Escape #3 – A Man on a Mission

Milton Shaw against all odds on Escape #3 by Rick Remender, Daniel Acuña & Rus Wooton, from Image Comics.

PREVIOUSLY ON ESCAPE

   While issue one had the readers launched in the middle of a war. Issue two took a break from the action and the dramatics to slow down the pace. Before Milton Shaw became a bomber pilot for the Military, he was just a man.

Without a care in the world. Milton had heard about the ongoing war in the region of Nuropia (an allegory for Europe). But he believed wars were other people’s problems. Until he met Betsy. An outspoken lady who took to the streets to raise awareness about the war.

A MAN AND HIS DUTY

After a time of courtship, romance and lots of discussions about the war, Milton and Betsy tied the knot. In order to provide for his family Milton gave up his freedom and his airplane and traded them for responsibilities and hard labor.

Things were rough and they barely scraped by. But Betsy and Milton loved each other. However, they never agreed about the ongoing war. Milton wouldn’t change his stance and opinion that this was someone else’s problem.

ANSWERING THE CALLL

Until one night they went out for a movie date night. During the advertisements there was a news update and footage from the frontlines. The movie attendees witnessed the deplorable actions of the Narenian Bats (the allegory for the Axis forces) across all of Nuropia. For people who kept up with the war this was a mere update. But for agnostics or uninformed people like Milton, these images were an eye opener. This was the moment Milton changed his mind and decided to join the military and fight.

*SPOILERS FOR ISSUE #3*

FROM SOLICITATION:

“Pinned down, outgunned, and running on fumes, Milton Shaw makes a desperate push across enemy lines — with a squad of Narenian soldiers and a relentless bruiser on his heels. Trapped between a dam and a detonator, Milton’s last shot at survival is running out fast.” From Image Comics

MILTON’S PLIGHT

   As previously established, Milton bombing mission was derailed. Not only did the Narenian army shoot his fleet off the air. But the bombs dropped by Milton missed the intended target. As far as Milton is aware, he is the only survivor.

Now injured and alone, Milton is the target of a city-wide manhunt. Milton has two choices, sit tight, wait to be found by the enemy and get captured. Or worse. Option two, Milton gathers himself and whatever supplies he still have and continues with his mission to destroy the Narenian’s ultimate weapon.

STAYING ALIVE

   Regardless of the odds Milton made his choice. For as long as he can draw breath and move, he will continue his mission. With the entire city’s armed forces looking for Milton, he needed to rely on stealth and evasive tactics.

Unfortunately, fate had other plans. Milton could not stay hidden for long. The Narenian soldiers found him, and it became a Cat and Mouse chase. All over the city.

HOW ABOUT THE ART?

Daniel Acuña perfectly matched the tone of this issue with his visual storytelling prowess. The themes and tones of this story is elevated by the thrilling and even dreading images during the chase. As a reader, you will sit on the edge of your seat while you follow Milton’s odyssey.

OVERALL GRADE: 10/10

Rick Remender wrote a multilayered tale in this issue. While there are intense scenes with chases and close quarter fights throughout a city. This entire event is narrated from the perspective of Milton Shaw. The way each injury is described by Milton is not only poetic. But the graphic details incorporated by Remender report Milton’s plight enable the reader to be submerged into this story. Storytelling at its finest expression.

LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON ESCAPE #3 IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW”