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Runaways: The Complete Collection
Runaways: The Complete Collection, Vol. 2
This deluxe hardcover collects Runaways Volume 4: True Believers and Runaways Volume 5: Escape to New York, plus extras. In True Believers, it's an all-new beginning for the book that Wizard calls "the best original concept from Marvel in thirty years " When a group of teenagers discovers that their parents are actually super-villains, they run away from home... but that's only step one Now that the evil Pride is gone, nearly every bad guy in the Marvel Universe is trying to fill the power vacuum in Los Angeles, and the Runaways are the only heroes who can stop them Plus: What does a mysterious new team of young heroes want with the Runaways, and which fan-favorite Marvel characters are part of this group? In Escape to New York, the Runaways embark on a coast-to-coast adventure, guest-starring Cloak and Dagger AND the New Avengers When Cloak is accused of a crime he didn't commit by the heroes of New York City, the vigilante is forced to turn to the teenage Runaways for help. This story will take our teens to a place they've never been: NYC And in Parental Guidance, the villainous Pride returns, but this all-new group isn't made up of the Runaways' evil parents. Who are these shadowy players, and what do they want with the Marvel Universe's next generation of heroes? Collects Runaways (Vol.2) #1-18 and the X-Men/Runaways one-shot.
312 pages, Hardcover
First published December 6, 2006
25 people are currently reading
1297 people want to read
About the author
Brian K. Vaughan
1,056 books14k followersBrian K. Vaughan is the writer and co-creator of comic-book series including SAGA, PAPER GIRLS, Y THE LAST MAN, RUNAWAYS, and most recently, BARRIER, a digital comic with artist Marcos Martin about immigration, available from their pay-what-you-want site www.PanelSyndicate.com
BKV's work has been recognized at the Eisner, Harvey, Hugo, Shuster, Eagle, and British Fantasy Awards. He sometimes writes for film and television in Los Angeles, where he lives with his family and their dogs Hamburger and Milkshake.
BKV's work has been recognized at the Eisner, Harvey, Hugo, Shuster, Eagle, and British Fantasy Awards. He sometimes writes for film and television in Los Angeles, where he lives with his family and their dogs Hamburger and Milkshake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
April 8, 2023
I remembered ordering this from Amazon and it took a while for this to arrive, but it was worth it.
An excellent follow up to the first volume. Runaways was probably BK Vaughan's best Marvel work. This built the hype for me for Volume 3.
I wish that Marvel will collect the rest of the Runaways, even issues not by Vaughan in a similar hardcover format. (ie .Runaways/Young Avengers: Civil War.) An excellent buy for me.
An excellent follow up to the first volume. Runaways was probably BK Vaughan's best Marvel work. This built the hype for me for Volume 3.
I wish that Marvel will collect the rest of the Runaways, even issues not by Vaughan in a similar hardcover format. (ie .Runaways/Young Avengers: Civil War.) An excellent buy for me.
February 23, 2019
I'm using these complete collections as an excuse to go back and read these for the first time since they originally came out. Brian K. Vaughan's still got it. The book still holds up. It's a fun, witty comic full of teen drama and kids trying to redeem the sins of their fathers. The scenes with Spider-Man and Wolverine are each hilarious. The best use I've seen of guest stars in ages.
Some will find the dialogue a bit problematic at times, but it is real, especially for a comic written in 2006. Our culture has changed dramatically in what you can and cannot say during that time, not that it was ever right. But the dialogue is only coming from one kid and he is corrected by the others any time he says something politically incorrect so I view it differently. I see it, for example, as showing readers at the time that they shouldn't be using 'gay' as a derogatory term. The art is fantastic, seeing Adrian Alphona's later art on Ms. Marvel, I'd say that's do to Christina Strain's vibrant colors more than anything else.
Some will find the dialogue a bit problematic at times, but it is real, especially for a comic written in 2006. Our culture has changed dramatically in what you can and cannot say during that time, not that it was ever right. But the dialogue is only coming from one kid and he is corrected by the others any time he says something politically incorrect so I view it differently. I see it, for example, as showing readers at the time that they shouldn't be using 'gay' as a derogatory term. The art is fantastic, seeing Adrian Alphona's later art on Ms. Marvel, I'd say that's do to Christina Strain's vibrant colors more than anything else.
September 26, 2018
I’m having so much fun reading this series. I love the plot, I love the characters and I love the artwork. The only thing I don’t love is the frustrating and extremely problematic use of outdated language. Other than that, I’m thoroughly enjoyed this series but wow, does some of the language suck.
TW:
• Racism, Ableism, Homophobia
TW:
• Racism, Ableism, Homophobia
August 8, 2013
Not quite as satisfying of a read as the first volume, probably because it doesn't have the same focus. Now that the Pride storyline's been settled, we're basically left with a no adults, costume free version of Generation X. This is not a bad thing, necessarily. I really liked Generation X. And I really like these characters, most of them. (I haven't quite warmed up to Nico.) There are a lot of guest characters involved here, including some really big names, some of them acting very dimly. Captain America in particular has not made a single good showing any time he's shown up in Runaways, though Spider-Man does just fine. It makes sense in the context of this book: is there a more grown-up superhero in the Marvel U than Captain America?
I think the biggest issue (which isn't even that big, honestly) is that many of the major plot developments feel rushed. Karolina gets a huge storyline and plot development, but it goes by so fast that it was over almost before I knew what was going on. I hope that more will be done with that later on, because that storyline didn't really come to a satisfactory end.
The short crossover comic with X-Men that ends the collection might well be the best thing about it. It doesn't take itself seriously for even a moment, which is why it's so much fun.
I think the biggest issue (which isn't even that big, honestly) is that many of the major plot developments feel rushed. Karolina gets a huge storyline and plot development, but it goes by so fast that it was over almost before I knew what was going on. I hope that more will be done with that later on, because that storyline didn't really come to a satisfactory end.
The short crossover comic with X-Men that ends the collection might well be the best thing about it. It doesn't take itself seriously for even a moment, which is why it's so much fun.
January 24, 2015
I don't know if I want to write a review about this, but I do have some musings.
It gets a little old for Nico to be asked over & over again, "Can't you just use the Staff of One to *do this thing*?" and she replies, "No, I've already used that spell." Could the Staff of One be used along with a thesaurus? If you can only say, like, "Teleport!" once, could you get a similar effect from saying, "Transport me across space and distance instantly"?
If Gert is going to be referred to as fat by bad guys and be so down on her appearance because she's not super-skinny like Karolina and Nico, I wish she'd just be drawn fat. It wouldn't be the end of the world if she looked bigger than a size four, since her size comes up again & again. It certainly wouldn't make me love her character any less.
I didn't quite like this as much as the first volume, but it was still pretty great. It would be wholly unfair of me to hold back a star since someone I adore dies in this, so I will suck it up, wipe my eyes, and go with three.
It gets a little old for Nico to be asked over & over again, "Can't you just use the Staff of One to *do this thing*?" and she replies, "No, I've already used that spell." Could the Staff of One be used along with a thesaurus? If you can only say, like, "Teleport!" once, could you get a similar effect from saying, "Transport me across space and distance instantly"?
If Gert is going to be referred to as fat by bad guys and be so down on her appearance because she's not super-skinny like Karolina and Nico, I wish she'd just be drawn fat. It wouldn't be the end of the world if she looked bigger than a size four, since her size comes up again & again. It certainly wouldn't make me love her character any less.
I didn't quite like this as much as the first volume, but it was still pretty great. It would be wholly unfair of me to hold back a star since someone I adore dies in this, so I will suck it up, wipe my eyes, and go with three.
August 20, 2017
This was underwhelming. I liked that they have finally established themselves as a team but I miss them learning to work together and figure out their dynamic. Also, I kind of miss Alex. I am alone in this?
The teenage drama was a bit much for me. Girls fighting over a guy? Karolina essentially running off because Nico kind of rejected her? I’m over it.
We’re introduced to a new kid, Victor, who is half human/half android? I’m having a problem with the implication of yet another person of color possibly being evil.
Overall, the plot is not as tight as it was in the first volume but I’m still reading the next one.
The teenage drama was a bit much for me. Girls fighting over a guy? Karolina essentially running off because Nico kind of rejected her? I’m over it.
We’re introduced to a new kid, Victor, who is half human/half android? I’m having a problem with the implication of yet another person of color possibly being evil.
Overall, the plot is not as tight as it was in the first volume but I’m still reading the next one.
June 1, 2022
This was really fun and I really liked it a lot more than I thought I would.
February 10, 2017
3.5 stars?
I don't know. I definitely was less enthused by this one than the last one. The last felt more like a team book. I'll admit, with 99% of the series I read, I always prefer the first installment to the sequels that come after. I love watching a team come together. The last volume shows you how they came to work together, how they found their dynamic and there was the worry of who the mole was.
This one didn't have any of that because the team was "established", I guess. I hate that they used the most tired plot in existence: two girls that are close friends fight over a boy. What the fuck ever. It's old and it's tired and it's unnecessary. Made worse by the fact that Nico says she did it because she missed Karolina. Okay, sure. Sure. *rolls eyes*. If I wanted to read about unnecessary teenage relationship drama, I'd pick up those 2005 novelizations of the O.C.
Anyway, the team starts with just Nico, Karolina, Molly, Gert and Chase. Before the reveal, Alex was actually one of my favorites so it was hard to care about everyone here. I loved seeing Nico take on the leadership role and her sense of morality is fascinating. Chase's is incredibly questionable because he seems to have absolutely no problem with using violence to accomplish their goals.
There's a really problematic trend in these books to have angry black men? Mr. Wilder, Cloak and Alex turned out to be the bad guy. Then we add Victor and they have a habit of making men of color appear to be bad guys. It's really icky and add to that, Molly's comment that mentioned Mr. Wilder's race unnecessarily.
Anyway, I wanted to start this series a while back because I'm really interested in Xavin/Karolina. Imagine my disappointment when their first meeting is Xavin trying to steal Karolina away to their planet because they think Karolina belongs to them. That was really fucked up. Made worse by the fact that Karolina's a-okay with going because she thinks she'll always be a "freak" because she's gay. Why? Why???? It makes it look like she signs up for a possessive relationship because she was rejected by Nico. No, comic book. Bad, comic book.
I was not super fond of this volume but I will pick up the next one because I want to see Xavin redeem themselves. I hope the writing gets a lot better and I hope there's no more high school relationship dramas.
I don't know. I definitely was less enthused by this one than the last one. The last felt more like a team book. I'll admit, with 99% of the series I read, I always prefer the first installment to the sequels that come after. I love watching a team come together. The last volume shows you how they came to work together, how they found their dynamic and there was the worry of who the mole was.
This one didn't have any of that because the team was "established", I guess. I hate that they used the most tired plot in existence: two girls that are close friends fight over a boy. What the fuck ever. It's old and it's tired and it's unnecessary. Made worse by the fact that Nico says she did it because she missed Karolina. Okay, sure. Sure. *rolls eyes*. If I wanted to read about unnecessary teenage relationship drama, I'd pick up those 2005 novelizations of the O.C.
Anyway, the team starts with just Nico, Karolina, Molly, Gert and Chase. Before the reveal, Alex was actually one of my favorites so it was hard to care about everyone here. I loved seeing Nico take on the leadership role and her sense of morality is fascinating. Chase's is incredibly questionable because he seems to have absolutely no problem with using violence to accomplish their goals.
There's a really problematic trend in these books to have angry black men? Mr. Wilder, Cloak and Alex turned out to be the bad guy. Then we add Victor and they have a habit of making men of color appear to be bad guys. It's really icky and add to that, Molly's comment that mentioned Mr. Wilder's race unnecessarily.
Anyway, I wanted to start this series a while back because I'm really interested in Xavin/Karolina. Imagine my disappointment when their first meeting is Xavin trying to steal Karolina away to their planet because they think Karolina belongs to them. That was really fucked up. Made worse by the fact that Karolina's a-okay with going because she thinks she'll always be a "freak" because she's gay. Why? Why???? It makes it look like she signs up for a possessive relationship because she was rejected by Nico. No, comic book. Bad, comic book.
I was not super fond of this volume but I will pick up the next one because I want to see Xavin redeem themselves. I hope the writing gets a lot better and I hope there's no more high school relationship dramas.
June 4, 2018
Over a decade ago when I started getting into comics, one of the first Marvel comics I collected was Runaways, an obscure title that introduced me to the writings of Brian K. Vaughan. Having read the initial run as well as the terrific TV adaptation, which has been renewed for a second season, about time I should continue the further adventures by Vaughan and artist Adrian Alphona.
Following the defeat of their parents who were secretly the supervillain group known as the Pride, as well as the death of Alex Wilder, who betrayed his fellow Runaways, the rest of the teenage fugitives – Karolina Dean, Molly Hayes, Nico Minoru, Chase Stein and Gertrude Yorkes – continue to right the wrongs caused by their parents as they face off new villains trying to dominate the Los Angeles criminal underworld.
In the first arc, the Runaways briefly encountered a future Getrude who, during her last breaths, warns them about a villain in her time named "Victorious", and how they must stop him right now while he is still a teen. At the same time, a group of former teenage superheroes called "Excelsior" are promised a million-dollar grant from a mysterious benefactor if they successfully detain the Runaways, who do discover the soon-to-be-villain named Victor Mancha.
Throughout this volume, the connections to the wider Marvel universe become apparent with the Runaways fighting the Wrecking Crew in the opening issue while Victor's true parentage is classic Marvel villainy, only before a hilarious sequence where our heroes go through a list of potentials in who his father is. The inclusion of Victor does add a new layer to the group dynamic as given the recent events involving betrayal, the Runaways individually react to his involvement from Chase feel emasculated when he thinks his girlfriend, Gertrude has certain feelings towards Victor, to Nico taking the mantle of leader after her boyfriend screwed everyone over.
In the next arc, which only lasts for two issues, "Star-Crossed" takes a break from the big picture and delivers something intimate but entirely character-driven as it centralises on Karolina who outs herself as a lesbian, and reveals she harbours romantic feelings for Nico. When a Skrull named Xavin appears and tells Karolina that he is her fiancée, due to an agreement between both their parents, one could've been insignificant ends up leading a huge character decision that once again shakes up the team.
"East Coast/West Coast" is the most Marvel-orientated arc for the Runaways, with the involvement of numerous Avengers, assigned to apprehend Cloak, who has been falsely accused of attacking his companion Dagger, who is recovering in a hospital in New York City. Along with the constant pop culture references throughout, the numerous interactions between the Runaways and the Avengers brings out the funniest moments throughout the entire run, whether it is Molly versus Wolverine or a dinner between Victor, Gertrude and Spider-Man, all of which continue the book's theme of child versus adult.
As a superhero comic that is very driven by wordplay based on the dynamics between old and new characters within the Marvel universe, Adrian Alphona delivers some of his best work on this title with large panels showcasing great detail towards characters and environments, whilst the manga aesthetic by Takeshi Miyazawa (who would later work alongside Alphona on G. Willow Wilson's Ms Marvel) gives a nice visual spin to the world of Runaways.
The only criticism towards this volume is the crossover issue that concludes the book as the Runaways battle the roster from Astonishing X-Men by Joss Whedon and John Cassaday. Although one can say that Vaughan is writing this issue for the sake of comedy, it doesn't have anything to say about anyone, whilst the art by Skottie Young is too cartoony and looks out-of-place compared the more detailed art from before.
As before Brian K. Vaughan and Adrian Alphona continue to show a fresh perspective towards the Marvel universe, which largely comes from the youthful diversity of our eponymous heroes.
Following the defeat of their parents who were secretly the supervillain group known as the Pride, as well as the death of Alex Wilder, who betrayed his fellow Runaways, the rest of the teenage fugitives – Karolina Dean, Molly Hayes, Nico Minoru, Chase Stein and Gertrude Yorkes – continue to right the wrongs caused by their parents as they face off new villains trying to dominate the Los Angeles criminal underworld.
In the first arc, the Runaways briefly encountered a future Getrude who, during her last breaths, warns them about a villain in her time named "Victorious", and how they must stop him right now while he is still a teen. At the same time, a group of former teenage superheroes called "Excelsior" are promised a million-dollar grant from a mysterious benefactor if they successfully detain the Runaways, who do discover the soon-to-be-villain named Victor Mancha.
Throughout this volume, the connections to the wider Marvel universe become apparent with the Runaways fighting the Wrecking Crew in the opening issue while Victor's true parentage is classic Marvel villainy, only before a hilarious sequence where our heroes go through a list of potentials in who his father is. The inclusion of Victor does add a new layer to the group dynamic as given the recent events involving betrayal, the Runaways individually react to his involvement from Chase feel emasculated when he thinks his girlfriend, Gertrude has certain feelings towards Victor, to Nico taking the mantle of leader after her boyfriend screwed everyone over.
In the next arc, which only lasts for two issues, "Star-Crossed" takes a break from the big picture and delivers something intimate but entirely character-driven as it centralises on Karolina who outs herself as a lesbian, and reveals she harbours romantic feelings for Nico. When a Skrull named Xavin appears and tells Karolina that he is her fiancée, due to an agreement between both their parents, one could've been insignificant ends up leading a huge character decision that once again shakes up the team.
"East Coast/West Coast" is the most Marvel-orientated arc for the Runaways, with the involvement of numerous Avengers, assigned to apprehend Cloak, who has been falsely accused of attacking his companion Dagger, who is recovering in a hospital in New York City. Along with the constant pop culture references throughout, the numerous interactions between the Runaways and the Avengers brings out the funniest moments throughout the entire run, whether it is Molly versus Wolverine or a dinner between Victor, Gertrude and Spider-Man, all of which continue the book's theme of child versus adult.
As a superhero comic that is very driven by wordplay based on the dynamics between old and new characters within the Marvel universe, Adrian Alphona delivers some of his best work on this title with large panels showcasing great detail towards characters and environments, whilst the manga aesthetic by Takeshi Miyazawa (who would later work alongside Alphona on G. Willow Wilson's Ms Marvel) gives a nice visual spin to the world of Runaways.
The only criticism towards this volume is the crossover issue that concludes the book as the Runaways battle the roster from Astonishing X-Men by Joss Whedon and John Cassaday. Although one can say that Vaughan is writing this issue for the sake of comedy, it doesn't have anything to say about anyone, whilst the art by Skottie Young is too cartoony and looks out-of-place compared the more detailed art from before.
As before Brian K. Vaughan and Adrian Alphona continue to show a fresh perspective towards the Marvel universe, which largely comes from the youthful diversity of our eponymous heroes.
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November 29, 2017WHAT JUST HAPPENED
October 23, 2017
GERRRRRTTTTTTTT
March 4, 2017
Worth the time to read but not much more.
Plot was flat and uninteresting.
Plot was flat and uninteresting.
December 15, 2017
Vic: "You guys have some kind of rallying cry? You know like 'Avengers Assemble' 'It's clobberin' time' 'Hulk smash?'"
Nico: "Try not to die."
This volume is primarily a group of short stories that seem to have one goal: making the makeshift Runaways team a real, cohesive unit. They're all a little shaken after the events of the last book, but what happens next (even though it's not fighting off one big bad like in the previous volume) feels like a natural progression.
These kids wouldn't go from having to band together out of necessity to being a full-fledged crime-fighting team. They lack the experience. Which is what this volume's purpose is-giving them that experience. In short, if you already love these characters, I don't see how you couldn't love a continuation of what happens with them.
Nico: "Try not to die."
This volume is primarily a group of short stories that seem to have one goal: making the makeshift Runaways team a real, cohesive unit. They're all a little shaken after the events of the last book, but what happens next (even though it's not fighting off one big bad like in the previous volume) feels like a natural progression.
These kids wouldn't go from having to band together out of necessity to being a full-fledged crime-fighting team. They lack the experience. Which is what this volume's purpose is-giving them that experience. In short, if you already love these characters, I don't see how you couldn't love a continuation of what happens with them.
February 19, 2015
Once upon a time, six couples agreed to sell the earth to monsters in return for great power. Each couple has a kid, each couple loves their child, and perhaps consequently, most of the children do not grow up as sociopaths. They do, however, kill their parents, saving the world. This is the further adventures of our young heroes. Well, the ones that are left. Plus Ultron’s kid. And a gender bending Skrull.
It’s kinda amazing how much more I liked this than The Age of Apocalypse. The characters talk rather than declaim, there’s a reasonable amount of them, and what posing there is comes out of the fact that they’re just kids doing their best. Also, seeing Wolverine punched out of a church and across the street by a pre-pubescent girl is what is good in life.
It’s kinda amazing how much more I liked this than The Age of Apocalypse. The characters talk rather than declaim, there’s a reasonable amount of them, and what posing there is comes out of the fact that they’re just kids doing their best. Also, seeing Wolverine punched out of a church and across the street by a pre-pubescent girl is what is good in life.
November 26, 2018
This one wasn't as good as the first but it was still pretty great. I like how a new normal is made between the Runaways and Victor is introduced. I'm still working out Xavin. The more I read on, the more I feel like I know them.
July 31, 2017
This second volume of this series was such a disappointment. Runaways vol 1 had a clear vision and goal to the story while this second volume was just everywhere. I felt the pacing with the new character introduction were not done well. I did not care for the new characters and even grew annoyed with the old characters. The constant change in art style bugged me as well as most were much sub par with the original art style. I found the plot just rubbish at most points, and the drama they had I found myself rolling my eyes.
But this had a few things I enjoyed. The art style (the original) was amazing. I understood the characters more and who they were (even most of the time I wanted to hit them for being idiots). I am curious to see what happens next (but don't care if I do or not). The new characters were alright as one grew on me. I like the more exchange between other superheroes and the kids, but at times I felt they were dumb down for the kids.
Overall I gave this a 3.25 out of 5 leap frogs.
But this had a few things I enjoyed. The art style (the original) was amazing. I understood the characters more and who they were (even most of the time I wanted to hit them for being idiots). I am curious to see what happens next (but don't care if I do or not). The new characters were alright as one grew on me. I like the more exchange between other superheroes and the kids, but at times I felt they were dumb down for the kids.
Overall I gave this a 3.25 out of 5 leap frogs.
January 9, 2009
Very enjoyable, if not quite as good as Vol. 1 The overall plot felt less focused, with more side stories and vignettes thrown in, and I wasn't overfond of the initial group of villains. Still, I found Chase and Gert's relationship to be touching and interesting, and Karolina became a much more charming character as she grew into herself. Nico, on the other hand, seemed to just get more and more irritating, and her string of sexual escapades went from awkwardly funny, to awkward, to boring. When Gert asked if there wasn't a guy in their group Nico hadn't made out with, it was pretty much right on the money. Overall, less cohesive than Vol. 1, but still very enjoyable -- especially the last of BKV's issues, which was heartbreaking in its own way. The man knows how to work an audience.
March 7, 2021
This is the second volume of collected comics in the Runaways series.
It's a long book, so I needed to pace myself. The story is quite convoluted with more heroes, villains, and mutants than I can keep track of.
And as I am not well-read on the various members of the Avengers, I had to reread a few pages here and there to make sure I didn't get lost.
Still, after a slow start, the story finished on a very explosive note and I am looking forward to reading the next two volumes.
It's a long book, so I needed to pace myself. The story is quite convoluted with more heroes, villains, and mutants than I can keep track of.
And as I am not well-read on the various members of the Avengers, I had to reread a few pages here and there to make sure I didn't get lost.
Still, after a slow start, the story finished on a very explosive note and I am looking forward to reading the next two volumes.
January 26, 2015
3.5*
I'm struggling rating this one because overall I loved it, but the plot wasn't quite as tight as the first collection. The beginning and end was really strong but I just felt like the middle kind of meandered all over the place for no real reason.
The characters are really what keep me reading and I'm super glad to know that this isn't the end for them and that there will be one more collected edition!
I'm struggling rating this one because overall I loved it, but the plot wasn't quite as tight as the first collection. The beginning and end was really strong but I just felt like the middle kind of meandered all over the place for no real reason.
The characters are really what keep me reading and I'm super glad to know that this isn't the end for them and that there will be one more collected edition!
January 27, 2018
I wanted to like this volume as much as I like the first volume, unfortunately, I did not. Too much fan service to the old Marvel hero regime. I wanted more Runaways and less of a walk of down superhero nostalgia lane. The story felt rushed and different from Volume 1. There were some bright spots ... a new addition ... the field trip to New York City... a surprise and some shock. All good stuff. It was ok ... overall I am still interested in Runaways.
January 31, 2020
Uses the basic tropes of the genre. Time travel, revival of killed characters and such. Most of the dialogue is threats and comebacks to threats. Prior to reading this, I thought Vaughan was incapable of mediocrity. He is still one of the greats in my estimation, but this was a prolonged misfire.
July 25, 2015
Not as satisfying as Volume 1, but Volume 1 contained all the issues of the first Runaways incarnation. This book only has half of the second incarnation, and for all I know it'll get better in the second half.
Still really really good though. God bless my precious angel, Karolina Dean.
Still really really good though. God bless my precious angel, Karolina Dean.
September 21, 2015
I love this series! So much girl power and such a fun ride. There was a lot of character development in this one, but the plot wasn't super focused. Can't wait for the next one.
April 6, 2016
Likey likey! Lovely little cameos or well... appearances from all those cool superheroes I've seen in the movies lately and should have read the comics of!
August 1, 2018
I really do like this series. I think the characters are interesting, and I really liked the stories in this volume. This group has a different dynamic than the Young Avengers (which they bring up all the time and I find slightly annoying because don't insult my girl Kate Bishop), and they approach good vs bad as a lot grayer than Young Avengers tends do.
However, I hate Chase. I don't like him at all, and I hope that he's...better? in the tv series. Because good lord, all the homophobic and ableist things that came out of his mouth. Using gay as an insult, using crazy and lame all the goddamn time. He makes me judge Gert a lot, because I think she's better than that and smarter than that and I don't understand what she sees in him. There was also a lot of fatphobia in this, with every other person using the word fat as an insult, mainly against Gert. And then some of the art wasn't my favorite, and I don't like that Molly was always drawn with her mouth open like she's yelling (I also thought she was written way younger than an 11yo would be? I know that not every 11yo is like Harry and Ron and Hermione were in the first HP book but man, sometimes when she talked she sounded like she was six or seven rather than two years away from being a teenager). There was also some racism, which for the most part was called out, but that didn't make up for the homophobia and fatphobia.
TL;DR I'm going to continue reading this series because it's interesting, but TW/CW for homophobia, fatphobia, racism, and misogyny.
However, I hate Chase. I don't like him at all, and I hope that he's...better? in the tv series. Because good lord, all the homophobic and ableist things that came out of his mouth. Using gay as an insult, using crazy and lame all the goddamn time. He makes me judge Gert a lot, because I think she's better than that and smarter than that and I don't understand what she sees in him. There was also a lot of fatphobia in this, with every other person using the word fat as an insult, mainly against Gert. And then some of the art wasn't my favorite, and I don't like that Molly was always drawn with her mouth open like she's yelling (I also thought she was written way younger than an 11yo would be? I know that not every 11yo is like Harry and Ron and Hermione were in the first HP book but man, sometimes when she talked she sounded like she was six or seven rather than two years away from being a teenager). There was also some racism, which for the most part was called out, but that didn't make up for the homophobia and fatphobia.
TL;DR I'm going to continue reading this series because it's interesting, but TW/CW for homophobia, fatphobia, racism, and misogyny.
August 2, 2023
The team is back and more emotional than ever!
This collection was more of an assortment of various stories compared to the first collection. It did have little hints and seeds throughout which lead to the big conclusion, which was nice, but certainly felt much more random. I guess this is because Runaways worked, unlike some of the other new comic ideas launched around that time (like Livewires), after ending its run of self-contained situations it become more a part of the larger marvel-verse with more tie-ins.
I liked seeing Excelsior/Loners arc because it was great to see what became of those 90s teen heroes, especially Darkhawk who was my favorite as a kid.
The Cloak and Dagger arc had some good moments, like seeing the New Avengers (which I was just reading before this) and Spidy. It was interesting seeing that story tie in to the MGH which I’ve read about in Alias (and funny enough the recent Dazzler novel). However, what happened to Dagger was really disturbing to me. I didn’t like seeing her stripped of all her agency like that, even in the end when the situation was resolved. For some reason that’s what made me give it three stars over four… the bad taste that still remains in my thoughts from that story even after finishing a few couple story arcs after that.
Overall I did like this and I’m glad I took the time to read it. The characters are great and it’s always an emotional hit every time you see them come and go. I am looking forward to reading future Runaways stories, especially since one ended on such a downer cliffhanger.
This collection was more of an assortment of various stories compared to the first collection. It did have little hints and seeds throughout which lead to the big conclusion, which was nice, but certainly felt much more random. I guess this is because Runaways worked, unlike some of the other new comic ideas launched around that time (like Livewires), after ending its run of self-contained situations it become more a part of the larger marvel-verse with more tie-ins.
I liked seeing Excelsior/Loners arc because it was great to see what became of those 90s teen heroes, especially Darkhawk who was my favorite as a kid.
The Cloak and Dagger arc had some good moments, like seeing the New Avengers (which I was just reading before this) and Spidy. It was interesting seeing that story tie in to the MGH which I’ve read about in Alias (and funny enough the recent Dazzler novel). However, what happened to Dagger was really disturbing to me. I didn’t like seeing her stripped of all her agency like that, even in the end when the situation was resolved. For some reason that’s what made me give it three stars over four… the bad taste that still remains in my thoughts from that story even after finishing a few couple story arcs after that.
Overall I did like this and I’m glad I took the time to read it. The characters are great and it’s always an emotional hit every time you see them come and go. I am looking forward to reading future Runaways stories, especially since one ended on such a downer cliffhanger.
August 19, 2025
After pretty much ending the book, Vaughn continues it necessarily with what is basically the second season of The Runaways. In the first volume, we got basically one story over three arcs. Here, we have a much more episodic series of adventures.
True Believers is a six issue story about the Runaways recruiting a new member. After being visited by Future Gert, they set out to stop Victor, the son of the world's greatest villain, from one day killing all superheroes. It's a pretty fun introduction of a new character to the team, but it feels a little more aimless after the focused first three issues.
Star Crossed is a two issue arc that features Karolina coming out, being rejected by Nico, and then suddenly meeting her betrothed and leaving to stop a war between the Majesdanes and Skrulls. I think it's the most successful of the three, even if Xavin's arrival is hilariously timed.
East Coast/West Coast is a four issue arc in which Cloak has been accused of beating Dagger into the hospital. Since the Avengers are useless in Young Adult Marvel books, Tyrone has to go to the Runaways for help. Seriously, I think it's really funny how useless the Avengers are in the Young Avengers and Runaways comics. Overall, I loved this, but the treatment of Dagger kind of bothered me.
These were mostly better than I remembered. I'm sad that I'm almost done with Vaughn's run. I wish he had written these for a considerably longer amount of time.
True Believers is a six issue story about the Runaways recruiting a new member. After being visited by Future Gert, they set out to stop Victor, the son of the world's greatest villain, from one day killing all superheroes. It's a pretty fun introduction of a new character to the team, but it feels a little more aimless after the focused first three issues.
Star Crossed is a two issue arc that features Karolina coming out, being rejected by Nico, and then suddenly meeting her betrothed and leaving to stop a war between the Majesdanes and Skrulls. I think it's the most successful of the three, even if Xavin's arrival is hilariously timed.
East Coast/West Coast is a four issue arc in which Cloak has been accused of beating Dagger into the hospital. Since the Avengers are useless in Young Adult Marvel books, Tyrone has to go to the Runaways for help. Seriously, I think it's really funny how useless the Avengers are in the Young Avengers and Runaways comics. Overall, I loved this, but the treatment of Dagger kind of bothered me.
These were mostly better than I remembered. I'm sad that I'm almost done with Vaughn's run. I wish he had written these for a considerably longer amount of time.
September 11, 2017
In this collection, the Runaways are back together - Nico, Karolina, Gert, Chase, and Molly. They're fighting crime in LA, trying to make up for their parents' evil, and living under the La Brea tar pits. A future version of Gert arrives in a time machine to make a dire warning about Victor Mancha, a.k.a. Victorious: "His father is a villain from your time...the greatest evil in the universe." Gert-from-the-future dies, and the remaining Runaways must find Victor in the present.
An unbeknownst-to-her fiance arrives to take Karolina back to their home planet, and she agrees to go for the sake of peace between the two planets (but the marriage fails to bring peace, and the two return to Earth).
Alex's old gamer buddies discover his true identity and try to resurrect him, but end up with his father, Geoffrey Wilder, instead; so at least one member of The Pride is on the prowl, determined to regain his wife and son. In a battle in the final issue, Wilder kills Gert before returning to the past, and Chase steals his decoder ring and vows revenge.
An unbeknownst-to-her fiance arrives to take Karolina back to their home planet, and she agrees to go for the sake of peace between the two planets (but the marriage fails to bring peace, and the two return to Earth).
Alex's old gamer buddies discover his true identity and try to resurrect him, but end up with his father, Geoffrey Wilder, instead; so at least one member of The Pride is on the prowl, determined to regain his wife and son. In a battle in the final issue, Wilder kills Gert before returning to the past, and Chase steals his decoder ring and vows revenge.
May 3, 2020
Drugi tom przygód nastoletnich uciekinierów wprawdzie nieco ustępuje pierwszemu, ale nadal ma to coś co pozwala czytelnikowi na zostanie oczarowanym urokiem występujących tu postaci. Mamy tu w zasadzie trzy różne historie, w przebiegu których skład Runaways nieco się zmieni, być może powodując nawet żal za takim rozwiązaniem, co tylko stanowi siłę tego tytułu. Kreska jest świetna, kolorowa, więc jeżeli macie dość ponurych kolorów z innej serii jaką zapodaje nam Egmont na rynek rodzimy (vide Punisher MAX) to śmiało sięgajcie po ten tytuł. Tym bardziej, że po całość mogą też sięgnąć Wasze dzieciaki z podstawówki (o ile takowe macie...). Co absolutnie nie przeszkodziło mi, trzydziestolatkowi, bawić się tutaj przednio.
Drugi tom Deluxe posiada jeszcze małą historyjkę ze spotkania z X-men, które jednakowoż nie miało dla mnie sensu, poza tym faktem, iż fajnie było zerkać na pojedynek obu zespołów. I to tyle, bo gdy dochodzi do konkluzji, to okazuje się że całe to zajście... było zbędne. To chyba jedyny minus jaki tutaj widzę.
Drugi tom Deluxe posiada jeszcze małą historyjkę ze spotkania z X-men, które jednakowoż nie miało dla mnie sensu, poza tym faktem, iż fajnie było zerkać na pojedynek obu zespołów. I to tyle, bo gdy dochodzi do konkluzji, to okazuje się że całe to zajście... było zbędne. To chyba jedyny minus jaki tutaj widzę.
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