A Sense of Superiority
Humans tend to label things, particularly when it bolsters our sense of superiority. The RMS Titanic was deemed “unsinkable” by its creators. A claim disproven by an iceberg in 1912. Similarly, when the former military fort and lighthouse known as Alcatraz was converted into a federal prison, it was considered “escape proof.” Largely, (unlike the Titanic), this was accurate, as between 1934 and 1963, 36 men attempted to escape: 23 were recaptured, 7 were shot and killed, and at least 3 drowned. However, then there was the trio of Clarence Anglin, John Anglin, and Frank Morris.
Frank Morris and the Anglin Brothers
These three prisoners used papier-mâché heads to deceive the guards and then escaped through ventilation ducts and an unguarded corridor. They left the island on an inflatable raft. From that point, their whereabouts remain unknown, and their story is the stuff of myths and legends. Some believe they drowned in the attempt, but no evidence was ever found to determine their fate.
Out of Alcatraz
The comic series “Out of Alcatraz” from Oni Press delves into the hypothetical events following the infamous escape, as envisioned by talented television and comic writer Christopher Cantwell and the equally talented artist Tyler Crook. This collaboration marks the first time these two creators have worked together, bringing the story to life with their combined talents across five exciting issues.
In anticipation of the first issue’s release, we interviewed Mr.’s Cantwell and Crook to discuss their creative beginnings and their latest project. For this we started with Mr. Cantwell. So, please welcome talented writer Christopher Cantwell to GVN Talking Comics.
Starting Out
GVN: Thank you for sharing a little of your time, Christopher. Since this is our first opportunity to chat, I want to start with a little about your creative beginnings. When did you first become interested in writing and whose work inspired you to consider that profession?
Christopher: My great uncle Jim was a wonderful oral storyteller. He always wanted to be a writer. He finally got down to writing… and was horrible at it. I wanted to tell stories the way he did, but on paper. I was an only child, too, so telling stories to myself was a way to stave off boredom and loneliness.
Television and Comics
GVN: You have divided your talents between television and comic writing with remarkable success at both. How different is your approach between the two and what are the challenges of each?
Christopher: Comics are very distilled with small feedback loops. Running an entire TV show is completely different. Both are immersive, but comics are only so in my mind, really. There are not 400 people around trying to figure out how to make something out of nothing without going over budget.
An Alcatraz “What If?”
GVN: So, as I mentioned you are working on a new Oni Press comic series with talented artist Tyler Crook, “Out of Alcatraz.” This is based on the true story of Frank Morris, John and Clarence Anglin who escaped from Alcatraz on June 11th, 1962. The mystery of their whereabouts after their escape is still the stuff of legends. “Out of Alcatraz,” is your vision of what could have happened. How long has this book been in the works and what is the general premise of the story?
Christopher: I began working on this story sometime in 2019. But it didn’t become a comic project until 2023. The general premise deals not with the escape from Alcatraz itself, but what might have happened to those men who were never found and the people caught up in that investigation, and overall, people who may never want to be found for one reason or another.
Working with Tyler Crook
GVN: You are collaborating with the aforementioned Tyler Crook who has earned renown with his work with Cullen Bunn in “Harrow County” and “Unbelievable Teens” with Jeff Lemire. Was Tyler your first choice for illustrating this book and how did that partnership come to fruition?
Christopher: 100% the first choice. I can’t imagine anyone else doing this book after seeing what he’s done with it.
Variant Covers
GVN: Your first issue features covers by co-creator Tyler Crook, Oliver Dominguez (Electrical Wizard), Valeria Burzo (Castle Full of Blackbirds), Massimo Carnevale (Y: The Last Man), and Hayden Sherman (Absolute Wonder Woman). That is an impressive talent list. How did Tyler and you decide who you wanted for variant covers?
Christopher: Bess Pallares, our editor at Oni, was the one who was able to wrangle such incredible talent there. She selected artists for covers across the series whose work reflects the tone and themes of the story, such as midcentury aesthetics, noir, mystery, and crime.
“The Terror: Devil in Silver”
GVN: Thank you once again for visiting with us Christopher. Before I let you go, I want to give you one more chance to talk about this exciting project and any other projects (television or comic) that you have coming up.
Christopher: I have a new TV series, The Terror: Devil in Silver, premiering on AMC this year. It’s the third season of the “The Terror” and quite different from the other two. It’s based on the novel by Victor LaValle, about a man in Queens, NYC, who suddenly finds himself in a bad situation on a 72-hour hold inside a struggling hospital behavioral ward. It’s hard enough being trapped inside, but he soon finds there is something far worse than the other patients and staff within its walls. Victor show ran it with me, and it was a labor of love these last two and a half years.
Oni Press “Out of Alcatraz, Issue 1” by Christopher Cantwell and Tyler Crook hits stands on March 19th. Look for it where all great comics are sold.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 60 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove headfirst over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 21-year-old young man with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
