Originally published at: https://geektherapy.org/read-out-of-alcatraz-issue-1-for-free-ahead-of-the-release-of-the-critically-acclaimed-comic/
Author: Newsroom
PORTLAND, OR (October 21, 2025) – Oni Press, the multiple Eisner- and Harvey Award–winning publisher of groundbreaking comics and graphic novels since 1997, is excited to announce the OUT OF ALCATRAZ hardcover by Eisner Award–nominated writer Christopher Cantwell (Plastic Man No More, Briar) and Eisner Award–nominated illustrator Tyler Crook (Harrow County, The Lonesome Hunters). Collecting issues #1–5 of the critically acclaimed series, the story born from one of the 20th century’s greatest unsolved mysteries lands in stores on October 21. To celebrate the release of OUT OF ALCATRAZ, Oni Press is offering readers an enticing, free 44-page part one of the five-part series.
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 truth: Life on the run is an even more hellish prison than Alcatraz ever was . . .
OUT OF ALCATRAZ is a smash hit with both critics, fans and comic book creators:
“A crime comic straight out of a Hitchcock film… The real fate of Frank Morris and Clarence Anglin may never be truly solved, but OUT OF ALCATRAZ is poised to offer a compelling answer.” — /FILM
“Irresistible.”—COMIC BOOK COUPLES COUNSELING
“OUT OF ALCATRAZ has everything I love in a crime comic: brilliantly evocative art, a wild and unpredictable cast that can’t help but screw up a ‘fool-proof’ plan, and an ever-tightening circle of Feds and bad decisions. Tight, gripping, and constantly surprising.”
— Cliff Chiang, Eisner Award-winning creator of Paper Girls and Catwoman: Lonely City
“Atmospheric, beautifully rendered, and psychologically rich.” — Library Journal (Starred Review)
“Cantwell and Crook deliver a cinematic, high-stakes narrative that hooks readers with its intense action, rich character dynamics, and visually striking artistry. A must-read for fans of crime comics and historical thrillers.” — AIPT
“Once in a while, a story comes along that hits all the right points, with creators that seem to have been born to tell a certain story a certain way. Out of Alcatraz is one of those stories. Crook and Cantwell have crafted a comic that is thrilling, compelling, and downright beautiful. The watercolor work by Crook is utterly breathtaking and takes Cantwell’s script of unfortunate, though seemingly fated, events and brings it to jaw-dropping life. They tell it with such urgency and intention that you’d think the book itself was a sort of prison break of the soul. If it’s not clear, let me state it here unequivocally: I love this book.” —
Chris Condon (That Texas Blood)
“Cantwell’s script is sharp, both in its thriller jolts and surprising empathy. Bleakly gorgeous art by Crook evokes Alfred Hitchcock, Edward Hopper, Badlands, American Graffiti, and vintage crime paperbacks. The effect brilliantly imbues wide-open West Coast vistas with grim beauty and, in the end, a touch of welcome warmth. This will certainly win over noir fans — and may make new ones.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
“A phenomenal work of comic book storytelling.” — ComicBook.com
“OUT OF ALCATRAZ is hard-boiled heaven. Written with intensity and flair, painted with exquisite beauty, Christopher Cantwell and Tyler Crook have created a truly remarkable comic experience. Crime, grim humor, and a vivid sense of history all come together in one of the best comics I’ve read in a very long time.”—Victor LaValle (PEN/Open Book Award-winning author of The Changeling and The Devil in Silver)
“With its suspenseful storytelling and stunning artwork, OUT OF ALCATRAZ is a beautiful and outstanding historical fiction series.” — Capes and Tights
“OUT OF ALCATRAZ is what independent comic books are all about: Telling your story in your own way.” — Comicon
OUT OF ALCATRAZ HARDCOVER
WRITTEN BY CHRISTOPHER CANTWELL
ART BY TYLER CROOK
COVER BY TYLER CROOK
ON SALE OCTOBER 21st, 2025 | $29.99 | 176 PGS | HC