In the vein of Clint Eastwood’s classic Escape from Alcatraz, a new comic series, Out of Alcatraz, follows Christopher Cantwell and Tyler Crook as they attempt to escape from a prison. The double-format 48-page debut issue will be released in March, but I couldn’t help but grab an early copy and share how exciting this series is. This is the story of two fugitives on the run who make a deal with a mysterious benefactor who helps them escape. Alcatraz escape survivors have more to worry about than the FBI and local police.
To learn more about Oni Press titles coming in 2025, don’t miss our interview with the creators.
If you’re familiar with Tyler Crook’s art, you’ll know how dynamic and human it is. The first issue begins with the prisoners escaping from the rough waters around Alcatraz Island, risking their lives. This escape story has been made into a movie and now a manga. One reason for this was how dangerous it would have been to enter the waters of San Francisco Bay, let alone survive. Just watch this great opening sequence and you’ll see how dangerous it is.
Although this story is fiction, the actual escape is true, and it is compelling to see how Cantwell imagined a possible extension of what happened to these prisoners. Set in 1962, the film not only captures the time and place well through its visuals, but also the racial tensions that exist, with a woman acting as an intermediary between the prisoners and their patrons. Historical fiction has a visual uniqueness that is hard to resist.
A powerful opening scene.
Credit: Oni Press
As a crime novel, this first issue has it all, only improved by the Alcatraz starting point. Our characters are criminals, but they are not murderers or villains, per se. They try to make ends meet with what they have, but now that they’re out of prison, we see how each deals with the pressures of escape in different ways. There is a complexity and dynamic between the ever-present, ever-sustaining characters that increases the tension of the story.
Speaking of tension, there’s a lot of tension in this issue. Again, no spoilers, but there’s overt violence, gun-toting situations, and an FBI squad ready to find them. There’s a real cinematic quality to the entire production, similar to a David Fincher film. I’m not saying you need to be wary of Sean Phillips and Ed Brubaker when it comes to crime comics, but this first issue is proof enough that Cantwell and Crook are hitting a high bar.
It’s worth noting that the cover art is great and has an old school movie vibe that seems straight out of a Hitchcock picture. Given the subject matter and the time period in which it is set, the cover adds to the story’s appeal.
Out of Alcatraz is a thrilling debut that combines the grit of crime storytelling with the intrigue of historical fiction. Cantwell and Crook provide a high-stakes, cinematic story that captivates readers with its intense action, rich character dynamics, and visually striking artistry. A must-read for fans of crime comics and historical thrillers.
“Out of Alcatraz” #1 is a thrilling debut
Outside Alcatraz #1
Out of Alcatraz is a thrilling debut that combines the grit of crime storytelling with the intrigue of historical fiction. Cantwell and Crook provide a high-stakes, cinematic story that captivates readers with its intense action, rich character dynamics, and visually striking artistry. A must-read for fans of crime comics and historical thrillers.
Dynamic and emotional artwork by Tyler Crook enhances the story.
An immersive setting that captures the details and historical context of the 1962 era well.
Engaging characters with hierarchical dynamics and relatable motivations.
Some character motivations could have been explored more deeply to fully resonate, but it’s still early days
