Dick Tracy by Mike Curtis and Charles Ettinger for April 17, 2022

Some memories don’t ever die, just slowly fade away

Tracy does not dwell on it yet still recalls that day

The bullet struck. Was such good luck he lived and did not die

Soon back at work. Detect, not shirk, or stop to question why.

A gun in hand won’t make a man a tough guy or a king

One bullet can still lay you low. Be buried with bright bling.

Look to see celebrity imitator on the clock

Dot’s been taken hostage! “Tonsils” now in shock.

Matt sure could use a helping hand to free Dot from her chains

A heart so full. Feels passion’s pull. True love all that remains.

Who has burst upon the scene with honor, badge, and gun?

Tracy’s here to save the day! I bet this will be fun.

Does Coffyhead not know who Dot is?

Happy Easter morning™, to those who celebrate it! Christ is risen!

There’s the “Ajax” sign, showing that they are in the right place. It looks the same as it did in the old story when Vitamin came here.

It was very convenient for Matt “Tonsils” to provide his own hostage like that. Tracy has arrived, but only after Coffyhead already left with the hostage. At least Matt is safe — for one more day, anyway — more if he brings “prescriptions” to Coffyhead. The coded language softens the message to Dot. She still doesn’t know the whole extent of what her boyfriend has been doing.

Happy Easter morning™, distressed maidens !

Looks like the beginning of a week long wrap up. I hope a Minit Mystery is not waiting in the wings. LOL !  Dot’s eyes are pretty big now and the look of sheer terror was done very well, Team Tracy artists.

Yay! Looks like this story is wrapping up quick! Good deal!

I do like this story. Mike knew just what to do to jazz it up. Shelley Pleger’s drawings sharpen up this strip well. I’m looking forward to Monday to see Coffeehead and company get mugged.

For Tracy to call him „Tonsils“ is most frustrating. But then, everyone in this story knows that he isn’t „Tonsils“.

But for Tracy to humor him?

„is potato“

(current running gag on Colbert)

Happy Easter everyone!

so, Coffyhead has moved-up from ‘drug-pushing’ to ‘kidnapping’. I guess that means we’ll be seeing Fritz Ann, pretty soon.

Terrific images today , all of the expressions are just wonderful . I apologize because I have not followed this series very close for a couple of weeks , but today and I think yesterdays cartoon are very good . : )

Excitement begins!

It looks like Coffeehead is still wearing the “Sam Catchem” look that he debuted a few straps back…LOL !

Will he go down to the Chelsea drugstore?

Luigi has quite a look on his face, too. Something like “well, well, look who we have here.” A bonus he didn’t expect on this particular caper.

Which brings up the question: What was Coffeyhead planning to do before he knew he would have a ready-made hostage to squeeze Tonsils with?

The sort of thing I notice: yesterday Coffyhead’s hair was the same color as Matt’s. Today it’s blonde.

Thanks, syndicate colorist.

I hope Tracy has backup coming!!! Or is outside at least???

So… does Coffeehead become a disposable cup?

I wonder if Tonsils, both the real and fake, had heterochromia and the darker colour eye makes it look like it’s larger.

I thought of David Bowie for some reason, possibly the side profiles in today’s strip, who had it.

What are the odds? Seems Tracy entered thru the same door Coffyhead left thru only a few seconds later… BUT THEY NEVER RAN INTO EACHOTHER!?!?!?

Oh, I AM a sick puppy. My first thought was:

TRACY (with Renfield giggle): And now for my REVENGE! heeheeheehee!

Matt reveals his next impersonation in the third panel, Doubleup

got a good feeling about this

1-COFFEE: I was going to torture you to make you bring me “product” but I’ll just take your chick as hostage instead.

TONSILS: Whew! That’s a relief! DOT: ONE LAST DANCE, PLEASE DARLING!

2-COFFEE: We’re outta here. Have my order ready by tomorrow! Ummmm, do you still have the same cell number? NEVER MIND! I’LL BE IN TOUCH!

3-TONSILS: HE’S GONNA BE SORRY HE MADE ME MAD! HE WON’T LIKE ME WHEN I’M MAD! That’s strange. It works for Dr. Bruce Banner…

4-… Whewf! That wore me out! Uh oh. They’re coming back…

5-…DICK! DICK TRACY! What brings you here?

DT: A No-Knock warrant and a squad car. I just passed two goons and their chick who said you needed help. What’s the problem?

TONSILS: HA! You’re going to fill silly when I tell you! 5 MINUTES LATER

DT: So I passed the bad guys in the hall and didn’t have a clue. That IS funny!!!

BOTH: HA HA HA!

“Dot! I’m sorry! Sorry!” Well at least he admits it.

One heck of a way to leave a lasting impression on your date. Take her to a dark building and have a former “customer” take her away. Break out the “kick me” sign.

You blew it Coffeehead! Ya shouldda plugged him!

Great job today on the HOF, with the Ukrainian shout-out!

Everybody is ready for action except chicken-hearted ex-pusher Matt McCullar and his unlucky girl friend, the rightly terrified Dot View, amiable if dim-bulbed local TV celebrity. Coffyhead is feeling his beans; Luigi is thinking of…Dot. Tracy has his combat-mode on and adrenalin up, gun in hand.

Too bad he and Coffyhead missed each other while entrancing (dramatically) and exiting (furtively yet gloatingly).

Will Dot survive the night? Will Tracy track down Coffyhead? Will Matt provide Moka’s “prescription”? [Not a chance.]

Odds on Matt surviving: 10-1, now that Tracy’s with him.

Coffyhead: 50-1, now that Tracy’s after him.

Luigi: betting is closed; he’s dead fish dead scum, cannon fodder for Tracy.

Dot View: 5-1 physically, but scarred for life mentally and emotionally….

All that just to get an order filled? If we have a supplier go dry, we find a new supplier. It’s wise to have potential suppliers already researched. I guess Coffy isn’t wise.