Review: Dick Tracy #16
From Mad Cave Studios
It’s been leading to this, with a new story arc beginning in Dick Tracy #16 from Mad Cave Studios.
NEW ARC AND NEW JUMPING ON POINT!
It’s a new day in The City as Big Boy Caprice makes plans that will have reverberations for everyone, including Dick Tracy and his rag-tag group of allies.
With Lips Manlis back on the scene this can only mean one thing: violence is on the horizon… who will survive it?
Authors: Alex Segura, and Michael Moreci
Artist: Geraldo Borges
Kicking off a new story arc in Dick Tracy #16, this issue really feels like the start of something much bigger brewing beneath the surface. It doesn’t just reset the board—it actively reshapes it, dropping in a number of revelations that immediately raise the stakes and hint that what’s coming next is going to be far more layered than a straightforward crime story.
The gang war that’s been quietly escalating in the background now comes roaring to the forefront. You can feel the tension spilling over into full-blown conflict, with gunfights breaking out, territories being contested, and the city starting to fracture under the pressure. It’s not just about the criminals, either—the ripple effects are felt everywhere. The police are scrambling to maintain order, often looking stretched thin, while the media tries to keep up with events as they unfold, adding another layer to how this chaos is being perceived by the public. There’s a sense that no one fully has control anymore, which makes everything feel that much more volatile.
At the centre of it all is Dick Tracy himself, who really comes across as the pivot point for everything happening. He’s not just chasing the story—he is the story. There are forces actively working against him on multiple fronts, targeting both his life and his reputation, and the suggestion that these efforts might be connected—or even coordinated—adds a compelling layer of intrigue. It’s not just about taking Tracy down physically; it’s about dismantling him piece by piece. While he still has allies in his corner, you can see those relationships starting to strain under the pressure, giving the whole situation a more personal edge.
What really deepens the issue, though, is the sense that there’s something bigger lurking beneath all of this. The inclusion of a flashback sequence is particularly effective—it doesn’t just provide context, it feels like a key that could unlock everything we’re seeing in the present. There’s a weight to it that suggests long-buried truths are about to come to light, and whatever is revealed there is likely to have major consequences for Tracy moving forward. It’s the kind of narrative thread that makes you want to stick with the story long-term, just to see how it all pays off.
Despite being the start of a new arc, this issue is also very accessible. New readers can jump in without feeling lost, as the comic does a strong job of establishing the current state of the city, the key players, and what’s driving them. The motivations are clear, the stakes are well-defined, and there’s enough context woven in naturally that you can quickly get your bearings.
Visually, it’s just as strong. The artwork really leans into the noir atmosphere, with excellent use of shadow and contrast to give the city a lived-in, dangerous feel. Whether it’s the murky docks or the dense urban streets, every setting adds to the tone. The reaction shots, in particular, stand out—they do a lot of storytelling on their own, capturing the fear, tension and determination of the characters in a way that dialogue alone couldn’t.
All in all, this is a very confident start to a new arc. It builds tension, deepens the mystery, and sets multiple threads in motion, all while delivering plenty of action. If this issue is anything to go by, this is shaping up to be a gripping and fast-moving storyline—definitely the kind of ride you’ll want to get on board with early.
Get it at Forbidden Planet:
Dick's in trouble now...