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By Jean Gould O’Connell

In 1931, the Chicago Tribune introduced the public to an exciting new comic strip destined to become a classic: Dick Tracy. Tracy’s creator, Chester Gould, would spend the next 46 years of his life developing the dynamic, crime-fighting character, and his work on the strip won him the Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year in both 1959 and 1977.

A revolutionary in the comics industry, Gould invented both a genre and an icon. The personal story of this pioneer cartoonist is now presented in a biography written by Gould’s only child. Beginning with his young life in a three-room house in Pawnee, Oklahoma, this book traces all the steps Gould took to eventually achieve remarkable distinction at the top of his field. The early pages relate his ancestors’ part in the Oklahoma land rush, drawing on the unpublished memoir of his father, Gilbert Gould. Chester Gould’s story is then augmented by his own personal commentary, taken directly from recorded conversations with his daughter. Throughout these conversations, Gould recollects the evolution of his career, from painting advertisements on barn roofs at age 17 to documenting the violent crime life of Chicago, from which he drew inspiration for his Dick Tracy strip. Discussion of his ambitions, disappointments, popular accomplishments, and family moments comprise a thorough account of Chester Gould’s fascinating life. The hardcover book is 231 pages with 173 photographs from O’Connell’s personal collection. Included is a forward by Dick Locher, commentary from Gould’s two grandchildren and a comprehensive list of awards and distinctions, which included formal recognition from three American presidents. The book was nominated and selected as a finalist for the Edgar Allan Poe Award from the Mystery Writers of America.

Poor old Vitamin Flintheart, recovered from his Flattop adventure, came back into the strip and was then victimized by Influence. Introduced to a wealthy widow by Flintheart, Influence robbed and strangled the woman. He later captured and nearly killed Pat Patton, but by now, Tracy was on the case. Confronting Influence, Tracy smashed the hypnotic eyes and arrested the now-powerless criminal in March, 1947.

Chased by Dick Tracy, The Brow encountered the Summer Sisters and later Gravel Gertie, in whose shack he hid out while recovering from wounds. He was then captured by Tracy, but again tried to break away from police custody. In a scuffle, he fell out a window and was impaled on a flagpole holding an American flag, a fitting end for this enemy spy.

First appearing in December, 1943, “Flattop Jones” was perhaps Dick Tracy readers’ all-time favorite hoodlum. A professional hitman, Flattop was hired to kill Tracy. Captured by a ruse and held by Flattop and three accomplices, Tracy made a daring escape. He then began a search for the criminal. Flattop was caught, escaped from jail using Vitamin Flintheart as part of his plans and again fled into the city. He then was cornered by Tracy and Pat Patton hiding on a ship in a lagoon, and drowned after a final shoot-out in a May, 1944 strip.

By Jean Gould O’Connell

In 1931, the Chicago Tribune introduced the public to an exciting new comic strip destined to become a classic: Dick Tracy. Tracy’s creator, Chester Gould, would spend the next 46 years of his life developing the dynamic, crime-fighting character, and his work on the strip won him the Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year in both 1959 and 1977.

A revolutionary in the comics industry, Gould invented both a genre and an icon. The personal story of this pioneer cartoonist is now presented in a biography written by Gould’s only child. Beginning with his young life in a three-room house in Pawnee, Oklahoma, this book traces all the steps Gould took to eventually achieve remarkable distinction at the top of his field. The early pages relate his ancestors’ part in the Oklahoma land rush, drawing on the unpublished memoir of his father, Gilbert Gould. Chester Gould’s story is then augmented by his own personal commentary, taken directly from recorded conversations with his daughter. Throughout these conversations, Gould recollects the evolution of his career, from painting advertisements on barn roofs at age 17 to documenting the violent crime life of Chicago, from which he drew inspiration for his Dick Tracy strip. Discussion of his ambitions, disappointments, popular accomplishments, and family moments comprise a thorough account of Chester Gould’s fascinating life. The hardcover book is 231 pages with 173 photographs from O’Connell’s personal collection. Included is a forward by Dick Locher, commentary from Gould’s two grandchildren and a comprehensive list of awards and distinctions, which included formal recognition from three American presidents. The book was nominated and selected as a finalist for the Edgar Allan Poe Award from the Mystery Writers of America.

Tracy was rarely seen without his hat. The iconic image of Tracy speaking into his wrist-radio while wearing the yellow fedora is known world-wide. Sturdy construction and carefully stitched, it is available in medium or large sizes. Made in the U. S. A. Great for parades, parties or as a gift.

The title caption is "Not All Heroes Wear Tights." A caption at the bottom states "Home of the Dick Tracy Museum, Woodstock Illinois.” Below is a small logo featuring the Dick Tracy name, profile and "75 Years of Fighting Crime", commemorating the 75th anniversary of Chester Gould’s famed detective strip. On heavy white parchment-style paper, the full size is 24” X 36” with an actual image size of 21 ½” x 34." The posters were produced by Tribune Media Services and the McCann-Erickson ad agency in a series promoting unique visitor destinations in Illinois. This is one of the limited edition and rarely available large size commercial posters which were displayed in airports, train and bus stations, transportation kiosks and visitor sites throughout the state.