BEST SHOTS EXTRA: RUNAWAYS #25

[MattBrady]

Runaways #25
Writer: Joss Whedon
Artist: Michael Ryan
From: Marvel Comics
Reviewed by: Richard Renteria

SPOILER WARNING - MINOR ISSUE #25 SPOILERS AHEAD

Then. When Runaways launched back in 2002 during the Tsunami wave that was introduced by Bill Jemas and Joe Quesada (and quickly abandoned within six months), it was immediately apparent that there was something a little different about this title when compared to the other titles that eventually tied more closely to the established shared Marvel Universe. Eventually, all the titles in the Tsunami line ended up on the cancellation block. Runaways met that same fate after 18 issues, but a reprieve was in sight.

The saga was ending, only to be kick-started again under the same creative team that brought the original volume to life. Losing the bitter taste that was the Tsunami brand, the Runaways re-launch was a success, almost. While creatively the title was name-checked by almost every big name writer and raved about on comic book sites, those testimonials never really translated to soaring single issues sales. Through the course of the title, there have been no stunt marketing tactics, that I can recall, and no variant covers. The title was left to live and die on its own merits, and live it did. The book thrived in trade paperbacks and digest format and as long as the creative team was left intact, most faithful readers stayed on for the ride and enjoyed every moment they could get.

Written from the fertile mind of Brian K. Vaughan and penciled by the highly talented Adrian Alphona, Runaways became one of the few titles on the stands that managed to take place in a shared universe but never seem to drown in the nuances of continuity that most new titles inevitably fall victim to. Vaughan was not trying to recreate the wheel; he just wanted to improve it and make it roll a little more smoothly. And roll it did.

In a nutshell, the concept of Runaways was simple: the children of a group of would-be world conquerors learned of their parents’ true nature as the Pride. Not sure what to do, the kids team together and go on the run. Through many moving, layered and nuanced stories, the kids grew and evolved, even while enduring the deceit, destruction and death that seemed to be around every corner.

Much to Vaughan’s credit, he was smart enough to avoid the over-populated New York City of the Marvel Universe and set the series on the opposite coast in Los Angeles. By setting the title in a less explored corner of the Marvel Universe, Vaughan was able to avoid a lot of Marvel continuity that had no direct impact on the book and could eventually hamper the “new reader friendly” nature of the title. Even better, because all of the main characters were brand new, they all started with a clean slate and were not beholden to some forced legacy or some tangential connection to a character with adamantium bones. More than anything, this helped to establish the characters as individuals before entrenching them in the Mighty Marvel Mythos.

As much as Vaughan was the perfect writer for this series, his partner in crime, Adrian Alphona, cemented the titles’ credibility by bringing his talented pencils to the title. Able to create mood and action in a seemingly endless manner, Alphona brought a touch of class to an already classy title; it was lightning in a bottle. On the occasions that Alphona did need a break, there was no shortage of fine artists in Marvel’s talent pool to help keep the title on track. At the end of the day, though, these were Vaughan’s and Alphona’s characters and the care they put into them showed in every one of the run’s first 42 issues. Which brings us to the now.

With Vaughan and Alphona leaving the title with issue 24 of the second volume, Marvel was at a crossroads. What to do with the title? Because, let’s be honest here, it was the trust established by the creative team that brought us loyal readers back monthly. The trust that these characters would be treated with respect and that their adventures meant something. Of my monthly pulls, on the week this title came out I would put it on the bottom of my read pile, not out of disrespect, but rather to savor it and to end my day by reading something that was consistently great. I, for one, thought this title was doomed. Enter Joss Whedon and Michael Ryan.

A vocal supporter of the book, according to reports, Whedon mulled whether or not he really had time to take on another project. He loved the Runaways and had his own story to tell. Realizing he didn’t have the space in his schedule, Whedon backed away from the idea, but as the old saying goes, what a difference a day makes.

Twenty-four hours later, Whedon decided he did want to write this story. The Runaways needed to be brought to the forefront of the Marvel Universe, a position they rightly deserve, and Whedon would be the one to do it. With the assistance of the talented Michael Ryan the Runaways got a whole new lease on life. Avoiding the trappings of a new number one, Whedon’s story picks up with issue 25 taking place shortly after the end of Vaughan’s run and the Civil War.

Using some established story points from his predecessor, Whedon sends the kids to New York to meet Wilson Fisk, who has a job for them. Through the course of the dinner that the kids have with Fisk, it is apparent that Whedon completely understands the individual characters and their shortcomings as witnessed by how efficiently Fisk puts each character in place. After being on the run so long, the kids make a fateful decision that puts them firmly in the crosshairs of one Frank Castle, complete with a twisted last page that caused me to laugh out loud.

It’s obvious that Molly is Whedon’s favorite character; she really gets all the best lines. I look forward to seeing how far he can push her and her teammates on the journey they are about to undertake. I must also take a second to give kudos to Whedon for managing to introduce the concept and characters of Runaways in an efficient and story-related manner.

Michael Ryan is no Adrian Alphona, but what he lacks in style, he more than makes up for in execution and consistency. The kids look like the Runaways we know and love, they make the same expressions you would expect to see from them, but most incredibly, the storytelling techniques that Ryan brings to the title makes you almost feel as if you are really on the scene watching the story unfold. Ryan’s expressions are dead on and you can really feel the emotions that the kids exude as they are being manipulated like chess pieces (pawns again, if truth be told).

Was this a perfect story? No. I’m not sure how Fisk got back in the U.S. after agreeing to leave during Civil War. That is the only error that screams out at the reader, but it can be forgiven due to the care the rest of the story takes to not step on the established history of the titles’ main characters. There is no other reason why readers of BKV’s run should worry about Whedon; he obviously understands the characters and has an affection for them that really stands out in the first part. Things are just starting to get interesting.

[Angelophile]

Well, it'd have been nice to hear a little more about the issue itself and how well Whedon handles it, beyond the last couple of paragraphs, but a nice article. More like Runaways History 101 than an early review.

[Hoylus]

Id' prefer Astonishing X-men to come out on time...

[Zared98]

Id' prefer Astonishing X-men to come out on time...

And I'd prefer if posters kept their replies relevant to the actual article, but I guess we can't all get what we want.

I can't wait for this! I was really disappointed that BKV was leaving, but I'm happy to hear that Joss is staying true to the characters (as I knew he would). I've been a Runaways fan since the beginning and this is poised to be a really exciting time for this title. I'm really excited to see where this goes!

[James Asia]

How is it not relevant?

[Hoylus]

Originally Posted by Zared98

And I'd prefer if posters kept their replies relevant to the actual article, but I guess we can't all get what we want.

I can't wait for this! I was really disappointed that BKV was leaving, but I'm happy to hear that Joss is staying true to the characters (as I knew he would). I've been a Runaways fan since the beginning and this is poised to be a really exciting time for this title. I'm really excited to see where this goes!

As joss is the writer of both Runaways and Astonishing X-men it appeared relevant to me. unless, of course, the delay in Astonishing is not down to Joss, in which case, I recant.

[nickmaynard]

Originally Posted by Hoylus

Id' prefer Astonishing X-men to come out on time...

i hate internet complaining so much its unreal.

[Zombie Uatu]

Originally Posted by James Asia

How is it not relevant?

It's not relevant because it refers to another book which, other than sharing a writer, has nothing to do with this one.

The delays, for your information, on Astonishing X-Men have nothing to do with the writer... or indeed the artist. They are the result of a complex scheduling programme within Marvel that recognises that every issue of books like Astonishing and the various Avengers titles is, effectively, an event. In order for them to capitalise best on this they need to time the releases properly. Astonishing is not an a by-monthly or monthly schedule; it's on a schedule of when the book's done, and when it's best for the company to release it. Bear in mind also that sometimes it's actually better to have two 'big' titles released during the same week, which is why we so often see both Astonishing and Avengers in the same week.

'nuff said.

[Hoylus]

Originally Posted by nickmaynard

i hate internet complaining so much its unreal.

Was that meant to be ironic?

[MattBrady]

Originally Posted by Hoylus

Was that meant to be ironic?

guys - if you want to complain about complaining, and the inevitable nit picking at one another, start a thread at Talk@...

MattB

[StevieCool]

Hoylus doesn't do any insults. The article clearly states Joss (we're on a first name basis) "mulled whether or not he really had time to take on another project"

I know I do my fair share of complaining about delays, but when I think about it, maybe not a great idea for books to come out on time. We'd be broke in two months.

Runaways has been awesome. Did not know about the failed Tsunami line...

[Hoylus]

Thanks for the character reference StevieCool, and sorry Mr Brady!

[STL]

Whatever about Astonishing.

I keep meaning to try Runaways out with the vol.1 oversized HC (I'm a sucker for those things) but there never seems to be room left in the budget to fit it in. Maybe next month will be the month.

[jediracer]

i've never read this comic before, but as a whedon fan, i'll be picking this up and giving it a chance.

[KyleCowstar]

Originally Posted by jediracer

i've never read this comic before, but as a whedon fan, i'll be picking this up and giving it a chance.

You should have a long time ago.

[fearlessrees]

Originally Posted by jediracer

i've never read this comic before, but as a whedon fan, i'll be picking this up and giving it a chance.

talk about ''missing out on a great series'' there! get the hardcovers!

[C.B.Cebulski]

Originally Posted by jediracer

i've never read this comic before, but as a whedon fan, i'll be picking this up and giving it a chance.

Or if you'd like a quick refresher course on all 42 issues of Runaways that have come before, you might want to check out the Runaways Saga which went on sale last week. It recaps the entire run of Runaways in 44 pages, as told from the perspective of their youngest member, Molly Hayes. Plus it features a new four page story by Humberto Ramos and some guy whose initials could stand for Comic Book.

Take care,
C.B.

[dalunt]

Originally Posted by C.B.Cebulski

Or if you'd like a quick refresher course on all 42 issues of Runaways that have come before, you might want to check out the Runaways Saga which went on sale last week. It recaps the entire run of Runaways in 44 pages, as told from the perspective of their youngest member, Molly Hayes. Plus it features a new four page story by Humberto Ramos and some guy whose initials could stand for Comic Book.

Take care,
C.B.

God I love CB, he is quickly rising up to BKV and Millar status in my eyes

And yes Runaways Saga was greatness (Molly's narrative is genius), but I would still say get the hardcovers!!! Then get Saga cause after you get to know Molly Hayes, Saga is even better.

Especially her (X-men here I come!) and Wolverine is a big smelly jerk lines. Genius!

[artiepants]

Originally Posted by MattBrady

No. I’m not sure how Fisk got back in the U.S. after agreeing to leave during Civil War.

ya know, i read that in Daredevil as having come after Civil War: Given how long the litigation of Matt Defendng Fisk and getting him out, there could be som time involved.
(like how the current ASM arc is before DD)

Although, since you say they have Dinner with him , i assume that means he's "out of the joint" which obviously doesn't make a whole lot of sense

[khuxford]

I'm looking forward to this issue. It will be in the first three I read today, I'm sure. Can't read this review until then, though...I don't want even minor spoilage.

[drs9p]

And repeat itself it did...

[Snarf5181]

Originally Posted by Angelophile

Well, it'd have been nice to hear a little more about the issue itself and how well Whedon handles it, beyond the last couple of paragraphs, but a nice article. More like Runaways History 101 than an early review.

I have to agree with you there. I love me some Best Shots, but if its a history piece just label it that way.

[Mundungus]

Originally Posted by artiepants

ya know, i read that in Daredevil as having come after Civil War: Given how long the litigation of Matt Defendng Fisk and getting him out, there could be som time involved.
(like how the current ASM arc is before DD)

Although, since you say they have Dinner with him , i assume that means he's "out of the joint" which obviously doesn't make a whole lot of sense

Yeah, between Fisk being in jail since the Hardcore arc in Bendis' Daredevil run, to still being in jail during the Back and Black story, and then being released and sent to Europe in a post-Civil War DD story, Fisk's presence here doesn't make sense at all. Hopefully Marvel corrects that somehow because it's jarring.


But still, I wish I had money this week because this would be at the top of my list.

[si, rodrigo]

I just read the issue and it was really good. ANd molly does get all the lines.. she is beyond awesome.

[AbeFroman]

I'm not really a Whedon fan. Never got into Buffy or Firefly, but I have been digging Astonishing X-Men a lot, and I think his writing style is going to be a great fit for Runaways. Not sure how I feel about Fisk and Punisher being in the book, though. Feels like the late-80's, early 90-s all over again, with the Punisher showing up everywhere in the Marvel U again.