Onstage at the Patterson, Kandi searches through the rubbleFrightened so for Flintheart, the old ham’s worth the trouble.The theatre felt so glamorous until the bomb went offA criminal so gruesome, he looked just like Karloff.The Sweethearts reunited, Kandi looks into his eyesFlintheart takes her in his arms, comforts Kandi as she cries.Elsewhere, the amusement park is closed down for the seasonHither comes the Death Coach, a journey with a reasonTo transport wanted criminals eluding Tracy’s pathFor murder and a bombing they are targets of his wrath.Einstein casts his gaze upon the delightfully wicked RikkiKnowing it is rude to stare, yet to avert his eyes too tricky.Rikki knows Tracy’s on the case, probably drawing nearIs now the time to lie in wait, prepare ambush and peerPast the gates of Goofy Golf to waylay the DetectiveAbner perceives too many risks, thus deems the plan defective.On his own terms he shall fulfill the contract vile and grimSo shall not risk their capture on a reckless, risky whim.
Loved every word, PQ! I’ve heard others praise you for this, but I’ll honestly say that THIS TIME you caught me lacking. Until I read your poem, I didn’t realize that that was actually the Death Coach depicted! I’m usually in awe at your prowess, but no more so than today!
Wow, Gruesome went from bad to hearse!AS happy as I am to see Abner Kadaver and Rikki Mortis again, it sheds no light on the mystery of the Abner mask (sigh).It does account for the spoiler circulated sometime ago about Abner appearing in a Halloween themed story.But now that Abner has helped Gruesome and Dr. Einstein, how will Tracy catch them? (Of course, considering how many ‘name’ bad guys are on the loose in that town, all Tracy has to do is close his eyes and reach out his hands, and he’s likely to nab one of them.)
Here it is shown conclusively that Rikki Mortis and Abner Kadaver are indeed two separate living creatures of the night (so, for those who live to speculate, maybe it is Abner who wears the mask and is, underneath it, really someone else—whether he has always been “Abner” or has replaced a deceased Abner). What, then, now becomes of Gruesome and Einstein? Or of Rikki and Abner and their very distinctive and noticeable Death Coach? Which pair will Tracy and his team home in on? 2015 should get off to a good start!
What an assembly of weirdos we have here and in the days to come we will get to see Meilies once again. If the city ever finds a way to get rid of the criminal faction, these guys could always find a job in the Connor Circus Sideshow! You know, the circus that the FBI uses to hide their witness protection program people… famous for the Pig on Wheels.
One small complaint, if I may – I like to print out the Sunday pages because of the excellent color work, but Tracy has only appeared in one Sunday panel in the past six weeks. Oh, well.
Dick Tracy villains and Rip Haywire seem to have the same MO. If you don’t recover the corpse, he’s not dead. Not even if you saw the villain last in a flaming car caught in a crusher.
I wonder if Dick Tracy and company would be interested in good anti-zombie weapons? None of the criminals ever seem to die, even in situations that would be sure death to any normal person. Last I saw Abner, he was sinking in wet concrete and we never saw him come up again.
amazing…. as one poster pointed out a few days ago, tracy and sam were merely minutes behind gruesome and einstein, yet the commotion at monstercon seems to have delayed gruesome and einstein only SECONDS…which i guess is PLENTY of time for abner and rikki to roll up in their totally inconspicuous death coach and whisk the two away without a hint of where they went,
at least ONE THING was solved for sure in todays strip…we now know definitively that abner and rikki are not the same person, and one assumption we can ALSO make is that it is definitely the same abner that its always been….i dont think rikki would have followed just ANYONE who put on the mask..shes loyal to (and obviously in love with) abner
With a very few noticeable exceptions, Tracyville is a safe city to conduct crime. Much like “The ‘A’ Team” on TV, they can have a huge gunfight and the baddie never eats a lead sandwich.
On another note, the horse drawn Death Coach driven atop by a costumed Playboy Playmate (Rikki) clip-clops down Main Street and draws no attention from the Popo? Wow!
" . . . How will Tracy catch them? (Of course, considering how many ‘name’ bad guys are on the loose in that town, all Tracy has to do is close his eyes and reach out his hands, and he’s likely to nab one of them.)"-———————————————————————————
I’m sure that NightS speaks partly in jest ? . . .
But given the MCU’s current, dismal record in apprehending Felons in this tale and memory of that immature journey to Thunder island in the last . . .. It might prove a new stratagem with - “better odds” ?Not difficult to beat Tracy’s inactivity and stumble, then best his discovery, that ‘accident on a plate’ at the Play, that turned to blunder - his Patterson flounder
Elsewhere - one Wendy Witchel might be holding these these results and practicing her “Gotcha” - SMILE - for the TV evening news ?That’s the downside of saving Villains for return encounters - the prisons are empty and (as NightS notes), the streets are full of them !Not his most profound observation, but he’s coming around.
Keep and EYE open, Will Gruesome eventually escape ?
The Death Coach rides again! Good to see this iconic mode of transport make an appearance. Always a pleasure to see Rikki. Einstein seems smitten and who can blame him? Kadaver’s remark that Gruesome/Karloff’s name is highly revered is a nice touch. Team Tracy is classy yet again. Rikki is ready to take some initiative and finally make good on the contract, while Kadaver is not so hasty. His cement bath may have made him a bit cautious. The vat where Tracy swam and Abner sank must be specially equipped (like Kadaver’s mask?). What exactly is under that mask, I wonder. Gruesome and Einstein don’t realize that Rikki could have put them to sleep with the touch of a button. Rikki is stylish whether on the phone or on the road.
The detour to the MonsterCon may have slowed the pace a bit, but I’ll bet anything can happen at Goofy Golf. Hats off to Jim Doherty for another stellar Hall of Fame. Mr. Wambaugh’s nonfiction is especially good. .Thanks to Morrow, cpalmeresq, Ray Toler, coldsooner, davidf42, Starman1948, Jonathan K., Chris Sherlock and Neil Wick for the kind words. Much appreciated!
One can only be grateful that Joe Staton’s mind and pen combined to liberate and create this delightful female character, Rikki Mortis !
Two truly “pleasing” renditions today, of what’s now my favorite character creation - in Dick Tracy, from the current Team !It’s not only her pleasing features and (sadly now missing) right cheek mole, but the enhancements that come from her attire, her vented shoulder clothing and superbly attractive purple Bowler Hat .She’s there like a Fashion Statement !
Peter Lorre (aka Einstein) seems to be squeezing her hand rather long (?) Wish I could read that ‘look in his ’Cup Like’ *eye*’. Seems he realizes he’s on a Golf Course - and you wonder if it’s crossed his mind (?) That it would be rather nice, if he could try a ‘swing’- and “Hit a Hole in One” ?
When NightShade stepped out into the brighter sunlight today - (use a few ‘spots’ of imagination) and he might be seen wearing an Orange vest, and working Google glass that signals “Seeing Eye” status (?) So IF - Lady Fortune smiles, he (NS) might make the bullseye ‘assumption’ and just TELL us ?
As one of the “enabled” he can read the scenario, “interpret” what the Writer intended but doesn’t fully articulate ? Quite a SKILL, helps the less astute among us, who can’t as easily make those “spatial” JUMPS of understandingHe’s already kindly revealed that he was, (or IS?) a reporter, (that’s a plus) for unlike most who can’t give ‘newsy’, conforming views, he’s likely had ‘practice’ in that culture - and there, whenever needed ! ?
No harm intended 09, just one of those who can’t comfortably make ALL those helpful “assumptions”.
Morrow Cummings over 9 years ago
Good morning, Tracy fans! Waiting on PQ!
cpalmeresq over 9 years ago
What a great Sunday!
Pequod over 9 years ago
Onstage at the Patterson, Kandi searches through the rubbleFrightened so for Flintheart, the old ham’s worth the trouble.The theatre felt so glamorous until the bomb went offA criminal so gruesome, he looked just like Karloff.The Sweethearts reunited, Kandi looks into his eyesFlintheart takes her in his arms, comforts Kandi as she cries.Elsewhere, the amusement park is closed down for the seasonHither comes the Death Coach, a journey with a reasonTo transport wanted criminals eluding Tracy’s pathFor murder and a bombing they are targets of his wrath.Einstein casts his gaze upon the delightfully wicked RikkiKnowing it is rude to stare, yet to avert his eyes too tricky.Rikki knows Tracy’s on the case, probably drawing nearIs now the time to lie in wait, prepare ambush and peerPast the gates of Goofy Golf to waylay the DetectiveAbner perceives too many risks, thus deems the plan defective.On his own terms he shall fulfill the contract vile and grimSo shall not risk their capture on a reckless, risky whim.
Vista Bill Raley and Comet™ over 9 years ago
Good morning fellow DT fans!
Things are moving along now… Abner Kadaver, Rikki Mortis, the Death Coach! Wouldn’t the Death Coach stand out when it whizzed by on the streets?
cpalmeresq over 9 years ago
Loved every word, PQ! I’ve heard others praise you for this, but I’ll honestly say that THIS TIME you caught me lacking. Until I read your poem, I didn’t realize that that was actually the Death Coach depicted! I’m usually in awe at your prowess, but no more so than today!
Can't Sleep over 9 years ago
Wow, Gruesome went from bad to hearse!AS happy as I am to see Abner Kadaver and Rikki Mortis again, it sheds no light on the mystery of the Abner mask (sigh).It does account for the spoiler circulated sometime ago about Abner appearing in a Halloween themed story.But now that Abner has helped Gruesome and Dr. Einstein, how will Tracy catch them? (Of course, considering how many ‘name’ bad guys are on the loose in that town, all Tracy has to do is close his eyes and reach out his hands, and he’s likely to nab one of them.)
Sisyphos over 9 years ago
Here it is shown conclusively that Rikki Mortis and Abner Kadaver are indeed two separate living creatures of the night (so, for those who live to speculate, maybe it is Abner who wears the mask and is, underneath it, really someone else—whether he has always been “Abner” or has replaced a deceased Abner). What, then, now becomes of Gruesome and Einstein? Or of Rikki and Abner and their very distinctive and noticeable Death Coach? Which pair will Tracy and his team home in on? 2015 should get off to a good start!
Vista Bill Raley and Comet™ over 9 years ago
What an assembly of weirdos we have here and in the days to come we will get to see Meilies once again. If the city ever finds a way to get rid of the criminal faction, these guys could always find a job in the Connor Circus Sideshow! You know, the circus that the FBI uses to hide their witness protection program people… famous for the Pig on Wheels.
Ken in Ohio over 9 years ago
Because of the placement of those two snowflakes, that looks for all the world like the “Bat-cowl” in the penultimate panel!
Ken in Ohio over 9 years ago
One small complaint, if I may – I like to print out the Sunday pages because of the excellent color work, but Tracy has only appeared in one Sunday panel in the past six weeks. Oh, well.
davidf42 over 9 years ago
Wow, Peqiod, all we can say is wow. Wow!
Starman1948 over 9 years ago
Good morning my friends. Pequod does it again! Y’all have an awesome day.
mjmsprt40 over 9 years ago
Dick Tracy villains and Rip Haywire seem to have the same MO. If you don’t recover the corpse, he’s not dead. Not even if you saw the villain last in a flaming car caught in a crusher.
mjmsprt40 over 9 years ago
I wonder if Dick Tracy and company would be interested in good anti-zombie weapons? None of the criminals ever seem to die, even in situations that would be sure death to any normal person. Last I saw Abner, he was sinking in wet concrete and we never saw him come up again.
tsull2121 over 9 years ago
amazing…. as one poster pointed out a few days ago, tracy and sam were merely minutes behind gruesome and einstein, yet the commotion at monstercon seems to have delayed gruesome and einstein only SECONDS…which i guess is PLENTY of time for abner and rikki to roll up in their totally inconspicuous death coach and whisk the two away without a hint of where they went,
at least ONE THING was solved for sure in todays strip…we now know definitively that abner and rikki are not the same person, and one assumption we can ALSO make is that it is definitely the same abner that its always been….i dont think rikki would have followed just ANYONE who put on the mask..shes loyal to (and obviously in love with) abner
Morrow Cummings over 9 years ago
With a very few noticeable exceptions, Tracyville is a safe city to conduct crime. Much like “The ‘A’ Team” on TV, they can have a huge gunfight and the baddie never eats a lead sandwich.
On another note, the horse drawn Death Coach driven atop by a costumed Playboy Playmate (Rikki) clip-clops down Main Street and draws no attention from the Popo? Wow!
SYDNEY PHILLIPS over 9 years ago
" . . . How will Tracy catch them? (Of course, considering how many ‘name’ bad guys are on the loose in that town, all Tracy has to do is close his eyes and reach out his hands, and he’s likely to nab one of them.)"-———————————————————————————
I’m sure that NightS speaks partly in jest ? . . .
But given the MCU’s current, dismal record in apprehending Felons in this tale and memory of that immature journey to Thunder island in the last . . .. It might prove a new stratagem with - “better odds” ?Not difficult to beat Tracy’s inactivity and stumble, then best his discovery, that ‘accident on a plate’ at the Play, that turned to blunder - his Patterson flounder
Elsewhere - one Wendy Witchel might be holding these these results and practicing her “Gotcha” - SMILE - for the TV evening news ?That’s the downside of saving Villains for return encounters - the prisons are empty and (as NightS notes), the streets are full of them !Not his most profound observation, but he’s coming around.
Keep and EYE open, Will Gruesome eventually escape ?
Chris Sherlock over 9 years ago
A wonderful poetic composition as usual, Pequod! Many thanks!
Pequod over 9 years ago
The Death Coach rides again! Good to see this iconic mode of transport make an appearance. Always a pleasure to see Rikki. Einstein seems smitten and who can blame him? Kadaver’s remark that Gruesome/Karloff’s name is highly revered is a nice touch. Team Tracy is classy yet again. Rikki is ready to take some initiative and finally make good on the contract, while Kadaver is not so hasty. His cement bath may have made him a bit cautious. The vat where Tracy swam and Abner sank must be specially equipped (like Kadaver’s mask?). What exactly is under that mask, I wonder. Gruesome and Einstein don’t realize that Rikki could have put them to sleep with the touch of a button. Rikki is stylish whether on the phone or on the road.
The detour to the MonsterCon may have slowed the pace a bit, but I’ll bet anything can happen at Goofy Golf. Hats off to Jim Doherty for another stellar Hall of Fame. Mr. Wambaugh’s nonfiction is especially good. .Thanks to Morrow, cpalmeresq, Ray Toler, coldsooner, davidf42, Starman1948, Jonathan K., Chris Sherlock and Neil Wick for the kind words. Much appreciated!
DrSid1 over 9 years ago
Another fine poem from Pequod, and a here’s a hint on his speed – Go Comics is not the first site to post this strip…
mumbles over 9 years ago
Looks like another story without an ending. Did someone in the crew serve as a writer for The Sopranos? Great Art, narrative Meh!
SYDNEY PHILLIPS over 9 years ago
One can only be grateful that Joe Staton’s mind and pen combined to liberate and create this delightful female character, Rikki Mortis !
Two truly “pleasing” renditions today, of what’s now my favorite character creation - in Dick Tracy, from the current Team !It’s not only her pleasing features and (sadly now missing) right cheek mole, but the enhancements that come from her attire, her vented shoulder clothing and superbly attractive purple Bowler Hat .She’s there like a Fashion Statement !
Peter Lorre (aka Einstein) seems to be squeezing her hand rather long (?) Wish I could read that ‘look in his ’Cup Like’ *eye*’. Seems he realizes he’s on a Golf Course - and you wonder if it’s crossed his mind (?) That it would be rather nice, if he could try a ‘swing’ - and “Hit a Hole in One” ?
When NightShade stepped out into the brighter sunlight today - (use a few ‘spots’ of imagination) and he might be seen wearing an Orange vest, and working Google glass that signals “Seeing Eye” status (?) So IF - Lady Fortune smiles, he (NS) might make the bullseye ‘assumption’ and just TELL us ?
As one of the “enabled” he can read the scenario, “interpret” what the Writer intended but doesn’t fully articulate ? Quite a SKILL, helps the less astute among us, who can’t as easily make those “spatial” JUMPS of understandingHe’s already kindly revealed that he was, (or IS?) a reporter, (that’s a plus) for unlike most who can’t give ‘newsy’, conforming views, he’s likely had ‘practice’ in that culture - and there, whenever needed ! ?
No harm intended 09, just one of those who can’t comfortably make ALL those helpful “assumptions”.
Neil Wick over 9 years ago
Rikki: … should we try taking him out? …Abner: [thinks like Yoda… Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.
Pequod over 7 years ago
Onstage at the Patterson, Kandi searches through the rubble
Frightened so for Flintheart, the old ham’s worth the trouble.
The theatre felt so glamorous until the bomb went off
A criminal so gruesome, he looked just like Karloff.
The Sweethearts reunited, Kandi looks into his eyes
Flintheart takes her in his arms, comforts Kandi as she cries.
Elsewhere, the amusement park is closed down for the season
Hither comes the Death Coach, a journey with a reason
To transport wanted criminals eluding Tracy’s path
For murder and a bombing they are targets of his wrath.
Einstein casts his gaze upon the delightfully wicked Rikki
Knowing it is rude to stare, yet to avert his eyes too tricky.
Rikki knows Tracy’s on the case, probably drawing near
Is now the time to lie in wait, prepare ambush and peer
Past the gates of Goofy Golf to waylay the Detective
Abner perceives too many risks, thus deems the plan defective.
On his own terms he shall fulfill the contract vile and grim
So shall not risk their capture on a reckless, risky whim.