The Escapist (character)
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The Escapist is a comic book character in the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, by Michael Chabon, created as an homage to the heroes of the Golden Age of comic books; the character's abilities as an escape artist are inspired by the early illusionist career of comic book artist Jim Steranko. [1]
The Escapist's true identity is Tom Mayflower, crippled nephew of escape artist Max Mayflower (who performs under the stage name of Misterioso). When Max is fatally shot while performing onstage, he gives Tom a golden key and a costume. As long as Tom is wearing the costume and the key, he finds that he is no longer lame and can perform amazing feats of escapology. Tom uses his powers to fight crime under the guise of The Escapist, especially against the evil forces of the mysterious Iron Chain.
Chabon teamed with Dark Horse Comics to create an actual comic book series of the Escapist. The comic book won "Best Anthology" at the 2005 Eisner Awards.
The final art of The Spirit by the late Will Eisner appeared in a year TK issue of The Escapist.
In 2006, writer Brian K. Vaughan took on a 6-part series titled The Escapists, which follows a longtime fan's dreams of reviving the character in all new comic adventures.
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