ESCAPE #1 – New Comic Review

Escape #1, by Image Comics in 8/20/25, throws readers headfirst into a brutal aerial war, echoing the circumstances of WWII as anthropomorphic cats and dogs ally themselves against a fascist regime of bats.

Credits:

• Writer: Rick Remender
• Artist: Daniel Acuña
• Colorist: Daniel Acuña
• Letterer: Rus Wooton
• Cover Artist: Daniel Acuña (cover A)
• Publisher: Image Comics
• Release Date: August 20, 2025
• Comic Rating: Mature (Adult Themes, Language)
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 40
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of ESCAPE #1:

First Impressions:

This comic hits hard right from the jump. The art feels raw, the dialogue even more so. It’s a gut punch of a wartime story.

Plot Analysis:

The story opens with a pilot, an anthropomorphic dog named Milton, reflecting on the constant dread of his missions. He finds solace in a stark, almost nihilistic perspective, contrasting sharply with a fellow pilot, Magoo, who seems to romanticize the fight. Their conversation quickly turns to the Narenian people, with Milton expressing a deep-seated hatred for “Bats” due to their atrocities.

Lieutenant Flynn interjects, arguing that not all Narenian people are evil, even if their leadership is corrupt. Milton, however, remains unconvinced, highlighting the widespread participation of Narenian soldiers in brutal acts, including the massacre of civilians in Velourenne Flat, which resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths. He argues that the soldiers pulling the trigger are just as culpable as their commanders.

The discussion continues, delving into the idea that the Narenian grunts were forced into their actions to protect their families, but Milton dismisses this as an excuse. He posits that the population allowed the monstrous regime to take hold, stating that “these things don’t happen overnight.” He describes a hypothetical scenario where an ordinary citizen, without a gun, is forced to join the military or face severe consequences for his family.

Milton concludes that once such a “snowball starts rolling,” it is extremely hard to stop, implying that the Narenian people should have fought back much earlier. The conversation shifts abruptly as the crew prepares for an attack. The radar goes blank, but signs of surface-to-air batteries lighting up are detected. Another plane, “Tiger Shark,” is shot down, leaving their bomber vulnerable as they approach strike range.

Story

Rick Remender crafts a story that’s relentlessly bleak, but in the best way. The dialogue crackles with tension and moral ambiguity. Milton’s cynical outlook, contrasted with Magoo’s slightly more idealistic view, creates a compelling dynamic. The debate about culpability in wartime atrocities is front and center, never shying away from uncomfortable truths. It’s sharp, direct, and avoids any sugarcoating.

Art

Daniel Acuña’s art and colors are absolutely phenomenal here. The gritty, almost desaturated palette perfectly captures the despair and grime of war. Every panel feels heavy, from the pilots’ grim expressions to the bombed-out landscapes. The anthropomorphic character designs are distinctive and expressive, adding a unique visual flair without detracting from the seriousness of the subject matter. The action sequences are dynamic and chaotic, especially the final moments of the issue.

Characters

Milton is the standout, a hardened soldier whose weary cynicism feels earned. He’s not a hero in the traditional sense, but a man grappling with the harsh realities of his world. Magoo offers a brief counterpoint, but it’s Milton’s uncompromising perspective that dominates. The minor characters, like Lieutenant Flynn, serve to further the central argument about wartime morality.

Positives

The comic’s standout aspect is its unflinching commitment to a grim, realistic portrayal of war. It doesn’t shy away from the horrific consequences or the moral compromises demanded by conflict. The dialogue is exceptionally well-written, delivering a punchy, thought-provoking debate about responsibility and complicity. Acuña’s art perfectly complements the dark tone, immersing the reader in a ruined world.

Negatives

The single biggest drawback is that the issue ends far too soon, leaving you desperate for more of this brutal narrative. While the character interactions are strong, the issue primarily sets up the world and themes, meaning a deeper character dive is still pending. The intensity of the debate could be overwhelming for some, as it offers little respite from its heavy themes.

Art Samples:

Final Thoughts:

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ESCAPE #1 is a masterclass in gritty wartime storytelling, pulling no punches and delivering a heavy dose of reality. It’s a striking debut that leaves you reeling and hungry for the next chapter. Don’t expect sunshine and rainbows; this is war, raw and unfiltered.

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