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Out of Alcatraz
Born from one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of the 20th century, Eisner Award–nominated writer Christopher Cantwell (Plastic Man No More, Briar) and Eisner Award–nominated illustrator Tyler Crook (Harrow County, The Lonesome Hunters) present the year’s most taut and breathtaking graphic novel event . . .
Convicts Frank Morris and Clarence Anglin have washed ashore in San Francisco after surviving their infamous escape from Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary in June 1962. They soon meet their gruff and disappointed handler, a mysterious young woman who's also running from something, and hope to quickly get their way north to the border-if they can even make it out of Modesto alive. As a dogged federal manhunt and chance encounters threaten the desperate convicts, everyone involved is about to discover the same bloodstained Life on the run is an even more hellish prison than Alcatraz could have ever been . . .
Convicts Frank Morris and Clarence Anglin have washed ashore in San Francisco after surviving their infamous escape from Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary in June 1962. They soon meet their gruff and disappointed handler, a mysterious young woman who's also running from something, and hope to quickly get their way north to the border-if they can even make it out of Modesto alive. As a dogged federal manhunt and chance encounters threaten the desperate convicts, everyone involved is about to discover the same bloodstained Life on the run is an even more hellish prison than Alcatraz could have ever been . . .
176 pages, Hardcover
Published October 21, 2025
6 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 20, 2025
That was fun. A perfect twist to the escapees fate! Art was fantastic! Pew pew pew 🔫
August 12, 2025
Christopher Cantwell's Out of Alcatraz is a comic that was way better than expected. This historical fiction thriller takes the legendary 1962 Alcatraz escape and explores a what if scenario, following two of the convicts, the hardened Frank Morris and the slower-witted Clarence Anglin, as they navigate life on the run.
The story excels by presenting a dual narrative that makes the themes feel incredibly natural. On one side, you have the escaped convicts trying to survive, with some of them not nearly as bad as you expect. Their newfound freedom is not what they imagined; it becomes a different kind of prison as they are forced to confront their worst instincts. On the other side, you have the detectives hunting them, an FBI agent and a U.S. Marshal, figuring out their own complicated relationship. The dual perspective allows the book to explore freedom and being who you are from both sides of the law, making those themes feel like the organic backbone of the story.
This is not a simple tale of good versus evil. It’s a nuanced look at identity and consequences, set against the backdrop of 1962 America. Just prepare for some fucked up moments, as it does involve criminals on the run, and the story doesn't shy away from the brutality and darkness that come with that life. Ultimately, Out of Alcatraz is a compelling and deeply human story that uses a famous historical event to explore complex and relevant themes.
The story excels by presenting a dual narrative that makes the themes feel incredibly natural. On one side, you have the escaped convicts trying to survive, with some of them not nearly as bad as you expect. Their newfound freedom is not what they imagined; it becomes a different kind of prison as they are forced to confront their worst instincts. On the other side, you have the detectives hunting them, an FBI agent and a U.S. Marshal, figuring out their own complicated relationship. The dual perspective allows the book to explore freedom and being who you are from both sides of the law, making those themes feel like the organic backbone of the story.
This is not a simple tale of good versus evil. It’s a nuanced look at identity and consequences, set against the backdrop of 1962 America. Just prepare for some fucked up moments, as it does involve criminals on the run, and the story doesn't shy away from the brutality and darkness that come with that life. Ultimately, Out of Alcatraz is a compelling and deeply human story that uses a famous historical event to explore complex and relevant themes.
August 10, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for the arc of this graphic novel.
Nearly everyone who grew up in northern California, especially the bay area has heard of the legend of the three men that escaped Alcatraz in 1962. Also, I'm pretty sure that most of those people want to believe that those guys got away.
There has always been so much mystery and history surrounding Alcatraz, and whenever you're in the area, it's impossible to not look at the now vacant prison sitting atop a hill on an island in the bay. The city offers tours, which I highly recommend if you have a day to set aside.
The guys who hatched a brilliant escape plan, utilizing the seemingly innocus supplies at their disposal. Hair scraps from the hair salon, paint, and paper mache from the crafts room, and an astounding 50 raincoats from the supply room.
They found a secret tunnel where they could work on their raft and dummy heads to stick in their beds.
Anyways, on to the graphic novel!
This story follows two of the guys, Clarence and Frank. You're with them after they make their successful escape and are trying to lay low while being on the run.
They fortunately have some help, but trust is fragile and tensions run high.
The two of them are also constantly reminded of how they're free, but not really. It's so tantalizingly close. After several years of solitude, and restrictions, wouldn't you want to be able to go to a store and buy your favorite candy?
Or have a cold beer at the bar?
To keep it brief, the guys could not be more different, and they don't necessarily get along, but with their plan in place, they're stuck with each other for the foreseeable future.
The author treats you to the POV of the law enforcement searching to find them. They are hot on their heels, finding a trail of witnesses and evidence washing up on the shore.
The two guys following up with the case are determined to find them and are racing against the clock, but it grows more complicated with the increasing amount of attention from the press.
With more press attention comes more scrutiny from their bosses, which is exactly what they too were trying to avoid.
There is so much pressure and tension in this story coming from several angles. I thought it was entertaining and the read went by quickly. I also would love to read more!
Nearly everyone who grew up in northern California, especially the bay area has heard of the legend of the three men that escaped Alcatraz in 1962. Also, I'm pretty sure that most of those people want to believe that those guys got away.
There has always been so much mystery and history surrounding Alcatraz, and whenever you're in the area, it's impossible to not look at the now vacant prison sitting atop a hill on an island in the bay. The city offers tours, which I highly recommend if you have a day to set aside.
The guys who hatched a brilliant escape plan, utilizing the seemingly innocus supplies at their disposal. Hair scraps from the hair salon, paint, and paper mache from the crafts room, and an astounding 50 raincoats from the supply room.
They found a secret tunnel where they could work on their raft and dummy heads to stick in their beds.
Anyways, on to the graphic novel!
This story follows two of the guys, Clarence and Frank. You're with them after they make their successful escape and are trying to lay low while being on the run.
They fortunately have some help, but trust is fragile and tensions run high.
The two of them are also constantly reminded of how they're free, but not really. It's so tantalizingly close. After several years of solitude, and restrictions, wouldn't you want to be able to go to a store and buy your favorite candy?
Or have a cold beer at the bar?
To keep it brief, the guys could not be more different, and they don't necessarily get along, but with their plan in place, they're stuck with each other for the foreseeable future.
The author treats you to the POV of the law enforcement searching to find them. They are hot on their heels, finding a trail of witnesses and evidence washing up on the shore.
The two guys following up with the case are determined to find them and are racing against the clock, but it grows more complicated with the increasing amount of attention from the press.
With more press attention comes more scrutiny from their bosses, which is exactly what they too were trying to avoid.
There is so much pressure and tension in this story coming from several angles. I thought it was entertaining and the read went by quickly. I also would love to read more!
October 27, 2025
If you watched the 1979 movie and wondered if Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers, John and Clarence, survived their infamous Escape From Alcatraz in June 1962, then you must read this book.
This great GN posits what may have happened to them if they did survive. Unfortunately, as the back cover states, "they discover there is no such thing as escape. Life on the run is an even more hellish prison than Alcatraz had ever been."
I highly recommend this intense book. You will be hooked from the cover to the last panel.
This great GN posits what may have happened to them if they did survive. Unfortunately, as the back cover states, "they discover there is no such thing as escape. Life on the run is an even more hellish prison than Alcatraz had ever been."
I highly recommend this intense book. You will be hooked from the cover to the last panel.
February 7, 2026
5⭐️ I love that the library, in last two years, have gifted me 5 star reads in the form of graphic novels. Diversifying my reading material is something I’m working on and I’m glad I picked this up! It was really good and super surprising. The artwork and dialogue conveyed many emotions and as a reader, I’m very pleased!
April 20, 2025
This was a fantastic first issue. 4.5 stars, easily. The art is moody, just right for this story. It's actually art, not just pencil sketches or photorealism or anything. It's terrific. The dialogue is period specific and succinct, nothing wasted. There are a few twists and turns, especially the ending, and more than enough to keep me coming back for the next one. My expectations were high from just looking through it at the store, but I think it was actually better than I figured it would be. It's noir-ish, so I know it won't have a happy ending, but I'm definitely in for the ride either way.
September 14, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Oni Press for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I distinctly remember watching the Clint Eastwood movie Escape from Alcatraz when I was very young (probably too young), so I was familiar with the story. Three men escaped the famed island prison in 1962, never to be seen again. Most people concluded that the men drowned when trying to make it to the mainland, but this book posits that two of the men made it to safety.
Well, that’s not exactly true. Safe is not the word the men would use. They’re free, but not really free because they have to stay in hiding; their faces adorn every post office and TV and newspaper. So, they need help, which they have from a woman who helped arrange their escape. Clarence and Frank don’t trust her, and she doesn’t trust them, either.
Frank and Clarence are very different people. They don’t necessarily like each other, but they have to get along enough to survive. The story shows not only their point-of-view, but also the POV of the authorities, who are investigating the matter as if all three men made it to the Bay area. Soon, evidence starts turning up that convinces the lawmen that at least two of the three men did in fact escape. But, they investigate in secrecy so the escaped prisoners do not know they’re being followed.
This grim 1960s manhunt graphic novel has some excellent artwork. Through the panels, the reader is reminded that life on the run is an even more hellish prison than Alcatraz. This definitely was an out-of-my-comfort zone read, but I really did enjoy the speculative fiction. I’ll be checking out Volume 2 to see how the story proceeds.
I distinctly remember watching the Clint Eastwood movie Escape from Alcatraz when I was very young (probably too young), so I was familiar with the story. Three men escaped the famed island prison in 1962, never to be seen again. Most people concluded that the men drowned when trying to make it to the mainland, but this book posits that two of the men made it to safety.
Well, that’s not exactly true. Safe is not the word the men would use. They’re free, but not really free because they have to stay in hiding; their faces adorn every post office and TV and newspaper. So, they need help, which they have from a woman who helped arrange their escape. Clarence and Frank don’t trust her, and she doesn’t trust them, either.
Frank and Clarence are very different people. They don’t necessarily like each other, but they have to get along enough to survive. The story shows not only their point-of-view, but also the POV of the authorities, who are investigating the matter as if all three men made it to the Bay area. Soon, evidence starts turning up that convinces the lawmen that at least two of the three men did in fact escape. But, they investigate in secrecy so the escaped prisoners do not know they’re being followed.
This grim 1960s manhunt graphic novel has some excellent artwork. Through the panels, the reader is reminded that life on the run is an even more hellish prison than Alcatraz. This definitely was an out-of-my-comfort zone read, but I really did enjoy the speculative fiction. I’ll be checking out Volume 2 to see how the story proceeds.
January 23, 2026
Thoughts:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is an interesting story and the author takes quite an interesting theory to what happened after the men left Alcatraz island. I thought the graphics were great although I did struggle with the female character that was constantly referred to as black since it was integral to her storyline but aside from characters mentioning it, it wasn’t made obvious in the images themselves aside from one page right at the beginning that shows her mother if you pay close attention to the bank scene. I also liked the romantic angle with LGBTQ+ representation as a sweet touch to a dramatic and dangerous story and having it same sex allows for an exploration of the attitudes to them in the 1960s.
Favourite Quote:
“I mean, once you jump off Alcatraz island … where can you really go?”
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is an interesting story and the author takes quite an interesting theory to what happened after the men left Alcatraz island. I thought the graphics were great although I did struggle with the female character that was constantly referred to as black since it was integral to her storyline but aside from characters mentioning it, it wasn’t made obvious in the images themselves aside from one page right at the beginning that shows her mother if you pay close attention to the bank scene. I also liked the romantic angle with LGBTQ+ representation as a sweet touch to a dramatic and dangerous story and having it same sex allows for an exploration of the attitudes to them in the 1960s.
Favourite Quote:
“I mean, once you jump off Alcatraz island … where can you really go?”
December 25, 2025
This is a great read! Remember when 3 people escaped Alcatraz but they never found the bodies? This is an imagined, what if, these 3 guys survived. It reminds me of a Brubaker book in a very good way. It has a noir crime feel with great characters, fast pace story, and lots of good twists. The theme of freedom is really strong, it was a memorable part of the book, Cantwell did an amazing job writing this. The art is a perfect match for the time period and transports you right to the era of the book. Honestly this is one of the best books I read all year, great story!
August 5, 2025
I loved the book. The graphics, comic book style, the story, every thing. This is the story of four men who have ran away from the prison and now the police is behind them. I loved how the characters were behind each other but still had their humanity with in them. I believe there are other parts too for this book.
I would love to read them too. Thank you oni press and Netgalley for the opportunity!
I would love to read them too. Thank you oni press and Netgalley for the opportunity!
November 26, 2025
Two men narrowly escape Alcatraz in the early 1960s and take a harrowing journey north to freedom, let by a woman with her own secrets. Cantwell has a plot sizzling with tension and zinging with hard-boiled 60s dialogue, but Crook brings it all to vibrant life with the art I loved so much in Harrow County. This was a Saturday afternoon TV movie, and I was glued to it.
November 26, 2025
This was such an interesting well told story. It had a gritty noir vibe to both the story and the art style. I had just happened to watch a video covering the historic details of the escape and this follows those details well and adds a lot of interesting fictional context that feels so plausible and true to life.
Read
April 1, 2025Just recently did the Alcatraz tour so this was a fun read!
My dad got this for me so I wasn’t prepared for the cliffhanger!! Now I’m dying to know how the story will continue on.
The art in this was amazing.
My dad got this for me so I wasn’t prepared for the cliffhanger!! Now I’m dying to know how the story will continue on.
The art in this was amazing.
April 22, 2025
4.5/5. The art is fantastic and the story is really fun and interesting reads almost like a Tv show, I will be following this comic closely.
June 8, 2025
love the art abd colours. it's absolutely stunning. crook is great. the story is intriguing and thrilling. lots of unspoken information and history.
October 28, 2025
★★★★1/2
Want to read
December 19, 2025Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
December 23, 2025
Perfect noir comic book.
December 27, 2025
Violent, suspenseful, completely engrossing “what if” about that trio of prisoners who famously escaped from Alcatraz in 1962. Very smartly handled, even moving, with gorgeously rendered art.
January 11, 2026
A noir fashioned from a real Alcatraz prison break that had no resolution. Great character work to go with the plot. Tyler Crook's art is fantastic.
January 30, 2026
I enjoyed this more than I expected. A nice surprise! Glad I received this as a Christmas gift.
August 26, 2025
My thanks to NetGalley and Oni Press for an advance copy of this graphic novel that is both a noir tale and a work of speculation, trying to answer a mystery that has befuddled the authorities, what happened the night three people escaped an inescapable prison, and what followed.
For a country that is so quick to scream what about the children, and surrender civil rights all in the want of being safe, we a are a country that loves the bad guy. We sing songs, watch movies, read books, all about bad people doing bad things. Many even vote for them. We love being bad. And rooting for people being bad. A story about a group of criminals, even low rent criminals escaping the Rock, the nickname for Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary is one that has been told numerous times. Movies, books. even reality shows like Mythbusters have tried to see if it was possible. What happened that night? Where could they have gone? Did they all drown, did one live to tell the tale. This graphic novel tells their story, what might have gone down, and where it all went wrong. Out of Alcatraz is written by Christopher Cantwell and illustrated by Tyler Crook, and tells about an escape, their dogged pursuers, a world in many places worse than prison, and strangely enough love.
June 1962, three men out of a planned four, Frank Morris and the two Anglin brothers, fooled guards with fake heads about being in their cell at Alcatraz, nicknamed the Rock for its appearance and the inability for prisoners to escape from it. These men using prison made life vests, and a raft, floated into legend. The authorities declared them dead, but never closed the case. This graphic novel pick up where the truth might have left off. Only two men Morris and one Anglin are still together, the other brother claimed by the sea. One stolen car later and the the fugitives are heading north, where their plan to escape runs into a few hitches. Pursuing them are two federal agents a marshal and an FBI agents with plans of their own. The fugitives and their contact, a woman with reasons of their own, find that the outside world is in many ways worse than prison, and far more dangerous.
A nasty little piece of noir storytelling, which also serves as a mirror to the world in which this story takes place. An America where women, minorities and and people who loved in different ways were discriminated or driven out of their jobs. Like America today. The book is violent, but well done. The parallel narratives fugitive, and pursuers is done well, with nice little clues that payoff. The story hits from the first panel and does not let up, even the quiet moments have a hint of something about to go wrong, or bad, or just ugly. Plus there is a bit of romance, that I quite enjoyed, one I didn't expect. The art is really good, again violent when needed, but simple moments, looking at the world and not from behind a fence or bars. The cars, the city, really great art that adds to the storytelling, and giving a really good sense of place.
A good crime story, one that ends on an interesting note I did not see coming, and one that really fits. I'd like to see more projects by these two creators, their skills really mesh well in this tale.
For a country that is so quick to scream what about the children, and surrender civil rights all in the want of being safe, we a are a country that loves the bad guy. We sing songs, watch movies, read books, all about bad people doing bad things. Many even vote for them. We love being bad. And rooting for people being bad. A story about a group of criminals, even low rent criminals escaping the Rock, the nickname for Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary is one that has been told numerous times. Movies, books. even reality shows like Mythbusters have tried to see if it was possible. What happened that night? Where could they have gone? Did they all drown, did one live to tell the tale. This graphic novel tells their story, what might have gone down, and where it all went wrong. Out of Alcatraz is written by Christopher Cantwell and illustrated by Tyler Crook, and tells about an escape, their dogged pursuers, a world in many places worse than prison, and strangely enough love.
June 1962, three men out of a planned four, Frank Morris and the two Anglin brothers, fooled guards with fake heads about being in their cell at Alcatraz, nicknamed the Rock for its appearance and the inability for prisoners to escape from it. These men using prison made life vests, and a raft, floated into legend. The authorities declared them dead, but never closed the case. This graphic novel pick up where the truth might have left off. Only two men Morris and one Anglin are still together, the other brother claimed by the sea. One stolen car later and the the fugitives are heading north, where their plan to escape runs into a few hitches. Pursuing them are two federal agents a marshal and an FBI agents with plans of their own. The fugitives and their contact, a woman with reasons of their own, find that the outside world is in many ways worse than prison, and far more dangerous.
A nasty little piece of noir storytelling, which also serves as a mirror to the world in which this story takes place. An America where women, minorities and and people who loved in different ways were discriminated or driven out of their jobs. Like America today. The book is violent, but well done. The parallel narratives fugitive, and pursuers is done well, with nice little clues that payoff. The story hits from the first panel and does not let up, even the quiet moments have a hint of something about to go wrong, or bad, or just ugly. Plus there is a bit of romance, that I quite enjoyed, one I didn't expect. The art is really good, again violent when needed, but simple moments, looking at the world and not from behind a fence or bars. The cars, the city, really great art that adds to the storytelling, and giving a really good sense of place.
A good crime story, one that ends on an interesting note I did not see coming, and one that really fits. I'd like to see more projects by these two creators, their skills really mesh well in this tale.
July 30, 2025
The notorious tale of the escape Alcatraz has intrigued me for years, wondering about the fate of convicts and the utter mystery surrounding it. In Out of Alcatraz by Christopher Cantwell and illustrator
Tyler Crook
we go on exhilarating journey where history and fiction collide.
Convicts Frank Morris and Clarence Anglin have washed ashore in San Francisco after surviving their infamous escape from Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary in June 1962. They soon meet their gruff and disappointed handler, a mysterious young woman who’s also running from something, and hope to quickly get their way north to the border – if they can even make it out of Modesto alive. As a dogged federal manhunt and chance encounters threaten the desperate convicts, everyone involved is about to discover the same bloodstained truth: life on the run is an even more hellish prison than Alcatraz could have ever been.
Christopher Cantwell and Tyler Crook have crafted a cinematic series that hooked me from the very first panel. Cantwell's writing ability shines through telling a story that seems like it will go one way then with a twist goes a different direction. What we think this story is about not exactly what it may seem. Christoper's characterizations are fantastic. From our escaped prisoners, a set of individuals driven by desperation and hope, to their handler and beyond. The dialogue between these characters is sharp and realistic, truly capturing the tension and suspense of being on the run.
Having read the debut issue of Out of Alcatraz prior to reading the entire collected edition, I had no idea this book would go where it went. I had an idea that we would focus on the pair of fugitives and their handler, but Cantwell throws us for a loop and gives us a complete story that is better than even expected.
Tyler Crook's artwork elevates this outstanding story further into something truly stunning. His attention to detail and his unique style of art has each panel standing on their own, whether in the foggy bay or even at a dive bar. Crook captures each character with a unique eye making it easy to follow each characters expressions and motivations. The pairing of Cantwell's script and Crook's artwork works so well for this type of historical fiction tale. After seeing the opening panels, I couldn't imagine another artist taking this story to the level Crook has taken it.
Out of Alcatraz serves as both an homage to historical events while simultaneously offering something entirely fresh. What Christopher Cantwell and Tyler Crook have put together is a truly outstanding comic miniseries that takes the blend of fiction and non-fiction to new heights. With its suspenseful storytelling and stunning artwork, Out of Alcatraz is a beautiful and outstanding historical fiction series.
The Out of Alcatraz collected edition hardcover hits local comic shops on October 22, 2025 (FOC: September 29) and bookstores everywhere a day earlier on October 21 from Oni Press.
Convicts Frank Morris and Clarence Anglin have washed ashore in San Francisco after surviving their infamous escape from Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary in June 1962. They soon meet their gruff and disappointed handler, a mysterious young woman who’s also running from something, and hope to quickly get their way north to the border – if they can even make it out of Modesto alive. As a dogged federal manhunt and chance encounters threaten the desperate convicts, everyone involved is about to discover the same bloodstained truth: life on the run is an even more hellish prison than Alcatraz could have ever been.
Christopher Cantwell and Tyler Crook have crafted a cinematic series that hooked me from the very first panel. Cantwell's writing ability shines through telling a story that seems like it will go one way then with a twist goes a different direction. What we think this story is about not exactly what it may seem. Christoper's characterizations are fantastic. From our escaped prisoners, a set of individuals driven by desperation and hope, to their handler and beyond. The dialogue between these characters is sharp and realistic, truly capturing the tension and suspense of being on the run.
Having read the debut issue of Out of Alcatraz prior to reading the entire collected edition, I had no idea this book would go where it went. I had an idea that we would focus on the pair of fugitives and their handler, but Cantwell throws us for a loop and gives us a complete story that is better than even expected.
Tyler Crook's artwork elevates this outstanding story further into something truly stunning. His attention to detail and his unique style of art has each panel standing on their own, whether in the foggy bay or even at a dive bar. Crook captures each character with a unique eye making it easy to follow each characters expressions and motivations. The pairing of Cantwell's script and Crook's artwork works so well for this type of historical fiction tale. After seeing the opening panels, I couldn't imagine another artist taking this story to the level Crook has taken it.
Out of Alcatraz serves as both an homage to historical events while simultaneously offering something entirely fresh. What Christopher Cantwell and Tyler Crook have put together is a truly outstanding comic miniseries that takes the blend of fiction and non-fiction to new heights. With its suspenseful storytelling and stunning artwork, Out of Alcatraz is a beautiful and outstanding historical fiction series.
The Out of Alcatraz collected edition hardcover hits local comic shops on October 22, 2025 (FOC: September 29) and bookstores everywhere a day earlier on October 21 from Oni Press.
August 19, 2025
Release date: 21st October 2025
Thanks to NetGalley & Christopher Cantwell, I was fortunate to gain early access to this one – and as someone obsessed with Alcatraz, I was beyond excited. I’ve read multiple accounts from former inmates who were “On the Rock,” and even added Alcatraz to my honeymoon itinerary just to walk its eerie cellblocks myself. So when I saw this graphic novel, I couldn’t wait to dive in – even though graphic novels aren’t usually my usual thriller style.
The illustrations by Tyler Crook are phenomenal – gritty, atmospheric, and perfectly matched to the story. They pull you straight into the tension, the 1960s setting, and the desperation of life on the run.
Out of Alcatraz focuses on the prison’s greatest mystery: the infamous June 1962 escape of Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers. This tale follows their journey after the breakout, imagining what happens if they made it across the Bay alive. It becomes a tense exploration of life on the run and how freedom isn’t always what the escapees envisioned, all while law enforcement relentlessly hunts them.
Beyond the escape itself, the story addresses key social issues of the time, including the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals within law enforcement and systemic injustices faced by people of colour. These historical details add depth and context to the narrative, highlighting just how much the world Morris and the Anglins navigated differed from today.
It’s a gripping combination of historical fact, “what if” speculation, and 1960s life, told in a contemporary, compelling way. Whether you’re a true crime fan, history buff, or graphic novel lover, this one is a must-read. For me, it scratched a very particular Alcatraz itch I didn’t even know could exist in comic form.
Thanks to NetGalley & Christopher Cantwell, I was fortunate to gain early access to this one – and as someone obsessed with Alcatraz, I was beyond excited. I’ve read multiple accounts from former inmates who were “On the Rock,” and even added Alcatraz to my honeymoon itinerary just to walk its eerie cellblocks myself. So when I saw this graphic novel, I couldn’t wait to dive in – even though graphic novels aren’t usually my usual thriller style.
The illustrations by Tyler Crook are phenomenal – gritty, atmospheric, and perfectly matched to the story. They pull you straight into the tension, the 1960s setting, and the desperation of life on the run.
Out of Alcatraz focuses on the prison’s greatest mystery: the infamous June 1962 escape of Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers. This tale follows their journey after the breakout, imagining what happens if they made it across the Bay alive. It becomes a tense exploration of life on the run and how freedom isn’t always what the escapees envisioned, all while law enforcement relentlessly hunts them.
Beyond the escape itself, the story addresses key social issues of the time, including the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals within law enforcement and systemic injustices faced by people of colour. These historical details add depth and context to the narrative, highlighting just how much the world Morris and the Anglins navigated differed from today.
It’s a gripping combination of historical fact, “what if” speculation, and 1960s life, told in a contemporary, compelling way. Whether you’re a true crime fan, history buff, or graphic novel lover, this one is a must-read. For me, it scratched a very particular Alcatraz itch I didn’t even know could exist in comic form.
August 27, 2025
ARC
"Out of Alcatraz" presents a version of the lives of the men who escaped Alcatraz in 1962, which results in an exhilarating and entertaining read. The illustrations suit the story well, with the final volume being the most visually stunning. The story takes a while to actually get into, and with a lack of detailed backstory, the characters feel pretty flat. This is a quick read that is worthwhile, even if it lacks in the characterization department.
"Out of Alcatraz" presents a version of the lives of the men who escaped Alcatraz in 1962, which results in an exhilarating and entertaining read. The illustrations suit the story well, with the final volume being the most visually stunning. The story takes a while to actually get into, and with a lack of detailed backstory, the characters feel pretty flat. This is a quick read that is worthwhile, even if it lacks in the characterization department.
August 1, 2025
I received an advanced review copy from the publisher. However, my copy had not been worked on by the letterer yet. So, most of the word bubbles were blank. Therefore, I can't really comment on the story, I can only comment on the artwork. Which was excellent. I wished I could comment on the story though. There was one part where it seemed like the character was shaving a marble with a knife. I wanted to know what was going on there. There was another part with a gun-wielding woman. I was intrigued by that too. I guess I'll have to wait for the book to come out with everyone else to find out the specifics of what was going on. I can say that in my opinion this is an adult graphic novel. Subject matter includes rape, guns, burying people, watery graves, etc. So, for reader's advisory=adult recommendations.
July 23, 2025
"Out of Alcatraz" is a story based on real people, three prisoners that escaped from Alcatraz in June of 1962. However, in many ways, it felt more like they were the backdrop used to tell the story of the two individuals that were following their trail. As you my imagine, this is not completely a feel good story. In many ways, this is a story about freedom. People just wanting to be free from the prison they are in.
The artwork is incredible. The story good. I read this because I thought the escaped convicts were going to be the center of the graphic novel. Instead, they were just a tool used to tell another story. So for that part, I was a disappointed. For what it was, "Out of Alcatraz" was not bad.
The artwork is incredible. The story good. I read this because I thought the escaped convicts were going to be the center of the graphic novel. Instead, they were just a tool used to tell another story. So for that part, I was a disappointed. For what it was, "Out of Alcatraz" was not bad.
August 18, 2025
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High quality comics.
Cantwell can do no wrong at this stage and Crook produces perhaps the best art of his career to date.
Far more than just a prison break story.
Very nearly 5 stars
High quality comics.
Cantwell can do no wrong at this stage and Crook produces perhaps the best art of his career to date.
Far more than just a prison break story.
Very nearly 5 stars
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