Snake is now in the thick of trying to help Maya escape Chicago. However, the Stockyard Nation is in hot pursuit and will stop at nothing to capture Maya. Snake discovers his first escape route is compromised, and this causes him to have to throw a hail mary. Unfortunately for them, they may need more than just a prayer as they need to get through the Faithful’s territory.
Escape from New York: Escape from Chicago #2 - Written By Kyle Higgins – Art By Val Rodrigues & Alex Sanchez - Colors By Natalia Marques – Letters By Jeff Eckleberry - Edited By Sarah Brunstad - Published By Mad Cave Studios
Credit: Mad Cave Studios
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
WRITING:
The intensity picks up considerably in this issue, building momentum while laying the groundwork for what comes next. Kyle Higgins raises the stakes for Snake and Maya by placing a series of new roadblocks in the path of their escape, forcing them to adapt as the danger closes in. The action and suspense provide plenty of entertainment on their own, but the story gains additional depth through flashbacks that reveal more about the complicated history between Snake and Maya’s parents. Higgins wisely avoids confirming whether Snake truly betrayed them, allowing that lingering question to add tension and keep the larger mystery compelling. By balancing immediate danger with unanswered questions from the past, the issue keeps the reader invested in both the escape and the characters. The cliffhanger delivers one final escalation and should leave readers eager to return for issue three.
ARTWORK:
The artwork brings the issue’s dystopian world together and gives Chicago a vivid, oppressive atmosphere. Val Rodrigues & Alex Sanchez fill the city with run-down streets, decaying buildings, and shadowy environments that make every location feel dangerous and unpredictable. The detailed backgrounds establish a strong sense of place, while the character expressions and body language reinforce the fear, urgency, and desperation surrounding Snake and Maya’s escape. They also stage the action clearly, giving each confrontation a sharp sense of movement without allowing the spectacle to overwhelm the story’s quieter dramatic moments. The colors complement the linework and help each scene stand out. Natalia Marques uses a palette that fits the grim setting, balancing muted tones with stronger bursts of color that heighten the tension and guide the reader’s eye. Meanwhile, Jeff Eckleberry’s lettering keeps the dialogue and action easy to follow, tying the writing and artwork together into a cohesive visual experience.
CHECK OUT MY REVIEW OF ESCAPE FROM CHICAGO #1
Final Thoughts:
Escape from New York: Escape from Chicago #2 is a strong second chapter that expands the mystery surrounding Snake and Maya while pushing their escape into even more dangerous territory. Kyle Higgins balances tense action with meaningful glimpses into the past, giving the story emotional weight without revealing too much too soon. The artwork makes Chicago feel harsh, unstable, and constantly threatening. Most importantly, the issue builds naturally on the opening issue and ends with a cliffhanger that creates genuine anticipation for what comes next. Fans of the franchise should find plenty to enjoy, while newer readers can still appreciate the suspense, character drama, and gritty visual storytelling. This is an exciting continuation that earns its high marks and makes issue three feel like a must-read.
FINAL GRADE: 9.3/10
Let me know your thoughts on Escape from New York: Escape from Chicago #2 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
