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Out of Alcatraz #1-5
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 . . .
Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
October 23, 2025
A wonderfully told Alcatraz escape story following a heartfelt cast of characters who are seeking freedom just as much as the prisoners on the run.
October 25, 2025
(This is for the hardcover edition; for some reason Goodreads is only listing the Kindle one.)
I’ve been fascinated with this book since I saw the first issue’s cover at my local comic shop, but I knew immediately that it would be a much better experience to read it in a collected edition. This hardcover from Oni Press is a beauty, too, with great design and featuring all the variant covers for the 5-issue mini-series by writer Christopher Cantwell and artist Tyler Crook. The latter did all the art chores on the series, too, including painted color and even the lettering. It’s the story of three escapees from Alcatraz in 1962, the only three whoever got away from the Rock … or did they? The real life theory is they all drowned in San Francisco Bay, but Cantwell and Crook’s story posits that they survived and met up with another accomplice, a woman who aided their escape on the mainland and has her own agenda. Beautifully drawn—and written—this little piece of film noir on paper (a rare thing in today’s horror-infused comics industry) is a great read.
I’ve been fascinated with this book since I saw the first issue’s cover at my local comic shop, but I knew immediately that it would be a much better experience to read it in a collected edition. This hardcover from Oni Press is a beauty, too, with great design and featuring all the variant covers for the 5-issue mini-series by writer Christopher Cantwell and artist Tyler Crook. The latter did all the art chores on the series, too, including painted color and even the lettering. It’s the story of three escapees from Alcatraz in 1962, the only three whoever got away from the Rock … or did they? The real life theory is they all drowned in San Francisco Bay, but Cantwell and Crook’s story posits that they survived and met up with another accomplice, a woman who aided their escape on the mainland and has her own agenda. Beautifully drawn—and written—this little piece of film noir on paper (a rare thing in today’s horror-infused comics industry) is a great read.
June 20, 2026
Out of Alcatraz was a very enjoyable read and an easy page-turner, even if it didn’t completely wow me by the end.
Christopher Cantwell takes the famous Alcatraz escape and uses it as the starting point for a grounded crime story rather than a traditional prison-break tale. I liked how the focus shifted to the aftermath and the difficult choices facing the escapees as they try to stay ahead of the law and their own mistakes. The story kept me engaged throughout, and I always wanted to know what happened next.
Tyler Crook’s artwork was the standout for me. His watercolor style gives the book a distinctive atmosphere, and every location feels lived-in and authentic. The visuals do a lot of the heavy lifting in creating the book’s mood and tension.
While I enjoyed the ride, the story landed a little flatter than I was hoping. The characters and premise were strong, but the emotional payoff never quite hit as hard as I wanted it to. Even so, it remained consistently entertaining from start to finish and was the kind of book that was hard to put down once I got going.
A solid 4-star crime thriller with gorgeous artwork and plenty of tension, even if it didn’t fully stick the landing for me.
Christopher Cantwell takes the famous Alcatraz escape and uses it as the starting point for a grounded crime story rather than a traditional prison-break tale. I liked how the focus shifted to the aftermath and the difficult choices facing the escapees as they try to stay ahead of the law and their own mistakes. The story kept me engaged throughout, and I always wanted to know what happened next.
Tyler Crook’s artwork was the standout for me. His watercolor style gives the book a distinctive atmosphere, and every location feels lived-in and authentic. The visuals do a lot of the heavy lifting in creating the book’s mood and tension.
While I enjoyed the ride, the story landed a little flatter than I was hoping. The characters and premise were strong, but the emotional payoff never quite hit as hard as I wanted it to. Even so, it remained consistently entertaining from start to finish and was the kind of book that was hard to put down once I got going.
A solid 4-star crime thriller with gorgeous artwork and plenty of tension, even if it didn’t fully stick the landing for me.
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.
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!
November 12, 2025
This impressively-illustrated graphic novel speculates on what could have happened had the 3 men who escaped the infamous Alcatraz prison in the early 1960s made it to shore. It's high-energy and thought-provoking, and works around the principle that many people are running from something--not just prison escapees.
Read
July 11, 2026interesting take on a what if in history
March 8, 2026
3.5 stars.
What if the Anglin brothers and Frank Morris actually survived their 1962 escape from Alcatraz?
It’s a tragic story.
What if the Anglin brothers and Frank Morris actually survived their 1962 escape from Alcatraz?
It’s a tragic story.
November 16, 2025
GodDAMN was this good, from the cover design to the melancholy and emotive writing to the downright stunning art. Cantwell and Crook deliver a wonderful throwback noir that packs punch after punch with a lot of existentialist themes and a heavy, heavy mood. Sure, the plot may be a little too full of story beats, but the way they weave back into the central subject is masterful and fun, harkening back to some of the best movies in the genre. One of the best comics of 2025, in my opinion.
December 10, 2025
My pick for best limited series of 2025.
Read my full list of comics awards on urbaneturtle.com!
Out of Alcatraz is a stunning historical fiction piece that examines what might have happened to the men who famously escaped from the island prison Alcatraz in 1962. Though the Feds closed the book on the case concluding that the three men died in the escape, there were enough loose threads to question that conclusion. Cantwell and Crook’s gripping narrative is a tale that questions what it means to be free–and if any of us ever truly are. Each of the characters, from the escaped inmates, to their accomplices, to the investigators on their trail, are all trapped in one way or another. Though it is set in the 60s, Cantwell and Crook put the lie to the empty nostalgia for the days where America was “great.” We feel for all of this cast as they push against the bigotries that force them to hide their sexuality, their race, or their complicated pasts. Crook’s art, with its muted color palette sets a somber, hopeless tone, as do the wide, empty landscapes and stark white prison bars of the gutters between panels. Escaping Alcatraz does not set these men free, and they are reminded of it in every moment. It’s an emotionally gripping, taught crime thriller.
Read my full list of comics awards on urbaneturtle.com!
Out of Alcatraz is a stunning historical fiction piece that examines what might have happened to the men who famously escaped from the island prison Alcatraz in 1962. Though the Feds closed the book on the case concluding that the three men died in the escape, there were enough loose threads to question that conclusion. Cantwell and Crook’s gripping narrative is a tale that questions what it means to be free–and if any of us ever truly are. Each of the characters, from the escaped inmates, to their accomplices, to the investigators on their trail, are all trapped in one way or another. Though it is set in the 60s, Cantwell and Crook put the lie to the empty nostalgia for the days where America was “great.” We feel for all of this cast as they push against the bigotries that force them to hide their sexuality, their race, or their complicated pasts. Crook’s art, with its muted color palette sets a somber, hopeless tone, as do the wide, empty landscapes and stark white prison bars of the gutters between panels. Escaping Alcatraz does not set these men free, and they are reminded of it in every moment. It’s an emotionally gripping, taught crime thriller.
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.
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!
July 19, 2026
POPKULTUROWY KOCIOŁEK: The story of the Alcatraz escape has captured the imagination for years. The mere knowledge that three prisoners managed to escape from a place considered virtually impossible to escape was enough to create one of the greatest criminal myths of the 20th century. The failure to find any bodies only fueled the legend and made the question "what really happened after the escape?" remain incredibly tempting.
Christopher Cantwell decided to seize this unknown and create his own answer. However, " Escape from Alcatraz" isn't just another tale of a perfect plan, cunning criminals, and one man's triumph over the system. It's a much more gritty story. Here, the escape itself is only the beginning of the problems.
This approach immediately distinguishes the comic from other works using the prison escape motif. The author doesn't focus on the moment of escape itself. Instead, he shows what happened afterward.
The greatest strength of the comic is the way Christopher Cantwell approaches his characters. Frank Morris and Clarence Anglin are real people, but also burdened by their own pasts. They have their own fears, weaknesses, and limitations, which quickly begin to surface. Frank Morris is a particularly compelling character here. On the one hand, he impresses with his determination and intelligence. On the other, it quickly becomes clear that beyond the walls of Alcatraz, he is not omnipotent. Every decision carries consequences, and any mistake can end the entire journey.
Cantwell also makes excellent use of classic road crime elements . The fugitives travel from one location to another, encountering random people, and trying to seize every opportunity to escape the authorities' radar. The individuals who cross their paths often prove to be as corrupt and lost as the characters themselves. The comic depicts 1960s America as a place rife with tension, inequality, and hidden violence.
The Story of the Escape from Alcatraz as a Human Story
Although the primary focus is the pursuit of fugitives, " Escape from Alcatraz" has much more to offer. The prison itself is explored extensively. The characters leave their real walls but quickly discover they are still limited by their own decisions, society, and past.
This is one of the most interesting aspects of the script. Christopher Cantwell shows that captivity doesn't always have to mean a locked cell. Sometimes it can be the fear of revealing one's true identity, the inability to start a new life, or the constant necessity of hiding.
The supporting characters are also well-developed. The story isn't limited solely to the perspective of the fugitives. There are also those trying to find them, whose own lives are fraught with limitations and secrets. This gives the chase added meaning.
The portrayal of the social realities of the era is particularly compelling. The comic addresses issues of racism, inequality, violence, and the profound impact of birthplace and ancestry on a person's life. These elements, however, aren't forced. They emerge naturally from the story and demonstrate why, for the characters, freedom was much more complicated than simply leaving prison.
Cantwell doesn't attempt to provide simple answers. He doesn't moralize or clearly establish who is right. Instead, he leaves the reader wondering whether a person can truly free themselves from their past.....
https://popkulturowykociolek.pl/po-uc...
Christopher Cantwell decided to seize this unknown and create his own answer. However, " Escape from Alcatraz" isn't just another tale of a perfect plan, cunning criminals, and one man's triumph over the system. It's a much more gritty story. Here, the escape itself is only the beginning of the problems.
This approach immediately distinguishes the comic from other works using the prison escape motif. The author doesn't focus on the moment of escape itself. Instead, he shows what happened afterward.
The greatest strength of the comic is the way Christopher Cantwell approaches his characters. Frank Morris and Clarence Anglin are real people, but also burdened by their own pasts. They have their own fears, weaknesses, and limitations, which quickly begin to surface. Frank Morris is a particularly compelling character here. On the one hand, he impresses with his determination and intelligence. On the other, it quickly becomes clear that beyond the walls of Alcatraz, he is not omnipotent. Every decision carries consequences, and any mistake can end the entire journey.
Cantwell also makes excellent use of classic road crime elements . The fugitives travel from one location to another, encountering random people, and trying to seize every opportunity to escape the authorities' radar. The individuals who cross their paths often prove to be as corrupt and lost as the characters themselves. The comic depicts 1960s America as a place rife with tension, inequality, and hidden violence.
The Story of the Escape from Alcatraz as a Human Story
Although the primary focus is the pursuit of fugitives, " Escape from Alcatraz" has much more to offer. The prison itself is explored extensively. The characters leave their real walls but quickly discover they are still limited by their own decisions, society, and past.
This is one of the most interesting aspects of the script. Christopher Cantwell shows that captivity doesn't always have to mean a locked cell. Sometimes it can be the fear of revealing one's true identity, the inability to start a new life, or the constant necessity of hiding.
The supporting characters are also well-developed. The story isn't limited solely to the perspective of the fugitives. There are also those trying to find them, whose own lives are fraught with limitations and secrets. This gives the chase added meaning.
The portrayal of the social realities of the era is particularly compelling. The comic addresses issues of racism, inequality, violence, and the profound impact of birthplace and ancestry on a person's life. These elements, however, aren't forced. They emerge naturally from the story and demonstrate why, for the characters, freedom was much more complicated than simply leaving prison.
Cantwell doesn't attempt to provide simple answers. He doesn't moralize or clearly establish who is right. Instead, he leaves the reader wondering whether a person can truly free themselves from their past.....
https://popkulturowykociolek.pl/po-uc...
Read
January 13, 2026Out of Alcatraz is a crime book with surprising depth. Writer Christopher Cantwell turns what could have been trite speculative fiction about the 1962 escapees from Alcatraz into a compelling exploration of what “escape” means for various characters under systems of oppression. I found the relationship between the two police officers particularly compelling. Cantwell sympathetically explores the complexities in how two gay men subject to a repressive legal system could in turn work to uphold that system.
The art by Tyler Crook has put the artist on my radar going forward. His lines evince a solid grasp of cartooning. What makes Crook’s work special is his gorgeous watercolor finishes. Even though I raced through this story on a flight, I often paused to admire the beautiful landscapes and environments that Crook depicts. With that said, I occasionally felt like he was mismatched with this project, bringing too light of a touch to a story that could have used more severity. Cantwell has effectively written a crime book in the style of Ed Brubaker, but swapped out Sean Phillips, Brubaker’s frequent collaborator, for art better fit for adventure fiction.
Out of Alcatraz gets two thumbs up from me and represents a solid project from Oni. It’s been a while since I’ve read an original project from the publisher, and I hope they keep them coming.
The art by Tyler Crook has put the artist on my radar going forward. His lines evince a solid grasp of cartooning. What makes Crook’s work special is his gorgeous watercolor finishes. Even though I raced through this story on a flight, I often paused to admire the beautiful landscapes and environments that Crook depicts. With that said, I occasionally felt like he was mismatched with this project, bringing too light of a touch to a story that could have used more severity. Cantwell has effectively written a crime book in the style of Ed Brubaker, but swapped out Sean Phillips, Brubaker’s frequent collaborator, for art better fit for adventure fiction.
Out of Alcatraz gets two thumbs up from me and represents a solid project from Oni. It’s been a while since I’ve read an original project from the publisher, and I hope they keep them coming.
December 23, 2025
Out of Alcatraz is one of those books that leaves you torn between admiration and frustration. On the surface, it’s a visually striking work—every page feels meticulously crafted, with bold compositions and a moody palette that captures the claustrophobia, grit, and strange beauty of the island prison. The artist clearly poured intention into the atmosphere, and the result is a book that’s genuinely enjoyable to look at, even when the narrative falters.
And unfortunately, the narrative does falter. The story leans heavily on familiar prison‑break tropes without adding much that feels fresh or earned. Character motivations are sketched rather than explored, and key emotional beats land with a thud because the groundwork simply isn’t there. It’s not that the premise lacks potential—it’s that the script seems content to coast on the setting and the art rather than push deeper into the psychology or stakes of escape.
Still, the book isn’t without merit. If you’re drawn to strong visual storytelling, there’s plenty to appreciate. But as a complete package, Out of Alcatraz feels like a missed opportunity: gorgeous to behold, yet weighed down by a story that never quite breaks free.
And unfortunately, the narrative does falter. The story leans heavily on familiar prison‑break tropes without adding much that feels fresh or earned. Character motivations are sketched rather than explored, and key emotional beats land with a thud because the groundwork simply isn’t there. It’s not that the premise lacks potential—it’s that the script seems content to coast on the setting and the art rather than push deeper into the psychology or stakes of escape.
Still, the book isn’t without merit. If you’re drawn to strong visual storytelling, there’s plenty to appreciate. But as a complete package, Out of Alcatraz feels like a missed opportunity: gorgeous to behold, yet weighed down by a story that never quite breaks free.
February 11, 2026
As someone who lives in California (and close enough to Alcatraz I call San Francisco area "local-ish" it's always fun to see things set in places I'm familiar with -- including Modesto and Redding! Exciting! I mean it's also wild that these places were treated in this graphic novel as like Hicksville, USA, but you know what, there are definitely parts of California the eschew a lot more "country" than people outside like to think!
Anyway, here we have a sort of "what could be" accounting of the men that escaped from Alcatraz... if they actually made it to shore, if they met someone on the outside (a Black/mixed woman in this case) who had things all set up for them, the troubles they face...and a closeted law enforcement couple on the hunt to find what really happened.
The art was gritty and rife with colors and style although sometimes I got three of the characters confused with each other (all blond men) I did enjoy it, especially the scenery/backgrounds, overall.
Thank you to Oni Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for review!
Anyway, here we have a sort of "what could be" accounting of the men that escaped from Alcatraz... if they actually made it to shore, if they met someone on the outside (a Black/mixed woman in this case) who had things all set up for them, the troubles they face...and a closeted law enforcement couple on the hunt to find what really happened.
The art was gritty and rife with colors and style although sometimes I got three of the characters confused with each other (all blond men) I did enjoy it, especially the scenery/backgrounds, overall.
Thank you to Oni Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for review!
November 6, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for providing a free of charge eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Alcatraz has been used as a prison since the civil war. In 1934 it was made into the most secure prison in the world, and remained that way until 1963. During that time 36 men tried to escape. 23 were recaptured, 6 were shot and killed, 2 drowned, and 5 are missing, presumed drowned.
John and Clarence Anglin and Frank Morris escaped Alcatraz in 1962, leaving behind dummy heads in order to fool the guards. They were never found. The case has captivated the public interest, and has already been the subject of a number of films and documentaries. Here Christopher Cantwell gives readers a glimpse into one of the possible outcomes of the escape. Filled with rich characters, and a narrative that tackles a number of important issues of the time, Out of Alcatraz delivers a thrilling, high-octane adventure that readers will love.
Alcatraz has been used as a prison since the civil war. In 1934 it was made into the most secure prison in the world, and remained that way until 1963. During that time 36 men tried to escape. 23 were recaptured, 6 were shot and killed, 2 drowned, and 5 are missing, presumed drowned.
John and Clarence Anglin and Frank Morris escaped Alcatraz in 1962, leaving behind dummy heads in order to fool the guards. They were never found. The case has captivated the public interest, and has already been the subject of a number of films and documentaries. Here Christopher Cantwell gives readers a glimpse into one of the possible outcomes of the escape. Filled with rich characters, and a narrative that tackles a number of important issues of the time, Out of Alcatraz delivers a thrilling, high-octane adventure that readers will love.
July 28, 2026
Crook’s earth-toned watercolored art paints an evocative depiction of a less-than-idealistic midcentury America for this crime story jumping off from the genuinely unsolved Alcatraz escape. And “escape” is the heart of the story in both the most literal sense (the prison break crew), but also the societal escapes sought by the closeted pair of gov’t agents hot on the trail or the mostly-passing-for-white African American woman assisting the escaped convicts for her own reasons. Cantwell’s true crime voice reminds me a bit of Brubaker, and the ending he arrives at is the fantastic sort that surprised me while being perfectly fitting.
“An’ what if we don’t like the next place, Frank? Where do we run to after that?”
“Pretty out here. Kind of place where you get a cabin with the one you love. Watch the world go by. Away from the looks and the whispers and the hiding.”
“That just sounds like a different kind of hiding.”
“An’ what if we don’t like the next place, Frank? Where do we run to after that?”
“Pretty out here. Kind of place where you get a cabin with the one you love. Watch the world go by. Away from the looks and the whispers and the hiding.”
“That just sounds like a different kind of hiding.”
June 5, 2026
2026 Eisner Award finalist - Best Limited Series
This is a terrific crime noir. It's based on a real-life escape attempt from Alcatraz in 1962. Cantwell asks what if the convicts survived their swim to shore? The answer he proposes involves lots of shady characters, murder, and a dogged manhunt by an FBI agent and his boyfriend, an ex-officer of the California Marshal's office. Of course, the latter situation is a significant subplot, as gay law enforcement officers (or gay anyone, really) were unacceptable in society in 1962. There's also a subplot concerned with how people of color were discriminated against with real estate red-lining. The escaped convicts have their own distinct personalities, making this an exciting character study that is also filled with gritty and tense action. Tyler Crook's artwork has a loose, watercolor style that's very good.
This is a terrific crime noir. It's based on a real-life escape attempt from Alcatraz in 1962. Cantwell asks what if the convicts survived their swim to shore? The answer he proposes involves lots of shady characters, murder, and a dogged manhunt by an FBI agent and his boyfriend, an ex-officer of the California Marshal's office. Of course, the latter situation is a significant subplot, as gay law enforcement officers (or gay anyone, really) were unacceptable in society in 1962. There's also a subplot concerned with how people of color were discriminated against with real estate red-lining. The escaped convicts have their own distinct personalities, making this an exciting character study that is also filled with gritty and tense action. Tyler Crook's artwork has a loose, watercolor style that's very good.
February 23, 2026
Really well done piece of speculative historical fiction about the three men who escaped Alcatraz and are believed to have drown in the bay, but - to paraphrase Owen Wilson - what this book presupposes is, maybe they didn’t? Cantwell crafts a great character study out of the small cast, and I was blown away by Tyler Crook’s watercolor sequentials. At times it called to (at least my) mind Juanjo Guarnido’s Blacksad by way of Sean Phillips’ work with Ed Brubaker with maybe a hint of Julian Allen’s “Wild Palms” work back in the 90s. Yeah, I was surprised to kick over that box in my memory closet, but something about Crook’s style got me there. Great stuff.
November 4, 2025
This comic uses the real attempt and unsolved mystery of the 3 convicts that escaped Alcatraz in 1962 (and are presumed to have drowned) and writes the story of them actually making it to shore - and what happens next.
I was hoping for a fictionalized "true" crime like From Hell, but Cantwell doesn't really attempt to tell a "what could have happened" story. This is very fictional! I did like some of the elements, like the convicts need to make their way up north to work on a farm to pay off their escape. It's still quite entertaining and fans of fast-paced crime comics will enjoy it.
I was hoping for a fictionalized "true" crime like From Hell, but Cantwell doesn't really attempt to tell a "what could have happened" story. This is very fictional! I did like some of the elements, like the convicts need to make their way up north to work on a farm to pay off their escape. It's still quite entertaining and fans of fast-paced crime comics will enjoy it.
December 12, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for my Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
I have no strong opinions on this book which is unusual for me. I love reading anything having to do with Alcatraz and I love fiction conclusions to unsolved nonfiction mysteries. I liked the art and the characters. I would recommend it to the right person. I just didn't get excited by it. 3.5 stars.
I have no strong opinions on this book which is unusual for me. I love reading anything having to do with Alcatraz and I love fiction conclusions to unsolved nonfiction mysteries. I liked the art and the characters. I would recommend it to the right person. I just didn't get excited by it. 3.5 stars.
January 2, 2026
A group of men escape from Alcatraz and try to settle themselves into the real world in this graphic novel. The premise and artwork were fun, but I had trouble at times following the plot, which jumped from scene to scene with little to no transition. I also felt that some of the characters were very similarly drawn.
August 25, 2026
Love Tyler Crook’s art. Wonderful watercolors, great staging, & he can deliver rich atmosphere w each panel.
The story was a nice crime tale. Not quite as ‘hard’ as an Ed Brubaker tale but w a better pay off. Lighter but tighter.
Would have liked to sit w each character a bit more, but all in all, a good book
The story was a nice crime tale. Not quite as ‘hard’ as an Ed Brubaker tale but w a better pay off. Lighter but tighter.
Would have liked to sit w each character a bit more, but all in all, a good book
September 6, 2026
This is a hard book to rate. Overall I didn't really enjoy the story. It was very violent and very depressingly inevitable. But it was also compelling and touched upon a surprising number of social issues (race, LGBT issues, etc.) in a short format. When I finished I was impressed with it despite my dislike of the overall story and ending.
November 9, 2025
Absolutely loved this and makes for a perfect Noirvember read. Total scorcher of a fugitive story with some interesting wrinkles involving race, class, and sexual identity. Gorgeous art and the HC edition with the cover gallery looks fantastic. Highly recommended for crime comic fans everywhere.
December 4, 2025
Loved this. Great comic. Had to read it straight through.
Tyler Crook’s art remains beautiful. The story is just some straight good noir stuff. The ending both surprised me and felt satisfying.
No complaints.
Tyler Crook’s art remains beautiful. The story is just some straight good noir stuff. The ending both surprised me and felt satisfying.
No complaints.
February 20, 2026
You know what a prison break doesn't need? A female character continually referred to as 'a black lady' who is drawn like a prototypical Wasp, and a pair of homosexual federal employees back when such things were severely frowned upon.
You know what you get in this anyway? All of that.
You know what you get in this anyway? All of that.
November 23, 2025
Solidly entertaining and decently exciting, it feels a bit too by -the-numbers to be perfect
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