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Escape #1-6
Escape Volume 1
SHOT DOWN. HUNTED. OUT OF TIME.
Set in a brutal, fully painted world of anthropomorphic animals--equal parts Inglourious Basterds and Watership Down--ESCAPE is a gritty, bullet-riddled journey through war's scorched aftermath. It's about the violence we inflict, the souls we try to save, and the courage it takes to crawl out of fire.
From the creative team of New York Times bestselling author Rick Remender (Deadly Class, Uncanny X-Force) and powerhouse Daniel Acuña (Captain America, Black Panther)--the duo behind Marvel's Uncanny Avengers--comes a savage, full-throttle wartime thriller where survival isn't given... it's taken.
Milton Shaw is a battle-hardened bomber pilot, flying missions over a war-torn world ruled by a ruthless empire. But when his plane is shot out of the sky, Milton wakes up behind enemy lines--in the smoldering ruins of a city he helped burn. And in less than 24 hours, his own side is dropping the big one to finish the job.
Now, injured, unarmed, and being hunted through enemy streets, Milton's only shot at escape comes from the unlikeliest place: a grieving father and his son--civilians shattered by the same fascist regime that rules this land with an iron claw. Enemies by blood. Allies by circumstance. Together, they'll have to fight their way out before the bomb drops and erases everything... and everyone.
Collects issues #1-6
Set in a brutal, fully painted world of anthropomorphic animals--equal parts Inglourious Basterds and Watership Down--ESCAPE is a gritty, bullet-riddled journey through war's scorched aftermath. It's about the violence we inflict, the souls we try to save, and the courage it takes to crawl out of fire.
From the creative team of New York Times bestselling author Rick Remender (Deadly Class, Uncanny X-Force) and powerhouse Daniel Acuña (Captain America, Black Panther)--the duo behind Marvel's Uncanny Avengers--comes a savage, full-throttle wartime thriller where survival isn't given... it's taken.
Milton Shaw is a battle-hardened bomber pilot, flying missions over a war-torn world ruled by a ruthless empire. But when his plane is shot out of the sky, Milton wakes up behind enemy lines--in the smoldering ruins of a city he helped burn. And in less than 24 hours, his own side is dropping the big one to finish the job.
Now, injured, unarmed, and being hunted through enemy streets, Milton's only shot at escape comes from the unlikeliest place: a grieving father and his son--civilians shattered by the same fascist regime that rules this land with an iron claw. Enemies by blood. Allies by circumstance. Together, they'll have to fight their way out before the bomb drops and erases everything... and everyone.
Collects issues #1-6
184 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2026
About the author
Rick Remender
1,277 books1,459 followersRick Remender is an American comic book writer and artist who resides in Los Angeles, California. He is the writer/co-creator of many independent comic books like Black Science, Deadly Class, LOW, Fear Agent and Seven to Eternity. Previously, he wrote The Punisher, Uncanny X-Force, Captain America and Uncanny Avengers for Marvel Comics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 27, 2026
Through this story of a grumpy pilot – verging on being a proper arsehole – Remender talks about his grandfather and the horrors of war, whilst trying to show that things aren’t quite as black and white as each side tries to convince itself.
There’s plenty of action, but also food for thought and a nuanced portrait of a gruff man whom the war pushes to the brink.
The artwork is quite simply sumptuous. Acuna makes excellent use of anthropomorphic animals, delivers first-class storytelling and produces magnificent panels with a superb colour palette.
There’s plenty of action, but also food for thought and a nuanced portrait of a gruff man whom the war pushes to the brink.
The artwork is quite simply sumptuous. Acuna makes excellent use of anthropomorphic animals, delivers first-class storytelling and produces magnificent panels with a superb colour palette.
August 5, 2026
Una maravilla. Dibujo, diálogos, ritmo, poso… muy muy bien este remender que no puede ser un autor más desigual para mi. Eso sí, no cuenta nada nuevo pero lo cuenta muy bien
July 16, 2026
Sometimes a story distracts from itself by making changes that don’t seem necessary, if you took middle school history you get who’s who in this NOT WWII story told through anthropomorphic animals (specifically bears and bats). I liked this story and the harsh lessons of creepy fascism, one man versus a mob, and some wonderfully astute lines like, “I’m not trying to fight the world. I’m simply trying to survive it.”
I often feel like I’m not doing enough to SAVE the world, but I also want to live my small life with my family and friends. At what point do those two lifestyles intersect? Is it possible to do good in bad situations?
This was a great read, beautiful and moody artwork that captures the adventure of war and the pain and suffering- war is horrible for everyone but those who are the least affected- the bat leader who is telling his crew how good they have it now was such a bastard but I know men like that exist and make decisions now.
I often feel like I’m not doing enough to SAVE the world, but I also want to live my small life with my family and friends. At what point do those two lifestyles intersect? Is it possible to do good in bad situations?
This was a great read, beautiful and moody artwork that captures the adventure of war and the pain and suffering- war is horrible for everyone but those who are the least affected- the bat leader who is telling his crew how good they have it now was such a bastard but I know men like that exist and make decisions now.
June 25, 2026
It's bleak as hell, but it's a gripping read with phenomenal artwork and writing. This series had one of the best first issues I’ve read in so long. The coloring in it is also a standout. The action pacing and atmosphere is also top notch. Remender used animals because people have more compassion for animals than humans.
July 28, 2026
Sometimes a comic comes completely out of the blue and absolutely blows you away. That’s 100% the case with Escape.
What seems like a cliche war comic quickly becomes something totally awesome as Remender uses anthropomorphic animals to tell an emotional and brutal story of bravery, sacrifice, and loss while asking the question of what the cost of war really is.
I honestly loved this one both for its depth and for the shocking surprise it was, as well as Acuna’s gritty noire-esque art.
I guess it is true that when a story is told with animals, it somehow manages to hit harder.
What seems like a cliche war comic quickly becomes something totally awesome as Remender uses anthropomorphic animals to tell an emotional and brutal story of bravery, sacrifice, and loss while asking the question of what the cost of war really is.
I honestly loved this one both for its depth and for the shocking surprise it was, as well as Acuna’s gritty noire-esque art.
I guess it is true that when a story is told with animals, it somehow manages to hit harder.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I think it was a mistake on my part to request this. I didn’t enjoy Rick Remender's Napalm Lullaby, so I’m not sure why I thought this would be different, but Escape was a struggle for me.
The story is a very transparent WWII allegory—US vs. Germany with the names changed—and it is just so aggressively American. In the current political climate, where the US literally just bombed Iran, this kind of narrative just chafes. It was impossible for me to root for the main character; he’s a willing participant in the destruction, his motivations are selfish, and I honestly didn't care what happened to him. The author mentions in the notes that he was inspired by his grandfather’s service, and you can really feel that tension. It tries to show that "war is hell" and that everyone is a villain, but at the same time, it feels like it’s unironically celebrating the American soldier trope.
The author mentions in the notes that he used anthropomorphic animals because people supposedly connect more with animals than humans. That didn't work for me at all. If anything, the character design made me disengage even more. The protagonist is this massive, buff stereotype of a soldier with a huge chin and weird facial proportions, while everyone else is scrawny. It felt again like the American soldier trope in a way that was really off-putting.
The only characters I connected with were the baker and his son, Emil. The baker was the only one who felt like a real person, he was just trying to survive, and I loved that he actually called the protagonist out on his hypocrisy. He's the only one not spitting propaganda, reminding the "hero" that he’s a villain too for his role in all of this.
The art itself is okay technically, but it’s not a style I like. It felt very cluttered and dense; I felt like I had to really strain to make out what was actually happening on the page.
Overall, the characters are believable and the book is well-made for what it is, which is why I'm giving it a 3.5, but I spent most of the time reading this just feeling irritated. If you’re into military sci-fi that celebrates the "American soldier" trope, this is for you, but it definitely wasn't for me.
The story is a very transparent WWII allegory—US vs. Germany with the names changed—and it is just so aggressively American. In the current political climate, where the US literally just bombed Iran, this kind of narrative just chafes. It was impossible for me to root for the main character; he’s a willing participant in the destruction, his motivations are selfish, and I honestly didn't care what happened to him. The author mentions in the notes that he was inspired by his grandfather’s service, and you can really feel that tension. It tries to show that "war is hell" and that everyone is a villain, but at the same time, it feels like it’s unironically celebrating the American soldier trope.
The author mentions in the notes that he used anthropomorphic animals because people supposedly connect more with animals than humans. That didn't work for me at all. If anything, the character design made me disengage even more. The protagonist is this massive, buff stereotype of a soldier with a huge chin and weird facial proportions, while everyone else is scrawny. It felt again like the American soldier trope in a way that was really off-putting.
The only characters I connected with were the baker and his son, Emil. The baker was the only one who felt like a real person, he was just trying to survive, and I loved that he actually called the protagonist out on his hypocrisy. He's the only one not spitting propaganda, reminding the "hero" that he’s a villain too for his role in all of this.
The art itself is okay technically, but it’s not a style I like. It felt very cluttered and dense; I felt like I had to really strain to make out what was actually happening on the page.
Overall, the characters are believable and the book is well-made for what it is, which is why I'm giving it a 3.5, but I spent most of the time reading this just feeling irritated. If you’re into military sci-fi that celebrates the "American soldier" trope, this is for you, but it definitely wasn't for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A bomber crew fly their plane to demolish the big weapon of the evil enemy that they feel is the last thing sustaining the war, but the mission is not exactly what you might be thinking. The pilots are dogs, with a cat for tail-gunner, and the enemy (the goose-stepping storm-troopers, as if things needed to be blunter) are vampire bats. Yes this has all the hallmarks of a WW2 drama, with added talk of human shields to bring it up to date, but with anthropomorphised animals as characters.
I guess you have to give them some leeway, being dogs and all, but it is strange to see them talk of engines #2 and #3 on a two-engined war plane. But really there is little to fault here. Certainly there is little to fault in the moody painted art, art that is so eminently able to contrast the war with what our main hero thinks he's fighting for. And that's the bigger issue about these pages – it wants its cake left there on the shelf and to eat it at the same time, for while it talks of the immorality of war, the lack of winners in war, the plight of the common person in a time of war, it also needs to be a war comic.
And a war comic it is, especially with a kinetic escape scene, and the inverse of that that this six-parter ends with. So you can lambast this for being two-faced, but while reading it you barely get much time to ponder that and find it a problem. The trade has the author and readers corresponding after every issue (or at least the review file kept the letters pages from the monthlies) and they're on hand to remind us this is a tribute to the author's grandfather, and the artist's family's own connections to nightmarish combat.
And I think, while saying 'there are no winners in war' and yet profiting from war, and gladly showing war and the war-hungry, this still works. Certainly an alternative world has this unreadably unsubtle, while this balances the character piece and the high drama very well, and swerves any overt Maus-isms to be its own thing. I certainly didn't like the way it ended, but that's for another day – this is a four star read until that point, and something that could have been so much worse.
I guess you have to give them some leeway, being dogs and all, but it is strange to see them talk of engines #2 and #3 on a two-engined war plane. But really there is little to fault here. Certainly there is little to fault in the moody painted art, art that is so eminently able to contrast the war with what our main hero thinks he's fighting for. And that's the bigger issue about these pages – it wants its cake left there on the shelf and to eat it at the same time, for while it talks of the immorality of war, the lack of winners in war, the plight of the common person in a time of war, it also needs to be a war comic.
And a war comic it is, especially with a kinetic escape scene, and the inverse of that that this six-parter ends with. So you can lambast this for being two-faced, but while reading it you barely get much time to ponder that and find it a problem. The trade has the author and readers corresponding after every issue (or at least the review file kept the letters pages from the monthlies) and they're on hand to remind us this is a tribute to the author's grandfather, and the artist's family's own connections to nightmarish combat.
And I think, while saying 'there are no winners in war' and yet profiting from war, and gladly showing war and the war-hungry, this still works. Certainly an alternative world has this unreadably unsubtle, while this balances the character piece and the high drama very well, and swerves any overt Maus-isms to be its own thing. I certainly didn't like the way it ended, but that's for another day – this is a four star read until that point, and something that could have been so much worse.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Image Comics for providing me with an eARC of Escape Volume 1 in exchange for an honest review.
This was an interesting one. While I read a lot of comics, this genera is not my usual. Daniel Acuña's art works perfectly for the story with a lot of nice color choices to work with the narritve themes. The panel layout and speech bubble placement were well done. It was easy to visually follow the story and understand which section was next. I think the visual elements of the comic we're executed well, except for one specific thing. I'm not sure if this was intentional or simply because I was reading an unfinished copy, but there are multiple sections with multiple pages that are fully text and the text is white on an almost fully white background. These were so difficult to read that, even after zooming in, it hurt trying to read the pages. I'm hoping this is adjusted.
Remender has said that he was inspired by his grandfather's story. Couple that with the fact that everyone has been anthropomorphized into animals, and a lot of readers are understandably going to compare this to another well known comic. I feel that it's fundamentally different in enough ways that Escape is able to stand on its own.
I understand what they were going for making everyone animals, but I don't think it worked for me. The juxtaposition between the seriousness of the story and all the characters being colorful animals felt more jarring than cohesive. I was taken out of the harsh reality of the situation when I'd see a bear with a comb over, or a dog in a revealing robe. The MC was kind of an unlikable protagonist, which I'm a fan of, but I did have a hard time feeling any amount of sympathy for him. The overall theme being that everyone is a villain to someone else during war didn't totally work, however this is only the first six issues with more to come, so hopefully that will change going forward.
I'd recommend this work to fans of: Rick Remender, Dog Days, Feral, Maus, non superhero action comics, and war stories told from an American perspective.
#EscapeVolume1 #NetGalley
This was an interesting one. While I read a lot of comics, this genera is not my usual. Daniel Acuña's art works perfectly for the story with a lot of nice color choices to work with the narritve themes. The panel layout and speech bubble placement were well done. It was easy to visually follow the story and understand which section was next. I think the visual elements of the comic we're executed well, except for one specific thing. I'm not sure if this was intentional or simply because I was reading an unfinished copy, but there are multiple sections with multiple pages that are fully text and the text is white on an almost fully white background. These were so difficult to read that, even after zooming in, it hurt trying to read the pages. I'm hoping this is adjusted.
Remender has said that he was inspired by his grandfather's story. Couple that with the fact that everyone has been anthropomorphized into animals, and a lot of readers are understandably going to compare this to another well known comic. I feel that it's fundamentally different in enough ways that Escape is able to stand on its own.
I understand what they were going for making everyone animals, but I don't think it worked for me. The juxtaposition between the seriousness of the story and all the characters being colorful animals felt more jarring than cohesive. I was taken out of the harsh reality of the situation when I'd see a bear with a comb over, or a dog in a revealing robe. The MC was kind of an unlikable protagonist, which I'm a fan of, but I did have a hard time feeling any amount of sympathy for him. The overall theme being that everyone is a villain to someone else during war didn't totally work, however this is only the first six issues with more to come, so hopefully that will change going forward.
I'd recommend this work to fans of: Rick Remender, Dog Days, Feral, Maus, non superhero action comics, and war stories told from an American perspective.
#EscapeVolume1 #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Here we have soldiers from an anthropomorphic multi-species democracy plunged into their very own WWII, making tough choices, facing down an army of fascist bats on enemy territory. This isn't going to be your everyday war comic, or is it?
Best known for his Marvel runs and Deadly Class, I've been a die hard Remender fan ever since I had the good fortune to stumble upon Fear Agent. Not every Remender release has gripped me, but when it does, as it often does with his independent works, like The End League and Black Science, I'm hooked.
Daniel Acuña's art over the past couple of decades is worth praising, too. MCU burn out and the all too valid criticisms of Marvel's editorial and corporate leadership aside, both Remember and Acuña have had great runs there in the first quarter of this century, and their pairing after so many years makes sense.
This story is personal for Remender, and he does a good job of laying that out at the end of each book, without forcing his family's role in inspiring the story into the plot itself. I understand why he went with the anthropomorphic approach, and I'm sure it will makes a WWII war comic more accessible to a mainstream audience, but I'm not sure that it will makes the gravity of the story resonate with readers as much as grisly realism would. Watership Down was written for a specific age group, and in a different age.
The book's first volume has the series off to a compelling start, with solid character development and a premium placed on action. Acuña's art throughout it all is impeccable as always.
There's an urgent need for genuinely anti-fascist literature in America, but this may not be the story that takes readers there on a deeper level. It's a personal tale, after all, and one that's leaning heavily into the action by the end of the book. I look forward to seeing where the series goes, and am optimistic that it will be worth seeing through.
Best known for his Marvel runs and Deadly Class, I've been a die hard Remender fan ever since I had the good fortune to stumble upon Fear Agent. Not every Remender release has gripped me, but when it does, as it often does with his independent works, like The End League and Black Science, I'm hooked.
Daniel Acuña's art over the past couple of decades is worth praising, too. MCU burn out and the all too valid criticisms of Marvel's editorial and corporate leadership aside, both Remember and Acuña have had great runs there in the first quarter of this century, and their pairing after so many years makes sense.
This story is personal for Remender, and he does a good job of laying that out at the end of each book, without forcing his family's role in inspiring the story into the plot itself. I understand why he went with the anthropomorphic approach, and I'm sure it will makes a WWII war comic more accessible to a mainstream audience, but I'm not sure that it will makes the gravity of the story resonate with readers as much as grisly realism would. Watership Down was written for a specific age group, and in a different age.
The book's first volume has the series off to a compelling start, with solid character development and a premium placed on action. Acuña's art throughout it all is impeccable as always.
There's an urgent need for genuinely anti-fascist literature in America, but this may not be the story that takes readers there on a deeper level. It's a personal tale, after all, and one that's leaning heavily into the action by the end of the book. I look forward to seeing where the series goes, and am optimistic that it will be worth seeing through.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This took me by surprise…
In the world we live, full of hurt and wars, I did not expect to be drawn to Escape. It’s not really the kind of story I gravitate towards now. And yet, anthropomorphic animals and a focus on survival just pulled me in.
While Rick Remender and Daniel Acuña use animals to try to humanize both sides of this war, it’s hard to miss the inspiration. Unfortunately.
We live in a world where we’ve long been taught to believe in ideas like the American Dream and a certain version of freedom, both of which feel fragile right now. Because of that, I found it difficult at times to fully root for characters who believe they’re doing the right thing, when those beliefs are shaped by broken promises of success and truth.
I feel the author explains extremely well the premise of this volume in the letters section of the first issue:
While I reject the idea that people are fundamentally good, I did appreciate seeing this story brought to life in such a powerful way.
Sometimes, we all need to tell ourselves we are right, even when the truth is laughing at us…
Thank you to Image Comics and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
In the world we live, full of hurt and wars, I did not expect to be drawn to Escape. It’s not really the kind of story I gravitate towards now. And yet, anthropomorphic animals and a focus on survival just pulled me in.
While Rick Remender and Daniel Acuña use animals to try to humanize both sides of this war, it’s hard to miss the inspiration. Unfortunately.
We live in a world where we’ve long been taught to believe in ideas like the American Dream and a certain version of freedom, both of which feel fragile right now. Because of that, I found it difficult at times to fully root for characters who believe they’re doing the right thing, when those beliefs are shaped by broken promises of success and truth.
I feel the author explains extremely well the premise of this volume in the letters section of the first issue:
ESCAPE […] is also a stark look at the cost everyone pays in war, from the righteous pilots and innocent civilians to the generations that follow. It’s about unlikely friendships, human kindness, and the powerful reminder that individuals are fundamentally good; it’s only within the anonymity of the mob that evil thrives.
While I reject the idea that people are fundamentally good, I did appreciate seeing this story brought to life in such a powerful way.
Sometimes, we all need to tell ourselves we are right, even when the truth is laughing at us…
Thank you to Image Comics and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
War is hell. In Rick Remender's Escape beautifully illustrated by Daniel Acuña, we follow bomber pilot Milton Shaw desperate to complete one last mission, that, just like in an action movie, goes horribly wrong. Milton Shaw is a bear in uniform fighting against the fascist bat nation, Narenian clear stand ins for Nazi Germany. But instead of the traditional good versus evil narrative, Remender goes for the gritty true cost of war, showing not only those who brave the skies to bomb the enemy, but what happens on the ground to those sheltering in place.
Escape brings to mind many war films and has references and influences of many other comics and graphic novels. The latter is readily prevalent with the anthropomorphic animals, promotional materials and Remender state the influence of Watership Down and The Secret of NIMH alongside Blacksad and the expected Maus. While these works all had their part in shaping the story, the impetus is Remender's rediscovery of family history, especially his grandfather's career as first a barnstormer in the 1930s and then a decorated air force veteran who come home addicted to methamphetamines and psychologically damaged by his experiences.
Sure the use of animals is a clear allegorical choice, based on the greater empathy humans feel for animals and it reduces bias (Remender end of issue #1).
It is gory, brutal and destructive. Just like war. The average citizen does not chose it, but gets absorbed in the process none the less. Remender's Milton Shaw is the clear stuff of action hero, as many of the battle and combat scenes detail. But he also is a family bear who has struggle to find his way. Through his journey to complete the mission that cost the lives of the rest of his bomber crew, Shaw sees the results of his bombs first hand, he meets with civilians looking for any way to resist, no matter how small.
Recommended to readers of graphic novels, war stories or Kurt Busiek's The Autumnlands.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
Escape brings to mind many war films and has references and influences of many other comics and graphic novels. The latter is readily prevalent with the anthropomorphic animals, promotional materials and Remender state the influence of Watership Down and The Secret of NIMH alongside Blacksad and the expected Maus. While these works all had their part in shaping the story, the impetus is Remender's rediscovery of family history, especially his grandfather's career as first a barnstormer in the 1930s and then a decorated air force veteran who come home addicted to methamphetamines and psychologically damaged by his experiences.
Sure the use of animals is a clear allegorical choice, based on the greater empathy humans feel for animals and it reduces bias (Remender end of issue #1).
It is gory, brutal and destructive. Just like war. The average citizen does not chose it, but gets absorbed in the process none the less. Remender's Milton Shaw is the clear stuff of action hero, as many of the battle and combat scenes detail. But he also is a family bear who has struggle to find his way. Through his journey to complete the mission that cost the lives of the rest of his bomber crew, Shaw sees the results of his bombs first hand, he meets with civilians looking for any way to resist, no matter how small.
Recommended to readers of graphic novels, war stories or Kurt Busiek's The Autumnlands.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I can’t help feeling like everything here has been done before and more effectively. World War Two comic story using animals instead of humans? Maus, obviously. I won’t mention the other story beats here as to avoid spoilers, but it seems like every single element is a common war story trope. Nothing is original.
That doesn’t mean there’s nothing good here. The discussions about the degree to which non-combatant local populations are complicit in a nation’s warmongering, if at all, are salient, as is the depiction of their suffering as they are caught in the middle.
Some of the art is great; some is too cluttered and muddy. The whole opening air battle scene is the latter: impossible to tell who is who, or what exactly is happening, the character designs are all very similar looking. Many of the combat scenes are like this.
And I do not think depicting the characters as animals works at all. Americans are bears but also dogs and have cows? Germans are bats for some reason — but use dogs for patrolling and security? The main character is a bear but his wife seems to be a dog — a very off-putting, uncanny-looking dog — and they make a baby? Yikes.
I appreciate that the author was inspired by his grandfather’s story, but unfortunately I think his attempt to pay homage to it with this tale is rather off-base.
That doesn’t mean there’s nothing good here. The discussions about the degree to which non-combatant local populations are complicit in a nation’s warmongering, if at all, are salient, as is the depiction of their suffering as they are caught in the middle.
Some of the art is great; some is too cluttered and muddy. The whole opening air battle scene is the latter: impossible to tell who is who, or what exactly is happening, the character designs are all very similar looking. Many of the combat scenes are like this.
And I do not think depicting the characters as animals works at all. Americans are bears but also dogs and have cows? Germans are bats for some reason — but use dogs for patrolling and security? The main character is a bear but his wife seems to be a dog — a very off-putting, uncanny-looking dog — and they make a baby? Yikes.
I appreciate that the author was inspired by his grandfather’s story, but unfortunately I think his attempt to pay homage to it with this tale is rather off-base.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A War is fought between two conflicted anthropomorphic animal species and countries. We all know that war.
Enter Milton Shaw, a bomber pilot who finds himself stuck after a tragedy inside a city he himself attacked. He may find unexpected allies, but still has a long way to escape the fascist enemy's land.
Firstly, without hesitation: The art is wonderful. It accents the dreadful, hopeless situation of the protagonist, and the reader can clearly follow any emotions on the animals' faces.
Secondly, the story, while simple and familiar, gets a new touch by skipping out on the humans. While it is taking place in a fictional setting and distances itself partially from the real events by its replacement with animal characters, it does read very American though. The latter can be explained by the work being inspired by the author's own grandfather's war experiences, and how they affected the generations below.
Even if familiar and horrific, such stories still deserve and need a considerate focus on being told, especially with older generations with first-hand experiences passing away.
Thanks to NetGalley and Image Comics for an ARC for an honest review.
Enter Milton Shaw, a bomber pilot who finds himself stuck after a tragedy inside a city he himself attacked. He may find unexpected allies, but still has a long way to escape the fascist enemy's land.
Firstly, without hesitation: The art is wonderful. It accents the dreadful, hopeless situation of the protagonist, and the reader can clearly follow any emotions on the animals' faces.
Secondly, the story, while simple and familiar, gets a new touch by skipping out on the humans. While it is taking place in a fictional setting and distances itself partially from the real events by its replacement with animal characters, it does read very American though. The latter can be explained by the work being inspired by the author's own grandfather's war experiences, and how they affected the generations below.
Even if familiar and horrific, such stories still deserve and need a considerate focus on being told, especially with older generations with first-hand experiences passing away.
Thanks to NetGalley and Image Comics for an ARC for an honest review.
March 4, 2026
I am fairly new to the world of graphic novels and Manga so take my review with a grain of salt. The few graphic novels I have read have either been aimed for a younger audience or leaning more towards the “romantasy” genre. This was my first war themed graphic novel so this review is definitely from an outsider’s perspective.
All of that being said, the very first thing to stand out to me was the gorgeous artwork. Seriously, the artwork in this is by far some of the most gorgeous I’ve ever seen. I would give this 5 stars just for the artwork alone. I also really enjoyed Rick Remender’s writing, the dialogue felt natural and was easy to get lost in. The reason I went down in rating was because I did feel a little lost in the story. I tried to look to see if this volume is a part of other books within the same universe but I couldn’t find anything.
I could see someone who enjoys war themes graphic novels really loving this book.
A big thanks to NetGalley, Rick Remender and the publishers for an ARC of Eacape. It was fun getting to experience something outside of my usual genre.
All of that being said, the very first thing to stand out to me was the gorgeous artwork. Seriously, the artwork in this is by far some of the most gorgeous I’ve ever seen. I would give this 5 stars just for the artwork alone. I also really enjoyed Rick Remender’s writing, the dialogue felt natural and was easy to get lost in. The reason I went down in rating was because I did feel a little lost in the story. I tried to look to see if this volume is a part of other books within the same universe but I couldn’t find anything.
I could see someone who enjoys war themes graphic novels really loving this book.
A big thanks to NetGalley, Rick Remender and the publishers for an ARC of Eacape. It was fun getting to experience something outside of my usual genre.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC from NetGalley and this review is voluntary
The story was a fun ride from start-to-finish. It's mostly action packed, but there are also dedicated moments seperate from the main line. Getting a slightly deeper look into the history of the protagonist, and how he came to to be in this war is one example. The internal narration as his life changes, and the struggle endured while as a soldier during wartime. Other topics such as the complexities of war were also discussed, but it was not the focus so much as it was a learning lesson in-between the ammunition buzzing by.
I found it to be a quicker read, with beautiful artwork. The addition of the author's personal history to highlight a family member that served during wartime to provide context and perspective was also appreciated. It added a personal touch to the overall experience.
All-in-all I enjoyed it, but I'm also a fan of Remender's work, so I may be a little biased. Thank you to the publisher for providing me with this opportunity, and as always, thank you to the author for this creation.
The story was a fun ride from start-to-finish. It's mostly action packed, but there are also dedicated moments seperate from the main line. Getting a slightly deeper look into the history of the protagonist, and how he came to to be in this war is one example. The internal narration as his life changes, and the struggle endured while as a soldier during wartime. Other topics such as the complexities of war were also discussed, but it was not the focus so much as it was a learning lesson in-between the ammunition buzzing by.
I found it to be a quicker read, with beautiful artwork. The addition of the author's personal history to highlight a family member that served during wartime to provide context and perspective was also appreciated. It added a personal touch to the overall experience.
All-in-all I enjoyed it, but I'm also a fan of Remender's work, so I may be a little biased. Thank you to the publisher for providing me with this opportunity, and as always, thank you to the author for this creation.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Love me some Rick Remender and Daniel Acuna. Their Uncanny Avengers run was great. I held off on this because I am not a huge war story guy. When done right they can be incredible but not something I actively go out of my way to read. Especially right now, but when the opportunity for the ARC of Escape presented itself I jumped at it. I was not disappointed at all, but it hurts. Action packed in the worst way. Realistic war action is of course what I mean. Escape is tragic but compelling. Does an incredible job of showing that in war we all lose and become villains, but given the circumstances what can you do? You fight, but no matter what you ultimately lose. The art is dark and gritty and lends to the story perfectly. There are moments of rooting for the MC and moments of detesting his thoughts and actions. He is not perfect and trying to survive. Aren't we all? I was hoping the base story of the arc would be concluded in the 6 issues, and that the story would continue in another way, but I guess I will just have to pick up issue 7. You got me again Remender.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The saying is, “War is hell.” I have recently had several conversations with family members and veterans about the impact war has on someone. Putting that into context that bombing of a nation just happened 4 days ago as I was reading this graphic novel, Rick Remender’s work gave me a lot to think about.
I think that had the author used human beings as the main characters, it would have been easier to pick a side and decide whether you liked the author’s story. However, the brilliance of using animals for the characters had a major impact. It was easier to take emotion and bias and just read the story and see the pain on all sides.
The artwork is so good. Every panel is a “beautiful” (can you say that during war) painting that brought the story to life.
I am going to be awaiting volume 2. This story is too good.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
I think that had the author used human beings as the main characters, it would have been easier to pick a side and decide whether you liked the author’s story. However, the brilliance of using animals for the characters had a major impact. It was easier to take emotion and bias and just read the story and see the pain on all sides.
The artwork is so good. Every panel is a “beautiful” (can you say that during war) painting that brought the story to life.
I am going to be awaiting volume 2. This story is too good.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
August 3, 2026
High-stakes and emotional, visceral and heart-wrenching, there really is something special about ‘Escape’. Possibly the fact that the story is inspired by Rick Remender’s grandfather’s experience as a soldier in WWII and all the trauma and complications comes with something like that. Milton Shaw is a classic flawed hero. The story itself is somehow a combination of Band of Brothers, Inglorious Bastards, and The Notebook. Daniel Acu’s artwork is gritty and graphic. It does well to not be too overstimulating for most readers. What truly makes this unique is the anthropomorphic characters and the intention of making them so similar. Dogs and cats versus bats. There’s plenty of times where you may get one side mistaken for another, which may have been intentional. This story doesn’t glamorize war, but shows the underbelly of patriotism and each side’s ability to only view themselves as virtuous. Sometimes things are more gray than expected.
Review of advance copy
Escape is a WWII story in disguise, with an alternate world and anthropomorphic animals. Not sure that should work, but it somehow does. The parallels to our own world and history are pretty easy to spot and nothing is ambiguous, at all. The Daniel Acuna art, who is someone that isn't usually to my taste, really shines here. His muted color palette really set the mood, as our protagonist is downed behind enemy line with one last mission to accomplish before he can "Escape" back to his wife and child he has never met. Remender does a good job of scratching at the complexities of war (without being too heavy handed) and still keeps the pace good to create a rousing action/adventure story. He still tends to add words to panels that probably don't' need them, but he's got his style and, for the most part, it works.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I know next to nothing about the actual experience of war, but this is what I gleaned from reading Escape Volume 1:
The authors drew the soldiers as animals to make the subject matter in this graphic novel, easier to digest. The war seems to be an animalistic version of World War 2. Narenian bats are the enemy, basically they're Nazis. The main character is Milton Shaw on his last tour. He has had to make sacrifices in order to end this war: his friends, never knowing his child, and perhaps his own life...
I would love to read the next heart-pounding installment, because this one was too good!
#ThxNetGalley #RickRemender #DanielAcuna #EscapeVolume1
The authors drew the soldiers as animals to make the subject matter in this graphic novel, easier to digest. The war seems to be an animalistic version of World War 2. Narenian bats are the enemy, basically they're Nazis. The main character is Milton Shaw on his last tour. He has had to make sacrifices in order to end this war: his friends, never knowing his child, and perhaps his own life...
I would love to read the next heart-pounding installment, because this one was too good!
#ThxNetGalley #RickRemender #DanielAcuna #EscapeVolume1
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I read the 1st issue
of this new monthly
series when it was
originally published.
It did not grab me.
It is a fairly good
WW II story
with talking animals.
Cats and dogs
are American
and the Nazi's are Bats.
That bit is pretty standard
Hell they the Nazi's cats
in MAUS.
What this book does
do well is show
the Hell of war
from all sides.
The Allied bomber crew
who die horribly being shot
out of the sky.
The civilians killed
because their government
located artillery
batteries in their town.
The ground soldiers
rage, and horror
at the civilian dead.
Overall
a good book
portraying
humanities
awfulness.
of this new monthly
series when it was
originally published.
It did not grab me.
It is a fairly good
WW II story
with talking animals.
Cats and dogs
are American
and the Nazi's are Bats.
That bit is pretty standard
Hell they the Nazi's cats
in MAUS.
What this book does
do well is show
the Hell of war
from all sides.
The Allied bomber crew
who die horribly being shot
out of the sky.
The civilians killed
because their government
located artillery
batteries in their town.
The ground soldiers
rage, and horror
at the civilian dead.
Overall
a good book
portraying
humanities
awfulness.
Review of advance copy
So the ratings on this are few and highly suspicious. This volume is light years away from anything resembling 5 stars. The main protagonist is the absolute definition of the “American Idiot”, and the American mindset of being right regardless of actual knowledge of what they think they are right about.🤷🏽
I hope the writer wasn't taking this seriously although tricky rick could be a supporter 😂
Issue 2 was one lame escape narrative…
3.2✨ for the few sensible lines that came from the protagonist’s “opposition “.
I hope the writer wasn't taking this seriously although tricky rick could be a supporter 😂
Issue 2 was one lame escape narrative…
3.2✨ for the few sensible lines that came from the protagonist’s “opposition “.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A bomber pilot shot down behind enemy lines must evade capture to complete his mission.
I'm not sure why Remender thought it would be a good idea to write a World War Two story with anthropomorphic animals. He writes that it's "a stark look at the cost everyone pays in war, from the righteous pilots and innocent civilians to the generations that follow"; however, everything he says in this book has been said countless times before and with far more skill.
I doubt I'll bother reading the next volume.
Two and a half stars.
Received via NetGalley.
I'm not sure why Remender thought it would be a good idea to write a World War Two story with anthropomorphic animals. He writes that it's "a stark look at the cost everyone pays in war, from the righteous pilots and innocent civilians to the generations that follow"; however, everything he says in this book has been said countless times before and with far more skill.
I doubt I'll bother reading the next volume.
Two and a half stars.
Received via NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This volume is action packed and definitely recommend if you love war stories! The story grabbed me really quick and was a fast read!
I love the backstory of our pilot! That was probably my favorite chapter. I do appreciate the different perspectives on war such as the civilians that didn’t choose this war.
I like the letters and reading his thought process on why he chose animals instead of humans in this story. Such a nice touch.
The artwork is beautiful and dark.
Thank you to Image Comics and NetGalley for providing an eARC for an honest review!
I love the backstory of our pilot! That was probably my favorite chapter. I do appreciate the different perspectives on war such as the civilians that didn’t choose this war.
I like the letters and reading his thought process on why he chose animals instead of humans in this story. Such a nice touch.
The artwork is beautiful and dark.
Thank you to Image Comics and NetGalley for providing an eARC for an honest review!
Review of advance copy
Pilot bombardéru je zostrelený a dopadne na územie, ktoré predtým sám zbombardoval. V pätách má trestnú výpravu diktátorského režimu a pred sebou snahu o dokončenie misie. Príbeh je priamočiary a akčný a dá sa povedať, že klasický v rámci žánru "za nepriateľskou líniou". Zaujímavejšie ho robia však civilné flashbacky a rozhovory s obyvateľmi vybombardovaného územia. Prvý book určite stojí za pozornosť a keďže skončil v najlepšom, teším sa na pokračovanie.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A promising start to this Blacksad-esque series. Acuña's artwork is impeccable, with immersive atmospheres. I'm also happy to see more 1950s noir color palettes in recent comics. Remender gives the protagonist a refined psyche, with touches of Die Hard and The Dark Knight Returns. He also emphasizes the contradictions most people display during war. To this day, I don't understand the need for anthropomorphic animals as characters in this story.
June 30, 2026
The artwork and colors are great. This story offers a fresh perspective by eliminating human characters, set in a fictional context yet distinctly American. Inspired by the author's grandfather's war experiences, it emphasizes the importance of sharing these stories, especially as first-hand witnesses age and pass away. Some stories are written, while some lives, shape who we are.
This 1st volume is incredible and a true page turner. I can't wait for the continuation of Milton's story.
This 1st volume is incredible and a true page turner. I can't wait for the continuation of Milton's story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you for the opportunity to preview Escape volume 1. If you enjoy graphic design and graphic art this novel will really entertain and inspire you to read on. Basically a war zone with great attention to detail will captivate and capture you immediately.
Good plot and definitely entertaining.
Enjoyed this one 3.5 stars.
Good plot and definitely entertaining.
Enjoyed this one 3.5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Note: I received access to read this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I'm feeling mixed on this one. The anthropomorphized animals don't seem to mean anything. And the main character is kind of a douchebag. But the pacing of dialogue and plot movement are fabulous. If you turn your brain off this is pretty fun.
I'm feeling mixed on this one. The anthropomorphized animals don't seem to mean anything. And the main character is kind of a douchebag. But the pacing of dialogue and plot movement are fabulous. If you turn your brain off this is pretty fun.
July 24, 2026
I loved this so much and I am waiting for the rest of the issues to accumulate this year. I already have a soft corner for Anthropomorph characters (see Blacksad). This book tells of a familiar tale - of a fierce war between two enemy states and a soldier left behind enemy lines. Many of the characters are familiar, but they are done so well. The back story of the soldier was also top notch.
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