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Michael Chabon's the Escapist
The Escapists
Wizard Top Ten and multiple Eisner Award-winning writer Brian K. Vaughan tells the tale of three aspiring comics creators with big dreams, small cash, and publishing rights to one forgotten Golden Age hero - The Escapist! Inspired by Michael Chabon's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, this is Vaughan's love letter to his chosen medium, a story about what it takes to start out with nothing in Cleveland, Ohio and end up with a comic so hot a major corporation wants to steal it from you! Brilliantly interweaving the lives of the creators with the world of their creation, artists Steve Rolston and Philip Bond bring the comic-booking trio Maxwell Roth, Case Weaver, and Denny Jones to life, while the inimitable Jason Shawn Alexander and Eduardo Barreto illustrate the thrilling trials and exciting extrications of the new - and old - Escapist!
208 pages, Hardcover
First published December 12, 2007
18 people are currently reading
597 people want to read
About the author
Brian K. Vaughan
1,055 books14.2k followersBrian K. Vaughan is the writer and co-creator of comic-book series including SAGA, PAPER GIRLS, Y THE LAST MAN, RUNAWAYS, and most recently, BARRIER, a digital comic with artist Marcos Martin about immigration, available from their pay-what-you-want site www.PanelSyndicate.com
BKV's work has been recognized at the Eisner, Harvey, Hugo, Shuster, Eagle, and British Fantasy Awards. He sometimes writes for film and television in Los Angeles, where he lives with his family and their dogs Hamburger and Milkshake.
BKV's work has been recognized at the Eisner, Harvey, Hugo, Shuster, Eagle, and British Fantasy Awards. He sometimes writes for film and television in Los Angeles, where he lives with his family and their dogs Hamburger and Milkshake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
November 16, 2017
Max finds out the rights to the old golden age hero, the Escapist are available and buys them to publish his first comic. He and his friend Denny along with their artist Case go about self-publishing their first comic on a shoe string budget using viral marketing. When it becomes a hit, a big conglomerate comes along to try and take it all away. Told in an inventive style, with a comic within a comic. Jason Shawn Alexander pencils the Escapist comic while Steve Rolston draws the adventures of our self-publishers. Vaughan has crafted a winning, engaging story that kept me wanting more.
Received a free copy from dark Horse and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Received a free copy from dark Horse and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2011
"The Escapists" is a spinoff from Michael Chabon's novel "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay", where a young man resurrects a beloved but forgotten superhero called "The Escapist" by self publishing a new series of comics with his friends. The comic takes off thanks to some inspired grass roots publicity stunts and a contemporary, exciting vision of a stale character, until a media corporation takes note and decides to buy up the franchise using bullying tactics.
I won't give away the ending but it's a comic book celebrating comic books and independent publishing, dreamers, etc, so it's no surprise it's a happy ending. Brian "Y The Last Man/ Pride of Baghdad/ Ex Machina" Vaughan's writing is as top notch as ever but the story feels a bit scaled down from his usual projects. The book isn't really of high entertainment value like his other books, containing fewer compelling characters and a story that at some points become a tad too anachronistic.
That said the storytelling aspect of it is quite innovative. The action switches from the main story to pages from "The Escapist" (drawn by the magnificent Jason Shawn Alexander) with characters' dialogue segueing from both storylines so you might have a conversation between the two main characters in the real world via their superhero alternatives in the comic.
Even if the technique and drawing is of a high standard, the story doesn't quite live up to it. It has it's moments but usually it's too cliched and obvious, so the reader will never be as caught up in the comic as perhaps conceived. The storyline is like parts of "Box Office Poison" by Alex Robinson or "The Dreamer" by Will Eisner, or "Pussey!" by Daniel Clowes, in that it's about some young people trying to make it in the comics world. A quick and interesting read then but not a classic.
I won't give away the ending but it's a comic book celebrating comic books and independent publishing, dreamers, etc, so it's no surprise it's a happy ending. Brian "Y The Last Man/ Pride of Baghdad/ Ex Machina" Vaughan's writing is as top notch as ever but the story feels a bit scaled down from his usual projects. The book isn't really of high entertainment value like his other books, containing fewer compelling characters and a story that at some points become a tad too anachronistic.
That said the storytelling aspect of it is quite innovative. The action switches from the main story to pages from "The Escapist" (drawn by the magnificent Jason Shawn Alexander) with characters' dialogue segueing from both storylines so you might have a conversation between the two main characters in the real world via their superhero alternatives in the comic.
Even if the technique and drawing is of a high standard, the story doesn't quite live up to it. It has it's moments but usually it's too cliched and obvious, so the reader will never be as caught up in the comic as perhaps conceived. The storyline is like parts of "Box Office Poison" by Alex Robinson or "The Dreamer" by Will Eisner, or "Pussey!" by Daniel Clowes, in that it's about some young people trying to make it in the comics world. A quick and interesting read then but not a classic.
July 24, 2018
I had read the original series when it came out, and at the time I thought it was okay, but nothing special. I appreciate the story now reading it in this new, more complete collection. It's an effective balance of primary storyline and embedded narratives that spring from the actions in the story. This, along with the two recent deluxe Escapist volumes from Dark Horse, make a formidable reading experience.
April 20, 2015
We kicked it off with a short story by Michael Chabon, about how a young unathletic Brian K. Vaughn met Sam Clay by accident in a hotel, and that sparked his love of Kavalier and Clay's The Escapist comics. That was delightful.
Note: The rest of this review has been withdrawn due to the changes in Goodreads policy and enforcement. You can read why I came to this decision here.
In the meantime, you can read the entire review at Smorgasbook.
Note: The rest of this review has been withdrawn due to the changes in Goodreads policy and enforcement. You can read why I came to this decision here.
In the meantime, you can read the entire review at Smorgasbook.
February 27, 2017
Video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-4uQ...
A rewarding parable on ambition and creativity, both thrilling and heartbreaking. A must read for all creators wannabe, and of course, for all fans of Michael Chabon's Kavalier & Clay.
A rewarding parable on ambition and creativity, both thrilling and heartbreaking. A must read for all creators wannabe, and of course, for all fans of Michael Chabon's Kavalier & Clay.
October 24, 2017
I loved this graphic novel that comes straight out from one fo Chabon's best book. The illustrations are fantastic in rendering the sense of time passing (in comics also) and the story is good!
Mi é piaciuta molto questa graphic novel che esce direttamente da uno dei migliori libri di M.Chabon. Le illustrazioni sono magnifiche e riescono a rendere molto bene il senso del passare del tempo (anche nei fumetti) e la storia é proprio bella.
THANKS TO ELEDEWEISS FOR THE PREVIEW!
Mi é piaciuta molto questa graphic novel che esce direttamente da uno dei migliori libri di M.Chabon. Le illustrazioni sono magnifiche e riescono a rendere molto bene il senso del passare del tempo (anche nei fumetti) e la storia é proprio bella.
THANKS TO ELEDEWEISS FOR THE PREVIEW!
August 25, 2018
Bonito a la par que interesantisimo. La historia trata de tres amigos que deciden crear una historia de cómics sobre "El Escapista" y sus contratiempos que sufren.
El cómic se divide en dos mundos, el real que viven los tres protagonistas y el del cómic que crean, mezclando ambos mundos y para contarte la historia.
Además se mezclan varios estilos de dibujado muy diferentes pasando por el estilo de la "golden age" a un estilo más dark en la historia del Escapista y unos cuantos más así como otros detalles muy interesante para contar el desarrollo de la historia y de los personajes.
En fin, muy recomendable y una historia muy entrañable, y un genial guión de Brian K. Vaughan basándose en la historia de Michael Chabon.
El cómic se divide en dos mundos, el real que viven los tres protagonistas y el del cómic que crean, mezclando ambos mundos y para contarte la historia.
Además se mezclan varios estilos de dibujado muy diferentes pasando por el estilo de la "golden age" a un estilo más dark en la historia del Escapista y unos cuantos más así como otros detalles muy interesante para contar el desarrollo de la historia y de los personajes.
En fin, muy recomendable y una historia muy entrañable, y un genial guión de Brian K. Vaughan basándose en la historia de Michael Chabon.
July 30, 2021
I've never read The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon, but now I think I'm going to have to. This graphic novel is a spin off and while I liked it well enough, I have to admit that I did feel like I was missing something. I especially appreciated how the art switched styles when it came to their comic book. That looked really cool. I also thought it ended rather abruptly in that I was expecting more from it. It did have a somewhat happy ending though after everything.
January 21, 2020
Uma novela gráfica em jeito de ode aos super heróis e à banda desenhada. Ilustrações arrojadas de diversos autores conceituados e um storytelling de prender o leitor às páginas.
March 26, 2018
The superhero dress up theme reminded me of Kick Ass. But not as violent. And the motivation is for an entirely different reason. I was just about to call it quits but the end of issue 2 changed my mind. It gets better and better in issue 3 as we catch a glimpse of the ‘villain’. Despite the way the story turned out, it was a pretty sweet ending. Realistic, even.
February 14, 2024
Brian K. Vaughan proves again why he's probably my favorite comic writer. He basically writes a love letter to the medium and its done so well. It's creative, heartfelt, and amazing. Three young friends work together to bring a golden age hero back to life. The book sheds light on the industry, Cleveland, friendship, and more. There were multiple artists doing different styles to match what being told and it was fantastic. Overall, I loved it!
December 4, 2017
This was great. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Klay is one of my favourite Michael Chabon books, and this was a beautiful tribute / whole new thing taking off from that.
I read it in two sessions at Dussman in one of their comfy chairs, and I got totes emosh at the end. Very very good!
I read it in two sessions at Dussman in one of their comfy chairs, and I got totes emosh at the end. Very very good!
January 2, 2018
Quick read, fun story, though nothing that was breaking any new ground. It did make me want to pick up the real book by Michael Chabon (the comic is by Brian K Vaughan)
January 16, 2018
An amazing tale on its own merits, and accessible without familiarity with the source material.
February 28, 2017
Sono rimasta entusiasta dalla lettura di questa graphic novel.
Molto belli i disegni, che amalgano stili diversi, dal fumetto classico anni '40/'50 al fumetto dipinto, e bella anche la storia, un vero omaggio al fumetto seriale americano.
Di conseguenza leggerò altre opere disegnate da Vaughan e altri romanzi scritti da Chabon.
Molto belli i disegni, che amalgano stili diversi, dal fumetto classico anni '40/'50 al fumetto dipinto, e bella anche la storia, un vero omaggio al fumetto seriale americano.
Di conseguenza leggerò altre opere disegnate da Vaughan e altri romanzi scritti da Chabon.
January 16, 2018
https://osrascunhos.com/2018/01/14/th...
The Escapists constitui uma sequência ao livro The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Klay de Michael Chabon (publicado em Portugal como As espantosas aventuras de Kavalier & Clay), o autor conhecido, também, pela história alternativa The Yiddish Policemen’s Union (publicado em Portugal como O Sindicato dos polícias iídiches), ou Gentlemen of the road.
Em As espantosas aventuras de Kavalier & Klay uma dupla de primos judeus cria um herói de banda desenhada que se torna famoso nos anos 40. Em The Escapists um rapaz descobre finalmente o que o falecido pai mantinha escondido na cave – uma extensa colecção em torno do super-hérói criado pela dupla. Na cave não encontra apenas os livros, mas também artigos, posters e o fato utilizado numa filmagem.
Fascinado pelo interesse escondido do pai, o rapaz cresce, lê e relê todos os livros disponíveis, tornando-se um fã incondicional de um herói há muito esquecido. A reviravolta ocorre quando a mãe falece deixando-lhe o avultado prémio de um seguro. O que fazer com o seguro? Comprar os direitos do super-herói e tentar montar uma pequena gráfica para produzir novas aventuras!
A história vai intercalando três estilos, ao mesmo tempo que apresenta três diferentes histórias – a do rapaz que tenta tornar-se um escritor de banda desenhada, a nova aventura do herói que vai sendo produzida, e trechos importantes da banda desenhada original. São três histórias que ecoam umas nas outras, enquanto a ficção se imiscui na realidade, e a realidade se traduz numa nova ficção. O próprio autor, Brian K. Vaughan entra neste jogo numa pequena introdução onde mistura ficção e realidade, numa excelente homenagem ao livro de Michael Chabon.
Ainda que não conheça o livro de Michael Chabon foi-me possível apreciar esta banda desenhada e a construção de Brian K. Vaughan que se traduz numa história envolvente onde não falta a paixão romântica do criador que investe tudo na sua obra, nem o peso da amizade, nem a tragicidade. Nem um vilão! O dono de uma grande empresa de produção de banda desenhada que, ao ver o trabalho dos jovens pretende os direitos de volta e usa a grande máquina empresarial para forçar a venda.
Entre o romantismo de querer concretizar um sonho como continuação da obsessão paterna, e o choque com a realidade, o grupo adapta-se e cresce, deixando para trás a inocência dos heróis que vencem contra tudo e todos. The Escapists é uma banda desenhada apaixonante que intercala as várias camadas da história, dando, a cada uma, um estilo próprio.
The Escapists constitui uma sequência ao livro The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Klay de Michael Chabon (publicado em Portugal como As espantosas aventuras de Kavalier & Clay), o autor conhecido, também, pela história alternativa The Yiddish Policemen’s Union (publicado em Portugal como O Sindicato dos polícias iídiches), ou Gentlemen of the road.
Em As espantosas aventuras de Kavalier & Klay uma dupla de primos judeus cria um herói de banda desenhada que se torna famoso nos anos 40. Em The Escapists um rapaz descobre finalmente o que o falecido pai mantinha escondido na cave – uma extensa colecção em torno do super-hérói criado pela dupla. Na cave não encontra apenas os livros, mas também artigos, posters e o fato utilizado numa filmagem.
Fascinado pelo interesse escondido do pai, o rapaz cresce, lê e relê todos os livros disponíveis, tornando-se um fã incondicional de um herói há muito esquecido. A reviravolta ocorre quando a mãe falece deixando-lhe o avultado prémio de um seguro. O que fazer com o seguro? Comprar os direitos do super-herói e tentar montar uma pequena gráfica para produzir novas aventuras!
A história vai intercalando três estilos, ao mesmo tempo que apresenta três diferentes histórias – a do rapaz que tenta tornar-se um escritor de banda desenhada, a nova aventura do herói que vai sendo produzida, e trechos importantes da banda desenhada original. São três histórias que ecoam umas nas outras, enquanto a ficção se imiscui na realidade, e a realidade se traduz numa nova ficção. O próprio autor, Brian K. Vaughan entra neste jogo numa pequena introdução onde mistura ficção e realidade, numa excelente homenagem ao livro de Michael Chabon.
Ainda que não conheça o livro de Michael Chabon foi-me possível apreciar esta banda desenhada e a construção de Brian K. Vaughan que se traduz numa história envolvente onde não falta a paixão romântica do criador que investe tudo na sua obra, nem o peso da amizade, nem a tragicidade. Nem um vilão! O dono de uma grande empresa de produção de banda desenhada que, ao ver o trabalho dos jovens pretende os direitos de volta e usa a grande máquina empresarial para forçar a venda.
Entre o romantismo de querer concretizar um sonho como continuação da obsessão paterna, e o choque com a realidade, o grupo adapta-se e cresce, deixando para trás a inocência dos heróis que vencem contra tudo e todos. The Escapists é uma banda desenhada apaixonante que intercala as várias camadas da história, dando, a cada uma, um estilo próprio.
August 6, 2022
Jelas The Escapists adalah love letter bukan sahaja kepada karya asal yang jadi sumber inspirasinya, malah juga meraikan kecintaan kepada proses pembuatan kraf dan seni. Kerja-kerja seni dilihat sebagai suatu yang transcendence, cetusan magik yang lahir daripada setiap pengkaryanya. The Escapists juga mengenai pengkarya yang mencari suara, dalam karya mahupun dalam makna kehidupan mereka.
Saya paling gemar dengan artwork JSA yang dark, raw dan gritty, dan sudah pastinya kekuatan novel grafik ini terserlah dengan tulisan BKV.
Saya paling gemar dengan artwork JSA yang dark, raw dan gritty, dan sudah pastinya kekuatan novel grafik ini terserlah dengan tulisan BKV.
February 23, 2008
Ik had het boek/stripverhaal gekocht omdat ik een enorme fan ben van Chabons The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, met weinig hoop op veel goed, maar dit draaide veel beter uit dan verwacht. Een zeer geslaagde aanvulling op Chabons boek, en waarschijnlijk zelfs behoorlijk genietbaar op zich.
February 7, 2013
I found the book interesting, but nothing really special in the end which disappointed me. It may have been the final chapter, and maybe even the final page of the book was what finally made me annoyed with it. The final page was just an over the top and expected cliche, and I guess I expected more from BKV.
January 13, 2016
A good companion/follow up to The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay. I kind of suspect you have to have read that one to truly enjoy this series.
May 8, 2018
Showcases the brilliance behind and within comics. Perfect.
October 18, 2011
Cleveland represent!
January 17, 2014
Nette Ergänzungslektüre zu The amazing adventures of Kavalier and Clay, wobei mir ein pures Escapist Superhelden Comic lieber gewesen wäre als diese Story in der Story...
November 19, 2015
DNF...not what I expected it to be. This is about the re-making of a pulp comic. Kind of boring to be honest.
July 20, 2016
It's just ok. The cover is better than the body. But it is unique and is a respectable tribute to the comicbook industry.
September 16, 2021
I really got a kick out of this book. Jason Shawn Alexander's grittier art for the book-within-the-book was fantastic. The story is fun, witty, touching, but also a bit jumbled.
January 13, 2019
I enjoyed getting to see ask the different art styles and to see Cleveland in a new light. I'm not normally a fan of stories about authors writing so a 4 is high praise
January 9, 2019
I haven't been so surprised by a graphic novel in a long time. I almost returned The Escapists to the library upon realizing that it was based on The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, which I haven't read. But I started reading Michael Chabon's in-universe introduction and his skillful prose quickly caught my attention. Brian K. Vaughan (who I should always trust) then took the reins, telling a beautiful, touching story of a struggling writer, Max, who discovers a trove of ancient Escapist comics in his basement and determines that re-invigorating the series would be his ticket to happiness.
With the actual comics interspersed throughout, The Escapists reads like a better, more understandable version of The Unwritten. Life begins to resemble art and vice versa for Max as he has his letterer, Denny, dress up like the Escapist to drum up support for the fledgling series. Later events provide inspiration for Max in the Escapist comic, including a delightful romance with his artist, Case. The trio of characters are rich, complex individuals that never cease surprising. Vaughan has a masterful touch when it comes to creating characters you want to follow.
The mix of art styles are all above-par - the main comic art by Steve Rolston reminded me pleasantly of Gabriel Rodriguez's work in Locke and Key. The comic-within-comic art for the Escapist is grim and gritty, a perfect reflection of Max's update on the series. Much like with The Unwritten I wanted the in-universe comic to exist in real life - each glimpse of the Escapist was a quick adrenaline rush.
I still can't believe I almost passed on The Escapists. If you've read The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, this is a must-read. If you haven't read The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, this is still a must-read. If you're an aspiring comic book writer in any way, shape, or form, this is a double, triple, super-plus must-read.
With the actual comics interspersed throughout, The Escapists reads like a better, more understandable version of The Unwritten. Life begins to resemble art and vice versa for Max as he has his letterer, Denny, dress up like the Escapist to drum up support for the fledgling series. Later events provide inspiration for Max in the Escapist comic, including a delightful romance with his artist, Case. The trio of characters are rich, complex individuals that never cease surprising. Vaughan has a masterful touch when it comes to creating characters you want to follow.
The mix of art styles are all above-par - the main comic art by Steve Rolston reminded me pleasantly of Gabriel Rodriguez's work in Locke and Key. The comic-within-comic art for the Escapist is grim and gritty, a perfect reflection of Max's update on the series. Much like with The Unwritten I wanted the in-universe comic to exist in real life - each glimpse of the Escapist was a quick adrenaline rush.
I still can't believe I almost passed on The Escapists. If you've read The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, this is a must-read. If you haven't read The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, this is still a must-read. If you're an aspiring comic book writer in any way, shape, or form, this is a double, triple, super-plus must-read.
March 27, 2018
I've a strange relationship with the writing of Brian K. Vaughan. He's clearly an ambitious writer, and a smart guy, and I've yet to read anything of his (since his Swamp Thing run anyway!) that wasn't entertaining. Yet, I rarely find his work as transcendental as many readers seem to find it. Y and Ex Machina, both decent enough, but nothing that moved me to keep reading after one or two trades.
I have to say, The Escapists continues in that trend. It's adequate. The characters are well crafted, there are some nice storytelling tricks, and story moves convincingly. However, I find certain parts - the cliche awkward love story; the ham-fisted "did Denny die" misdirection;
the too-clever-for-its-own-good quip from the girl's graphic design boss about how frustrating it must be to draw in small boxes, while the page itself shows all the office workers in their little cubicles - knock me out of the story with their half-assedness or their too-cuteness. Honestly, most of those storytelling tricks would've been fine if I weren't so irritated by the halfass, completely derivative love story between the leads.
Bond draws the hell out of it, though, and Alexander's Escapist pages were great and moody. (Also, I had a hard time believing that neophyte comic artist girl could so quickly and convincingly learn to use a comic page so effectively, but that's just me for you. ;) )
I have to say, The Escapists continues in that trend. It's adequate. The characters are well crafted, there are some nice storytelling tricks, and story moves convincingly. However, I find certain parts - the cliche awkward love story; the ham-fisted "did Denny die" misdirection;
the too-clever-for-its-own-good quip from the girl's graphic design boss about how frustrating it must be to draw in small boxes, while the page itself shows all the office workers in their little cubicles - knock me out of the story with their half-assedness or their too-cuteness. Honestly, most of those storytelling tricks would've been fine if I weren't so irritated by the halfass, completely derivative love story between the leads.
Bond draws the hell out of it, though, and Alexander's Escapist pages were great and moody. (Also, I had a hard time believing that neophyte comic artist girl could so quickly and convincingly learn to use a comic page so effectively, but that's just me for you. ;) )
June 22, 2019
I was super excited to hear that Brain K. Vaughan, one of my favorite comics writes, wrote a companion piece to one of my favorites books, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay. Fortunately, I was not disappointed. This was absolutely charming and hopeful, and I really enjoyed every small connection to the book.
What stood out the most for me was how the story played with the medium - the "real world" text happening during panels of the Escapist, and the connection between what was happening in the drawings to the text.
I don't remember where I've read that this is a love letter to the medium of comics, but I totally agree.
So - absolutely recommended. I would say this would also be a good read for people who haven't read the book, but if you haven't read the The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, just read it.
What stood out the most for me was how the story played with the medium - the "real world" text happening during panels of the Escapist, and the connection between what was happening in the drawings to the text.
I don't remember where I've read that this is a love letter to the medium of comics, but I totally agree.
So - absolutely recommended. I would say this would also be a good read for people who haven't read the book, but if you haven't read the The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, just read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews