The Escapists #6

December 16, 2006

Quick Rating: Great

The fate of the Escapist is sealed.

Writer: Brian K. Vaughan
Art: Jason Shawn Alexander, Eduardo Barreto & Steve Rolston
Colors: Matt Hollingsworth, Dan Jackson, Dave Stewart
Letters: Tom Orzechowski
Editor: Diana Schutz
Cover Art: Steve Rolston
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Last issue, Denny Jones wound up not only in jail, but attacked and bleeding to death on the floor of his cell. This issue, Max Roth does what he has to do to save his friend – no matter the cost to himself.

The spoilers for this book begin practically on the first page, so it’s hard to discuss the plot much further beyond that. Brian K. Vaughan has managed to bring our three characters to a very unexpected but very logical conclusion. It’s something that’s satisfying on absolutely every level, even if it does very firmly close off this story, precluding any sequels or continuation. In the end, Vaughan manages to tell a story that’s both about characters, legacies and art itself. It’s one of the best miniseries of the year.

The artwork, by Jason Shawn Alexander, Eduardo Barreto and Steve Rolston, all work for the different aspects of the story, including the “real world” and two separate “fictional” styles.

This has been an absolutely fantastic miniseries, a worthy sequel to the original Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay novel, and something any fan of that book would find worth reading.

Rating: 9/10

Escapists #4

November 9, 2006

Quick Rating: Very Good

As the Escapist becomes a hit again, things change for Maxwell and Case.

Writer: Brian K. Vaughan
Art: Jason Shawn Alexander & Steve Rolston
Colors: Matt Hollingsworth & Dave Stewart
Letters: Tom Orzechowski
Editor: Diana Schutz
Cover Art: Jason Shawn Alexander
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Things seem to be looking up for Max Roth. The first issue of his new Escapist comic has sold out and Denny issues a challenge: do a classic “wordless” issue. He’s got a solid logic behind it and a great idea… but Max suspects the real reason his letterer wants to marginalize himself is to try to play cupid for Max and Case.

Terry Linklater, meanwhile, calls up Max to make his play for the rights to the character. Max isn’t biting, of course, and Terry pulls up his sleeves for his next play. Honestly, Terry and his Omnigrip subplot is really the weakest point of the series. Max, Case and Denny are all wonderful characters, and their story is fantastic. Terry, on the other hand, is very much the stereotypical “evil businessman,” and the things they’re doing with him aren’t working as well. The plot is perfectly serviceable, but it’s been done.

Like I said, the character work is great, and so is the artwork. Steve Rolston’s art for the “real world” sequences is very clean and effective. Jason Shawn Alexander handles the “comic book” sequences with real flair. These scenes are wordless, as proposed, and as it’s pointed out in the story, wordless comics aren’t anything new. But it’s rare to see one done so well. The idea fits the story and the artwork conveys the action beautifully.

I’m really, really sorry that this is only a six-issue miniseries. Vaughan has given us some great characters and done a remarkable job building on the world that Michael Chabon has created. This book is great drama, great entertainment, and the likes of which you just don’t see elsewhere in comic books. Terry aside, this is one of the best books on the market.

Rating: 8/10

The Escapists #3

September 21, 2006

Quick Rating: Great

When a publicity stunt goes over the top, will the League of the Golden Key survive?

Writer: Brian K. Vaughan
Art: Steve Rolston & Jason Shawn Alexander
Colors: Dave Stewart & Matt Hollingsworth
Letters: Tom Orzechowski
Editor: Diana Schutz
Cover Art: John Cassaday & Laura Martin
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Last issue, Max Roth’s dream to bring back the Golden Age superhero the Escapist seemed within his grasp. He’s found a great artist and recruited his best friend to be the letterer, and the self-published comic is almost ready to go. The only thing he needs is a hook – which is how the letterer, Denny Jones, wound up in an Escapist costume. When Denny accidentally thwarts a real crime, though, the attention brings more heat than Max was ready for.

Max uses the publicity to get the upcoming first issue , but the local newspaper reviewer – assuming he capitalized on the mysterious do-gooder, trashes him in print. Max is crushed, but Case refuses to let him give up on his dream.

This issue is very much about the relationship between Max and Case, and that’s a good thing. There’s an obvious attraction between the two characters, but Vaughan has (thus far) danced around the issue, not allowing himself to fall too deeply into the cliché. Instead of supporting him romantically, the issue shows Case giving him the emotional support he needs. The juxtaposition of “her” art next to the style of the main story is really well-done, and the way the characters act out their problems through the developing artwork is unique.

The artwork itself is really strong. Steve Rolston’s “real world” scenes make for a sharp contrast with the more sharply realistic “comic book world” scenes, with art by Alexander. Rolston’s work has a lighter, more “cartoony” feel to it, which serves the story very well. Alexander takes things a step further, though. While the primary job of any comic book art is to tell the writer’s story, Alexander uses the development of the art itself as part of the plot. It’s a unique little twist, and it’s a great one.

Vaughan manages to pull in one of his trademark last-page surprises this issue, and it’s a hook that not only will keep you reading, but promises to make Max’s life even harder in the future. It’s a shame that this miniseries is halfway over. Six issues won’t be nearly enough.

Rating: 9/10