Some thoughts on this weeks comics from IDW Publishing – Dick Tracy: Dead Or Alive, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Ducktales
Dick Tracy: Dead Or Alive #1
IDW Publishing proudly presents the rebirth of one the most iconic comic-strip heroes of all time, Dick Tracy! The All-American detective just made the biggest collar of his career, and it only cost him his job! But now the honest cop has packed his bags for ‘the city by the lake,’ and its criminals better watch out! Reimagined for the 21st century through a retro lens by the superstar team of Michael Allred, Lee Allred, Rich Tommaso and Laura Allred, Dick Tracy: Dead or Alive is a lock to be the pop-art event of 2018! *Retailers: See your order form for incentive information. Bizarre villains! Crooked cops! Gunfights galore! Cover art and co-written by Eisner Award-winning superstar Michael Allred (Madman, iZombie, Silver Surfer, Batman ’66)! Illustrated by Rich Tommaso (Spy Seal, Dry County) with Michael Allred inks! Each issue features a ‘mug shot’ alternate cover by Rich Tommaso! Ask your retailer about the ‘coloring book’ variant cover by Michael Allred! Ask your retailer about the ultra-rare Mike Oeming variant cover!
Lee Allred – Writer
Michael Allred – Artist, Cover Artist
Michael Avon Oeming – Variant Cover Artist
Rich Tommaso – Variant Cover Artist
I remember the Dick Tracy cartoon, I even enjoyed the movie (in a cheesy pulp sort of way), so I thought I’d give this new series a bash!
This is a fast moving issue, with plenty of action. It’s a weird mix of modern tech and old tech, with some old-fashioned morals thrown in. Dick Tracy has wound up the wrong people, but another city seems to want to get him in. It’s all a plan though by ‘Big Boy’ for control of the city. The art is also action packed and this issue, although it’s part of a 4 part miniseries, is pretty much a one-and-done. I like the epilogue though, and this has made me look forward to the next issue!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #86
‘Battle Lines,’ Part 1 of 3! The maniacal Bishop has his eyes set on destroying the Utroms and the Triceratons once and for all. The Turtles will have to use all of their resources to stop him? but new divisions between the brothers threaten to ruin the plan before it begins! *Retailers: See your order form for incentive information. The start of a pivotal new story arc!
Tom Waltz – Writer
Dave Wachter – Artist, Cover Artist
Kevin Eastman – Variant Cover Artist
Kevin Hopgood – Variant Cover Artist
As teased previously, Bishop is getting his revenge! The invasion of the Utroms and the Triceratons’ island has begun, but luckily they are not without help. Yes there are some internal battles, especially with the Utroms (to be expected) but luckily April is on the case! There is a bit of soul searching for the Turtles, as the decide what to do, but they get some help, so next issue should be an interesting read. I’m expecting more battles from the groups, and perhaps a shift in the power dynamic. Bishop continues to be more unlikable each issue – possibly the most hated in the series!
Ducktales #12
Gladstone Gander takes Donald’s place on Scrooge’s next adventure! Will he prove to be a good luck charm? Plus: Scrooge and the kids meet Huge McDuck, another billionaire who claims to be a long lost relative! But can he be trusted?
Steve Behling – Writer
Gianfranco Florio – Artist, Cover Artist
Marco Ghiglione – Variant Cover Artist
In ‘The Greatest Adventure, The Greatest Price’ introduces a new ‘member of the family’ but is he what he seems to be? Scrooge and his nephews are suspicious, but for different reasons. I like the way Huewy found out, but Scrooge’s was funnier. This was a good tales, and pretty heartwarming. I liked the twit at the end, and the final gag was a good one!
‘When Luck Ran Out’ has a nice flashback – told and reacted to well in good cartoon fashion. Gander isn’t the most likable characters, so this is interesting! It’s a fun tale, with some interesting comments about luck (and lunch). I like the ending and the twist is well done. Gander isn’t as bad, but he isn’t bad luck!
