Escape the Ordinary: Oni Press’s Out of Alcatraz Comic Sells Out, Second Printing Announced!
Big news for crime comic fans and collectors! Sometimes a new series hits with such impact that it vanishes from shelves almost instantly. That’s exactly what happened with Out of Alcatraz #1 from Oni Press. Consequently, the publisher just announced that the debut issue has completely sold out at the distributor level!
However, don’t despair if you missed out. Oni Press is rushing a second printing to stores. This new printing arrives on April 23rd, 2025. Excitingly, it lands the same day as the highly anticipated Out of Alcatraz #2. Therefore, you’ll have a chance to catch up and dive right into the next chapter.
This smash-hit series comes from Eisner Award-nominated writer Christopher Cantwell (known for Iron Man, Briar, and TV’s Halt and Catch Fire) and the incredibly talented Russ Manning Award-winning and Eisner Award-nominated artist Tyler Crook (Harrow County, The Lonesome Hunters). Together, they’ve crafted a gripping California noir story that grabs you from the first panel.
Why the Out of Alcatraz Comic is a Must-Read Hit
What makes this Out of Alcatraz comic resonate so strongly? Firstly, it dives into a fascinating historical “what if.” The story picks up after convicts Frank Morris and Clarence Anglin supposedly survived their infamous 1962 escape from Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. They wash ashore in San Francisco, expecting freedom. Instead, they find a new kind of prison on the run.
They meet a mysterious handler, a young woman also fleeing her past. Their goal is simple: get north, cross the border. But survival isn’t easy, especially with a relentless federal manhunt closing in. Furthermore, chance encounters constantly threaten to expose them. Cantwell’s writing masterfully builds paranoia and tension, showing how life on the run becomes its own hellish confinement.
Secondly, Tyler Crook’s art is simply breathtaking. His painted style perfectly captures the gritty atmosphere of 1962 California. As AIPT notes, “There’s a real cinematic quality to the entire production… Cantwell and Crook are hitting their high bar.” Crook expertly handles both explosive action sequences and subtle character moments. He brings the fraught emotional journey of these desperate fugitives to life with stunning clarity. Critics agree the execution is top-notch. Comics Beat declared it “…up there with best new #1 issues of 2025, no question.” CBR also added that Crook “portrays violence and more typical crime elements with great style.… Simply gripping.” It’s clear this creative pairing is something special.
The buzz surrounding the Out of Alcatraz comic is immense. IGN stated, “Escaping Alcatraz is just the beginning,” highlighting the ongoing dread. Kieron Gillen (Power Fantasy) recommended it, saying, “…if you’re into Brubaker/Phillips, this should be exactly your jam.” Additionally, Matthew Rosenberg (We’re Taking Everyone Down With Us) called it a “Gorgeous, badass, cool as hell comic…”
Get Your Copy: Out of Alcatraz Comic Second Printing and Issue #2 Details
Ready to dive into this acclaimed series? Mark your calendar for April 23rd, 2025. That’s the day both the Out of Alcatraz #1 Second Printing and Out of Alcatraz #2 hit comic shops.
The OUT OF ALCATRAZ #1 Second Printing features a newly redesigned cover by artist Tyler Crook. It’s your chance to grab the double-sized, 48-page first issue that started it all.
- Written By: Christopher Cantwell
- Art By: Tyler Crook
- Cover By: Tyler Crook
- Price: $5.99 | 48 Pages
Also releasing on April 23rd, 2025, is OUT OF ALCATRAZ #2. This issue continues the tense journey of Morris, Anglin, and their handler. Expect more twists, more danger, and a trail of wreckage as they desperately try to evade capture.
- Written By: Christopher Cantwell
- Art By: Tyler Crook
- Cover A By: Tyler Crook
- Cover B By: Oliver Dominguez
- Sketchbook Variant (1:10) By: Tyler Crook
- Variant Cover (1:20) By: Nicole Rifkin
- Price: $4.99 | 32 Pages
Don’t miss out again! Contact your local comic shop to secure your copies. This Out of Alcatraz comic is proving to be one of the standout crime thrillers of the year, a beautifully crafted noir tale that explores the inescapable prison of consequences. Get ready for a harrowing ride.
