This collection covers Dick Tracy from 1974-1975, this being the second-to-the-last volume of Gould's original run. I'm happy to say that though the end is coming, the title remains entertaining.
What I like about the 70's strips is how they became a bit of a return to form story wise: plots run smoother and quicker than in parts of the 50's and 60's and their is a lot more focus on Tracy and the supporting cast.
Gould brings a good batch of stories here. Not a stinker or a slow one in the bunch. We also get one of the strongest post-40's succession of bad guys. Though, I felt the imposing extortionist Bulky is sadly underused.
The artwork remains strong.
Once again, Gould frequently uses the strip as a soapbox against any laws that support the rights of the accused or criminal rights, which he felt were shackles for the cops. He has already been pretty rightwing, but just when you thought he was at his most extreme, he kicks things up a notch. Now if you're a conservative and/or a big supporter of the police, especially in this current climate, who has never read this strip, these viewpoints may seem like their up your alley. However, Gould is faaaaar right and makes things weird. He is a proponent of a world without bail, habeas corpus, warrants, parole boards, defense lawyers, the right to remain silent, etc.
Gould lets other unhealthy views appear here, too, including a shockingly unsympathetic view of the suicidal. There are also a couple kinda misogynistic moments. This is surprising considering that, especially compared to other comics writers from his era, Gould had been a rather feminist writer. He usually didn't fall into stereotypes, frequently used strong women, and added a female cop during the 1950's.
Overall, this can be recommended to any Tracy fan. Just understand that things can get odd.
