For those regularly reading my blog, you'll notice I've reviewed volume 3, 4, and now 27 of the Complete Dick Tracy. I'll confess - the ones I read I get from the library, and these are the only three of the 29 part collection they have. Thus, no Flat Top, no Blow Top, no Pruneface, no Mumbles, no Mousy, no Influence, no Oodles, no Pearshape! (At least I got Lips Manlis/Bob Honor and the Blank.)
I will admit that this was not as enjoyable as the earlier books I read. I thought the Button story was silly, disappointing, and illogical (kidnapping a news reporter to post things about the villain giving to church? Really?) His sister Hope Lezz said she was tired of his abuse but we never saw that abuse (except asking to hide out at her house) and the story ending depressing. I found Peanutbutter (a smart but trouble making 10 year old) annoying, and Moon Maid (that is, Mrs. Dick Tracy Junior) was a stretch. Big Brass' story didn't fare much better. The only redeeming character was the kidnapped reporter Jack Grafic.
Another admission - I became a Dick Tracy fan through Max Allan Collins' tenure with the strip and via the 1990 Warren Beatty movie. Would I have gotten hooked with the '60's and '70's Chester Gould strips? Maybe as a silly teenager, and maybe not.
If you are a die-hard fan and want to see the entire collection, get this. If, like me, you want to get introduced to Dick Tracy at his best, get the older books, like 3, 4, maybe 8, 9, 10 and 13.
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