The first volume includes the five sample strips that Gould used to sell his groundbreaking strip, as well as over 500 comic strips, encompassing the series'' beginning, from October 1931-May 1933. Among these strips are the first appearance of many long-time Dick Tracy characters, such as Tess Trueheart, Junior, and Chief Brandon. This special first volume features an overview and introduction from Consulting Editor and longtime Tracy writer Max Allan Collins, as well as an interview between Collins and creator Chester Gould. Each volume will feature book design from award-winning designer/artist Ashley Wood.