ummmmm……“risky” to be making public appearances means SOMETHING’S being hidden or covered up about her……right? Anyways, Stiletta, you can leave early for Europe, take the rest of the gang with you, we have MOONIE now….yea!!!!
All three panels are great. Some quick thoughts:1) Retik isn’t a moon person after all. I had long suspected he was.2) Retik and Stellaluna’s space uniforms(?) are extremely cool. What is up with that, anyway?3) Stellaluna is pretty hot.4) Love the model Space Coupe! I wish the colorist had made it yellow, though.5) As fhofmann noted, Moon Maid at the Apollo, HA!6) Who is Dr. Sail?
Well, yesterday I speculated that Moon Maid would begin today; little did I know that I might be correct! Perhaps even Mike and Joe got tired of that beer bash.Now, both “accomplices” are named – Retik, whom we knew from 30 September 2012, and now, Stellaluna. So, the “henchmen” aspect of the Moon Maid appearances remain in place, the suggestions that this Moon Maid might be a “hoax.” (Don’t know that for sure; hoping that is not the case!)
I like that Mysta wants to go out and “stop some robberies,” obviously her idea and not someone else’s. It seems what she wants to do is a wild card here, and not part of a conspiracy to trick people.
I’ve been studying today’s art, and there’s a lot to admire. The abandoned Apollo is a perfect hangout for a woman from space. Not just the name, but the pics of the moon and stars, the sputnik-type satellites, and a globe in front. Perfect. Panel two is awesome! The great uniforms (Retik has holsters?), the Space Coupe, the moon lander, the moon hanging over head, I really like the scene. Panel three confirms what panel two already showed us, Stellaluna is really hot like someone said. I suspect the lady fans will like Retik, too. And I’m already intrigued by the mysterious Dr. Sail. This story is off to a great start in my opinion.
Thanks to Ray Toler, who sent me a link to of Moon Maid’s death scene. That has got to be one of the most violent ends to a Dick Tracy character that I have ever seen. And it helps illustrate why some people, perhaps many, are so passionate about her.And the 25 October 2012 strip, by Mike and Joe, only helped reinforce the notion that the original Moon Maid had, indeed, died: The original strip, 06 August 1978, showed only the steering wheel as keys were inserted; the October strip showed Moon Maid’s face attached to the person who was inserting those keys. (Sort of in the vein of “Last Kiss”)Two other violent ends come to mind – the recent character, Sweatbox, and the “Rhodent” from 30 August 1959. Still a child in 1959, this death scene would leave me with nightmares for some time afterward.While my gap in following Dick Tracy began in 1972, when I moved away from Chicago, I’m not sure there have been other violent ends to match these three: Sweatbox, Rhodent, and Moon Maid.And it has already been pointed out that, in Moon Maid’s case, Big Boy, the man who planned this murder manages to die peacefully in his own bed.When I saw that panel from 1978, I had other emotions, as well. While this is a comic strip, and of the fictional characters in it, Moon Maid had to be the most fictional, with the exception of Honeymoon, I came away angry anyway. But not at Big Boy.I was angry at the creative team.The strip Ray Toler shared with me had no credits on it and, while it appeared to be a Sunday panel, it could have been three dailies spliced together, as well. See Ray Toler’s response to me yesterday for a copy of the linkThe problem I had here was, if you (the artist) didn’t like a certain character, or wanted to discontinue that character, why the complicated murder plot gone wrong? While it was Big Boy’s alleged plot that went wrong, clearly, this was an editorial decision by the then current Team Tracy to eliminate that character.In this sense, it was a cold-blooded murder plot. And, unlike Big Boy’s alleged plot to get rid of Tracy, which failed, this murder plot, of Fletcher (? – needs confirmation) against Moon Maid, actually succeeded.So, yes, there are lots of reasons to be passionate about the death of Moon Maid. And the 35 year hiatus, mentioned by those who have managed to stay tuned to Dick Tracy all these years (I’m not one of them) is yet another valid reason for people to be upset.Being “cheeky” for a moment, it comes to mind the way that Lucas got rid of Jar Jar Binks in what is now Star Wars II: The character was simply told to “go away,” which he did. Surely, Moon Maid could have been “disposed of” in a more gracious – and merciful – manner.Still puzzling to me after all these years, if it was Fletcher’s (?) intent to end absolutely all traces of the Moon Maid and the “Space Era,” why didn’t he have Honeymoon crawl into the seat next to mommy in 1978?The reader’s reaction to the above statement should give a sense of just how cruel this whole story line has been.So, all you Moon Maid fans for the last four decades, my hat’s off to you! You have obviously put up with more than I can imagine, at least from a form of fiction (and not real life).And, let’s hope that, in the end, this Moon Maid is the “real deal” and not a “hoax.”Even if Honeymoon is as fictional as Dick Tracy, after all of this teasing and buildup, for this Moon Maid to be a hoax would be the final cruelty of all.
One very encouraging thing: Stellaluna calls her by name: Mysta – the name that Mike and Joe gave the original Moon Maid (originally an unnamed character).
Can’t tell you how much I’ve been looking forward to this story. Those first looks we got of Moon Maid last summer seem like ten years ago. It’s just great to have this fantastic character back, I hope for good!
Off to a great start and sorry to disagree, but this is already 10 times more interesting than the Jumbler story. And Mysta hasn’t even appeared yet. When is that supposed to happen, anyone know?
This really is the start of the Moon Maid story? Great! I’m new here and haven’t paid much attention to Dick Tracy over the years. But I always loved Moon Maid as a girl. A Facebook friend told me that Moon Maid was back and I was like, seriously? People think only men love her and while they certainly do, there were lots of girls when I was younger who loved Moon Maid too. The clothes she wears and hte powers she has and being from the moon and having a great daughter like Honeymoon, she’s amazing. Now I’m all caught up with the story and I’m excited to see what happens next! Hooray for Moon Maid!
Night_Gaunt checkout yesterdays ; my last reply to you please. I am not trying to start anything I just had to say that so I hope u don’t go getting ticked-off and all. K ?
Geez, the previous story never even really began, and now poof we’re into the MM story, was there even a point to the “gang” getting together? As for the MM story, there’s no WAY she’s the original, she has to be some kind of clone, or an imposter (A super-sophisticated robot would count as an imposter, also). While I totally believe that Collins/Fletcher made the right call in killing her, and the entire “Moon Kingdom” off ; I will keep reading and see where this goes.^ps. As long as Mike and Joe enjoy crossovers (which I don’t, btw), let’s have MM meet the REAL Moon Princess… Tsukino Usagi & together with her friends, namely Sailor Moon and the Sailor soldiers (not “scouts”), they can expose MM as the fraud she is and destroy her and the evil Dr Sail ;) << Just kidding folks, so don’t flame the crap out of me :P
mikeyj: I can see the editorial decision to not feature Moon Maid, even to the point of writing her out of the strip. But her ultra-violent end was totally uncalled for, even if they had hoped to crush her, with no possibility of ever reviving her. Please see the link that Ray Toler sent me yesterday. I can see this as a reason many have been upset with Fletcher ever since.
Another anomaly. The strip Ray Toler sent me was dated 06 August 1978. In the 30 September 2012 strip, Mysta’s headstone had the date “August 7” (no year). Considering that Dick Tracy is supposed to be “timeless,” I can see the omission of the year, but the day? What day did she “die”? 06 August or 07 August? Just curious.
What a pleasure to see Mysta’s story begin in earnest. As cheapskate0 (great post!) and others have voiced views on Fletcher’s folly that echo my own, I’ll leave that be. Just as we had a strong sense of place in the gathering of the criminals, we’re now introduced to the “abandoned” Apollo discotheque. From the street shot in panel one to the interior in panel two, we’re treated to a vivid glimpse of Mysta’s lair. We’ve seen Mysta on the street fighting crime; we learn she desires to do more good. This sounds like the Mysta I remember, who helped Tracy and confounded criminals on several occasions. I’m intrigued, delighted and curious. Things are off to a great start, indeed.
If these people were born on the moon, shouldn’t they be struggling to stand in full earth gravity? Joe Staton and Mike Curtis should have thought this through LOL
I’m reminded of the character Retik from Republic Pictures’ serial “Radar Mem from the Moon.” That was a fun movie when I was a kid back in the ’50s. Roy Barcroft was the actor.
We danced at the Apollo, doing the Space CoupeShook our hips, busted moves, hollered, “Whoop-de-boop!”That disco closed down years ago, though a globe still hangs out frontThe district’s not safe in these days of hard times, greed and want.My friend she had her purse snatched a few blocks awayShe loves to tell the story of the woman who saved the day.She appeared out of nowhere in spandex, boots and glovesShe kicked some ass, returned the purse, clearly doing what she loves.My friend thanked her profusely, gratitude heartfelt and realShe just winked and walked away with an aura you could feel.Not everyone believes her tale; it sounds a bit fantasticA heroine with horns and lightning bolts, the thug left prone and spastic.I tend to believe my friend; she’s not known to tell a lieShe says it was the Moon Maiden, who lives and did not die.
Great scenes! I like the Apollo disco (snerk), the Space Coupe, Mysta wanting to go out and stop some robberies, and Retik and Stellaluna. Have we ever seen those two since the tombstone desecration? I want to know more about Dr. Sail, too. I assume everyone is right and this IS the beginning of the story? Part of me can’t believe it because I’ve been disappointed before. But if it is, I like the way it’s starting. LET’S ROLL!
Guess I’m just a fan who likes everything Joe and Mike draw and write. -IMHO a continuity strip needs stories like the Jumbler to break up (and fill in a bit between) longer more serious stories.
OK, now that we’re finished with the previous time consuming, going nowhere, serving no purpose but to kill a couple of weeks alleged story (S.I.T.O.A.N.M.I.) THE LONG AWAITED MOON MAID STORY is finally here. I will withhold judgment until it finishes as to whether it convinces me to become one of her groupies!
ok so here’s a question…. the space coupe in the background…. is it a MODEL version or is it an actual STOLEN space coupe to transport mysta from the moon to earth AND aid in the evacuation of the moon people form moon valley?
It is too bad that you do not like the Moon era period in Dick Tracy.
In 1946, Diet Smith’s son Brilliant invented a little device that changed the Dick Tracy comic strip forever. That device was the 2-way wrist radio. From that day forward, science fiction became a permanent part of Dick Tracy. The (fictional for that time period) inventions of Diet Smith have helped Tracy solve numerous crimes over the years.
When John F. Kennedy vowed in his innaguration speech to send a man to the moon, “Moon Fever” swept the nation. Gould capatilized on this common enthusiasm by creating the Space Coupe which led to the discovery of Moon Valley and hence to Moon Maid.
Despite speculation to the contrary, Sydney Phillips posted on the Dick Tracy Yahoo Group the number of papers running the Tracy strip. The facts don’t lie. Readership soared during the Moon period.
Outside the strip “Moon Fever” continued. There were Moon Maid lookalike contests (these were so popular that Gould even had one in the strip. It was won by Sparkle.). There were Moon Maid toys, and Moon Maid Halloween costumes, Moon Maid advertisements, etc. Not only did our country have “Moon Fever,” Gould’s creation caused the country to also have “Moon Maid Fever.”
Granted, Gould may have taken things a bit too far. The Magnetic Air Cars, the unusual villains (Mr. Intro was only an electronic voice), and the sci-fi technology used by the police force became somewhat silly. Dick Tracy verged on becoming a space opera rather than a crime drama. And, in my opinion, Gould tended to overuse the Moon Maid character. It was too easy to bring in Moon Maid who could magnetically open locks, freeze fleeing criminals in their tracks, and revive frozen people to save their lives.
Gould also became increasingly didactic during this period. “The Nation that Controls Magnetism Controls the World” became a common slogan in the strip. In addition, in 1966 the Supreme Court upheld the Miranda law which insured more rights for people under arrest or in custody. Gould portrayed Tracy as opposed to this decision and often commenting negatively about it in the strip.
By the time Gould retired in 1977, he felt the Moon Maid character had run its course in the strip. By this time, she was only a background character (Junior’s wife) and rarely appeared in the strip anymore.
When Max Allen Collins, a well-known mystery novelist, took over the writing of the strip on Gould’s retirement, he wanted to get back to the focus of urban crime. This, after all, was Collins’ forte. Even though Moon Maid was no longer a major character in the strip, he apparently wanted to end all ties with the Moon Era so Moon Maid had to go (by this time Moon Maid was only referred to in the strip as Junior’s wife…the name Moon Maid was no longer used). A few days after the explosion that killed Moon Maid, Diet Smith explained that the Moon Governor had permanently cut off all communication or association with the people of Earth. No more air cars, no more Moon Technology, no more reason for the Space Coupe. Bingo—the complete purging of the Moon Era from the strip. Dick Tracy fans have debated this decision by Collins ever since.
But although Collins as writer could kill the Moon Era, he could not dampen the public’s love of Moon Maid as Mike Curtis discovered when he began the Moon Maid arc as a side story.
I don’t mind the return of Moon Maid. I don’t mind sci-fi elements in the strip. I do hope Mike doesn’t return to the flying garbage cans and some of the sillier aspects of the Moon Era but Mike Curtis is quite clever and I believe his take on this period of DT will be interesting, entertaining, and provide drama, emotion, and excitement to the future of the strip.
I understand that some dislike the Moon Era. Some have expressed their dislike and disappointment even before the story has started. I would encourage those people to be more objective and to give this Moon Maid arc a chance. You may grow to like this “new” Moon Maid."
Mike Curtis has not disappointed me since he took over the writing chores. I have no reason to believe that this new arc will disappoint me either.
About the only conflict we have had during the last few days was the argument and knife throwing between Stiletta and MUMBLES. Why was Mumbles featured so prominently in this sequence?
Everyone on the board is debating whether or not this Moon Maid could be a clone. It appears MUMBLES has had some experience in the past with a certain professor who is an expert in cloning. Hmmm…maybe the little dialogue sequence we have just seen is of more importance than some people think.
The following is from 1979 a few months after the Moon Maid explosion:
Maybe the lack of visible alieness protected Honeymoon from incineration. If she had the strange eyes and or the antenna she would have been burned up too. The extreme prejudice in her mother’s destruction was evident.__________________________
Prejudice? I’m not sure I understand your train of thought.
The bomb was aimed at Tracy. Moon Maid’s destruction was accidental in the course of the strip. The explosion was meant for Tracy not Moon Maid. No indication that her death was fueled by prejudice.
Are you proposing that Max Allen Collins was prejudiced against a fictional comic strip race and by implication prejudiced in real life?
Sorry, I’m not trying to be critical of your post. I just don’t understand the intent of your comment concerning prejudice.
Well, at long last the Moon maid storyline is here and I’m quite pleased to see it finally.
This new strip is a fine bow to some of the early space movies like Plan 9, and it’s ilk. I see the new team kept the idea of handsome, and beautiful characters to attract the reader’s eye, especially the sci-fi look. Perhaps Ms. Nicole could appear in her mini-skirt? Or Ms. Whitley? (giggle) Still, Stellaluna, and Retik are quite pleasing to this reader’s eye.
I unfortunately missed most of the 70s Dick Tracy, and all I have is collections (The Dick Tracy Casebook for one.) But I clearly recall Moon Maid’s death. I tend to agree with many here; the death was over-the-top and the leaving of residue (IE: Honey) was not a smart idea. Collins to me ended the moon period far too ‘eagerly’ than he should have.
I am also in agreement with others in that bringing back Mysta is fine. Lets keep it in the background, base the strip upon character develops, and keep with the theme of urban crime, not flying trashcans. The technology is really what was starting to wear thin it appeared during that time period.
I also hope at the very end of this storyline, Mysta remains part of the strip instead of fading off in the sunset.
The more I look at these scenes, the more I like about them. There’s something … lush and atmospheric about all the moon and space references. The Apollo disco “in the waterfront district.” The perfect place for Mysta to hang out. Retik and Stellaluna seem like really interesting characters, too, and not just because of their uniforms. I suspect there’s an unusual story to tell with those two.
Man these are some exciting times in the COMIC STRIP WORLD! I am LOVIN’ what I have seen of Moon Maid so far! Joe Staton sure has an eye for drawing sexy, seductive women! The Moon Babe has curves in all the right places! She is BEAUTIFUL! I can only imagine what she is going to look like without the scarf! BRING IT ON!
Also revelatory: JB2K’s post that Collins and Fletcher had Gould’s “blessing” to destroy the Moon Maid? And, if so, why didn’t they finish the job with Honeymoon?Not that I am against Moon Maid at all – bring her on! But there are so many unanswered questions…
Also, this Doctor Zy Ghote: Did he have his own story line? Or is all we know about him in this Rogue’s Gallery entry – to include this connection with Mumbles…
Here’s an announcement from Mike Curtis. It’s partly a confirmation of what we already know, and partly about new characters we may see in days ahead. Good information to know. Not really a spoiler in my book, but just in case anyone thinks otherwise, here’s the link:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DickTracy/message/16773
Probably this should wait until tomorrow, since tomorrow is almost here, anyway.Doctor Zy Ghote – associated with “cloning,” but a hoax, also associated with MumblesMister Sail – whose conversation Mike Curtis personally has assured us will be relevantRetik and Stellaluna – apparently “in charge” of Moon Maid, but Moon Maid has a mind of her own – intentions unknown because they assisted Mysta in her demolition of her headstone – willingness and participation in other outings, also unknownFor what it’s worth: Today’s Segway carts are much like the much maligned “flying trashcans.” (Sorry, couldn’t resist that)Last, and certainly least: Hooray for Moon Maid – for a while there, I thought Gasoline Alley was going to surpass us on number of comments!
60sFan almost 11 years ago
THE MOON MAID STORY HAS BEGUN! WHEEEEEEE!
fredville almost 11 years ago
……she’s a robot?
Jerry1967 almost 11 years ago
A robot? Doesn’t seem likely.
fhoffman01 almost 11 years ago
So Moon Maid’s hanging at the APOLLO. Nice! Learning some disco moves from Buzz Aldrin I take it. :-)
fredville almost 11 years ago
…….good thing….this other story seems to be nothing but talk, talk, talk, lol. Good morning, posters and Abner K!
fredville almost 11 years ago
ummmmm……“risky” to be making public appearances means SOMETHING’S being hidden or covered up about her……right? Anyways, Stiletta, you can leave early for Europe, take the rest of the gang with you, we have MOONIE now….yea!!!!
atomicdog almost 11 years ago
FINALLY! [Goes to kitchen to get Cheetos and Mountain Dew]
Chief Patton almost 11 years ago
All three panels are great. Some quick thoughts:1) Retik isn’t a moon person after all. I had long suspected he was.2) Retik and Stellaluna’s space uniforms(?) are extremely cool. What is up with that, anyway?3) Stellaluna is pretty hot.4) Love the model Space Coupe! I wish the colorist had made it yellow, though.5) As fhofmann noted, Moon Maid at the Apollo, HA!6) Who is Dr. Sail?
W H H almost 11 years ago
I’m betting the Moon People are way further advanced on CLONING than us earth folk, if you know what I mean.
Cheapskate0 almost 11 years ago
Well, yesterday I speculated that Moon Maid would begin today; little did I know that I might be correct! Perhaps even Mike and Joe got tired of that beer bash.Now, both “accomplices” are named – Retik, whom we knew from 30 September 2012, and now, Stellaluna. So, the “henchmen” aspect of the Moon Maid appearances remain in place, the suggestions that this Moon Maid might be a “hoax.” (Don’t know that for sure; hoping that is not the case!)
willy007 almost 11 years ago
I like that Mysta wants to go out and “stop some robberies,” obviously her idea and not someone else’s. It seems what she wants to do is a wild card here, and not part of a conspiracy to trick people.
Jerry1967 almost 11 years ago
I’ve been studying today’s art, and there’s a lot to admire. The abandoned Apollo is a perfect hangout for a woman from space. Not just the name, but the pics of the moon and stars, the sputnik-type satellites, and a globe in front. Perfect. Panel two is awesome! The great uniforms (Retik has holsters?), the Space Coupe, the moon lander, the moon hanging over head, I really like the scene. Panel three confirms what panel two already showed us, Stellaluna is really hot like someone said. I suspect the lady fans will like Retik, too. And I’m already intrigued by the mysterious Dr. Sail. This story is off to a great start in my opinion.
jonahhex1 almost 11 years ago
Indeed….Dr. Sail will be someone very interesting I suspect. Perhaps he figured out a way to either bring Mysta back to life or clone her…..
Cheapskate0 almost 11 years ago
Thanks to Ray Toler, who sent me a link to of Moon Maid’s death scene. That has got to be one of the most violent ends to a Dick Tracy character that I have ever seen. And it helps illustrate why some people, perhaps many, are so passionate about her.And the 25 October 2012 strip, by Mike and Joe, only helped reinforce the notion that the original Moon Maid had, indeed, died: The original strip, 06 August 1978, showed only the steering wheel as keys were inserted; the October strip showed Moon Maid’s face attached to the person who was inserting those keys. (Sort of in the vein of “Last Kiss”)Two other violent ends come to mind – the recent character, Sweatbox, and the “Rhodent” from 30 August 1959. Still a child in 1959, this death scene would leave me with nightmares for some time afterward.While my gap in following Dick Tracy began in 1972, when I moved away from Chicago, I’m not sure there have been other violent ends to match these three: Sweatbox, Rhodent, and Moon Maid.And it has already been pointed out that, in Moon Maid’s case, Big Boy, the man who planned this murder manages to die peacefully in his own bed.When I saw that panel from 1978, I had other emotions, as well. While this is a comic strip, and of the fictional characters in it, Moon Maid had to be the most fictional, with the exception of Honeymoon, I came away angry anyway. But not at Big Boy.I was angry at the creative team.The strip Ray Toler shared with me had no credits on it and, while it appeared to be a Sunday panel, it could have been three dailies spliced together, as well. See Ray Toler’s response to me yesterday for a copy of the linkThe problem I had here was, if you (the artist) didn’t like a certain character, or wanted to discontinue that character, why the complicated murder plot gone wrong? While it was Big Boy’s alleged plot that went wrong, clearly, this was an editorial decision by the then current Team Tracy to eliminate that character.In this sense, it was a cold-blooded murder plot. And, unlike Big Boy’s alleged plot to get rid of Tracy, which failed, this murder plot, of Fletcher (? – needs confirmation) against Moon Maid, actually succeeded.So, yes, there are lots of reasons to be passionate about the death of Moon Maid. And the 35 year hiatus, mentioned by those who have managed to stay tuned to Dick Tracy all these years (I’m not one of them) is yet another valid reason for people to be upset.Being “cheeky” for a moment, it comes to mind the way that Lucas got rid of Jar Jar Binks in what is now Star Wars II: The character was simply told to “go away,” which he did. Surely, Moon Maid could have been “disposed of” in a more gracious – and merciful – manner.Still puzzling to me after all these years, if it was Fletcher’s (?) intent to end absolutely all traces of the Moon Maid and the “Space Era,” why didn’t he have Honeymoon crawl into the seat next to mommy in 1978?The reader’s reaction to the above statement should give a sense of just how cruel this whole story line has been.So, all you Moon Maid fans for the last four decades, my hat’s off to you! You have obviously put up with more than I can imagine, at least from a form of fiction (and not real life).And, let’s hope that, in the end, this Moon Maid is the “real deal” and not a “hoax.”Even if Honeymoon is as fictional as Dick Tracy, after all of this teasing and buildup, for this Moon Maid to be a hoax would be the final cruelty of all.
Cheapskate0 almost 11 years ago
One very encouraging thing: Stellaluna calls her by name: Mysta – the name that Mike and Joe gave the original Moon Maid (originally an unnamed character).
DayDay2001 almost 11 years ago
Can’t tell you how much I’ve been looking forward to this story. Those first looks we got of Moon Maid last summer seem like ten years ago. It’s just great to have this fantastic character back, I hope for good!
coldsooner almost 11 years ago
A HA! The infamous, DR SAIL! Nah, sorry, never heard of him. Good morning VB, wherever you are.
cripplious almost 11 years ago
I think the criminal pow wow will crash into the moon maid mystery to the detriment of Honeymoon
ajaxxphat almost 11 years ago
Off to a great start and sorry to disagree, but this is already 10 times more interesting than the Jumbler story. And Mysta hasn’t even appeared yet. When is that supposed to happen, anyone know?
mrichman almost 11 years ago
This really is the start of the Moon Maid story? Great! I’m new here and haven’t paid much attention to Dick Tracy over the years. But I always loved Moon Maid as a girl. A Facebook friend told me that Moon Maid was back and I was like, seriously? People think only men love her and while they certainly do, there were lots of girls when I was younger who loved Moon Maid too. The clothes she wears and hte powers she has and being from the moon and having a great daughter like Honeymoon, she’s amazing. Now I’m all caught up with the story and I’m excited to see what happens next! Hooray for Moon Maid!
johnrussco almost 11 years ago
check out the ride in panel 2, diet smith has to be proud.
johnrussco almost 11 years ago
Night_Gaunt checkout yesterdays ; my last reply to you please. I am not trying to start anything I just had to say that so I hope u don’t go getting ticked-off and all. K ?
Mikeyj almost 11 years ago
Geez, the previous story never even really began, and now poof we’re into the MM story, was there even a point to the “gang” getting together? As for the MM story, there’s no WAY she’s the original, she has to be some kind of clone, or an imposter (A super-sophisticated robot would count as an imposter, also). While I totally believe that Collins/Fletcher made the right call in killing her, and the entire “Moon Kingdom” off ; I will keep reading and see where this goes.^ps. As long as Mike and Joe enjoy crossovers (which I don’t, btw), let’s have MM meet the REAL Moon Princess… Tsukino Usagi & together with her friends, namely Sailor Moon and the Sailor soldiers (not “scouts”), they can expose MM as the fraud she is and destroy her and the evil Dr Sail ;) << Just kidding folks, so don’t flame the crap out of me :P
Cheapskate0 almost 11 years ago
mikeyj: I can see the editorial decision to not feature Moon Maid, even to the point of writing her out of the strip. But her ultra-violent end was totally uncalled for, even if they had hoped to crush her, with no possibility of ever reviving her. Please see the link that Ray Toler sent me yesterday. I can see this as a reason many have been upset with Fletcher ever since.
Cheapskate0 almost 11 years ago
Another anomaly. The strip Ray Toler sent me was dated 06 August 1978. In the 30 September 2012 strip, Mysta’s headstone had the date “August 7” (no year). Considering that Dick Tracy is supposed to be “timeless,” I can see the omission of the year, but the day? What day did she “die”? 06 August or 07 August? Just curious.
Pequod almost 11 years ago
What a pleasure to see Mysta’s story begin in earnest. As cheapskate0 (great post!) and others have voiced views on Fletcher’s folly that echo my own, I’ll leave that be. Just as we had a strong sense of place in the gathering of the criminals, we’re now introduced to the “abandoned” Apollo discotheque. From the street shot in panel one to the interior in panel two, we’re treated to a vivid glimpse of Mysta’s lair. We’ve seen Mysta on the street fighting crime; we learn she desires to do more good. This sounds like the Mysta I remember, who helped Tracy and confounded criminals on several occasions. I’m intrigued, delighted and curious. Things are off to a great start, indeed.
Sojourn almost 11 years ago
If these people were born on the moon, shouldn’t they be struggling to stand in full earth gravity? Joe Staton and Mike Curtis should have thought this through LOL
William Reynolds almost 11 years ago
I’m reminded of the character Retik from Republic Pictures’ serial “Radar Mem from the Moon.” That was a fun movie when I was a kid back in the ’50s. Roy Barcroft was the actor.
William Reynolds almost 11 years ago
That should be “Radar Men from the Moon.”
Pequod almost 11 years ago
We danced at the Apollo, doing the Space CoupeShook our hips, busted moves, hollered, “Whoop-de-boop!”That disco closed down years ago, though a globe still hangs out frontThe district’s not safe in these days of hard times, greed and want.My friend she had her purse snatched a few blocks awayShe loves to tell the story of the woman who saved the day.She appeared out of nowhere in spandex, boots and glovesShe kicked some ass, returned the purse, clearly doing what she loves.My friend thanked her profusely, gratitude heartfelt and realShe just winked and walked away with an aura you could feel.Not everyone believes her tale; it sounds a bit fantasticA heroine with horns and lightning bolts, the thug left prone and spastic.I tend to believe my friend; she’s not known to tell a lieShe says it was the Moon Maiden, who lives and did not die.
jmcx4 almost 11 years ago
I wonder if Retik is a knock off of Retlik? (Radar Men from the Moon)
yumpinyiminey almost 11 years ago
Great scenes! I like the Apollo disco (snerk), the Space Coupe, Mysta wanting to go out and stop some robberies, and Retik and Stellaluna. Have we ever seen those two since the tombstone desecration? I want to know more about Dr. Sail, too. I assume everyone is right and this IS the beginning of the story? Part of me can’t believe it because I’ve been disappointed before. But if it is, I like the way it’s starting. LET’S ROLL!
APersonOfInterest almost 11 years ago
Guess I’m just a fan who likes everything Joe and Mike draw and write. -IMHO a continuity strip needs stories like the Jumbler to break up (and fill in a bit between) longer more serious stories.
avenger09 almost 11 years ago
OK, now that we’re finished with the previous time consuming, going nowhere, serving no purpose but to kill a couple of weeks alleged story (S.I.T.O.A.N.M.I.) THE LONG AWAITED MOON MAID STORY is finally here. I will withhold judgment until it finishes as to whether it convinces me to become one of her groupies!
tsull2121 almost 11 years ago
ok so here’s a question…. the space coupe in the background…. is it a MODEL version or is it an actual STOLEN space coupe to transport mysta from the moon to earth AND aid in the evacuation of the moon people form moon valley?
avenger09 almost 11 years ago
Cn I mak a semple recust? Befur heting submet bottun cin eveyun tak a momint tu chack yur speling? Thnks!
Ray Toler almost 11 years ago
It is too bad that you do not like the Moon era period in Dick Tracy.
In 1946, Diet Smith’s son Brilliant invented a little device that changed the Dick Tracy comic strip forever. That device was the 2-way wrist radio. From that day forward, science fiction became a permanent part of Dick Tracy. The (fictional for that time period) inventions of Diet Smith have helped Tracy solve numerous crimes over the years.
When John F. Kennedy vowed in his innaguration speech to send a man to the moon, “Moon Fever” swept the nation. Gould capatilized on this common enthusiasm by creating the Space Coupe which led to the discovery of Moon Valley and hence to Moon Maid.
Despite speculation to the contrary, Sydney Phillips posted on the Dick Tracy Yahoo Group the number of papers running the Tracy strip. The facts don’t lie. Readership soared during the Moon period.
Outside the strip “Moon Fever” continued. There were Moon Maid lookalike contests (these were so popular that Gould even had one in the strip. It was won by Sparkle.). There were Moon Maid toys, and Moon Maid Halloween costumes, Moon Maid advertisements, etc. Not only did our country have “Moon Fever,” Gould’s creation caused the country to also have “Moon Maid Fever.”
Granted, Gould may have taken things a bit too far. The Magnetic Air Cars, the unusual villains (Mr. Intro was only an electronic voice), and the sci-fi technology used by the police force became somewhat silly. Dick Tracy verged on becoming a space opera rather than a crime drama. And, in my opinion, Gould tended to overuse the Moon Maid character. It was too easy to bring in Moon Maid who could magnetically open locks, freeze fleeing criminals in their tracks, and revive frozen people to save their lives.
Gould also became increasingly didactic during this period. “The Nation that Controls Magnetism Controls the World” became a common slogan in the strip. In addition, in 1966 the Supreme Court upheld the Miranda law which insured more rights for people under arrest or in custody. Gould portrayed Tracy as opposed to this decision and often commenting negatively about it in the strip.
By the time Gould retired in 1977, he felt the Moon Maid character had run its course in the strip. By this time, she was only a background character (Junior’s wife) and rarely appeared in the strip anymore.
When Max Allen Collins, a well-known mystery novelist, took over the writing of the strip on Gould’s retirement, he wanted to get back to the focus of urban crime. This, after all, was Collins’ forte. Even though Moon Maid was no longer a major character in the strip, he apparently wanted to end all ties with the Moon Era so Moon Maid had to go (by this time Moon Maid was only referred to in the strip as Junior’s wife…the name Moon Maid was no longer used). A few days after the explosion that killed Moon Maid, Diet Smith explained that the Moon Governor had permanently cut off all communication or association with the people of Earth. No more air cars, no more Moon Technology, no more reason for the Space Coupe. Bingo—the complete purging of the Moon Era from the strip. Dick Tracy fans have debated this decision by Collins ever since.
But although Collins as writer could kill the Moon Era, he could not dampen the public’s love of Moon Maid as Mike Curtis discovered when he began the Moon Maid arc as a side story.
I don’t mind the return of Moon Maid. I don’t mind sci-fi elements in the strip. I do hope Mike doesn’t return to the flying garbage cans and some of the sillier aspects of the Moon Era but Mike Curtis is quite clever and I believe his take on this period of DT will be interesting, entertaining, and provide drama, emotion, and excitement to the future of the strip.
I understand that some dislike the Moon Era. Some have expressed their dislike and disappointment even before the story has started. I would encourage those people to be more objective and to give this Moon Maid arc a chance. You may grow to like this “new” Moon Maid."
Mike Curtis has not disappointed me since he took over the writing chores. I have no reason to believe that this new arc will disappoint me either.
Ray Toler almost 11 years ago
Dr. Sail? Could this be an alias?
About the only conflict we have had during the last few days was the argument and knife throwing between Stiletta and MUMBLES. Why was Mumbles featured so prominently in this sequence?
Everyone on the board is debating whether or not this Moon Maid could be a clone. It appears MUMBLES has had some experience in the past with a certain professor who is an expert in cloning. Hmmm…maybe the little dialogue sequence we have just seen is of more importance than some people think.
The following is from 1979 a few months after the Moon Maid explosion:
avenger09 almost 11 years ago
We lost George Jones today. Great country singer. He will be missed!
http://music.msn.com/music/article.aspx?news=804633
Ray Toler almost 11 years ago
Maybe the lack of visible alieness protected Honeymoon from incineration. If she had the strange eyes and or the antenna she would have been burned up too. The extreme prejudice in her mother’s destruction was evident.__________________________
Prejudice? I’m not sure I understand your train of thought.
The bomb was aimed at Tracy. Moon Maid’s destruction was accidental in the course of the strip. The explosion was meant for Tracy not Moon Maid. No indication that her death was fueled by prejudice.
Are you proposing that Max Allen Collins was prejudiced against a fictional comic strip race and by implication prejudiced in real life?
Sorry, I’m not trying to be critical of your post. I just don’t understand the intent of your comment concerning prejudice.
kantuck-nadie almost 11 years ago
Well, at long last the Moon maid storyline is here and I’m quite pleased to see it finally.
This new strip is a fine bow to some of the early space movies like Plan 9, and it’s ilk. I see the new team kept the idea of handsome, and beautiful characters to attract the reader’s eye, especially the sci-fi look. Perhaps Ms. Nicole could appear in her mini-skirt? Or Ms. Whitley? (giggle) Still, Stellaluna, and Retik are quite pleasing to this reader’s eye.
I unfortunately missed most of the 70s Dick Tracy, and all I have is collections (The Dick Tracy Casebook for one.) But I clearly recall Moon Maid’s death. I tend to agree with many here; the death was over-the-top and the leaving of residue (IE: Honey) was not a smart idea. Collins to me ended the moon period far too ‘eagerly’ than he should have.
I am also in agreement with others in that bringing back Mysta is fine. Lets keep it in the background, base the strip upon character develops, and keep with the theme of urban crime, not flying trashcans. The technology is really what was starting to wear thin it appeared during that time period.
I also hope at the very end of this storyline, Mysta remains part of the strip instead of fading off in the sunset.
frankt0001 almost 11 years ago
Stellaluna? Retik? Dr. Sail? ROCK ON!!
SCOTTtheBADGER almost 11 years ago
Stellaluna could be the leader, and therefore having no need for personal weapons, as she has henchmen to do that work for her.
fhoffman01 almost 11 years ago
The more I look at these scenes, the more I like about them. There’s something … lush and atmospheric about all the moon and space references. The Apollo disco “in the waterfront district.” The perfect place for Mysta to hang out. Retik and Stellaluna seem like really interesting characters, too, and not just because of their uniforms. I suspect there’s an unusual story to tell with those two.
dennis4476 Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Man these are some exciting times in the COMIC STRIP WORLD! I am LOVIN’ what I have seen of Moon Maid so far! Joe Staton sure has an eye for drawing sexy, seductive women! The Moon Babe has curves in all the right places! She is BEAUTIFUL! I can only imagine what she is going to look like without the scarf! BRING IT ON!
dennis4476 Premium Member almost 11 years ago
I am getting a kick out of the name Stellaluna! I am also liking the Space Costumes!
I Go Pogo almost 11 years ago
We pause in the action for this imporant essage:
Good afternoon VB and all others!
Cheapskate0 almost 11 years ago
JB2K: Were those “2-man air cars” the “flying trashcans” that so many other Moon Maid lovers seem to hate about the Space Era?
Cheapskate0 almost 11 years ago
Also revelatory: JB2K’s post that Collins and Fletcher had Gould’s “blessing” to destroy the Moon Maid? And, if so, why didn’t they finish the job with Honeymoon?Not that I am against Moon Maid at all – bring her on! But there are so many unanswered questions…
tsull2121 almost 11 years ago
btw, i am surprised nobody commented on how stellaluna’s “gloves” change colors from panel two to panel three
Cheapskate0 almost 11 years ago
Also, this Doctor Zy Ghote: Did he have his own story line? Or is all we know about him in this Rogue’s Gallery entry – to include this connection with Mumbles…
willy007 almost 11 years ago
Here’s an announcement from Mike Curtis. It’s partly a confirmation of what we already know, and partly about new characters we may see in days ahead. Good information to know. Not really a spoiler in my book, but just in case anyone thinks otherwise, here’s the link:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DickTracy/message/16773
Ray Toler almost 11 years ago
My fault. For some reason, I just didn’t catch your drift. I understand your point now.
Sweet Betty almost 11 years ago
Somehow it just doesn’t have the same impact. :-)
Cheapskate0 almost 11 years ago
Probably this should wait until tomorrow, since tomorrow is almost here, anyway.Doctor Zy Ghote – associated with “cloning,” but a hoax, also associated with MumblesMister Sail – whose conversation Mike Curtis personally has assured us will be relevantRetik and Stellaluna – apparently “in charge” of Moon Maid, but Moon Maid has a mind of her own – intentions unknown because they assisted Mysta in her demolition of her headstone – willingness and participation in other outings, also unknownFor what it’s worth: Today’s Segway carts are much like the much maligned “flying trashcans.” (Sorry, couldn’t resist that)Last, and certainly least: Hooray for Moon Maid – for a while there, I thought Gasoline Alley was going to surpass us on number of comments!
PaStark Premium Member almost 11 years ago
Actually Retik is a moonman. Roy Barcroft played him in the 1952 serial, RADAR MEN FROM THE MOON.