The world of comics thrives on fresh and compelling storytelling, and the upcoming series Out of Alcatraz from Oni Press is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing books of 2025. Written by Christopher Cantwell (Halt and Catch Fire, Briar, Doctor Doom) and illustrated by Tyler Crook (Harrow County, B.P.R.D, The Lonesome Hunters), this mystery thriller reimagines the infamous 1962 escape from Alcatraz with an added layer of suspense, history, and cinematic storytelling. We had the chance to sit down with both creators on The Oblivion Bar Podcast to talk about the book, their creative inspirations, and what readers can expect from this highly anticipated release.
The Origins of Out of Alcatraz
Christopher Cantwell: "My brain tends to latch onto historical mysteries where there's no clear answer. I grew up in Dallas, so I was obsessed with the JFK assassination. That led me to other real-life events where uncertainty reigns, like the 1962 Alcatraz escape. The official government stance is that Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers drowned. But when you look at the facts, it’s all based on flimsy evidence—hearsay, a lost wallet, an unverified body sighting. That ambiguity fascinated me. Originally, I wrote Out of Alcatraz as a limited TV series pilot in 2018, but it sat on my hard drive for years. When I met with Oni Press in 2022, I pitched it, and they were immediately interested. That’s when Bess [Oni’s editor] suggested Tyler for the art."
Capturing Atmosphere
Tyler Crook: "I’ve always loved period pieces, whether it’s Petrograd, Harrow County, or Witchfinder. The 1962 setting for Out of Alcatraz felt incredibly rich. I wanted to evoke the mood of the time, from the desperation of the escapees to the paranoia of the era. A lot of my approach to this book has been influenced by classic cinema, especially films from the ‘60s and ‘70s that use space, silence, and tension in a way that feels both intimate and cinematic. I want each panel to feel like a well-framed shot from that era."
What Does It Mean to Be Free?
Freedom is a central theme of Out of Alcatraz, but Cantwell and Crook aren’t just interested in physical escape—they want readers to think about the psychological and societal aspects of freedom.
Cantwell: "1962 was a turning point in American history. In a year, JFK would be assassinated, the civil rights movement was gaining momentum, Vietnam was on the horizon. America itself was questioning what freedom meant. In the book, we explore that through our characters, some are literally trying to escape captivity, while others are battling the confines of their pasts, their own minds, or societal constraints. The tagline for the book ‘Freedom is just another kind of prison’ isn’t just a catchy phrase. It’s a fundamental question we’re asking throughout the series."
Crook: "I think of freedom as responsibility. The moment you’re free, you have to take responsibility for your actions, and that’s something every character in this book is struggling with. Some want to run, some want to fight, some want to disappear entirely. It’s not a story where at the end, someone declares, ‘Freedom is in your heart!’ But hopefully, it leaves readers with something to think about."
The Cinematic Inspiration Behind the Storytelling
While many comics take inspiration from film, Out of Alcatraz leans heavily into the aesthetics and pacing of classic movies.
Crook: "I’ve been channeling the visual storytelling of Wild at Heart. There’s a certain loneliness and quiet tension in those movies that I wanted to reflect in the book. I also love using long, atmospheric shots, where the environment itself plays a role in the storytelling."
Cantwell: "I imagine the story with David Lean’s wide-angle lenses—huge open landscapes, followed by intense, intimate close-ups. We’re creating these pockets of isolation and brief moments of joy amid a tense, gripping escape."
Why Oni Press?
Both Cantwell and Crook had high praise for Oni Press and their recent commitment to unique, boundary-pushing creator-owned stories.
Cantwell: "Right now, there’s no better place for creator-owned comics than Oni. Their editorial and marketing team are incredible. They understand that social media isn’t what it used to be, and they’re navigating that space in a way that other publishers haven’t quite caught up to yet."
What’s Next for Cantwell & Crook?
While Out of Alcatraz is their main focus, both creators have exciting projects on the horizon.
Cantwell: "I’m wrapping up the Star Trek: Lore War crossover event for IDW. I also have a new AMC show coming out later this year called The Devil in Silver, which I co-created with Victor LaValle. It’s based on his novel and explores themes of mental illness and the supernatural."
Crook: "I’m still trying to find a new home for Lonesome Hunters. Dark Horse isn’t continuing it, but it’s a story I refuse to let die. I’ve got a couple of potential paths forward, so stay tuned."
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With Out of Alcatraz, Cantwell and Crook are delivering a gripping, thought-provoking thriller that blends history, suspense, and stunning visuals. The first issue hits comic shops on March 19th, 2025—and with pre-orders already open, now is the time to secure your copy.
As Crook put it: "Freedom isn’t always what it seems. And sometimes, the most dangerous thing isn’t the prison—it’s what’s waiting outside."
If you want to listen to this full conversation with Chris & Tyler, follow The Oblivion Bar: A Comic Book Podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts and give it a listen!
You can also find that conversation with Chris & Tyler HERE.
For the video version on YouTube, you can find that HERE.
