Dick Tracy #9 Review

We closed the last issue being almost certain that Pat Patton was The Blank. At least I certainly felt it was a possibility. Upon doing some research, Pat is a fairly prominent character in the Dick Tracy universe, so to speak, so it's unlikely that they would have made him the blank. But that's also part of why I think being a newcomer to Dick Tracy is the best way to enjoy it - I have no existing knowledge that spoils anything, no expectations - just what Segura, Moreci, and Co. are crafting for us each month!

Well this issue jumps right into an explanation for last issue's ending: Pat Patton couldn't have been the killer because he has an alibi for one of the murders- he was with Breathless Mahoney!!

To be fair, I wasn't completely sure that Pat was the killer because I wondered why he'd go to all the trouble of concealing himself as The Blank, But then attack Fangs without The Blank costume on. It was still a possibility, but I was somewhat skeptical. 

Dick Tracy assumes that there's some funny business going on between Breathless and Pat.. early on in this issue, Dick Tracy is not coming out on top to say the least. The solicit for this issue, as well as the cover don't provide any actual insight into the issue. Not a new happening in the comic industry, but odd nonetheless. We get the resolution on the dangling thread that is Pat Patton so early on in the issue, that it's available in the preview pages. However, what comes next is the Blank's next victim, a lead that Dick can actually follow, and then the Blank's target for the finale. 

Moreci and Segura crush the dialogue here again. I've said before that it can be a little cheesy at times, but honestly I think that's what makes it feel so genuine and true to the genre. So while some may eye roll, I just get a chuckle and then move on. But even stronger than the dialogue is the story and just pure drama. There are so many moments of Suspense and excitement, definitely a page turner. I will say, I think that this reads much better in single issues than it will in a trade just because of the way the story is segmented - it's serial in nature as it should be, which means that it could end up being a little more clunky in trade at the points where the issues end and the next begins. Personally, if you're trade waiting - have the discipline to space out reading the issues in the trade!! Regardless, the story is good enough and engaging enough that you'll enjoy it regardless.

As always, a fan of Borges’ art. The facial expressions just convey so much and really help carry the story. The page posted below in the comments is when Dick is following a really key lead that is revealed in the issue - just look at his determination, and the suspense and excitement driven solely by the art. The whole page has no dialogue but it says So much about how Dick is feeling and where the story is going.

I'm not sure how much of the tone is driven by Borges' inks and how much is driven by Englert’s colors, but the end result is great. Muted colors, heavy use of shadows to conceal and keep the reader guessing - overall just a really pleasing-to-the-eye book artistically. 

Jim Campbell pulled out a really cool, serial killer-esque font for The Blank. Between that, well done page design from a lettering perspective, and some well placed, even if scarcely used, sound effects, I really enjoyed this showing from Campbell.

Really just such a well constructed comic and an entertaining story. Gave 5 stars out of 5 stars on League of Comic Geeks - highly recommended!