Publisher: IDW Publishing
Writer: Joe Casey
Artist: Jim Mahfood
Release Date: 25th March, 2015

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Being a child of the ‘80s, there are certain sights and sounds from TV shows and films that are forever seared into memory; those unmistakable products of the time that helped define the decade. The opening sequence of Miami Vice is one such example, with its images of sun, sea, sand, beautiful people, flash cars, and eh, flamingos! It was the very essence of ‘80s excess, and this ‘Remix’ by writer Joe Casey and Jim Mahfood pushes the envelope even further in a unique, stylistic assault on the senses.

Right from the cover, it’s clear this reimagining is not simply attempting to replicate the show. The obvious exaggerated tone of the art is mirrored in a story that introduces a very familiar and well-worn comic book trope into the mix. Crockett and Tubbs have gone undercover seeking information about a new drug flooding the Miami streets, which essentially turns its users into zombies. This revelation did not sit well at first, but thanks to some solid follow-up, and the introduction of a few intriguing characters, I’m willing to give the benefit of the doubt and see how it plays.

From a character perspective, it would appear that Joe Casey has tweaked characterisation to a degree. Sonny Crockett, at least at this point, carries the bulk of the narrative, and relegates Tubbs to little more than sidekick. I also can’t recall him being as belligerent and cock-sure before, and I’m fairly certain Edward James Olmos’ Castillo was more measured and authoritative as opposed to the stereotypical ranting chief we are initially presented with here.

The art, though, is where the book is likely to divide opinion. The characters and their world are greatly exaggerated and rough, with a suitably garish colour palette providing a technicolor ‘80s aesthetic. Although the story flows well enough, panels are perhaps a little overcrowded. Mahfood’s expressive fine line style is certainly interesting, but I prefer this type of art for rendering quirky, fragile characters, as opposed to stronger more intense ones. Lettering is also done is this style, which unfortunately leads to some sections of dialogue being hard to decipher on occasion.

Personal gripes aside, it is great to see the duo return, if only in comic book form. Crockett and Tubbs are back as never before, in an edgy, over-the-top reinvention that shows plenty of promise.

Rating: 3/5.

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The Writer of this piece was: Martin Doyle
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You can check out more of Martins reviews and thoughts on random retro things over at Retromuse

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