardi, Shawn Martinbrough and Chris Sotomayor, Francesco Francavilla, and Dan Panosian are all set to respectively provide variant covers for the debut issue, alongside a blank sketch cover. Some of those covers can be seen below.
Borges describes the excitement of contrasts in the Tracy comics, stating:
“Dick Tracy is definitely one of the most iconic comic book characters of all time with a unique rogue gallery. So we have the chance to introduce Dick Tracy to new readers and bring him back to long-time fans, respecting Chester Gould´s original stories and following the roots of the character, but trying to do something fresh and new. The story written by Alex, Michael and Chantelle allowed me to play with Chiaroscuro, a strong black and white contrast. And talking about contrast, It will be awesome seeing the yellow and bright Dick Tracy coat and his cartoonish villains side by side with dark streets and a grounded book.”
Mad Cave Studios has also revealed a synopsis for the new series, which can be read below:
A new era for the iconic detective starts here, from bestselling and acclaimed authors Alex Segura and Michael Moreci, as an all-new, noir-infused chapter in the Dick Tracy legacy kicks off with superstar artist Geraldo Borges.
In the aftermath of World War II, the country stands frozen–waiting for the next shoe to drop. In The City, a brutal murder draws the attention of rising star detective Dick Tracy, who soon discovers the bloodshed is just the beginning of a complicated web that threatens to ensnare everything he cares about.
Blending the classic elements of the Dick Tracy world (including his iconic villains, supporting cast, and unforgettable watch radio) with a hardboiled and realistic take, DICK TRACY #1 kicks off a fresh and modern take on the iconic detective that remains true to his rich history.
Dick Tracy #1 will be available in comic shops and on digital platforms April 24, 2023.