'Miami Vice Remix' #1 Review: Don Johnson, Philip Michael Thomas' Crockett & Tubbs Return!

Lion Forge Comics and IDW Publishing bring back the '80s classic TV show, Miami Vice, as a comic book series. In writer Joe Casey and artist Jim Mahfood's Miami Vice Remix #1, Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs (memorably played by Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas) are back in a gleefully over-the-top and action-packed installment. 

Based on the Miami Vice series, the pilot followed New York Detective Rico Tubbs (Thomas) seeking vengeance for his brother murder at the hands of mob boss Calderone. While undercover on assignment, Crockett (Johnson) ended up butting heads with Tubbs as they sought after the same man. An unlikely partnership came about as Tubbs decided to stick with Crockett around in Miami.  

As we previously mentioned, the comic follows the rogue detectives through modern-day Miami. The opening pages starts out with a wild police car chase as the Crockett and Tubbs have to break the law to keep up with their criminal aliases. Lt. Martin Castillo (Edward James Olmos) is back too but this time around, he doesn't keep a calm demeanor when his unit screws up.

Casey has captured a violent police procedural in a seedy setting, As the investigation dives deep into sleazy strip clubs and crooked deals with smugglers, Crockett and Tubbs have to deal with a new drug taking over the crime-ridden streets. Casey lets the witty banter between Crockett and Tubbs roll at a fast pace as old and new faces show up after an intense shootout. 

Capturing the MTV editing style of the show, Mahfood keeps each angle fresh and new, jumping from one panel to the next. The artwork just pops out at you as the gritty and scratchy artwork depicts a fast-moving crime tale. Interestingly, Mahfood dives into the narrative without visually referencing the real-life counterparts. The vibrant color scheme by Justin Stewart creates an eye-catching atmosphere. 

Longtime fans will definitely spot references to the show as newcomers will enjoy a hyper, colorful, and kinetic crime/cop drama.

RATING: BUY IT NOW 

Miami Vice Remix #1  is out in stores now.

Readers, are you excited to see Crockett and Tubbs again?