Dick Tracy by Mike Curtis and Charles Ettinger for July 04, 2014

This is Annie’s World…Time is of the Essence in the 2 dimensional comic Reality…Dream on…

G’morning all. Happy Independence Day!

Did the Asp always have pupils in his eyes? I can’t remember.

I want genuine Dick Tracy strip back!

BTW happy Fourth of July to all USA friends here!

Happy 4th to all! I’m loving this story. The art is great, and the fact that I have no clue what is going to happen tomorrow is a big reason for my enjoyment.

@60sfan you’re right, still I fee that there’s been a temporary (I hope) takeover by characters of a totally different and a bit outdated strip, utterly unknown to me, and I feel a bit lost.

First of all Happy Independence Day to all the Americans. I’m going to repost the pictures that I put up late yesterday for those who missed them.

We were introduced to Axel back on June 12 with this scene:Axel is speaking on a dial phone which is shaped like the ones that were made between 1937 until just after the Second World War. Outside, there are meadows and I’m thinking that it’s a farm just outside Simmons Corners. He’s asking the person on the other end of the phone line about Prof. Kenyon.

Tarry Plauger found an old map of Simmons Corners on eBay and I noticed Prof. Kenyon’s Barn (I think that’s what it says) just outside of town:

Whether the image of Axel is a flashback to a previous adventure that involved him or is a reference to events in the current story is one thing I’m not sure of, but I’m favouring the idea that it’s a scene pertaining to the current story.

Tarry’s map had some of the borders cut off the picture, including the Silo farm where Annie is staying. Here is a better one: 1936 Ovaltine map of Simmons Corners

This storyline is very Professor Layton-y, if the big reveal is what I think it is. I can see it now: “Detective Tracy and the Whites of their Eyes.”

I think Axel captured Tracy and has drugged him, making the detective think that he’s back in 1944. That would explain what is currently happening to Tracy. Unless, of course, you subscribe to the “Twilight Zone” theory.

Well these posts all seem to infer the same thing.. . .We’re all going for a long ride, one apparently plagued with contradictions . . .

But ‘guess’ as we will, no one has a provable clue on what’s REALLY happening !We all have to WAIT and SEE. A couple weeks perhaps ? Maybe even a month or two ?What’s important IS, everyone (or most) - seem to be enjoying the uncertainties of the RIDE !

The Art style blending of the strips - crafted by Staton is impressive, Mike’s enjoying our confusion and . . .lurking in the background is the possibility that the ANNIE strip may have a rebirth ! ??

The excitement! The thrills! The nail bitting suspense! Today’s Annie strip is amazing! Hopefully the rumors that this might lead to a new Dick Tracy strip are true. How cool would that be!

Happy birthday America!

On board for the ride, though not sure where exactly we’re headed, I continue to suspect that Tracy is in the Present, but drugged and deceived by Axel. Annie’s condition is unclear. But I am especially pleased that Asp and Punjab have correct suspicions and are on the “job.” Punjab is utterly intimidating, but tends to stand out in a crowd at 8’ in height and with his colorful attire. Give me the Asp at any time (though he causes me to shudder) for clandestine Wet Work….

Here’s is the Model 302 phone Axel uses. No coiled cord on the handset.

I wonder if the villain’s name Axel is a play on the “Axis” Powers of WWII or if the character pre dates

I’m just enjoying the story, and the mystery.Will Punjab and the Asp also go to Thunder Island once Tess gets her e-mail from Tracy, detailing his plans?

Punjab and Asp are a great team. I’ll take Punjab at his word, as he is not one for idle chatter. He has been known to toss a magic blanket over misbehaving miscreants who won’t be missed. They vanish and the community is better off for their absence. Punjab and Asp are bound to be creative in their quest to find and rescue Annie. I’m enjoying this story.

Happy 4th of July Fans.

What ever happened between Punjab and the Pouch?

I heard that Mike and Joe are going to crossover this crossover and bring in Marty & Spud! Team Tracy, you rock!

From the look on Punjab’s face, I wouldn’t want to be Axel….

A New Tracy strip? What Dick meets Krazy Kat and Ignatz?

Dont care what anyone else might say, i am kicking back and enjoying THIS ride! And knowing Joe and Mike, i am certain there will be a few additional plot twists and turns before this case is wrapped up. Good going, guys!

Don’t you mean new Annie strip?

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??? I don’t know what you mean NG49. Isn’t this the Annie strip we’ve been enjoying all these years? It’s neat that they’re planning on bringing back Dick Tracy, don’t you think so, daddyo?

What? No 4th of July celebratory strip? :(

I always enjoy those sort from the artists.

Actually, he’s speaking on what looks like a dial phone, but it could be a touch-tone phone with a “rotary dial” look to it.

It could be, but those are not too common. which makes it less likely. Also the concave profile of the sloped part makes it look like the 1937 to ca. 1947 (?) Model 302.

I suppose Sam, Liz(z), Chief Patton, Lee, and the other “unimportant” people are retired from the strip? Too bad! Some folks enjoyed Mumbles, BB Eyes, Abner, etc. I guess they are going to have to take Little Orphan Annie as their daily staple.

You are again desperate to say something critical will find a way no matter how ridiculous and silly you sound. 

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Gee NG49, it’s a good thing you like me or just imagine what you would say about me! LOL!