LEAVING HOME - VAUGHAN TALKS RUNAWAYS

[MattBrady]

by Alex Segura Jr.

Everyone's gotten into arguments with their parents. Especially as a child. You start thinking your parents are the worst villains on the planet. But what if they were?

Writer Brian (Y: The Last Man) Vaughan and artist Adrian Alphona pose that question in Runaways, one of Marvel's Tsunami wave of titles. Newsarama chatted up Vaughan to get some insight into what makes a pack of kids ditch home life en masse, and what readers can expect to see from the title in it's first few installments.

"At some point in their lives, many young people believe that their parents are the most evil people alive... but what if they really are?" Vaughan said, giving the high-concept pitch for the series.. "When six teenage acquaintances discover that their parents all share a dark secret, the kids run away from their homes and into an uncertain tomorrow.”

And no - you’re not getting off easy. "To find out what makes the parents of our six Runaways so 'evil,' you'll have to read our first issue, but this isn't a book like Thunderbolts, where the initial driving point of the series was the 'shocking secret.' The important thing is that these adults have been lying to their children, just as most of our parents once lied to us, i.e., Santa, the Easter Bunny, ‘your face will freeze like that,’ etc.”

The idea for the series came to Vaughan when, like other comics readers over the years, he found himself mulling over a specific point that seemed to be a common bond between heroes – their parents. With this, he mixed in a good deal of rebellion against one’s parents – something that doesn’t really burn off for a lot of people until middle age or later.

"I always thought that there was something slightly suspicious about the way adult creators had protagonists like Batman and Spider-Man revere their parents, or parental figures,” Vaughan said. “I mean, if Dr. and Mrs. Wayne or Uncle Ben had lived to see their children turn seventeen, Bruce and Peter probably would have ended up hating them, the way most kids grow apart from their parents around then. To me, it felt like older comics writers were subtly suggesting to their young readers that true heroes always respect their elders and blindly follow their teachings. On the other hand, maybe the real message was that the only good parent is a dead one...

"Either way, Adrian and I are both in our 20s, and we still believe that it's important to question authority and challenge the status quo established by the previous generation. Underneath all the superhero trappings, that's what our book is really about. Combining action, romance, humor, and a fair share of darkness, Runaways is an all-ages series that older readers will definitely enjoy, and a book that retailers can confidently put into the hands of those elusive younger customers."

The Runaways “team” consists of six characters. Although they may seem like eighties teen movie archetypes at first, Vaughan notes that will change with time.

"They're six ordinary, 'superpower-less' – initially, at least – kids ranging in age from 11 to 17," Vaughan said. "We've got four girls and two boys – tradition be damned! At first blush, they may look like the standard Breakfast Club archetypes: the jock, the brain, the princess, etc., but we'll start to subvert those roles almost immediately. If they all went to the same school, the six of them would probably never be friends, but they're forced to work together when they discover the proverbial ties that bind.

"Because their parents are all wealthy Los Angeles socialites, the kids have been cursed with trendy names like Chase and Karolina, but by the end of our first arc, they'll have given themselves new handles like Talkback, Lucy in the Sky, and Arsenic & Old Lace. Stay tuned to find out who becomes what, and why."

The advertising for the title describes the book as Smallville meets Harry Potter, but that's only half of it, Vaughan says.

"Smallville and Harry Potter are helpful for describing the 'feel' of Runaways," Vaughan said. "But beyond that, readers probably won't see too many similarities between those projects and our series.

"For the next few years, I think any superhero book with teenage protagonists in it will have to live in the shadow of Ultimate Spider-Man – kinda like the way every 90s movie with guns in it was compared to Pulp Fiction, fairly or unfairly," Vaughan said. "And while I can only hope that our pacing and characterization are half as good as Ultimate Spidey's, we did try to make our book a unique animal. For example, the Runaways will never spend a single second inside a classroom. That's tough, since a lot of the best moments in shows like Buffy take place at school, but we really wanted to do something new. Can you remove teenagers from their natural, comfortable environment, and still tell a story that feels grounded in reality? We plan to find out."

Marvel has emphasized that the Tsunami movement of titles will focus on keeping the books "open" to bring in new readers. Though Vaughan is aware of the goals of the movement, keeping things reader-friendly has always been a goal, whether or not Runaways is part of a wave.

"To be honest, I didn't even hear about Tsunami until a few days ago," Vaughan said. "But I always try to keep my stuff completely accessible to new readers – especially non-comics readers – and to tell stories in self-contained arcs, so Runaways definitely fits in with what Marvel is trying to accomplish with this new loose confederation of titles. Obviously, it also helps that Runaways is a brand-new concept with all-new characters.

"My editor, C.B. Cebulski did tell me early on that Marvel might eventually try to collect this series in a smaller, more-bookstore-friendly format, so he encouraged me to limit the number of panels per page, and to keep the book moving at a nice cinematic clip. It's a challenge to tell a story like that and still give readers of the single issues their money's worth each month, but thankfully, even though he’s a newcomer, Adrian is brilliant at turning my dense scripts into beautiful, fast-paced pages. There's a lot going on in every panel, but it never feels cluttered.

"I should also mention that we're lucky enough to have Jo Chen painting our covers. She's one of the best artists working today, and it's an honor to have her onboard. I think Jo's striking covers will have a lot of 'mainstream' appeal, and they'll definitely make our book stand out, whether it's on the racks of a direct market store or the shelves of Barnes & Noble."

Though the book is set in the Marvel Universe, Vaughan is quick to note that, on a scale of one to ten, with one being never see a hero, and ten being Spider-Man is in every panel Runaways is going to fall on the low end of the scale. The very low end.

"Oh, I'd say... 2.6?" Vaughan said. "The kids exist in the Marvel Universe and are aware of superheroes, but because they live in Los Angeles, they can only admire them from afar. In other words, don't expect a Wolverine cameo anytime soon – er, sales figures pending."

While Vaughan considers himself a fan of manga, it isn't a pervading influence with Runaways. "I love Lone Wolf and Cub, Akira, Uzumaki and Domu, but they're not conscious influences," Vaughan said. "As Joe Nozemack noted in that excellent editorial he did for Newsarama, the term 'manga' is really overused/misused these days. I'm just a dumb Westerner, so I'll let more qualified people decide whether or not Runaways is manga. I just know that it's a fun story, wonderfully drawn."

Getting back to some more storyline specific points, despite the set-up, the series will not focus solely on the kids' parents as the main obstacle. "The parents will always be a looming threat, but the Runaways will also face new, unrelated challenges," Vaughan said.

Aside from the Potter and Smallville comparisons, Vaughan says the majority of his inspiration comes from his own imagination. "Like Y: The Last Man, Runaways is mostly inspired by my imagination and my experiences," Vaughan said. "If any outside sources influenced me, it was probably the His Dark Materials novels by Philip Pullman, which reminded me that the best 'children's stories' are usually dark and complicated and very adult. Young readers like to reach beyond their grasp, so it's best to aim high."

The title's first arc will set the stage for the series, and familiarize readers with the cast, Vaughan said.

"I hate spoilers," Vaughan said. "So I'll just say that the first arc involves the kids finding out how far the fruit can fall from the tree, if you know what I mean. It's a character-driven storyline that will establish all of the major players and relationships of the entire series, and I'm really, really proud of it.

"I've heard a lot of cynical people suggest that comics fans only say they want something new, but really, they just want the same old thing. I don't think that's true, and I hope readers will help me prove cynics wrong by giving our first issue a shot.

"Oh, and for the record, I love my dear old parents. This book isn't an extended therapy session for me, I promise!"

[Arnout]

Well, now it sound good...

bastards

But seriously, Brian Vaughn has climbed immensely from that Ka-Zar Annual (he may have done other stuff before, not sure).
He's not one to watch anymore, he's one to keep close, like your worst enemy

Brian is a very talented writer but I bet that a year from now both his new Marvel titles will be cancelled.Marvel does not support comics who do not make it to the lofty spots of the Diamond Top300.I fear that RUNAWAYS and MYSTIQUE will soon go the way of SOLDIER X,BISHOP,THE BROTHRHOOD etc.,etc.

[Christopher Davis]

quote:

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Originally posted by Arnout:
Well, now it sound good...

bastards

But seriously, Brian Vaughn has climbed immensely from that Ka-Zar Annual (he may have done other stuff before, not sure).
He's not one to watch anymore, he's one to keep close, like your worst enemy

---

Exactly what I was thinking. What does Marvel think it's doing coming up with an innovative project just when I started to be able to hate them?

I hope they do some stupid publicity stunt so I can make fun of them later on to make up for it!

WoSF

[thebeast]

Ok, I'll admit it, this one has me hooked. I will be buying at least the first arc (although I think on reflection its the only "tsunami" book I'm getting). I have to say the art looks great, never seen or heard of the guy before. Does anyone know if he's done other comic work?

[Hdefined]

While Vaughan seeems very much behind this project, I won't be picking it up for a few reasons:

I don't like the kid's looks, or the fact they "rename themselves", which feels like something from the Morlocks series. The looks seem trendy, unsuperheroey yet "wannabe super heroey" because of the insignias or symbols they wear. It just seems kind of trendy Kewl. It might not end up like that, but it's how it appears to me and that stuff turns me off.

The main reason I really don't want to read it is the "bookshelf format" the editors are making him (yes, making him, because he suggests he would write more panels otherwise) write it. He does say he hopes to cram enough plot for "single-issue readers", but more than likely it'll still move at snail's/close-to-snail's pace. Looking at stuff like Hulk and Amazing Spider-Man, which are still very much in their first storyarcs, despite being so many issues later, I'm not eager to be swept up in that kind of storytelling.

And the rant, once again, about the "cinematic format". YOU MORONS, Marvel, this is COMICS, not freaking movies. Comics can do things movies can't, yet you don't want to take advantage of those things, you want your comics to act like movies (and the Authority). It doesn't work, the experience is totally different. Most artists don't even take advantage of the format right. Besides, it's a waste of space. If the writer and artist envision more, smaller panels in which to tell the story, more power to them. Some artists, like Carlos Pacheco, J.R. Hr, and George Perez do some of their better storytelling, and even some of their better art, within the smaller panels.

Ugh, hate this trend

[John Jones]

quote:

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Originally posted by Reader of SciFi:


I hope they do some stupid publicity stunt so I can make fun of them later on to make up for it!

WoSF

---

I wouldnt worry, they always do.

[Hdefined]

I mean, it's pretty much Marvel saying "hello readers. This series is really intended for bookstore shoppers who don't usually read comics, and therefore probably won't be reading this interview. But we're still doing single issues, so you guys can read the series too."

[BrianKVaughan]

Thanks very much for the kind words, all!

Hdefined, sorry you won't be checking out the book, but to clarify, no one "made" me do anything. C.B. is a kickass editor who suggested something that Adrian and I agreed with. And I read most of my comics as single issues (since I'm lucky enough to get them for free!), so I always try to give monthly readers a satisfying experience. I believe (as does Marvel) that we don't have to forsake readers of single issues to gain readers at the bookstore.

So smile, life is good!

Best,
Brian

[RWNeal]

quote:

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Originally posted by Hdefined:
I mean, it's pretty much Marvel saying "hello readers. This series is really intended for bookstore shoppers who don't usually read comics, and therefore probably won't be reading this interview. But we're still doing single issues, so you guys can read the series too."

---

This is a bad thing? Marvel should forget us when trying to develop new products if they want the form to remain economically viable. They need something to grab the real mainstream audience - something that doesn't need to involve spandex. Marvel (and everyone else) needs to develop more of an audience that isn't stuck on superheroes like we are. Anything that does that is the holy grail for comics' survival past the next 10-20 years.

[JK Parkin]

Based on how utterly kick ass Y:The Last Man is, I knew I'd be buying both Mystique and Runaways before I read this interview. Now I'm even more sure.

(I was telling a friend of mine who hasn't read many comics beyond Sandman and Preacher about Y and Fables, and she said Y sounded like it would be either incredibly cheesy or incredibly cool. Then I gave her the "collection" of issues 1 & 2. She's hooked. So if you haven't checked it out, please do so).

[Greg]

I'm just curious as to what the price will be. I love Y-the last man, but if it starts out at anything above 3 dollars, I just can't afford that on a monthly book. Case in point: daredevil/Bullseye is $3.49. A poor student such as me can't afford that.

[gOgIver]

quote:

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For the next few years, I think any superhero book with teenage protagonists in it will have to live in the shadow of Ultimate Spider-Man –

---

I agree. Hey, if this does not work out, you'll likley be known as Brian K. Yawn

I loved your Batman arc with Matches Malone. Good luck!

[Julio Diaz]

This sounds even better than I expected. BKV is fast becoming one of my favorite writers. Can't wait to read this!

[thebeast]

One small problem with the book, if these are "made for trade" what is the incentive to pay $2.25 to $2.95 an issue when the TPB will likely be cheaper?

[StevenG]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hdefined:
The main reason I really don't want to read it is the "bookshelf format" the editors are making him (yes, making him, because he suggests he would write more panels otherwise) write it. He does say he hopes to cram enough plot for "single-issue readers", but more than likely it'll still move at snail's/close-to-snail's pace. Looking at stuff like Hulk and Amazing Spider-Man, which are still very much in their first storyarcs, despite being so many issues later, I'm not eager to be swept up in that kind of storytelling.

And the rant, once again, about the "cinematic format". YOU MORONS, Marvel, this is COMICS, not freaking movies. Comics can do things movies can't, yet you don't want to take advantage of those things, you want your comics to act like movies (and the Authority). It doesn't work, the experience is totally different.

---

Actually, have a good long look at manga, and you'll see why Marvel is aiming to put out books similar in form, if not in content.

They're aiming for a younger audience that buys more at bookstores. They're aiming for stories that flow solidly as a six-chapter story, not stories that come in six chunks that maybe fit together well. They're aiming to shift the superhero into a form recognizable (and enjoyable) to an audience that primarily reads manga that are the precursors to cartoons that they buy the toys of.

In short, they're trying to make comics that are accessible to the kinds of readers that are making a sizeable dent in the bookstore market, and make 'em fun, to boot.

Also, try READING some manga. It's very much about "cinematic style," if that means lots of wide panels, sparse dialogue (unlike a lot of the storyboarded screenplays Marvel calls comics), and SHOWing the story, not TELLing the story...you know, the whole point of a visual medium?

I just caught up on Y: The Last Man, and while it isn't the most innovative thing ever, Vaughn's definitely got a lot of soul and a lot to say, and it's a damn good read so far. I'd give Runaways a try for that same reason.

[Rob Staeger]

Well, I'm in. The story sounds like fun, and the character sketches are flat-out gorgeous! But, like a lot of things, I'll try to have the patience to wait for the trade. (If I can do it with Y, I can do it with this!)

Rob

[Grendel Prime]

quote:

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Originally posted by Matt Brady:
On the other hand, maybe the real message was that the only good parent is a dead one...

---

Reading that made me laugh so hard that I actually spit scalding hot coffee out through my nose. Oh, the pain!

Vaughan was the writer of both my favorite new series (Y: The Last Man) and my favorite limited series (The Hood) from last year. So consider me on board for this one. The Runaways sounds like a simple enough premise, but that has a lot of potential for exploration (much like Y).

I will NOT be reading Mystique, however. I simply refuse to spend any money to support a book that features the work of Joseph Michael Linsner (or Greg Horn, for that matter).

[Nick Borelli]

Brian Vaughn sold me when he came on the Bendis board to talk about The Hood.
Everyone knows he has been this year's Midas, so why get into that.
For ME I'll follow him anywhere because he seems genuinly proud of everything he puts out.
I love Y as much as the next guy, but The Hood was my favorite super-hero based mini of the year.

[Donnie Darko]

M buying this. Harry Potter meets Smallville? I'm hooked already. Mystique, on the other hand, I am not getting because I think it's just more mutant angst and stuff.

[DanLTaylor]

quote:

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The important thing is that these adults have been lying to their children, just as most of our parents once lied to us, i.e., Santa, the Easter Bunny, ‘your face will freeze like that,’ etc.”

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What?!?! Huh? Say it ain't so. Santa?

[MichaelCoughlin]

I'm torn. Didn't like the Cyclops limited series all that much, but consider "Y" to be one of my top 5 fav. comics right now.

But PLEASE don't have it be the reason their parents are evil is because they're corporate execs. or something!

BTW, I think the reason most writers don't badmouth parents is because by and large, they ARE the best people in your life. I'm just lucky that at 19 i've been able to figure that out. yea, they're not perfect, but most of them (i recognize that there are some bad parents out there) try to do right by their kids.

[Atlas8141]

Runways sounds interesting to me,I`m curious about what the kids find out about their parents.The art also looks good.I might give the first issue a try.

[OM]

...Hold on a sec while I turn up the mike so that everyone can hear the collective response of the nation:

THANK *GOD* THIS IS -NOT- AN X-BOOK!!!!

[leez34]

Hmmm. I don't particularly have feelings either way, so tell me: Why does everyone hate Joseph Michael Linser and Greg Horn?