The Super Powered Fancast

Stillwater The Escape #1

Image Comics

Written by Chip Zdarsky, Jason Loo, Andrew Wheeler and Ethan Young

Art by Ramon K Perez, Jason Loo, Soo Lee, Ethan Young

Colors by Mike Spicer and Dee Cunniffe

Letters by Rus Wooton

The Rundown: Three tales of the town are told as the urge to escape Stillwater increases.

The Prisoner

It’s 1987 and Allan Chung and his family want desperately to escape from Stillwater. Unfortunately, the corrupt police and the mayor keep them trapped and punish them severely for attempting to leave the town. As things get more desperate, Allan is subjected to more harsh forms of punishment to keep him in line. When the town hall explodes, his wife and son use the confusion as an opportunity to escape. Allan is told that they were killed, but could there be hope of really leaving Stillwater?

This story delivers on everything the series is about and gives some great insight into the simmering feelings beneath the surface as well as the tactics being used to keep the population in line. The art is great and beautifully articulates the feelings of despair the characters are feeling.

Live To Tell

Duffy, Marty and Keith decide to try their luck with their newfound immortality by playing some dangerous games out in the woods. As his friends press their luck, Marty has questions about what happens if their new condition changes. As he sits at home, he wonders what might have happened if he ever really took a chance and discovers what happens when he does when the judge notices something different about him. A difference that will prompt Marty to make a decision that might be his last.

An interesting, somber and serious story that has a great emotional core. The art is wonderfully detailed throughout.

Matrimony

Hank is on the run and wants to leave the town. As he gets closer to the border, he falls into a deep hole he didn’t anticipate. He contemplates the life he lost as well as what happened when his wife left him after becoming tired of being immortal. He remembers the numb feeling that took over when he realized his wife was right about everything and decides to do something about it. Down in the hole, Hank makes a decision to fight to find his wife and gets a helping hand from someone unexpected.

A sweet and entertaining story that has some great character development and charm. The visuals are great throughout and complement the story beautifully.