Escape is a gritty World War II inspired comic, by Rick Remender and Daniel Acuna. The story follows Captain Milton Shaw, a bomber pilot shot down behind enemy lines. Captured by the enemy, he must devise his escape.
Unlike conventional war stories, the characters in Escape are anthropomorphic. Caption Shaw is a bear, and his fascist enemies resemble bats. While the character’s faces and emotions are stylized, make no mistake, this isn’t a “funny animal” book for kids. It’s every bit a serious, tightly-executed thriller, where both the protagonists and antagonists aren’t human.
The comic series explores the brutality of war, survival, and moral ambiguity. The art itself is detailed, expressive, and cinematic. Acuna seamlessly blends realistic environments, vehicles and weaponry with non-human characters – pulling the reader into the narrative. And the violence is real.
Escape is currently on its seventh issue. Although I am missing a few issues from the series (notably issues 2, 3, and 5), the story has been clear and engaging.
I give Escape my highest recommendation.
-Krishna