War is hell, especially in Escape, where our protagonist is behind enemy lines. Last issue, Milton had his wounds bandaged by a citizen from the city he just bombed. The two connected and debated in a tense and realistic look at the complications of a war similar to WWII. Now in Escape #5, Milton must survive as soldiers close in while his mission to save the world continues.
Escape #5 opens with the soldiers of different ranks walking along the bombed streets. They discuss the things they miss with the war in full effect, like beer, or a prostitute they all have seemed to have slept with. Their superior points out that none of these things should be missed, since they now have the people’s respect through fear. It’s a reminder that war features oppressors who revel in their power, even over their own people.
After the poignant opening, the rest of the issue could be divided into two scenes. The first involves these soldiers breaking into the apartment where Milton is hiding out. Carrying over from the opening pages, we’re reminded that there’s a complexity to who is good and bad at times of war. It’s also emotional to hear Mr. Muller’s backstory, the man who chose to save Milton.
A strong opening sets up the rest of the issue.
Credit: Image
The last third of the issue continues with Milton’s escape and continued effort to end the war. Beyond the emotional intensity of the previous scenes, this sequence returns us to the tense moments as he walks the streets and later gathers intel on how to blow up a very important cannon. Still, it’s not as action-packed or dangerous as previous issues, making this more of a table-setting chapter to get Milton from point A to point B.
Writer Rick Remender does a great job in this issue of weaving in personal details about Milton and his wife that intensify what he’s left behind. It’s a good way to heighten the stakes.
Art by Daniel Acuña is gorgeous. The destroyed streets the soldiers walk through at the start are hyper-realistic, with a moody fog a bit later that creates a sense of dread. The character acting is incredible during the interrogation of Muller, reminding us that the soldiers on Muller’s side are bullies and uncaring of their citizens. The closing pages also expertly lay out the defenses Milton must get around.
Escape #5 is a quieter but necessary chapter that reinforces the series’ emotional and thematic backbone. While it lacks the visceral thrills of previous issues, it compensates with thoughtful character work, chilling depictions of wartime power dynamics, and meticulous visual storytelling. As a bridge issue, it succeeds by sharpening the stakes and setting the board for what comes next rather than trying to outgun earlier chapters.
You must be logged in to post a comment.