The Amazing Adventures of the Escapist (Michael Chabon Presents…)

    (Dark Horse, 2004-2005)
™ and © Dark Horse Comics, Inc.

We’ve seen faux-historical comics before, from Big Bang and 1963 to Radioactive Man. Those are usually tongue-in-cheek enough to let readers in on the gag. Michael Chabon Presents The Amazing Adventures of The Escapist is played so straight that it runs the risk that those not in the know might think it’s actual history. (As if someone not already invested in the character is going to plunk down nine bucks for a comic book. What’s with that?)

The stories run the gamut from dead serious Golden Age to goofy Silver Age back to 1970s relevance. There’s also a bit of anthropomorphic fun, a Luna Moth story, and the aforementioned misleading text page.

With an all-star line-up including Chabon, Starlin, Baker, and Chaykin, you know it’s got to be good. Look for “cameo” pieces by Bill Sienkiewicz, Herb Trimpe, et al.

Despite a few minor gaffes (the origin tale does not open as the text piece describes, for example), the package is superior. One does not have to be a fan of Chabon’s The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay to enjoy it. Sadly, few who are unfamiliar with that novel will be likely to pick up such a pricey comic book.

— Jack Abramowitz
Jump to issue:
  NotesWriterArtist
#1

February, 2004
Cover Price: $8.95
3 copies available from $3.98 		Michael Chabon, Jim Starlin, Kevin McCarthy, Howard ChaykinEric Wight, Jim Starlin, Kyle Baker, Howard Chaykin, Kevin McCarthy, Steve Lieber
#2

April, 2004
Cover Price: $8.95
3 copies available from $4.98 		Kevin McCarthy, Glen David Gold, Mike BaronBill Sienkiewicz, Gene Colan, Tony Leonard Tamai, Val Mayerik, Dan Brereton, C. Scott Morse, Chris Warner, Jeff Palmer
#3

July, 2004
Cover Price: $8.95
6 copies available from $7.00 		Brian K. Vaughan, Paul Hornschemeier, Marv Wolfman, Roy Thomas, Kevin McCarthyRoger Petersen, Paul Hornschemeier, Joe Staton, Dean Haspiel
#4

October, 2004
Cover Price: $8.95
3 copies available from $4.98 		Stuart Moore, Paul Hornschemeier, Kevin McCarthy, Matt KindtSteve Conley, Paul Hornschemeier, C. Scott Morse, Matt Kindt
#5

February, 2005
Cover Price: $8.95
5 copies available from $4.98 		Kevin McCarthy, Paul Grist, Roy Thomas, Howard Chaykin, Jeffrey Brown, Jason HallShawn Martinbrough, Paul Grist, David Hahn, Jeffrey Brown, Eric Wight, Nick Derington
#6

April, 2005
Cover Price: $8.95
2 copies available from $13.00 		Will Eisner, Howard Chaykin, Dawn Best, Paul Hornschemeier, Steven Grant, Jason, Andrew J. OffuttWill Eisner, Alex Saviuk, Howard Chaykin, Eddie Campbell, Paul Hornschemeier, Norm Breyfogle, Jason, Tom Yeates
#7

July, 2005
Cover Price: $8.95
4 copies available from $13.00 		Michael ChabonEduardo Barreto
Book #1

May, 2004
Cover Price: $17.95
2 copies available from $6.80 		Michael Chabon, Jim Starlin, Kevin McCarthy, Howard Chaykin, Glen David Gold, Mike BaronEric Wight, Jim Starlin, Kyle Baker, Howard Chaykin, Kevin McCarthy, Steve Lieber, Bill Sienkiewicz, Gene Colan, Tony Leonard Tamai, Val Mayerik, Dan Brereton
Book #2

November, 2004
Cover Price: $17.95
3 copies available from $7.99 		Brian K. Vaughan, Paul Hornschemeier, Marv Wolfman, Roy Thomas, Kevin McCarthy, Stuart Moore, Matt KindtRoger Petersen, Paul Hornschemeier, Joe Staton, Dean Haspiel, Steve Conley, C. Scott Morse, Matt Kindt
Book #3

April, 2006
Cover Price: $14.95
2 copies available from $11.00 		Will Eisner, Kevin McCarthy, Howard Chaykin, Paul Hornschemeier, Daniel Best, Paul Grist, Catherine Yronwode, Roy Thomas, Chris Offutt, Jason Hall, Bubbles LaTour, Steven Grant, Jeffrey BrownWill Eisner, Shawn Martinbrough, Howard Chaykin, Paul Hornschemeier, Paul Grist, Tom Yeates, Jason Hall, Norm Breyfogle, Jeffrey Brown, Matt Wagner, Bill Morrison