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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 . . .
Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 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 27, 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.
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.
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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.
January 1, 2026
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.
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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.
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 6, 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.
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
November 30, 2025
A satisfyingly well-written story that uses vagueness and omission to enhance the story's message that we're all out there floundering in both our confines and freedoms.
December 28, 2025
There are many prisons, some of brick and mortar some of another kind. This book explores two of them in nice prison break story with surprising plot twist followed by neat art.
March 13, 2026
Rated up from 3.5 stars. A solid crime saga about the escape from Alcatraz. A good borrow from the library.
March 16, 2026
Some good twists that I did not expect.
March 25, 2026
This was pretty darn good, kinda seems like a movie you'd find on pbs or something but still pretty good. I enjoyed the Northern California/ bay area setting, very nostalgic for me. Basically a crime noir about all types of people wanting to just live freely. And why is it that we cant 🤷🏽
3.6✨
3.6✨
April 29, 2026
A crime comic full of Americana and tension. Both writing and art are on point and in sync. Definitely recommended to fans of Criminal and Shawshank Redemption.
May 21, 2026
Really great noir storyline with delightful art, twists and turns, a wonderful writing. Wonderfully executed piece of work.
May 25, 2026
A solid, smart "what if" story that provides depth and emotion behind a decades-old news story.
June 25, 2026
Everybody's running, everyone wants to be free.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews