In the world of crime noir, few characters are as iconic as Dick Tracy, the square-jawed detective created by Chester Gould in 1931. With his signature yellow fedora and trench coat, Tracy battled a colorful rogue’s gallery of criminals like Flattop, Pruneface, and Big Boy. Though the character has been a staple of American pop culture for decades, it was the 1990 live-action movie starring Warren Beatty that gave birth to one of the most memorable action figure lines of the early 90s. Enter Dick Tracy action figures by Playmates—a toy line that combined comic book-style designs, quirky characters, and a hint of detective drama, bringing the gritty world of crime-fighting to life.
The 1990 Dick Tracy Movie and the Toy Line’s Launch
In 1990, Disney released Dick Tracy, a star-studded blockbuster featuring Warren Beatty as the titular detective, Madonna as Breathless Mahoney, and Al Pacino as the grotesque crime boss Big Boy Caprice. To capitalize on the movie’s anticipated success, Playmates, the company behind the wildly popular Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles line, launched a series of Dick Tracy action figures.
The toy line was aimed at recreating the film’s colorful, almost surreal visual style, with each figure capturing the exaggerated, comic book-like features of the movie’s characters. But unlike other action figure lines of the era, Dick Tracy figures leaned heavily into their crime noir roots, featuring a mix of hard-boiled detectives and grotesque gangsters, making them a standout in toy aisles filled with traditional superheroes and cartoon mascots.
The Figures: Heroes and Rogues of the Underworld
The Dick Tracy action figure line featured 14 main characters, split between the detectives of the police force and the dangerous criminals that populated Tracy’s world. The figures were around 5 inches tall and had a somewhat cartoonish appearance, with exaggerated facial features and vivid paint applications that made each character instantly recognizable.
Naturally, Dick Tracy himself was front and center. The Tracy figure, clad in his iconic yellow trench coat and hat, came armed with a revolver and ready to take on the worst of the city’s criminal underbelly. The figure’s stoic expression and heroic pose made him a perfect centerpiece for the collection. But it was the villains that truly made the line memorable.
Each of Tracy’s enemies had a distinctive look that bordered on grotesque, perfectly capturing the bizarre world of Chester Gould’s comic strip. Flattop, for instance, was easily recognizable with his squashed, flat head and sinister grin. Pruneface, another standout, had deeply wrinkled skin and a ghoulish expression, making him one of the more unsettling figures in the line. Characters like The Brow, Lips Manlis, and Itchy followed suit, each with unique deformities or stylized features that set them apart from typical action figures of the era.
One of the most sought-after figures was Big Boy Caprice, the main antagonist of the movie played by Al Pacino. His figure, with its over-the-top proportions and menacing expression, became a fan favorite. In contrast, The Blank, a mysterious character who plays a crucial role in the film’s plot, was released as a limited edition figure and is now considered one of the rarest and most valuable pieces in the Dick Tracy line.
Attention to Detail: From Costumes to Accessories
Playmates didn’t skimp on the details when it came to designing the Dick Tracy figures. Each character came with accessories that matched their personality or role in the story. For example, Flattop wielded a Tommy gun, perfectly fitting his role as a ruthless hitman. Tracy’s revolver, while simple, added a sense of authenticity to the character, making him look ready to hit the streets and clean up crime.
The figures also had a level of articulation that made them fun for both play and display. With movable arms, legs, and heads, kids could stage elaborate shootouts or re-create scenes from the movie. The bright, bold colors used for the characters’ costumes—particularly Tracy’s yellow suit—made them pop on the shelf, ensuring that even though they were based on a relatively dark and mature property, they still had the appeal to draw kids in.
The Vehicles and Playsets: Taking the Crime War to the Streets
No 90s toy line was complete without a few vehicles and playsets, and the Dick Tracy line was no exception. One of the standout pieces was the Squad Car, a sleek, vintage-style police car emblazoned with the Dick Tracy logo. The car could fit multiple figures, allowing Tracy and his fellow detectives to hit the streets in style.
But the real gem of the line was the Dick Tracy Cityscape Playset, a massive diorama that featured various storefronts, hideouts, and rooftops—perfect for staging rooftop chases and dramatic standoffs. The playset, with its gritty, urban design, really brought the world of Dick Tracy to life, giving fans a proper backdrop for their crime-fighting adventures.
The Downfall: A Toy Line Ahead of Its Time
Despite the quality and creativity behind the Dick Tracy action figures, the line struggled to find long-term success. The movie, while financially successful, didn’t achieve the blockbuster status needed to sustain the toy line’s momentum. By the end of 1990, Playmates had discontinued the line, leaving several planned figures and accessories unreleased.
The relatively mature and violent tone of the movie, combined with its noir setting, may have also contributed to the line’s early demise. Unlike Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or GI Joe, Dick Tracy was a property aimed at an older audience, making it a challenging sell in a market dominated by bright, colorful cartoons and superheroes.
A Collectible Classic
Today, the Dick Tracy action figure line is remembered fondly by collectors who appreciate its unique style and commitment to bringing a classic comic book hero to life. Figures like The Blank are highly sought after, with prices on the secondary market often reaching hundreds of dollars. Even the more common figures, like Tracy and Flattop, have become valuable collectibles due to their nostalgic appeal and the relatively short production run.
The Dick Tracy toy line stands as a testament to a time when action figures were a bit grittier, a bit stranger, and unafraid to take risks. Though it may not have lasted long, it remains a beloved piece of 90s toy history, capturing the imagination of those who were drawn to its bold, bizarre take on crime-fighting.