Advance Review — ‘Out Of Alcatraz’ #4 Fleshes Out Characters Before The Finale
by Tom Smithyman
Overview
As this limited series nears the end of its run, its creators spend a little time bringing some of the side characters to life. That move helps to elevate the already great story, making it feel like it belongs in a movie theater. And who knows, maybe it will be seen on a screen near you sooner or later.
Overall
9/10With the literal end of the road approaching for the escapees from Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, Out Of Alcatraz’s creative team takes a brief detour to flesh out some of its characters.
It’s a smart move by writer Christopher Cantwell, who knows a thing or two about creating three-dimensional characters. In the limited series’ penultimate issue, we learn a lot more about the motivations of the escapees’ mysterious handler. (So mysterious that we haven’t even learned her name after four issues.)
We learned earlier that she’s a light-skinned Black woman who passes herself off as White, but that detail seemed irrelevant until now, when we learn more about her backstory. In fact, revealing her motivations to the former prisoner seems to have made her more human and a little softer than the tough-as-nails ice queen she’s projected until now.
Cantwell also advances the story of two gay federal agents who are pursuing the escapees. The pair dream of retreating to some faraway place to celebrate their love, which was largely verboten in 1960s America. As the two lovers get closer to finding the prisoners, it becomes tragically clearer that their hopes for a joint future are little more than pipe dreams.
That Cantwell spends so much time so late in the story to bring these details to life, is a bit of a surprise. But then again, this series has been a pleasant surprise nearly from the first page. The characters are compelling and the pursuit keeps readers turning the page. In many ways, including a very adult story, it feels more like a movie script than a comic book.
Tyler Crook’s artwork keeps that cinematic feel going, rooting readers in the early 60s. Crook colors his work with muted tones, even during the bright California days, giving a sense of foreboding, even in seemingly good times.
It seems unlikely that next month’s final issue will bring a happy ending for most of these characters. Similarly, for readers, it will mean the end of a thoroughly enjoyable journey.
Out of Alcatraz #4 will be available in comic book shops and digital platforms on June 25th from Oni Press.