Dick Tracy by Mike Curtis and Charles Ettinger for April 01, 2015

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    cpalmeresq  over 9 years ago

    Very honestly, when I looked at the first panel, I was disappointed for the very 1st time with Team Tracy…Seeing the end panel, I laughed out loud! Thank You all for the joke!

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    DaJellyBelly  over 9 years ago

    LOL

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    avenger09  over 9 years ago

    Saw this article in a local paper. Very interesting indeed! .

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    Rod Gonzalez  over 9 years ago

    Quite an April Fools’ Day joke on us!

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    willy007  over 9 years ago

    Haha! I was ready to see more of the Blaze and Notta conversation, but this is a nice change of pace.

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    avenger09  over 9 years ago

    I swear it’s Matty who’s the anonymous source.

    .I disagree, MPH doesn’t do anything anonymously. LOL!

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    Baarorso  over 9 years ago

    Team Tracy ought to know that at least some of us DO NOT appreciate being pranked like this.

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    avenger09  over 9 years ago

    Gweedo, go to sleep already!

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  9. Neil2009
    Neil Wick  over 9 years ago

    He “forced the safe” open. Because he was in it, he “forced himself.” It’s almost a pun that almost works. Only Vera Alldid could come up with such a thing! In fact, any brute force method for getting into a safe tends to damage or destroy the contents, and Trustworthy would never have have suitable tools available.

    We last saw Flatiron just over a year ago on March 25 of last year and Alldid has improved his look considerably since that time.

    For anyone who didn’t instantly catch the joke about the criminal, he is, of course, a spoof on Flattop, but he wears a “flatiron” as a hat. You seldom hear the word “flatiron” these days (at least around where I live) but it’s the thing you use to press your clothes and this was the name usually used of the item when it was normally an iron thing that you put into the fireplace to heat up.

    Nowadays, you’re much more likely to see “flatiron” used to describe a building whose shape resembles a flatiron. There is one in Manhatten which also has a district named after it, a famous one in Toronto, Canada, and a couple of dozen others all over North America, as well as a few in Europe and even one in Shanghai, China, though it doesn’t really go by that name.

    There is even a “town” (with a current population of 1 person, though it used to have a store) in Indiana which goes by the name of Flatiron. You can see a Google Maps view here. If it’s still April 1 when you see this, you can click the Pac-Man icon in the lower left area of the map view and play a game of Pac-Man by repeatedly tapping your cursor keys to control the direction of the Pac-Man. It’s more effective with the sound turned on.

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  10. Neil2009
    Neil Wick  over 9 years ago

    In the current Google street view of Flat Iron, IN (from July 2009), it looks like it says, “Flat Iron Pop. 2,” so my population figure may be a little off. It is only one house, but according to Wikipedia, there used to be two houses and a population of 6. Flat Iron is a place name officially listed by the U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System.

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  11. Neil2009
    Neil Wick  over 9 years ago

    In a March 15 “Flashback Lancaster” “this day in history” roundup, the Lancaster News (from Pennsylvania) noted that 25 years ago,

    … Bollman Hat Factory in Adamstown was being flooded with orders for the Dick Tracy hat, similar to the one worn by Warren Beatty in the Disney film “Dick Tracy.” Previously, the 100-plus year old hat maker earned big profits off the Indiana Jones hat and fedoras as worn by Kevin Costner in “The Untouchables.”Wow, I’m getting old or something. I can’t believe it’s been 25 years since Disney’s Dick Tracy movie. I think I first became a regular reader of the strip a year or two before that.
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    AnyFace  over 9 years ago

    That line was originally spoken by announcer Harry Von Zell on the February 15th, 1945 episode of Command Performance: Dick Tracy in B-Flat

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  13. Neil2009
    Neil Wick  over 9 years ago

    Evan Selleck, in in a March 18 post on Phonedog says that ever since he watched Disney’s Tracy movie, he has wanted a Dick Tracy watch that he could use to talk to people on. However, he tried out a Samsung watch and realized after one trial that he didn’t really want one, and this was reinforced by the announcement of the upcoming Apple Watch. He says,

    “I just don’t want to be in an area where there are other people around me, and I’m suddenly having a conversation essentially on speakerphone. I don’t think they want that, either. That’s worse than talking on an elevator, maybe.”The whole article is worth a read if you’re interested in this iconic piece of Tracy gear.
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    AnyFace  over 9 years ago

    At about the 30:19 point.

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  15. Neil2009
    Neil Wick  over 9 years ago

    In the real Naperville, Illinois, an interesting presentation took place on March 19. The mayor, for the last time in his 20-year term, swore in some new police officers and was honoured by the surprise presentation of the first ever “Dick Tracy Top Cop Award,” recognizing his 50-year commitment to public service first as a police officer, then as mayor.

    The ceremony was attended by Mayor Pradel’s wife, his daughter, Dick and Mary Locher, and several other people who wouldn’t be at a routine police officer swearing in. The whole story, on the Positively Naperville site, is worth reading. Mr. Locher is looking great.

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  16. Neil2009
    Neil Wick  over 9 years ago

    In Exeter, England, award-winning physical comedy theatre company, Le Navet Bete, are debuting their new show, Dick Tracy, tonight and continuing for the next four days.

    With their work rooted in the ridiculous, Le Navet Bete’s Dick Tracy will incorporate fooling, original live music, plenty of audience interaction, lightning quick character changes, authentic accents spattered with mystery, malice and mischief.For more on this and a picture of the cast, check out the story in the Western Morning News.
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  17. Neil2009
    Neil Wick  over 9 years ago

    If you’re able to be in Exeter this Friday or Saturday, you can get two tickets for the price of one, courtesy of the Exeter Express and Echo.

    After this week’s performances in Exeter, the show is embarking on a nation-wide tour of over 30 dates all over England. A full list of dates and locations for the Dick Tracy show is on their blog.

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  18. Neil2009
    Neil Wick  over 9 years ago

    If you’re able to be in Exeter this Friday or Saturday, you can get two tickets for the price of one, courtesy of the Exeter Express and Echo.

    After this week’s performances in Exeter, the show is embarking on a nation-wide tour of over 30 dates all over England. A full list of dates and locations for the Dick Tracy show is on their blog.

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    AnyFace  over 9 years ago

    Question …

    How did “Space Coupe” creator Dyne O’Matic die?

    Did his death occur on-camera?

    Can’t even find a Picture of him.

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    crobinson019  over 9 years ago

    Shouldn’t it be Rikki, put Bill down?

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    crobinson019  over 9 years ago

    Mornin’ Vista Bill and others. April Fools can be annoying, but I liked today’s prank!

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  22. Bill 1960
    Vista Bill Raley and Comet™  over 9 years ago

    Gweedo and Chris, hah! If only this was true! Those days are long gone, i’m afraid.

    Good morning everyone!

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    Darryl Heine  over 9 years ago

    You know what would have made perfect Dick Tracy April Fool’s comic strips? a) Have him meet Al Capp’s Fearless Fodsick from the Lil Abner comic strips, or b) Have him in the 1960’s UPA Dick Tracy cartoon world.

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    Starman1948  over 9 years ago

    Good morning Tracy fans. ____________@Neil Wick: you have outdone yourself today. Thanks for all the good info.____________Good joke Team Tracy. Thanks.____________@avenger09: thanks for the newspaper article.____________Today would have been my dad’s 99th birthday. (No joke). He died of cancer at 62.____________Y’all have a beautiful day my friends.

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    kantuck-nadie  over 9 years ago
    giggles an enjoyable change of style, gentlemen. Well done!
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    SYDNEY PHILLIPS  over 9 years ago

    Well, there could be another ‘reason’. for this sudden departure from continuation of yesterday’s activity, with Notta and Blaze’s foot there, just ‘one step’ from the door . . .

    Today’s first panel had asks - “How did he escape”? “Tongue in Cheek” who may Mike have been talking about, when he realized the next step inside would likely introduce another character, and with that the day being the 1st – April Fools’ - might send SPECULATION off the Charts . . . were Purdy Faller to APPEAR even if sitting with a ‘dumb look’, in his wheel chair. “Yes, this is the secret Mr. Bigg

    And how clever ! What better way to ‘deepen’ the disguise and anonymity, than to send a message to yourself and have another independent observer ‘see’ – Purdy Faller in his continuing non-functional state ?The ‘Word’ gets around !

    Some might think it was ‘overreach’ in avoiding a clash of the date with Purdy’s appearance - as it sends a ‘stronger’ reason to think - there’s more to this than meets the eye ?

    Of course, to carry it all off, the ‘real’ face of Purdy Faller is not seen by the Group and (possibly?) is known only to Venus and Apollo.This might account in part, for the lenience (to them) shown at the recent meeting ?

    If events do eventually turn in this direction, we’ll recall that Ray Toler was the one, to first put a tentative finger on Purdy as the Blackhearts - Mr.Bigg !

    The insertion of today’s Alldid strip, not only was unexpected, but not entirely ‘Trustworthy’ from the Authors, coming on this date !

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    Kip W  over 9 years ago

    Please let that article be a fake. Locher’s time on the strip was a steady decline in quality and was cherished mostly by Comics Curmudgeons who enjoyed predicting the end of a sequence as soon as it was started.

    The worst thing I can say about the present team is that none of them is actually Chester Gould (and really, who among us is?). The stories, the art—even the dang lettering—all topnotch, and I enjoy their work unironically every day.

    Not fooling.

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    Pequod  over 9 years ago

    I have a theory on Mr. Bigg’s identity. Hear me out. Mr. Bigg is…Dick Tracy! Disguised, of course, as Tracy could never walk into the Blackhearts’ inner sanctum without a disguise. Tracy is disguised as Purdy Fallar. So perfect. Once the Blackhearts fall due to Tracy’s infiltration, Purdy and Notta shall be whisked away into the Witless Protection Program, never to be seen again. At least not until Team Tracy brings them back for another entertaining tale of crime and punishment. That’s my theory, for what it is worth. Speculation is fun…no foolin’.

    Thanks to Willy007 and Ray Toler for the Dyne O’Matick panels.

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    Sisyphos  over 9 years ago

    Vera Alldid is not my favorite comics creator. Today’s joke is flat. Happy 1 April!

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    I Go Pogo   over 9 years ago

    Good morning all and again, thanks to all those who share a wealth of Tracy knowledge and trivia!

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  31. Bill 1960
    Vista Bill Raley and Comet™  over 9 years ago

    Gweedo, when Rikki asked me if I would like to go down under, I thought she meant Australia!

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    seanyj  over 9 years ago

    Well at least Im getting my wish to see my favorite Tracy villain Flattop even if its a parody of him.

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  33. Bill 1960
    Vista Bill Raley and Comet™  over 9 years ago

    It’s dark and creepy underground, Gweedo. I do not like the worms and the snakes. The things we will do for a ride in the death coach!

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    fredville  over 9 years ago

    ……didn’t Stooge Villar hold something like that, too? Anyways, while I loved the Mr. Bribery character in the beginning (and the cigar smoking cat even more) that was the one instance to me where Gould spent waaaay too much time on a story – and I’m still tired of Bribery……

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    avenger09  over 9 years ago

    Now THIS is exciting news!!! About time!!

    .

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    scorpy007  over 9 years ago

    Just for your information…the punch line was originally used in an AFRS radio show called COMMAND PERFORMANCE. This show was a special 1 hour production called “Dick Tracy in B-Flat or For Goodness Sake, Isn’t He Ever Going To Marry Tess Trueheart?” It featured Bing Crosby as Dick Tracy, Dinah Shore as Tess Trueheart, Bob Hope as Flattop, Frank Sinatra as Shakey, Jimmy Durante as the Mole, and so on. It was a un show.

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  37. Bill 1960
    Vista Bill Raley and Comet™  over 9 years ago

    They are very, very private, Gweedo!

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  38. Bill 1960
    Vista Bill Raley and Comet™  over 9 years ago

    Although I said that I would use one of my other machines so I could paste the comment in my replies, I’m too lazy. Maybe I can fire up Sunshine (my new W8.1 laptop that is next to Comet). I hate Windows 8.1 (so far). Shadow is Comet’s (Vista) desktop companion but is on the other side of the room. So, for now, I will respond without the reference. Comet is my (Vista) dream machine.

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  39. Bill 1960
    Vista Bill Raley and Comet™  over 9 years ago

    Neil, the dress code? “…—-…”! Everyone here is invited. It’ll be the event of the year!

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    johnrussco  over 9 years ago

    THIS AINT NO APRIL FOOLS I SWEAR!Gweedo, you were so right on when & what you said about the drivers Joe Stanton & Mike Curtis at the reins. The e-card that you did was precious and it was so appreciated, you have no idea..Avenger 09, bless you sir for using your talent on Monday for me, and most know that I’m not the nicest guy in the world. I have read your poem for me so many times that I’ve almost memorized it. .Thank you guys Neil Wick, Star Man 1948, david42, Night Gaunt 49,Charlie, Chris Skerloch, Rightwingmoron, Night Shade 09 and you all that shared my pain. I am sorry that it took something like this happening to express humility, but the important thing is that you all were there for me when I really needed some support, and I did not ask or even expect it..My bride was out of the country and my family & friends were in bed at 2:00 in the morning. It was the despair and pain that had me post that which happened. Not for a response or reaction, but none the less it was very humbling and so dog gone sincere that it lifted the old guy up. .Please believe me when I say that I do not do this sort of thing. In fact this is a first for me, and I do not know any of the Dick Tracy family in person personally. Looking back and seeing how you really cool folks reacted to some others in this group going through rough patches I shouldn’t have been surprised, but I certainly was..I am going to miss little birdie and I will try and not bring this up again, and I am not ashamed to tell younz that I love you all. There are 4 kinds of love one of which is called Phileo or Philo love. In a nut shell some call this brotherly love; it is real and sincere caring. In a functional family a brother or sister never wants to see their sibling fail, or be sick or anything negative happen to them. They always want the best for that person; at least right now that is how I feel and how you all made me feel. Like it or not that is godly..I almost never accept friend requests on you know where, but I sure would any of yours. Don’t get me wrong I am not going to start acting stupid here on Go comics.

    Thanks again my friends

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    Starman1948  over 9 years ago

    @Gweedo: thank you my friend___________@avenger09: that’s a good article.___________@VistaBill: are all of us commenters invited to the wedding?

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  42. Neil2009
    Neil Wick  over 9 years ago

    This may be off-topic, but maybe not if Mr. Bigg is who some say he is. The Hollywood Reporter says that Adam West and Burt Ward will return to their roles as Batman and Robin to do voices for one or two full-length animated movies, the first due out next year, the 50th anniversary of the Batman TV series debut.

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    Ray Toler  over 9 years ago

    Are we going to hit 100 comments on a J. Straightedge Trustworthy day?

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    Jim Kerner  over 9 years ago

    I was disappointed that Fearless Fosdick wasn’t around.

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    avenger09  over 9 years ago

    Are we going to hit 100 comments on a J. Straightedge Trustworthy day?

    Thanks to me, yes!

    .

    Actually JPW you are # 101. A wee bit too late! LOL!

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  46. Michael j fox marty mcfly back to the future johnny b goode
    avenger09  over 9 years ago

    LOL! Gotta try to milk April fools as long as I can!

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    Sisyphos  over 9 years ago

    I’m glad someone got it. I guess my humor needs moisturizing….

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  48. Komi 0001
    AnyFace  over 9 years ago

    Just a quick thought about my much-earlier-in-the-day suggestion that Dyne O’Matick might not be dead.

    To the best of my knowledge Mike and Joe haven’t confirmed his death outside of that mention in the strip, we have only Diet Smith’s in-story statement to go by.

    While there’s no explicit reason to disbelieve what Smith said, as we the readers saw no body, there remain the outside possibilities that …

    A.) Smith isn’t being entirely forthcoming, and is privvy to information we the readers don’t have access to quite yet.

    B.) Smith believes Dyne O’Matick to be dead.

    Of course it’s likely that Dyne O’Matick is dead, but till 2011 we all thought B-B Eyes was dead as well.

    And by Tracy’s own account, there was “No Chance” The Nitrates could have survived their little plunge into the lake.

    If at some point Mike and Joe opt to pull Dyne O’Matick out from under the rug, I’ll consider it a fair gambit.

    See also …

    The Unreliable Narrator in Fiction

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  49. Komi 0001
    AnyFace  over 9 years ago

    To underscore the point …

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  50. Michael j fox marty mcfly back to the future johnny b goode
    avenger09  over 9 years ago

    Blaze knew that she had to gobut Mr. Bigg controlled the showThis drunken slush just loved to talkSo stay she must she couldn’t walkTo mention things from distant timeWould cause no harm or cost a dimeYet something odd about this drinkMight change the mood and cause a stinkThis Notta broad is mighty strangeBut what she’s worth sure ain’t chump changeShe’s coming on so sure and defiantPerhaps I’ve got a brand new client

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  51. Michael j fox marty mcfly back to the future johnny b goode
    avenger09  over 9 years ago

    Blaze had finally had enoughShe’d be polite but strong and toughShe definitely knew she had to goAnd get prepared for tell and showShe was surprised with Notta’s poiseBlaze half expected some drunken noiseYet Notta stood both strong and firmBlaze felt she had a lot to learnShe tried to reign her emotions inBut felt that eagerness might winAnd as each day kept passing him byDick Tracy could only release a sad sigh.

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    celeste0416  over 9 years ago

    thank you and a happy april fools day to you.

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