Reviews - 51 #1 & Dick Tracy: St Patrick’s Day Special
From Mad Cave Studios
Two new comics this week with a new madcap series from Mad Cave Studios with 51 #1 and a Dick Tracy special.
51 #1
After the President’s screw-up son, Harvey, gets in trouble with the law, his dad calls in a favor and gets him assigned to THE real life Area 51 AKA Hangar 51. But it’s not the thrill ride the conspiracy theorists would have you believe. Harvey spends most of his days cataloging items he’s forbidden from even looking at.
That all changes when Harvey and his coworkers decide to throw a rager and wake up from their bender to find that EVERY SINGLE ITEM from Hangar 51 has been stolen. Now in the deepest trouble of his life, Harvey and his ragtag crew will have to go out into the world and put the genie back in the bottle, capturing rogue aliens, stolen formula for superpowers, experimental energy weapons and all manner of insane objects. All this while slowly unraveling the simmering conspiracy behind who actually broke into Hangar 51 and the nefarious plans they have for using the objects they stole.
(W) Curt Pires (A) Jok (L) Micah Myers
51 #1 from Mad Cave Studios is exactly the kind of comic I expected going in — a little wild, slightly unhinged, and fully aware of how ridiculous its premise can be — and I mean that in the best possible way.
From the outset, you can tell this is going to be a mad one. Setting the story around Area 51 gives the creative team so much to play with, and they clearly lean into that freedom. There’s an energy to the issue that suggests they’re having a great time exploring all the conspiracy theories, secrecy, and absurd possibilities that come with that location. It never feels restrained; instead, it embraces the chaos.
At the centre of it all, we have the screw-up protagonist — the kind of character who seems to have run out of second chances and has now been quietly shipped off to Area 51 to do what’s essentially glorified warehouse work. It’s a great starting point. Instead of being some elite operative, he’s just there to move boxes and stay out of trouble. Of course, that doesn’t last long. Once outside forces begin making their move, and a few particularly interesting characters enter the mix, things spiral quickly. The mundane turns into the extraordinary in a heartbeat.
There are a lot of moving parts introduced in this first issue, but it never feels overwhelming. Instead, it builds momentum. You can sense that bigger things are in motion behind the scenes, and that what we’re seeing is only the surface layer of something much larger. The stakes are established early, and while there’s humour woven throughout, there’s also a genuine sense of danger simmering underneath.
The final panels are especially effective, adding a mysterious edge that shifts the tone slightly. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on what kind of story this is going to be, those closing moments hint at something deeper and possibly darker. It’s a smart way to hook readers and ensure there’s plenty of intrigue carried into the next issue.
Artistically, the book complements the tone perfectly. The art has a playful quality, with small visual touches that enhance both the humour and the absurdity of the situation. Expressions are exaggerated just enough to sell the comedic beats, while the action scenes still carry impact. The design choices add personality to the world, reinforcing that this is a story that doesn’t take itself too seriously — but still knows how to deliver an exciting ride.
Overall, this is a lively, entertaining start with a strong setup, memorable characters, and just enough mystery to keep you guessing. It’s chaotic in all the right ways, and I’m keen to see just how far it’s willing to go.
Get it from Forbidden Planet:
Dick Tracy: St Patrick’s Day Special
DICK TRACY’S LUCK RUNS OUT in this special St. Patrick’s Day-themed one-shot.
When a masked vigilante starts taking out some of the City’s wealthiest – and most corrupt – citizens, Tracy and Sam must solve the crime while putting aside their own feelings. Can the new partners crack the mystery while trying to stay alive? From the team that brought you last year’s acclaimed and bestselling DICK TRACY HALLOWEEN SPECIAL! Plus what’s a lovelorn Acres O’Reilly to do? Can she finally shed her bad luck and get the opportunity for happiness she so deserves?
(W) Alex Segura, Michael Moreci, Tim Seeley
(A) Craig Cermak, Rebekah Isaacs
(C) Mark Englert, Marissa Louise
(L) Patrick Brosseau
Dick Tracy: St. Patrick’s Day Special from Mad Cave Studios delivers two distinct adventures, and together they do more than just tell entertaining stories — they actively expand the mythos of Dick Tracy and the world around him.
Both tales contribute to the wider fabric of Tracy’s universe, particularly by giving weight to the supporting cast and the everyday citizens who live in the shadow of crime, corruption, and moral grey areas. There’s a strong sense here that this isn’t just about larger-than-life criminals and square-jawed justice — it’s also about ordinary people trying to get by in a city that doesn’t always play fair. That grounding adds depth to the stories and makes the conflicts feel more layered.
The first story centres on a vigilante driven by a desire for revenge against those who exploit workers for their own gain. These so-called pillars of the community line their pockets while claiming respectability, and that hypocrisy fuels the anger at the heart of the narrative. It places both the police and Tracy in a difficult position. On one hand, the vigilante is breaking the law. On the other, it’s hard not to understand — even sympathise with — the motivations behind the actions. The targets aren’t exactly innocent, no matter how polished their public image may be.
That moral tension is what makes the story compelling. Tracy is forced to navigate the space between justice and empathy, and he handles it with the steady resolve you’d expect — even as those around him voice doubts and question the approach. The resolution feels satisfying, but it’s not entirely closed off. There’s a sense that the repercussions of these events could resurface later, which gives the story a lingering edge.
The second tale shifts gears slightly, bringing in more overt action, a touch of romance, and a spotlight on one of the peripheral characters. It’s refreshing to see someone from the wider cast step forward and take centre stage, adding variety to the special. The story balances fun with clever plotting, weaving in twists that keep things lively without losing that classic Dick Tracy tone. There’s charm here alongside the danger, and it makes for an engaging contrast to the heavier themes of the first story.
Artistically, both stories are supported by excellent artwork that captures action and intrigue in equal measure. The city feels alive, the characters expressive, and the pacing visually sharp. The fight scene in the second story stands out in particular, with dynamic angles that add energy and movement to the sequence. Across both adventures, the settings are well-realised, reinforcing the atmosphere whether the tone is tense, dramatic, or playful.
Overall, this special doesn’t just offer two entertaining stories — it strengthens the world of Dick Tracy, deepens its supporting cast, and explores the moral complexities that make the character enduring. It’s a well-rounded addition that balances action, character work, and thematic weight with confidence.
Get it from Forbidden Planet:
