Escape #6 – “No Help is Coming”

Milton Shaw walks into the belly of the beast in Escape #6 by Rick Remender, Daniel Acuña and Rus Wooton from Image Comics.

PREVIOUSLY

Milton Shaw and his flight crew were on a mission to bomb and destroy the Narenian’s Titan Cannon. A gargantuan sized prototype air defense weapon. Recently manufactured, deployed and tested by the Narenian Forces. Until now, the skies had been dominated by the Allied forces. But with the addition of the Titan Cannon in the battlefield all that could change. 

HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT

Unfortunately, Milton’s aircraft was shut down from the skies before hitting the intended target. Not only they missed the Titan Cannon on the first pass. But their bombs landed on the civilian buildings surrounding it. Thus, ending the lives of countless Narenian civilians. Obviously, the Titan Cannon was a massive target. However, the Narenian’s purposely tried hiding it in between civilian buildings. Mainly with the hopes the Allied forces wouldn’t risk taking civilian lives.

THE BOMBER ACE

If there was a pilot capable of executing this high risk high reward mission, that would be Captain Milton Shaw, nicknamed “the Bomber Ace”. With a record of twenty-seven successful bombings under his belt. Captain Shaw was handpicked for this assignment. Unfortunately for Milton and his crew, the Narenian forces were more prepared than they anticipated. The Titan Cannon was protected by a sizable air fleet and plenty of air defense artillery and anti-aircraft guns. Additionally, the crew missed the target on the first pass. Probably because of all the commotion. 

NOT FAILED, BUT POSTPONED

With most of the crew dead and the airplane severely damaged Shaw had two options left. Retreat, fly away and get blown up in mid air. Or aim the plane down, causing as much damage as possible before bailing out and figure out the rest on the ground. As you already know, Milton chose the latter. Thus, we have taken for a thrilling and suspenseful ride. Now, alone and surrounded, no one is coming to rescue him. Not this deep behind enemy lines. Regardless of his misfortune, Milton decided to finish his mission. 

*SPOILERS FOR ISSUE #6*

ONE MAN ARMY

After evading capture by the Narenian foot soldiers for days, Milton made his way to the location of the Titan Cannon. As to be expected, the target is secured behind an impenetrable fortress. Surrounded by watchtowers, foot patrols and only one access point. However, Milton would not be deterred. With Occam’s razor type of reasoning, Milton finds his way inside the fortress. Only to be faced with some problematic information.

HOW ABOUT THE ART?

Intensity is what you will get from Daniel Acuña’s visual storytelling. Intense action, intense tactics and even intense one-on-one conversations. The climactic moment of Shaw’s odyssey is only palpable because of Acuña’s technical prowess. 

OVERALL GRADE: 10/10

FINAL THOUGHTS

I believe this series was originally solicited for 6 issues. However, Escape has been successful enough to be extended. Hence the one month break between issues 5  and 6. Also the 3 month break between issues 6 and 7. This is to enable Rick Remender to rewrite the plot to be better told in a few more issues. This is always great news for the fans. This was well earned and to my opinion, necessary. Congratulations are in order. 

LET US KNOW YOUT THOUGHTS ON ESCAPE #6 IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW: