Dick Tracy by Mike Curtis and Charles Ettinger for November 17, 2015

Who’s narrating? Lizz?

“A small part in a sci-fi TV series, starring a friend, George Tawara.”Star Trek reference, ha! At least a backhanded one.

.Good morning fellow DT Fans!.G’mornin’ 22ph, Gweedo, Abner, et al.

Good morning Willy007! Mysta’s looking peppy this morning!

The Unofficial GoComics Staton/Curtis Death ListAs compiled by boboscar, Tarry Plaguer, and AnyFaceNOTE: Names with a + were found dead or killed prior to the story start.+ Wormy & Thistledew (Reported dead in armory fire) 3/21/11Flyface 4/22/11The Fifth & Eddie Garcia (Caught in ’Thor’s Hammer’ beam weapon overload explosion) 4/25/11Earl (Flaky and Hot Rize’s innocent co-worker) 5/12/11Hot Rize (Asphyxiated in flour silo) 5/28/11Emma Parks (A.K.A. Ponytail Mk I) 6/14/11The 2 terrorists who tried to hire and double cross Morning Gloria 8/13/11Big Frost 10/20/11Apparatus Member (Killed by DoubleUp) 10/25/11 & fed to Tonsils 10/27/11Flaky Biscuits (Never confirmed, but implied) 10/29/11+ Sizzler Sitzes (Hired by Kadaver to kill Charles Adams A.K.A. Baron Clovis in a hit and run. Was then shot and killed by Kadaver to keep him quiet) 10/31/11 identified 11/9/11Cueball 1/31/12Mr. Levitz (Doubleup’s main henchman in his first story; later killed by Kadaver to get Doubleup off) 3/13/12+ Vincent Vinyl 5/5/12 confirmed 5/11/12The 3 supporting members of the Mumbles Quartet (Car bomb explosion arranged by Abner Kadaver under Panda’s orders) 5/20/12Lt. Teevo (Fed to Muerte Vine by The Mushroom Lady) 7/6/12 confirmed 7/18/12Panda (Tripped and fell into Tonsils’ tank under smoke cover released by Abner Kadaver, then eaten) 7/15/12 confirmed 7/23/12Davey Mylar (A.K.A. Mr. Crime Mk II) 7/13/12 tombstone 9/30/12+ Arthur Curry (Aquarium director) 8/22/12Bookie (Measles’ partner) 10/14/12Measles (Overdose) 11/10/12+ Stephen Baux’s fiancée 2/8/13 identified 2/27/13Simon Baux A.K.A. Sweat Box (Struck by train during car chase) 2/24/13Diet Smith Industries Guard (Supposedly killed by Bardoll) 6/25/13 (Uncertain; shown lying on the ground and called a “casualty” on 6/29/13, but unconfirmed)Bardoll 7/7/13 confirmed 7/16/13Hy Pressure 9/28/13 confirmed 10/8/13Drs. Sail, Ghote, and Flash Munroe? (Still alive last we saw them, and ambiguous that they’re dead, but it often sounds like Curtis thinks of them as dead) 10/18/13Bill “Shortcake” Mitchell (Apparatus member) (never confirmed, but implied) 10/31/13Miles Mycroft (Garroted by Silver Nitrate, then fed to Lena the Hyena) 1/26/14Mr. Kolossal 4/30/14Ed Rosato (Never confirmed, but implied) 5/14/14Tabby Angus 5/28/14The Butcher of the Balkans A.K.A. Henrik Wilemse (Punjab placed his magic blanket over him, sending the Butcher on to “fly with the Maji” where none have ever returned) 7/27/14Axel’s “crack combat troops” (Implied to have all gone the same way as The Butcher of the Balkans a la Punjab) 9/30/14Axel (Blown up by Dr. Kenyon’s unstable experimental explosive) 10/5/14Otis (Killed by Gruesome) 12/5/14Mrs. Flattop (Flattened by 70-pound Film Canister thrown by Sprocket Nitrate in self-defense) 3/1/15 confirmed 3/6/15Cork 4/29/15 confirmed 5/1/15Fontane 5/6/15 confirmed 5/12/15Jimmy Choo Shooz (Sucked into undertow at Lake Prachett) 6/4/15Méliès (Accidentally shot with 50 caliber bullet – Possibly in right eye – By Apollo) 8/23/15 confirmed 8/27/15Rocket Munroe & Apollo (They would’ve been fatally shot by 9/12/15, on 9/13/15 it’s implied Venus is the only one on that floor still alive, on 9/21/15, Rocket & Apollo are among those on that floor who are identified.)VENUS IS DEAD FISH DEAD!!! 9/22/15+ Vic Smith /John Cassaday 11/7/15+ Byron Orlock 11/16/15

Orlock’s fate sounds a bit like that of one George Reeves…..

And speaking of adorable, I had to post this comparison from a couple of recent strips:

Gweedo, yup! That plus I haven’t been around much lately due to a heavy travel schedule, so I was overdue to post some. By the way, the Mysta panels are actually a lot bigger. You can see the full size version here: http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/q90/903/IRE5d6.jpg (once it loads, you’ll probably need to click on the image to expand it)

WOW!!! What a treat, Pequod! Mysta’s trip to the Planetarium was a fun read, but this recap of the events at the Ace Tower? A++! I love very word of it. Definitely a keeper!Your narration expands nicely on the key events of the recent story, told of course from Mysta’s limited point of view. Mysta’s beauty and adorability shine throughout, as does your obvious fondness for her character. You always do your best work when writing about Moon Maid!I love how your essay ends with Mysta enjoying a shower. “With the soothing water flowing over her naked body, Mysta smiled.” I got stuck awhile on that sentence!You truly have a true gift for writing like this, sir, and I thank you for sharing your talent with us. GREAT JOB!!

Gweedo stated,Hey, Sergeant Bill !-————————————————————————-.How is it that you know so much about me, Gweedo?.BTW, the hardware has been ordered for my second monitor for Comet. The monitor is in place. All that is needed are the connectors, longer cable, etc.

Sadly, work travel. Been on the road for awhile with no definite end in sight yet. Great work, very enjoyable, but I’m ready to go home.

So, today we’ve learned several things. Byron Orlock was a friend of George Tawara’s, so calling George exactly the best thing for Tracy to do. I think this is the first time we’ve seen the producer’s full name, Lloyd Newman. I’m a few days behind in compiling my character list, so I’m not sure. I think Newman is a key character in this. We’ve also learned today why Orlock’s (presumably) murder was not reported to the police — it was considered to be a suicide, even though it didn’t make much sense that Orlock would had a motive for suicide.

What place is the monitor in ?—————————————————————.My “main” monitor is a 23" wide screen on the table where I work (as shown in the picture I posted a few days ago). I am going to use a small cabinet that is adjacent to my chair for the 15" monitor. That will be at a 90 degree angle to Comet’s main monitor. I had Sunshine (laptop) on the cabinet but since I am going to give Sunshie to my daughter, I had space for a second monitor for Comet. At best the small cabinet could accomodate a 20" monitor. Shadow (Comet’s backup) has a 24" wide screen monitor now..I suppose I should provide more security to protect my past from your drones, Gweedo!

I think this might be the longest comment ever posted on this strip, but it’s so worth it! Really excellent work. Thanks.

Morning, Tracy Fans!

He should never have put on that red shirt.

Byron Orlock was certainly a different “look” from Morgan Byrd—more of a Broderick Crawford vs.a Ralph Byrd…. Why his “suicide” did not raise more red flags is a good question, but perhaps he had other issues to which we are not privy. But now with agent Vic Smith/John Cassaday dead in the same manner, working on the same film, and with a threatening note attached to the body as well, it becomes clear in retrospect that there have been two murders connected to this film and accordingly that there is a killer also connected in some way to this film.Take it from there, detectives!

Knowing Mike, there may be a Superman reference with the actor (supposedly) committing suicide ala George Reeves.

Knowing Mike, there may be a Superman reference with the actor (supposedly) committing suicide ala George Reeves.____________________

Hm.

There are definite parallels.

Good Morning All & Thanks for the info and the past strips..

It was only last week Wednesday, Nov. 11th, that Tracy seemed morose, ‘baffled’, down in the DUMPS, retreating quickly to his “Comfort Zone” (his office). He’d venture out briefly for a meeting with actor Ralph Byrd (real name) there he he received some related info. The “suicide” death of another actor (Byron Orlock) who’d earlier, had been scheduled to play the part of “Boss Tracy”!California Police confirmed there had been a SUICIDE death, as Lizz queried if (like the new one they were investigating it was also by “hanging”? *No answer then or today . . . ? Yet, what raises an EYEBROW was why the ‘necessity’ to show the face of a dead man (in 2 panels) today?. And still no clarification on “cause” of death?If he’s “really” dead, we won’t be seeing him around again. Unless, it’s put in as a SUBTLE misdirect by the Authors ?

Comfort Zone for the BLUES? Just Wait … and ‘clues’ and ’new will come Nov 11, 2015

Todays strip seems to further help make my earlier “point” about “full blown” Mystery stories (or Whodunit’s) EVOKING “Low Interest” among readers …Not the least of which, is usually … ‘Slow Pacing’ and ‘Long Waiting’ for events of substance to occur.

As I write, we’ve had 36 post, yet only 1 (by Neil Wick) seems to have tried to address the current substance.Yes*!* Three or 4 speculated on who (off screen) may have been speaking in the 2 letter boxes.

But ‘others’ all took the opportunity to address unrelated subjects . . .There were several on Bill’s new monitor . . .Had me wondering how, he’d taken his ‘eyes’ of Rikki ?

Bob-Oscar could take Plenty time to role out yesterday’s additional new death (Orlock).

But best of all it ‘allowed’ time and thought for two Great Presentations -Willy007’s Magnificent pictorial fest of (enlarged) Joe Srtaton perspectives of Mystra Chimera in all, her majesty and glory !

While Pequod, (with brief) but ‘brilliant’ departure from the ‘limitations’ of verse . . .Made it seem as if we were reading a modern day Du Fo or an inspired Shakespeare taking his ‘off day’ to comment on Dick Tracy.That “language” to describe the movements and feelings following Mysta’s most recent adventure was a JOY to read*!*

If slow moving mysteries can motivate this level of ‘feeling’ of creative pleasure (?)That’s a ‘strong’ argument for having them - on occasion ;-)

Let’s milk the classics, ‘cause the good stuff’s already been invented !

I get discouraged with Hollywood sometimes lately. It seems like they have no new ideas. Everything seems to be reboots, remakes, and sequels. At the very least, they are saying, “That movie was popular. Let’s do another one like that.” It’s always been that way but it seems to be more like that lately.

More of a side wise reference to it. A sort of almost Star Trek.

Well, it seems to be a reboot of a pseudo-Star Trek, just as Tracy lives in a pseudo-Chicago.

Hi Gweedo. I just thought I’d say… Well… Hi.-I hope you are well. I finally donated a full pint of blood on 2nd November. I almost got turned away again because of my small veins but I suggested they try my right arm and it worked! I would have had to wait another 4 months to donate if I had not suggested my right arm.-By the way, I wouldn’t enlarge my latest avatar. I’m literally half asleep in that photo. It was taken on a trip I went to 2 weeks ago.-I visited Eldo on Ten Cats a couple of days ago and he had donated blood in September.-Well, I’ll be away now. Here is a lovely video of Britain’s tallest horse. If you remember, I sent you a video of Britain’s smallest horse. Hope you like it. Link-Happy Weddingsday for tomorrow!

Thanks for posting the great panels, Willy007! Always fun to relive some highlights from Mysta and Honeymoon’s exciting summer. Today we see good use of the two-panel format, as Tracy shares some of what he’s learned working the case. The Hangman is weaving his own noose by committing murder on Tracy’s turf.

Thanks to Willy007, Neil Wick, Night-Gaunt49, Gweedo and Sydney Phillips for the kinds words. Very much appreciated. I’m inspired by what Team Tracy has done.

Question …

What do VistaBill and the Superman Family have in common …?

“A Horse is a Horse, of course, of course …”

… and yes, these old comic book stories are every bit as insanely ludicrous as you’d think!

Ace Tower Aftermath

 

Sleep was out of the question. Walking the grounds at Smith’s complex late at night cleared her mind, especially on clear evenings under moonlight. Night fell earlier this time of year. The cooler temperatures didn’t faze her. Her body was gradually redefining that which constituted cold, lowering the threshold until it became an abstraction. One more change. One of many. Adjusting to constant flux had been the norm for as long as she could remember, which, truth be told, was not all that long. Memories in the Dreamtime seemed to reach further back than those in her waking life.

 

Images of the siege at Ace Tower flickered in her mind’s eye like a poorly edited newsreel. Once the chopper had set down on the roof she was in motion. Honeymoon’s cry for help was urgent, although it came to her more as colors and images than words. Imoto-Chan was in danger. Soon Mysta was close. She’d made short work of the chopper waiting to spirit Bribery to safety. None would take flight in that bird. She disarmed the pilot before taking aim at the door lock, calibrating the zap and entering Ace Tower.

 

The sound of gunfire came from different areas and multiple floors. She fought back the panic that sought to rise up, as any of the shots she heard could have been aimed at Honeymoon. Could have found their target. She quickly dropped the big gal in dark glasses. She didn’t hold a weapon, but her attire marked her as a Blackheart. No SWAT team member dressed like that.

 

Mysta knew Honeymoon was nearby. Yet when she rounded the corner it was Bribery she found. The vile little man’s face was distorted by gleeful contempt. His ill repute as a loathsome, violent criminal preceded him. Raising a hand to subdue the fiend, she was nearly rendered unconscious when he reflected her zap back upon her with the ring he wore.

 

She kept on her feet by sheer force of will. Bribery’s ring seemingly strengthened the force of the charge, even as it deflected and reflected it. Yet despite her distress she kept her wits about her, feet firmly planted. Bribery called her his “grand experiment.” Said he’d be back to collect his property. He was laughing as he vanished into a nearby room marked 6B. Telepathy told her Imoto-Chan was not in that room. Marshalling her considerable inner resources, she stayed standing as the pain slowly receded, the vertigo passing.

 

Mysta felt she could take care of herself, Bribery’s ring notwithstanding. She certainly wasn’t anyone’s property. Smith had told what he knew of how she’d come to exist. Given her some history. She was the Chimera. No mother or father, she was an orphan extraordinaire. Unique. She knew her origin story. She saw her Lunarian benefactress every time she visited Honeymoon. Contemplating the portrait of Honeymoon’s mother—her twin—put her at ease. She had seen this woman in the Dreamtime, although specifics of the encounter were elusive, obscured by the capricious nature of nocturnal visions. Bribery had called her a “by-product.” If so, she knew the source was magnificent. Honey was ample evidence of this.

 

The SWAT team, led by Tracy and Sam, arrived on the top floor as her pain was subsiding. Mysta pointed them toward the door where Bribery had disappeared. Frustrated and dismayed that her powers had been useless against him, a wave of emotions broke over her. Suddenly, Imoto-Chan was at her side. Great was the joy of their reunion. They embraced. Honeymoon grasped Mysta’s silk-gloved hand, expressing her gratitude. More SWAT team members arrived, their heavy foot falls replacing the sound of gunfire below, which had ceased. Mysta could not help but grin as Honeymoon described her encounter with Bribery.

 

In the aftermath of the siege, Mysta and Honeymoon gave their statements at the MCU. Tracy escorted Honeymoon home. Mysta returned to Smith Industries in a squad car. The uniformed driver had trouble keeping his eyes on the road. Eventually, she gently reminded him that the road was ahead, rather than in the rear-view mirror. He stammered an affirmation of this fact, reluctantly casting his gaze ahead and noting that he’d very much enjoyed her in that movie.

 

Her solitary perambulations on the grounds of the complex had helped clear her mind. It had been quite a summer. The assertion of Honeymoon’s Lunarian lineage had brought the good friends even closer. Initially, Imoto-Chan had been anxious over the appearance and growth of her horns. This was only natural. She was uncertain of how her father and step-mother would react, but Mysta assured her they would understand and accept her changes, their love being unconditional.

 

Entering her apartment, Mysta reflected back on the incident at the shopping mall. It had unnerved Honeymoon. She feared she might hurt someone. Feared the further changes she knew were coming. They had worked together, Mysta teaching her all she’d learned with kind hands and tender patience. Controlling her body and mind was a challenge, but Honey was smart and tenacious. A quick study. A wonderful girl.

 

Peeling off her gloves, Mysta sat at the edge of her bed to remove her thigh-high boots. Her agility was such that stilettos rarely bothered her. Sore feet were the least of her aches and pains after the rumpus at Ace Tower. A hot shower would help. Setting her lunar earrings on the dresser, she slipped out of her body suit. Reaching back, she removed her pearl necklace. The pearls were smooth and cool to the touch. Setting it down, she walked to the shower.

 

Stepping under the pulsating nozzle, the rising clouds of steam slowly absorbed her remaining tension. With the soothing water flowing over her naked body, Mysta smiled. The training had paid off tonight. They had faced the dangers of Ace Tower, emerging stronger for the tribulations. None knew what the future held. Yet Mysta knew they would face it together: Onee-San and her Imoto-Chan. She tilted her head back, relishing the feel of her long, saturated tresses. As soapy foam swirled down the drain, Mysta stretched and flexed, wondering what adventures lay ahead. Were Bribery to make good on his threat she would be ready.