Alcatraz
If you are in the San Francisco area on a holiday, one of the sites that is often part of the visitor’s tour is the former federal prison, now tourist attraction, known as Alcatraz. Nicknamed as “The Rock,” it served the prison system from 1934 to 1963. During that time, it housed some of the most notorious criminals of that time. Names like Al Capone, Robert Franklin Stroud (the “Birdman of Alcatraz”), George “Machine Gun” Kelly and Bumpy Johnson to name a few.
Alcatraz was reputed as being escape-proof, due to its isolation in the San Francisco Bay and the treacherously strong and cold currents. Which is not to say that inmates didn’t try. In the 29 years that Alcatraz served as a Federal Prison, 36 men attempted to escape with generally poor results. 23 were recaptured, 7 were shot and killed and at least three drowned. Note the term “at least.”
Frank Morris, Clarence and John Anglin
This is due to the efforts of three inmates: Frank Morris, and brothers Clarence and John Anglin. Through a careful and apparently well-planned endeavor, Morris and the Anglins were able to deceive the guards with papier-mâché heads, escaping through ventilation shafts and on an inflatable raft. From that point, their story merges with myth and legend. Mainly because there was no evidence of what happened to them afterward. This is where creators Christopher Cantwell and Tyler Crook come in.
Out of Alcatraz
In “Out of Alcatraz,” by Oni Press, Cantwell and Crook create an intriguing and plausible tale that explores what might have happened after the escape. The first issue mainly centers on the events that transpired after their “Harry Houdini” act. Not that they don’t discuss the details of their escape later on in the issue. But the real drama and mystery takes place post-escape. At least in the creative mind of writer Christopher Cantwell where he had a legendary beginning to work with.
Keeping a Low-Profile
Regarding our missing convicts, upon reaching the shore, their initial endeavor was to locate a secure hiding place, at least until they could establish contact with their designated external associates. This task proved challenging, as remaining undetected was of utmost importance, particularly in the initial phase following their escape. In reality, they were uncertain if the prison authorities were actively searching for them or if they were presumed drowned, which would have been the most favorable outcome for them. This also would be the best thing for the prison’s perfect non-escape record. Afterall, they had a reputation to maintain.
Hard Decisions
Besides staying incognito, another problem the escapees faced was that, as convicts, they did not always get along or see eye to eye. However, it was Frank who kept them together. By force of will as anything else. In time, after meeting their contact, they were confronted with difficult decisions, as assistance does not come without payment and sacrifices. It all came down to whether they were willing to do what was required of them by their accomplices, or if they wanted to try it out on their own.
Confronted with those choices, Frank required time to contemplate, which, unfortunately, provided him with opportunities to even more poor decisions. As for his “partners,” they had their own issues to address, ones that extended beyond the opportunities presented by their outside contacts. Trouble seems to follow those who seek it. But what should one expect from “hard time” criminals from “The Rock.”
Thoughts
Right from the start, Creators Cantwell and Crook create a scenario that takes the known facts about the famous escape and makes what follows a logical narrative. It makes sense that an escape so well planned and executed might have had some outside assistance. At least once they made a successful exit. Although, one ponders why someone with the connections of Capone could not have arranged such an exercise for himself. But perhaps, it is the relative anonymity of the convicts involved that made it possible. Certainly, more eyes would be on someone like Capone as opposed to Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers. This no doubt served to allow for the possibility of their escape and a great jumping off point for the creators. Which Cantwell and Crook took full advantage of.
Artwork
With the story created by Cantwell, the artwork needed to represent the era reflected, and artist Tyler Crook filled the bill expertly. Populating the panels with energy and a water-colored palate that made the narrative jump from the page. Crook captures the pent-up frustration, fear and anger of the convicts in every close-up of their faces. It’s not unlike watching a train wreck. It should be horrible to witness but you can’t help but be intrigued by the results and the motives behind it all. Which makes issue two and beyond a must read.
Oni Press “Out of Alcatraz” Issue #1 by Christopher Cantwell and Tyler Crook hits stands March 19th, where all great comics are sold. You can catch our interview with creator Christopher Cantwell here. As well as our talk with artist Tyler Crook, here.
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.
