BRIAN K. VAUGHAN, ADRIAN ALPHONA LEAVE RUNAWAYS WITH #24

[MattBrady]

<img src="http://www.newsarama.com/marvelnew/Runaways/runaways22.jpg" align="right">At his forum (http://www.bkv.tv/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8667) creator Brian K Vaughan has posted newsa that has caught fans of <b>Runaways</b> off guard:

There will be a more in-depth article about this soon, but it sounds like Marvel.com is posting an announcement today, and I wanted you guys to hear it first. Anyway, I'm not one for burying the lead, so...

After working together on the series for more than four years, Adrian Alphona and I will be leaving Runaways with Issue #24.

And no, this is absolutely not because of creative differences. I love editor Nick Lowe like a kid brother, and Joe Quesada and everone at Marvel have obviously been nothing short of insanely supportive of our little book since the first page of the first issue.

This was entirely my idea. While Y: The Last Man and Ex Machina have planned endings, I've always said that I hoped Runaways would last forever, long after I left the series. I never wanted Runaways to become a vanity book that was dependent on its original creators' involvement; I wanted our kids to be able to eventually run away from us, and find new life apart from their "parents."

I can say with a great deal of confidence that these next five issues are the pinnacle of the series, and Adrian and I decided that the best thing for the Runaways would be to hand them off to new creators on this high note, rather than risk overstaying our welcome until we ran ourselves--and the book--into the ground.

I love these characters more than you can possibly imagine, and I swear I wouldn't abandon them unless I knew for a fact that they were going to end up with the very best creative team possible. Marvel will be announcing that new team in about a week, and to say that you guys will be thrilled is probably an understatement.

As for Adrian and me, we've already started talking about possible new projects to work on together. I'd really like to take time to give birth to a few more creator-owned books, and I hope you Runners will follow us wherever we end up next.

No one thought Runaways would last six months, but after nearly forty issues and a few Eisner nominations, our sales are still going up (especially with the digest collections in bookstores), making our series one of the most successful comics starring all-new characters to be launched by any major company in recent memory. I'm extremely proud of the entire Runaways team, some of whom will definitely be sticking with our kids, and I'm so grateful to all the undyingly loyal readers out there, the best group of friends a comic book could hope for.

Keep running,
BKV

Look for an interview with Vaughan about his departure shortly here on Newsarama.

[Zypster X]

I thought BKV said he'd be on the book forever...

[siatexas]

This is really crappy news.

[Grendel Prime]

Marvel will have to get an exceptional team of writer and artist on Runaways to keep me reading after Brian K Vaughan and Adrian Alphona leave.

[Fingers]

Jesus wept!

[Livewire2nd]

I thought BKV said he'd be on the book forever...
This was entirely my idea. While Y: The Last Man and Ex Machina have planned endings, I've always said that I hoped Runaways would last forever, long after I left the series. I never wanted Runaways to become a vanity book that was dependent on its original creators' involvement; I wanted our kids to be able to eventually run away from us, and find new life apart from their "parents."
That's what he said.

[Michael P]

My reaction is a tentative "Son of a bitch..."

[Michael T]

This is the book that I turned my16 year old niece on to comics with. Glad to see that BKV and Co. are leaving for the right reasons.

[Tom Daylight]

Alphona on Ultimate Spider-Man?

[bigstumpy]

What a massive bummer. This book has continually been one of my faves since its first issue a few years ago. Still, would love to see what else Alphona has in store and to see who takes over Runaways.

[Violent Gorilla]

____.

I understand the reasoning.

But...

____.

[siatexas]

Alphona would be great for spidey.

[The Champion]

Well I guess it's better to; "Leave'em wanting more.", than "Get him off the book already!!"

Nevertheless, I'll be sad to see them go. :(

[exar khun]

i hope marvel can get Peter David or Dan Slott or Gail Simone as writer..as for the pencils, lets hope Mark Brooks or Leonard Kirk is available....

[artjunkie]

I thought BKV said he'd be on the book forever...

In case you missed it:

This was entirely my idea. While Y: The Last Man and Ex Machina have planned endings, I've always said that I hoped Runaways would last forever, long after I left the series.I never wanted Runaways to become a vanity book that was dependent on its original creators' involvement; I wanted our kids to be able to eventually run away from us, and find new life apart from their "parents."

[Zypster X]

That's what he said.

In case you missed it:

I must be mistaken (I'll admit my memory is awful) but I honestly don't remember him saying it that way before.

Anyway, it's sad news indeed, but BKV's creator owned stuff is different gravy, so more of that can only be a good thing :)

[tesh_karde]

Mrk Bagley would get me to this book!

[PhoenixFacto]

Wow :eek: , I must say that I am pissed about this. I support Brian wanting to do more creator owned works but I hate that he is giving up Runaways. I cannot imagine anyone else writing these characters but Brian, Wells is doing alright but its not the same. I am deeply upset by this news and think it blows. I hope the second Hardcover has all 24 issues now and not just up to 18. Best of luck to both creators but this just broke my heart a little.

[Dave_Garcia]

Man, this is so depressing.

I totally understand the reasoning, but man. One of my favorite writers leaving one of my favorite books.

Hopefully this'll be followed by news of BKV taking over Spider-man or something.

[JayQ]

I wish them both the best, but man this sucks, hopefully the next team is just as good

[Brujah]

NO to Alphona doing anything spider-man related
Never overly impressed with the art on this book is the reason I dropped it
(still pick it up at shows for a dollar becuase I like Vaughan)

[Uncle Jawa]

I really appreciate Vaughan's attitude towards this. I would say it takes a strong person to walk away from a creation like RUNAWAYS. And here's something else to think about: back in the day, creators didn't have a choice. I'm sure that if he wanted to, Marvel would let Vaughan stay on the series literally for the rest of his life (or until sales went into the toilet, one of the two). They'd even cancel the series if Vaughan asked them to, at this point. However, years ago, the publisher would just say "Hey, thanks for giving us this cash cow, see ya later, we're gonna just keep making money off of it". Things have changed, though, for both Marvel and DC. We should all be appreciative of this fact.

[TheWildCard]

My first reaction: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO </Darth Vader>

My second reaction: At least Runaways is continuing. The flip side is alot worse.

[Superfrick]

You're killing me here, BKV.

I wish you well, but I'm totally reserving my right to *THROAT PUNCH* if the new creative team sucks.

[BankyE37]

Wow, I've only read the first Digest and the first two issues of the second series and it's a huge bombshell that they are leaving.

...in the same sense, I would freak out if Sean McKeever and Mike Norton worked together again; and Runaways could work well for both of them.

[#O.N.E]

DAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM ITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

DAM YOU FILTHY MARVEL APES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!

[Punchy]

:( <jdlskahsdsjdjsdkjsjkd>

[dantebk]

I must be mistaken (I'll admit my memory is awful) but I honestly don't remember him saying it that way before.

Anyway, it's sad news indeed, but BKV's creator owned stuff is different gravy, so more of that can only be a good thing :)

I think you're right, I'm almost positive I remember him saying he could write the book for 500 issues if Marvel let him...

That better be one awesome creative team Marvel has lined up. I can't even think of one right now that would satisfy me.

[umanumanamo]

While this news certainly does suck and come as a shock, I'm glad he's leaving on a high point and not waiting till he's sick of writing it.

Alphona rocks, plain simple. He would do well on a Spidey book... lets say that if Vaughn and Alphona picked up Ultimate Spider-Man in the very near future, I won't drop the book like I plan to after the current Clone Saga arc.

Dr. Strange, or Cloak and Dagger would also be quite choice. I know Vaughn is doing the upcoming Strange mini, but an ongoing with Alphona art would definitely be on my pull list.

Best of luck to both creators.

[Insight]

My favorite picture book writer is leaving my favorite picture book. I poop in despair and outrage.

[umanumanamo]

http://marvel.com/i/content/st/613new_storyimage7485203_full.jpg


Just visited Marvel's website to read their article on the subject... and found this awesome cover.

[SirChasm]

I'm glad he's leaving of his own choice but sad to see him go...

[Xaraan]

bummer


I hope someone good gets hold of this book.


and I can't wait to see what BKV works on next.

[Dark Beast]

Nunzio DeFillips and Christina Weir need to take over this book! :)

[RedRonin]

Damn, well that sucks.

Totally caught me off guard. I thought they would at least be on the book for 2-3 more years.

[The 'Nam]

That's not good news.

make way for Mark Millar, folks! You heard it here first.

[MatthewSmith]

As sad as I am to see this team go, and Alphona is just as important here to this book as Vaughn ever was, I'd rather see them leave at the top of their game and hand the reigns over than to see them phoning in stories for another couple of years just to keep it going.

So good lock to both on whatever they do from here, and I hope the new team can be half as good as they were on this book. If so, then I'll stick around.

[comicfanuk]

Aw man.... I understand thier POV. But, that's, just... I'm depresed now... *sighs*

[DianaKingston]

"Runaways" without Brian Vaughan? In the words of another famous bald guy:

http://www.cinoche.com/images/actualites/2005/drphil.jpg

That dog don't hunt.

[Mr. Kayak]

no, please brian don't do that... :(

worst comics related news of the year, for me :( :( :(

[skinnyboy23]

This ruined my entire day.

[KyleCowstar]

I'm through crying...that's not true. I'm on a break. I still hold hopethat maybe McKeever and Norton will come on. That could make me not cry as much.

[tiso_spencer]

Some bad news indeed. I got the feeling this will be downfall of the title. No Brain K. Vaughan on Runaways is like having Millar and Hitch leave the Ultimates. Oh wait...... :eek:

[Rodimus_Max]

Nunzio DeFillips and Christina Weir need to take over this book! :)

Worst. Idea. Ever. At least the new creative team aren't treating newly formed characters as if they're more sacred than Superman and are actually making them interesting to read about - well, if there are any left they'll be interesting to read about at any rate.

In a strange way, I'm glad to see BKV go. The thing about him is, he's a good writer, but IMO, he's never been a great writer. I know the rest of the fandom disagree with me over this, but he feels like a shadow of Millar and Morrison on such books as Ultimate X-Men and Ex Machina. The great thing about Runaways is that it never felt like he was trying to ape anyone but himself. If he's said what he has to say with the title, I'm glad that he's ready to move on before it does get tired. And I really hope Bendis is the new writer - as we who read Ultimate Spider-man know, no-one does teenagers like Bendis.

[Hobowatcher]

I tried to like this book, I really did, but I didn't see anything that special about it. I read a couple of the digests, but it didn't grab me or anything. It read like above average comics, and that's about it. Its good that he wanted to contribute something to his favorite universe, and I commend him for that.

Then again, I've tried on countless occasions to like his other work, and have not been blown away like others. Y is merely ok and Ex Machina reads like a book trying to hard to be politically edgy.

Oh well, good luck to him and I hope the next team works, and they might even excell. Sometimes writers are not just made for their own creations, and sometimes others flourish writing some one elses. Grant Morrison is a prime example.

[skinnyboy23]

Alphona is an A-list talent that needs an A-list book. Granted, him and BKV on something creator-owned would make me piss my pants.

[John Drake]

WHAT?! ...

[dalunt]

wow im lost for words, that really really blows

[Gordon McAlpin]

NOOOOO!!!!!!!

Runaways is one of my favorite monthly books! :(

[Ace]

I thought BKV said he'd be on the book forever...

You and me both. I've been reassuring people for ages on that quote, since he keeps saying that he doesn't want to do that much work for hire anymore.

I'd much rather see a Brian Vaughan Marvel series than one of his own. Of course, if he started to link all of his series somehow in a Moorcockian Vaughan-verse, then I'd rather see that, but I just don't see that happening.

This is bad news.

[sephiroth617]

What depressing news...

But I can't wait to see who the new team is. Hopefully they're as good as Vaughn and Alphona.

[HNutz]

Aww... I made myself sad.

Seriously... wow. I'm getting all teary-eyed over here.

I remember being seriously bummed out when Gail Simone left Agent X and they got some... less than noteworthy replacements for her. I hope that's not the case here...

[MightyMaze]

Wow. Worst news I've read in a long time. :(

[motteditor]

I love these characters more than you can possibly imagine, and I swear I wouldn't abandon them unless I knew for a fact that they were going to end up with the very best creative team possible. Marvel will be announcing that new team in about a week, and to say that you guys will be thrilled is probably an understatement.


Man, this last line actually worries me. Please don't be Bendis, please don't be Bendis, please don't be Bendis. I'm trying to think of people who would thrill me as well as the rest of the general readership. Slott, but I don't think it'll be him.

[Godfather]

Wow, what a blow. I hope whoever takes over can keep the charm that makes Runaways work.

[TsunamiWave7]

Well, that just sucks. Vaughan was Runaways, imo. :(

I doubt I'll be picking this one up anymore (though I'll definitely try the new team out)...

[sk1p]

whedon plzzz

[renol]

I hope the new creative team will be good. Runaways has been one of those rare comics that has never disappointed me with a single issue. I've turned at least 5 people onto it in the past year alone. BKV, in general, never disappoints me. I hope whatever his next project is, it will also be awesome.

[sk1p]

this does suck.....runaways is/was my favourite title each month, but hopefully the new creative team is just as great.

alphona is a really cool guy and his art has really grown and improved since the beginning of runaways. just take a look at issue 1 and the newer stuff and it's crazy how much better he's gotten.

[Newcastle]

New writer for Runaways? Only name I can come up with off the top of my head is Dwayne McDuffie.

[sk1p]

along with scott pilgrim and y, runaways is a book that i pimp out to everyone and they always enjoy it.

[Entre-Pinoy]

Don't fret all, this just frees up BKV to come up with something new. Dude never disappoints.

As for the new writer for the book, I'm with the Slott camp.

[Elixir]

I.....I...CAN'T believe this! The first comic I ever collected monthly! The first non-X title I ventured to....one of the best writers out there and the art...Alphona is GODLY and...I can't bear to think of the kids not under his pencil!

I recently leant the hardcover to a 27 year old colleague of mine, someone who'd never read comics (and seeing as the UK donesnt have a comics scene, they're even more misunderstood here) but she was blown away and loved every second of it...

I...I CAN'T DEAL WITH THIS!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOO!

[vicvondoom]

This ruined my entire day.

Yeah, I know it's only a comic book but I totally agree with the above quote.
Runaways quietly and confidently stole it's way into my heart, and it was(is) one of the few titles I buy that I could depend on delivering the goods every single issue. I feel connected to these characters and they live and breathe because of Brian and Adrian's exemplary work. Cannot imagine this title without them.
So I'll get over it, but this day at least, is ruined.:(

[TCJohnson]

Jesus wept!


After he is done weeping tell him he is the new writer for Runaways. That is the only person I could think of who might be able to replace BKV.

[jonnynyc]

Cant Marvel make it an Icon book so Vaughan can keep all the money for himself.
Someone has already mentioned McKeever.
Please god no!
He already took over for Vaughan on Mystique and killed all my interest in that series.
I loved Gravity but it has more of an old school lighthearted feel.
What I loved about Runaways was its darker edge and icredible wit.

[funjoe]

whedon plzzz

My first reaction to Whedon was "in your dreams" but upon second thought it could be possible. I think Whedon has stated he loves the book and characters. Although I doubt he could do a monthly.
Slott or McKeever would also be acceptable replacements. My daughter will be bummed though.

[Mundungus]

OMG SPIDER-MAN UNMASKED HIMSELF!?

Expect my real reaction shortly.

[Northstar04]

This is upsetting. It's been a hell of a run, I hope whoever gets to party with the Runaways next does it for all the right reasons. Vaughan, Thanks for Sharing and good luck with your future stories!

[J. Wilson]

Personally, I'd much rather see the book end.

Vaughn and Alphona gave birth to the series and I just find it beyond odd to think of someone else writing and drawing them.

Now with that being said, I'd like to cast my vote for Peter David to pick up the reins.

[TCJohnson]

I am also really going to miss Alphona. While not the technically most proficient artist, his art was amazing. It was like his pictures were pure emotion.

[Marchie77]

said it in another thread, ill say it in this one...

zeb
wells
frazer
irving

orrrr kyle hotz...

[Ace]

I think McKeever is the best possible choice actually.

I've heard that he's got some 616 work coming up too, but that could be anything.

[skinnyboy23]

said it in another thread, ill say it in this one...

zeb
wells
frazer
irving

orrrr kyle hotz...

um, no.

frazer irving makes everyone looks 50 years old. i like the guy, but not on runaways. they need bright and kinda cheerful, not dark and gloomy.

[BanMan]

Wow, I've only read the first Digest and the first two issues of the second series and it's a huge bombshell that they are leaving.

...in the same sense, I would freak out if Sean McKeever and Mike Norton worked together again; and Runaways could work well for both of them.

McKeever was my first sentiment as well.

[tbumpkins]

Can't remember the last time comic news affected me like this. I was having an exceptionally happy day, and this news has me floored. It's a testament to the quality of this book that it's having this reaction from everyone. Since everything sounds kosher enough in his statement, I can only wish BKV and Alphona kudos, best of luck, and cannot wait for their next project.

The only thing that makes the pain mildly go away is a hope of Whedon/Bagley.

[Jed Saxon]

...in the same sense, I would freak out if Sean McKeever and Mike Norton worked together again; and Runaways could work well for both of them.

Aye. That or Wells/Caselli continue it.

Man this sucks. It's not mainly that Vaughan/Alphona are leaving but Runaways was never a huge seeler and maybe with a new creative team sales will go down heavily and that book will be canceled within 6 months. Meh. :(

[Ace]

no offense meant, but I think a majority of the fans would NOT be happy with Wells

[Mundungus]

Alright, I'm floored. FLOORED by this.

I started with the second series and worked my way backwards.

I am stunned, and even though I like Norton right now on the book, I want to see Alphona do as many issues as possible, because I just can't get enough of his work.

But all in all, I'm fine with a new creative team putting a different kind of blood into the book. I'm game for: Peter David, Dan Slott, Sean McKeever, Joss Whedon, or (I can't think of the name but I know it's there).

[Elixir]

i...i I CAN'T BELIEVE Alphona is never gonna be drawing Old Lace again!! It's INHUMANE!!! Old Laces expressions make me laugh all the time! I'm gonna miss Alphona more than BKV!! He should eb CHAINED TO A DESK and NEVER be allowed to leave!

[shady878]

One of the great books. Collect this in the digests and will drop it unfortunately because it really was vaughn and alphona that made these characters interesting.

[President Kang]

yeesh, that's a bummer. never thought i'd see the day.

[skinnyboy23]

I am stunned, and even though I like Norton right now on the book, I want to see Alphona do as many issues as possible, because I just can't get enough of his work.


Alphona is my favorite penciller of all time. The way he draws realistic people wearing awesome clothes makes me so jealous. I want him to design my wardrobe.

[Elixir]

Wait wait...they kill Gert, "to do what best serves the story" and then leave 2 arcs later?!! BKV has obviously realised what a HIDEOUS mistake it was killing Gert, and now he can't go back - he's getting out! He always did say Gert was the one he was most like - his voice - without her, it's just not the same...and without him, I doubt it EVER will be. BRING BACK GERT!

[Ace]

Wait wait...they kill Gert, "to do what best serves the story" and then leave 2 arcs later?!! BKV has obviously realised what a HIDEOUS mistake it was killing Gert, and now he can't go back - he's getting out! He always did say Gert was the one he was most like - his voice - without her, it's just not the same...and without him, I doubt it EVER will be. BRING BACK GERT!

I wasn't going to say anything, since the last thing we need is a conspiracy theory here, but I do find it weird that he'd kill Gert right before a new writer took over. It opens up story possiblities, sure, and some are very strong, but it also alienates the fan base a bit, and it doesn't leave the book as well as it could be for the new writer, so either she's coming back or well..

If Brian says this was planned, then I believe him. It's just weird

[TCJohnson]

What about Gaiman? I think he would do a good job on the book.

[Micko]

Bad news. Probably means I will drop the series. If a shocking creative team means Loeb or Whedon for sure. I would stay with Peter David, Mark Millar or Darko Macan, but seems impossible.

[Kerouac]

Marvel will have to get an exceptional team of writer and artist on Runaways to keep me reading after Brian K Vaughan and Adrian Alphona leave.

Yeah, just like they did when Morrison left X-Men. :rolleyes:

Matt

[Disco Cookie]

I think this is great news because it means Runaways has the opportunity to go on indefinitely. BKV is a great writer but there are other great writers who could do justice to this wonderful book - and he's now opened the door to allowing the characters to breathe and grow beyond him. His love of the characters really shines through in this statement and in the book.

As for Gert - I figured she was killed because she was the character you would never think he would dare to kill. And yeah, she's dead but hey, this is comics... How many ways could we think to bring Gert or a Gert substitute back? Gert from another dimension, Gert's body reanimated (magically based deaths are always suspect...), time travelling Gert from before she died, Gert's secret twin, Gert's clone, Gert snatched from the moment before her death, Gert's consciousness in Old Lace's body...

[cabbitabe]

ARRRGH !!!! WHY !??!?!

Dan Slott, Sean McKeever...heck there are a ton of creators that are Runaways fans...I'm sure someone awesome will pick up the reins...but can they ever eclipse the original genius? hmmmm...

I'd love to see the Runaways actually grow up and evolve with the change in creators...they can only "run" for so long...so maybe it's time for them to be uprooted for the better.

Hey, at least I'll get two awesome hardcovers for my shelves and remember when...

[Grimral]

Terrible news for me and quite possibly the death kneel of the series. However I respect their desicion. It's good news for them but sucks for my collection. I just wish they were not leaving at the same time. If Adrian stayed over for a few more issues while the new writer proved himself then left the series might have a chance.

[tridon]

Geez... first Bagley leaves Ultimate Spider-Man and now this. Who the heck will be able to take over this title that makes Vaughan so sure that the fans will love it. Chances are, it's probably the creative team behind the Young Avengers/Runaways Civil War mini.

[cindercatz]

:eek: :(

This has been one of my favorites for the last few years. I'm gonna miss 'em.

[Lord MaGnUs]

i hope marvel can get Peter David or Dan Slott or Gail Simone as writer..as for the pencils, lets hope Mark Brooks or Leonard Kirk is available....

I'd go for Gail Simone writing... and... hmmm... art... Pia Guerra?

[lonelygirl15]

BKV: "I’m sticking with the book through issue #500. At least.”

http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=25024

[John Cage]

New writer for Runaways? Only name I can come up with off the top of my head is Dwayne McDuffie.

That's a great choice. I'd put my money on Wells though, what with YA/R and all. To be honest though, I'd prefer someone like McDuffie over McKeever or Wells, someone who's dabbled less in the Marvel's teen books just to shake things up. Still going to check out the book post-Vaughan and Alphona though -- Runaways has become one of my must-read Marvel titles.

Have a good day.
John Cage

[double_out]

Awww shoot... If not for Runaways, I likely never would have gotten back into new comics. I can't imagine anyone else writing the book, but I'll certainly give the new creators a shot.

[bob_at_york]

Marvel will have to get an exceptional team of writer and artist on Runaways to keep me reading after Brian K Vaughan and Adrian Alphona leave.
me too!!!!

[Hokeyboy]

I thought BKV said he'd be on the book forever...

FYI:

This was entirely my idea. While Y: The Last Man and Ex Machina have planned endings, I've always said that I hoped Runaways would last forever, long after I left the series. I never wanted Runaways to become a vanity book that was dependent on its original creators' involvement; I wanted our kids to be able to eventually run away from us, and find new life apart from their "parents."

Kind of a bummer, but to be expected. DC Exclusive for Mr. Vaughn?

[lordlad]

FYI:



Kind of a bummer, but to be expected. DC Exclusive for Mr. Vaughn?
BKV is writing Dr Strange.....

[skinnyboy23]

FYI:



Kind of a bummer, but to be expected. DC Exclusive for Mr. Vaughn?

No way. I think BKV himself said he wouldn't want to be signed exclusively.

I could be making that up though.

[Hobowatcher]

So could Mr. Vaughn

[Ol' blue eyes]

Humberto Ramos.


Let the hate begin. Though I think he's fabulous, never picked up Runaways, maybe I should check it out.

[Hobowatcher]

BKV is writing Dr Strange.....
That was contractural. So DC could have the exclusive start right after that's finished.

[deldredz]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[turkproverb]

Well......crap. This really is a bummer.

I can only pray none of Q's goldenboy's get the title. None of them are suited to it.

I can only think of a few authors I could see writting this halfway decent:

Todd DeZago
Niel Gaiman
Dan Slott


Artist is another problem. Those two really made the perfect team.

[Royal Nonesuch]

I'm actually shocked by this. Vaughan and Alphona are two of my favorite creators out there, and they did some excellent work on Runaways. I honestly can't imagine this title without them. Young Avengers/Runaways isn't bad, but it just isn't "the same." Still I'm anxious to see who the new team will be, and I'll take a look at their stuff on this title.

[beta-ray]

I'm depressed.

DC exclusive was the first thing that came to my mind.

I liked Alphona on the book, but since there have been replacements, I could see him leaving. Vaughn though... Man.

Depressing.

Who could replace them that I would be "thrilled" with? No one immediately comes to mind. I can't think of anyone else writing this except for Vaughn.

I think Jo Chen doing the interiors would dull the pain a bit though.

*sigh*

http://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoticons4u/sad/014.gif

[The Marvel]

Sad news.

However, the sadder news will be the next creative team, if they are as bad as I have a feeling they will be...

I hope I'm wrong, but it doesn't happen often.

[Dave_Garcia]

I'd go for Gail Simone writing... and... hmmm... art... Pia Guerra?

I think Gail is DC exclusive

[majorjoe23]

[QUOTE=MattBradyAnyway, I'm not one for burying the lead, so...
[/QUOTE]

I love Vaughan's writing, but I was reading Y the Last Man Vol 7 last night and have now seen him make the same error twice in two days (even though one was really made months ago).

You don't bury the lead, you bury the lede. It's spelled lede in journalism to avoid any confusion with the dense metal or verb.

That having been said, this really sucks. I enjoy Runaways (I'm only up to the fourth digest), Vaughan is a creator I'll follow just about anywhere.

[Wellness]

Why, GOD!?

WHY VAUGHAN?!


WORST COMIC RELATED NEWS I'VE EVER HEARD!!!!!!

[motteditor]

I'm starting to think lead/lede is one of those old-school journalism things. I see more and more people using the "proper" these days. It's not cq, in my opinion, but what are you going to do?

[Arion]

This was quite a shock. I only hope that the really give us another great creative team.

[TroyCarter]

Dammit, I almost actually shed a fanboy tear at "keep running."

Okay, there it went.

A very classy move on their part and I totally get the idea of "letting their kids go." If you love something, set it free, man. Maybe one day it'll come back? We hope?

[ApacheDick]

Looks like Joey da Q has his new cannon fodder for the next event mini!

[Jeff Hoffman]

This is good news for me because I quit Runaways when the first volume was announced as being canceled only to have a new volume start. I love BKV's writing though and have been awaiting his new creator owned books, so this means those will be coming sooner rather than later.

[KingMattress]

This literally makes me depressed. I'll continue to follow the book closely, but it's heartbreaking to see the geniuses who started it leave it. Their run on this book has been, no joke, my favorite run on any comic series I've ever read, and made Runaways my favorite book ever. Here's to hoping the next team jumps on and doesn't try to make their mark, but continue the brilliant legacy these two are leaving behind.

BTW, if the new creative team is supposed to thrill us, he better mean Whedon (who is a huge Runaways fan) or Heinberg.

[lordlad]

i'm interested to see what Joss Wheldon had to say about this...... ;)

[earth2tom]

This is soooooo bad! My 11 year old daughter will not be happy about this and BKV will hear from her if he comes to any cons near us. You won't like her when she's mad. Of course I am sad too, but I am more of a fan of personal visions such as BKV's Pride of Bahgdad than I am of the spandex set, but damn it if the lil' Runaways didn't make me like the supes a little more than before.

[Scarlet Mage]

Maybe I'll check in once the new creative team's in place. Runaways is one of those books that I feel like I should like but instead I thoroughly detest. I read the first few issues and hated it. Have been reading it since the YA crossover was announced to be up to speed and hate it more. I find the dialog stilted and unnatural, the art is generally lacking in action and looks like posing, and to be honest, even the coloring annoys me. I thought the Escapist was more exciting and I think I actually fell asleep halfway through that book. The latest issue of Runaways would have been my last ever but I guess I'll be picking up twenty-five out of curiosity

[earth2tom]

Ohhh...and the only way I would continue reading the book is if Becky Cloonan did the art and Chynna Clungston wrote it. If it is anyone else I got to part ways...

[Lord MaGnUs]

I think Gail is DC exclusive

I don't think so, let's ask her. Gail, are you reading this?

Niel Gaiman

F___ no! I love Neil as the next fanboy, but he'd turn the book into some Vertigoesque thing. And I love Vertigo as the next fanboy as well, but some things just don't go well together.

I love jelly, and I love mustard, but mix them and you get crap.

Geoff Johns, if he wasn't DC-exclusive, would be a great scribe for this book.

Ohhh...and the only way I would continue reading the book is if Becky Cloonan did the art and Chynna Clungston wrote it. If it is anyone else I got to part ways...

Pardon my French and my ignorance, but who the f___ are they?

BTW, if the new creative team is supposed to thrill us, he better mean Whedon (who is a huge Runaways fan) or Heinberg.

Heinberg yes, Whedon, while I love his TV writing, he's not cutting it with Astonishing; the series started off well (first arc) and then degenerated into a yawn-generator.

[Lord MaGnUs]

OK, I just googled Becky Cloonan, don't like her art. Too undergroundesque for this book.

[Hobowatcher]

Gail is DC exclusive. It was mentioned in here some what recent interview on Word Balloons, as well as being mentioned in the San Diego con's panel spotlight guide.

[Hobowatcher]

Maybe I'll check in once the new creative team's in place. Runaways is one of those books that I feel like I should like but instead I thoroughly detest. I read the first few issues and hated it. Have been reading it since the YA crossover was announced to be up to speed and hate it more. I find the dialog stilted and unnatural, the art is generally lacking in action and looks like posing, and to be honest, even the coloring annoys me. I thought the Escapist was more exciting and I think I actually fell asleep halfway through that book. The latest issue of Runaways would have been my last ever but I guess I'll be picking up twenty-five out of curiosity
I agree with everything you've said, plus a bag of chips.

I just don't see what makes Vaughn so special.

[Zypster X]

BKV: "I’m sticking with the book through issue #500. At least.”

http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=25024

Thanks for finding that, I knew I'd read it somewhere.

[hork]

Gail is DC exclusive. It was mentioned in here some what recent interview on Word Balloons, as well as being mentioned in the San Diego con's panel spotlight guide.
Even if she wasn't, she's incredibly busy, with four ongoing series.

The new writer has to be Sean McKeever. It just has to be. He's only writing one series right now, and he's the go-to guy for teen comics. And, to be honest, he's actually a better writer than Vaughan. His Inhumans series was simply brilliant.

[Deathangel]

I hope new writer is McKeever or Loeb or something. Not Zeb Wells. I don't liek the way he writes the runaways in YA/R: Civil War,

[red-maverick]

It's a sad day in the world of comics today, Runaways is one of my favourite books, it was the best teen book. Anyways I guess he's right that the book shouldn't have to be dependent on his creators, but damn its hard to picture another writer on runaways, as for an artist Alphona was great but I think Norton could do a good job on Runaways.

BKV and Alphona should go on Amazing Spiderman and get rid of JMS once and for all. Definitely getting BKV's new Dr. Strange Mini.

[NightRiver]

Aw man! :(

Wonder wholl take over.

[thud2000]

How bout Adam Warren?

[drs9p]

Anyone think there's a chance Whedon will take over? I know he's a huge fan of the series.

[Spoonish]

*Explicitive*

DAMN IT. This sucks. I can't imagine Runaways without Alphona's art...

[khuxford]

I'm disappointed that the team I love will be off the book, but I'm happy for both of them that they are leaving on their terms because they want to.

[rogue_tomato]

NOOOOOOO!!!!!

...... the new creative team has a tough time ahead of them.... a tough act to follow :(

[IllShogun]

Somebody's probably mentioned this already, but based off the fact he's writing a Runaways mini right now I wouldn't be surprised if Zeb Wells took over. Ofcourse that mini kinda sucks, but maybe Marvel feels differently.

[Statham]

This blows chunks, man. Runaways is the only book I pick up on a monthly basis, with everything else I like being relegated to trades and hardcovers. I genuinely can't see anyone writing the kids as well as Vaughan did, he really nailed the fact that they're teens, and not miniature adults, which is how I tend to see some teen books as written. At least BKV and Alphona are leaving on good terms, and by choice - Rather than them leaving in five years when they could be at each other's throats, and the rest of us could be bored out of our skulls.

I could see McKeever writing this when Vaughan's gone, he does a great job on Mary Jane (I love how he's made Liz Allan significant), and this might sound kind of weird, but maybe Todd Nauck on pencils? His style is a lot looser than Alphona's, a little less realistic, but it could be good.

[PaxHouse]

Aw man! :(

Wonder who'll take over.

Yep......That's the real question, considering how excellent both BKV & Adrian did for most of the series.....

Still, we'll learn the answers by Next Week.....(according to Marvel.Com )........

[speedbaldwin]

Man.... that sucks. I've been picking this book up since the first issue of season one and I can't imagine anyone else doing nearly as good a job as Vaughn and Alphona.

Please god.... don't let it be the team on the YA/R mini. Zeb Wells is a horrible writer.

[Armoured Gideon]

I rarely post, but this news is nothing short of devastating to me, like a shot to the stomach.

I bear BKV and Adrian Alphona no bitterness, and completely understand their reasons for leaving..but I really do rather wish they wouldn't. Still, if the next creative team is as good as BKV suggests, I'm all for some kind of all star creator bringing this book to the fore of the comics buying public's consciousness, and finally garnering it the recognition it deserves.

For four years (not including the break) Runaways has been one of Marvel's very best titles, and I think a lot of that has to do with the love of their creators. I look forward to seeing the team continue with their new 'parents' and would like to thank the creators for all their work on the book, managing against all odds to firmly establish the team within the Marvel universe (and think about it; pre Runaways, the Marvel Universe was a very familiar place, with any attempts at new characters being swallowed by obscurity as soon as they appeared.)

I'd really like to take time to give birth to a few more creator-owned books, and I hope you Runners will follow us wherever we end up next.

Messrs Vaughan and Alphona: the consistent quality and fun of Runaways has guaranteed you my blind loyalty - whatever the pair of you decide to do next (together or apart), I will be right there. It's the least I can do.

[Spence1]

Here's an idea for a writer--how about Fabian Nicieza? He's got great experience writing teen and younger characters from his days on New Warriors and X-Force. Plus, he knows how to handle the murkier elements of the MU (see his work on T-Bolts for that). Finally, the guy brings the funny! Just try Cable/Deadpool out for a try and see what I mean. His books sell about as well as Runaways does right now (I think just a little bit better).

I'd love to see a T-Bolts/Runaways team-up. If the kids already think all adults are evil, what on earth would they think of adults that admit they were evil in the past?

[Not From Around]

I haven't yet read it, but the first digest has been a success in our young adult section. I need to get some more.

[notmertz]

The last time I felt this sad over a creative team leaving a book was when John Byrne left Alpha Flight way back in the day. I would have felt the same when Peter Gillis and Brent Anderson left Strikeforce Morituri, but I didn't get into the book until after they left.

I wish both creators some really choice assignments or creater-owned work in the future -- especially Alphono. His work keeps becoming more and more amazing.

[Da_Black_Goku]

Uhm… wow. I guess it’ll be about issue #25-#27 when I’ll decide to stay with this title. BKV brought a spin to this that’ll be hard to duplicate.

[bprdfla1]

This simultaniously sucks and blows.
Although I'll give the new team a shot, I don't know how they'll get close to the level of quality BKV and Alfona produced.
I don't ever post, but this is such a downer I felt compelled to jump on the whining bandwagon.

[Deathangel]

Brian Reed and Mark Brooks would be pretty good on this.
McKeever would be awesome with Norton as well.
Or any combination of those Writers/Artists.

[Elixir]

Basically BKV has run out of ideas, he said they didn't want the book "getting stale" under them. He's probably run out of ideas for Nicos spells and is getting sick of trying to keep track of which ones she's used (ha...ha) And he's killed off Gert 'cos she was "him" and he can't bare to see her ruined by someone else. Yup.

Things the new writer will do: Have Nico "master" the staff of one. Bring Gert back from the dead. The series is cancelled within 12 issues. The end.

Yesterday I was sad. Today I'm bitter.

[BEANS65]

that f*cking blows.
The new team better be good.
that is all.

[NovemberRose]

Man, this is so depressing.

I totally understand the reasoning, but man. One of my favorite writers leaving one of my favorite books.

Hopefully this'll be followed by news of BKV taking over Spider-man or something.



I totally agree with this. The reasoning makes sense (but I actually thought BKV could take this series on forever...well a few years anyway). But still, this is amazing how much of a kick to the balls this is. I wish the best for the new team but the book is at its best with Brian and Alphona (as in the guest artists are ok but Runaways is all about the two head honchos)

I hope the new team is good but still this is actually kinda sad (and I understand if BKV ran out of ideas but still, it is heart-breaking!)

[Spence1]

I was talking to my wife about this the yesterday, and I think she's got the right attitude--she said "I trust him if he says the new team is good." She added "I like the characters, so we're going to keep reading." I agree with her. These are great characters, and BKV did such a good job that I will follow these characters with or without him. Like her, I also trust BKV when he says the new team is good. Who knows, this could turn out to be a very exciting thing for the book. Not saying I'm not a huge fan of BKV, but you never know :)

[Michael Heide]

Geoff Johns, if he wasn't DC-exclusive, would be a great scribe for this book.

Oh lord, please no. Johns is great on retro-books. If you want a conservative back-to-the-roots approach to, I don't know, Infinity Inc, Captain America or Avengers, Johns would be the go-to-guy.
Runaways is as progressive as it gets.

My top six creative teams for Runaways:

1.: Joss Whedon and Kaare Andrews.
2.: Brian Bendis and Jim Mahfood.
3.: Joe Casey and Skottie Young.
4.: Joe Kelly and Humberto Ramos.
5.: Dwayne McDuffie and ChrisCross.
6.: Karl Kesel and Mike Wieringo.

[Lemurian]

Motherf - ah, you know how it ends.

Grim. But, since it can't be changed, I'm basically just going to hope like hell that the next crowd are as good.

Possible new writers: Todd Dezago, Tom DeFalco, Jeph Loeb, Allen Heinburg(if he has the time), Robert Kirkman, Peter David. Fabian Nicieza has a tendency to lay on the sub-plots, otherwise, I say send him in.

Artists: Takeshi Miyazawi(respect the Runaways' crazy uncle), Mike Weiringo, Carlos Pachecho, Simone Bianchi.

Stuff I think should happen: 1.BKV, you now have five issues to craft Victor Mancha into the Token Smart One. Granted, this is a position in the Runaways with a traaditionally high attrition rate(past holders :Alex and Gert), but still a valued asset to the team.
2.Give Nico some magic beyond the Staff of One to work with. Did her parents leave any books/artifacts lying around? Failing that, could she trade the Staff to someone for actual magic powers?
3. More of either Excelsior or the Pride. Or some new crowd.
4. Molly fights Silver Age baddie the Unicorn. I'm sorry, that one's just a personal favorite of mine.

[Ace]

6.: Karl Kesel and Mike Wieringo.

Ding Ding Ding.

As the world's only Superboy and the Ravers fan, I think we have a winner!

[BeastCharming]

Ding Ding Ding.

As the world's only Superboy and the Ravers fan, I think we have a winner!

Wasn't Superboy and the Ravers by Kesel and Pelletier? Before they handed it to someone like Josh Hood or something.

I actually don't think Kesel and Ringo have worked together before, have they? Kesel/Grummett quite a bit, but Ringo's been partnered with Dezago and Waid more.

Now they did announce Ringo leaving FNSM, so maybe he will indeed be the next penciler... It'd be weird though, Alphona's art rocks and totally belongs to the Runaways!

And oh, my fiancée votes for Warren Ellis/Jae Lee as the new team, an odd pairing if ever I heard one, but infinitely more interesting than either Bendis or Whedon would be, so here's hoping!

[LostScribe]

One name would grant me with the ability to have no fear with the switch from this creative team. Joss Whedon.

[turkproverb]

Key problem's i have with Whedon:
1 I really think he's a close but no cigar in terms of being able to write this title properly
2. I have a desire to see more that 3 issues a year. :)

[LostScribe]

Key problem's i have with Whedon:
1 I really think he's a close but no cigar in terms of being able to write this title properly
2. I have a desire to see more that 3 issues a year. :)

Ok Number one, Brian K. Vaughns whole dialogue style as pertains to the Runaway's is Whedon's style as done by him. All of the reactions and personalities of the charcters are all heavily influenced by Joss Whedon.

Number two, I would rather have a good bimontly comic then a crap one that comes out every two weeks.

[Jeff Hoffman]

Influenced by Whedon? Yet has been coming out long before Whedon's work.

[LostScribe]

Influenced by Whedon? Yet has been coming out long before Whedon's work.

I didn't say all of Vaughan's work was influenced by Joss Whedon just Runaways which debuted in 2003. Joss Whedon had already created three shows and helped on multiple script's by that point.

[HNutz]

Actually, I'd really like to see Rob Thomas (he of "Veronica Mars" fame) take a swing at the Runaways...

[innocentboy]

sad sad sad news.
here's hoping BKV and Alphona have a next project planned to begin a month after thier last issue of Runaways