Advance Review — Throwback Artwork Propels ‘Out Of Alcatraz’ #1
by Tom Smithyman
Overview
The Rock meet Conspiracy Theory in this new limited series. Some great throwback artwork from Tyler Boss set the tone from the opening panels and reveals what’s going in the characters’ minds more than their words. It’s worth the time to escape with these inmates.
Overall
9/10In 1962, three prisoners escaped the infamous Alcatraz prison and were presumed to have drowned in the unforgiving waters of San Francisco Bay. A new comic from creators Christopher Cantwell and Tyler Crook imagines if two of those inmates somehow made it through the bay and washed up on shore with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.
Out Of Alcatraz, though, isn’t a straight-up prison break story. While it has some familiar elements, including a chase and fighting among the inmates, it also revolves around a larger conspiracy involving the survivors as well as some racial overtones regarding their handler once they escape. Oh, and fake heads used to confuse the prison guards.
Cantwell handles the writing duties for this oversized first issue of five. He keeps the pace brisk and gives readers plenty to chew on, including a nice, if not shocking, surprise at the end of the premiere installment. He creates very different characters in escapees Frank Morris and Clarence Anglin. Frank is the hardened criminal with the short temper while Clarence is the slow-witted one. Clarence’s brother John escaped with the pair but was left in the bay when the waters became too treacherous.
Crook’s artwork at the beginning of the book sets the dangerous, frenetic scene. You can see the trio fighting for their lives and are left to wonder how they ever reached land. That sets up animosity between the two survivors that will likely continue to play out over the limited series’ run. Add in a mysterious handler with issues of her own, an attempted rape, and a killing and you plenty to satisfy you while waiting for the next issue.
With his throwback style and mostly muted color palette, Crook is the perfect artist to handle this series. He is able to instantly able to transport readers back to mid-century California and make them believe they are living there. He’s also able to give us insights into the characters that the script alone cannot.
It’s a strong start for a series that is sure to send readers journey of intrigue and betrayal.
Out of Alcatraz #1 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, March 19th, 2025, from Oni Press.
