Escape #8 – Not Liberated, but Condemned

Cpt. Milton Shaw signs a death warrant for all Narenians in Escape #8 by Rick Remender, Daniel Acuña and Rus Wooton from Image Comics

• Writer: Rick Remender
• Artist/Colorist: Daniel Acuña
• Letterer: Rus Wooton

AGAINST ALL ODDS

Previously, the illusive Titan Cannon was put out of commission by the one-man army Captain Milton Shaw. After getting shot down from the air, landing behind enemy lines and being haunted all over the city, Milton Shaw managed to eliminate his target. Following a decoy assault on the enemy’s post, Captain Shaw managed to infiltrate the enemy’s post. After being captured, interrogated and escaping Shaw was able to set a detonator on the Cannon and blew it up to kingdom come. When it looked like the end of the road for Shaw, Anders showed up with the cavalry to extract and rescue. The two unlikely friends managed to get away. But many men were lost in the process.

*SPOILERS FOR ISSUE #8*

MILTON SHAW IS NO HERO

Now comes the most important part, surviving long enough to make it back home to his wife. However, Milton’s path has been filled with death and destruction. Even the Narenians who opposed their fascist government consider Milton’s mission detrimental to their survival. They witnessed how Shaw and his crew attempted to bomb the Cannon but failed. Instead, Shaw hit places like schools and hospitals. All because of the strategic location of the Cannon. 

NO ONE IS SAFE 

Finally, with the Cannon gone, the entire country is wide opened for an aerial assault. For all his struggles and lost lives, this war might finally turn around. Unbeknownst to Milton, this is the worst case scenario for the Narenian resistance. They also want to take down their government. But they’ve been able to operate safely so far, thanks in part to the protection granted by the Cannon. Next time the American bombers fly over to drop bombs, there will be nothing to stop them. In the end, when those bombs land, they don’t discriminate between civilians or soldiers, not the innocent and the guilty.

HOW ABOUT THE ART?

Daniel Acuña is a master storyteller. There’s an abundance of intensity and emotion poured in every single panel. Rus Wooton’s lettering is the perfect compliment for Acuña. Each onomatopoeia delivered by Wooton enhances the story. Giving this book a hyper-cinmatic feel.

OVERALL GRADE: 10/10

FINAL THOUGHTS

Rick Remender is tripling down on the conflicting themes presented in this story. Allowing the reader to see what war looks like when the layers are peeled back. When the governments and their reasons are stripped away. You get these morally complicated situations. 

LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON ESCAPE #8 IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW: