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Runaways (2003-2009) (Collected Editions)
Runaways, Vol. 4: True Believers
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? Collects Runaways #1-6.
144 pages, Paperback
First published October 12, 2005
39 people are currently reading
1247 people want to read
About the author
Brian K. Vaughan
1,057 books14.1k 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 277 reviews
August 18, 2020
A much more Marvel Universe conventional volume sees a time traveller want the kids of a huge danger to the future, in the shape of teenager Victor Mancha. What ensues is b and c-list cameos, two surprising dark super villains and a cat and mouse chase across L.A. Surprising how conventional and banal this volume was compared to my memories of this series, still some great character interactions let Vaughan's creativity shine. 6.5 out of 12.
October 15, 2019
Turns out I kinda like these better without so much Pride involvement. Or authority figures.
Getting the team back together as a way to just GET OUT OF THE SYSTEM is enough justification for me. What's worse? Learning that your parents are super villains? Or being wards of the state?
This is a VERY DIFFICULT QUESTION.
Of course, putting our folks up against some former B-lister heroes just trying to do the right thing while recovering in self-help groups designed to work through the issues of being child superheroes is just too funny to miss. Runaways versus self-help junkies. :)
And then there's the time-travel, super-dark future knocking on their door.
All in all, enjoyable. :)
Getting the team back together as a way to just GET OUT OF THE SYSTEM is enough justification for me. What's worse? Learning that your parents are super villains? Or being wards of the state?
This is a VERY DIFFICULT QUESTION.
Of course, putting our folks up against some former B-lister heroes just trying to do the right thing while recovering in self-help groups designed to work through the issues of being child superheroes is just too funny to miss. Runaways versus self-help junkies. :)
And then there's the time-travel, super-dark future knocking on their door.
All in all, enjoyable. :)
February 22, 2019
If you liked the previous Runaways run by Vaughan, you're sure to enjoy this as well. Vaughan gives us a bit of a fresh start after the previous series ends with the death of The Pride. Our Runaways are living their lives in their new home under the La Brea tar pits when a future version of Gerdy warns them of a snake in the nest that murders all the superheroes 20 years in the future. So the Runaways go in search of this baddie (who may not necessarily be bad currently.) That's the main impetus of this arc to find this person and then determine who their father is. But things couldn't just be that easy. A group of former teenage superheroes are thrown into the fix as well. They run a support group to get teenagers out of superheroing and back into normal life.
Vaughan continues to insert plenty of humor into the book. Even though Chase is pretty much useless, his one-liners make me crack up. I think my favorite this time was "Kingpin of Crime, more like the kingpin of Crisco." Alphona's art looks even better than the previous books. Or maybe it's Christina Strain's colors hiding the aspects I don't like in Alphona's later art or even in the sketchbook section in the back. I honestly don't think you can go wrong with any book written by Vaughan.
Vaughan continues to insert plenty of humor into the book. Even though Chase is pretty much useless, his one-liners make me crack up. I think my favorite this time was "Kingpin of Crime, more like the kingpin of Crisco." Alphona's art looks even better than the previous books. Or maybe it's Christina Strain's colors hiding the aspects I don't like in Alphona's later art or even in the sketchbook section in the back. I honestly don't think you can go wrong with any book written by Vaughan.
January 10, 2019
Book 11 of 2019.
Another great volume of the Runaways, where things are not what they seem. This is a re-read for me and it’s great spotting all the little clues to things that will happen later that went completely over my head the first time.
Another great volume of the Runaways, where things are not what they seem. This is a re-read for me and it’s great spotting all the little clues to things that will happen later that went completely over my head the first time.
June 28, 2016
I though know what happen!!! The spell work out!!!
So this in this volumen came Victor (and i really loved Victor in Civil War, and yes, because of that i knew who is his dad before they said it). I don't know what to think, really like more the last volumes but this isn't bad, just not as good.
By the way, who the hell created this covers? Every single one make me believe the worst can happen!!!
Anyway, the next volume hopely give me some answer
So this in this volumen came Victor (and i really loved Victor in Civil War, and yes, because of that i knew who is his dad before they said it). I don't know what to think, really like more the last volumes but this isn't bad, just not as good.
By the way, who the hell created this covers? Every single one make me believe the worst can happen!!!
Anyway, the next volume hopely give me some answer
Read
May 15, 2020Face it, some kids are a lost cause...
After Gertrude time-travels from the future to warn The Runaways about Victor, the race is on to find him, fore in 20 years he’ll be known as Victorious. Meanwhile, a mysterious benefactor wants the Runaways caught. The reward: $1,000,000!
READ WHILE IN QUARANTINE!!
January 21, 2018
Better than volume 3, with some glorious swerves of misdirection and some of Vaughan's trademark wit.
Victor is a great new character, and the final panels would seem to imply a reckoning is in the offing.
Victor is a great new character, and the final panels would seem to imply a reckoning is in the offing.
April 23, 2017
Ik HOU echt steeds meer van deze serie!!! Jammer dat ik nog maar 4 delen heb liggen en dat het dan klaar is... en daar waar ik bij Ms Marvel de toevoeging van de andere superhelden niet nodig vond, zijn ze hier juist geweldig toegepast!!! Love it!!! En de humor... echt geniaal.
September 7, 2013
This is still pretty fun, with an interesting new plotline. I love that Gert, the dumpier, least cool looking kid is the one having a fun and successful relationship. I wish there'd been more character time, though -- and if Ultron is the Big Bad he's meant to be, how come he was taken down so easily...?
Anyway, I always start reading a volume kind of sceptical, not entirely into it. But I always finish them in one go. They don't compare to the Young Avengers for me, but they're fun.
Anyway, I always start reading a volume kind of sceptical, not entirely into it. But I always finish them in one go. They don't compare to the Young Avengers for me, but they're fun.
August 30, 2024
The intro of Victor! Liked the simple way his story was told and the time travel part was spot on. Another solid installment of the runaway crew. Lots of cameos too.
February 19, 2017
Solid and solid.
World: The art is fine, as I said Alphona's characters are very expressive and that's the high point of the art. The world building this time around is also solid. It's not in your face but it does have enough to set the stage and make the story interesting.
Story: Solid what are the Runaways suppose to do now? Simple, they continue their mission and that's what Vaughan did. It's a simple premise well told resulting in a fun book. The plot kept me guessing and the reveal also but maybe I'm just naive.
Characters: The heart of the story again and once again the banter and interactions are spot on. There is genuine emotions coming from the characters and it's great.
Solid and solid.
Onward to the next book!
World: The art is fine, as I said Alphona's characters are very expressive and that's the high point of the art. The world building this time around is also solid. It's not in your face but it does have enough to set the stage and make the story interesting.
Story: Solid what are the Runaways suppose to do now? Simple, they continue their mission and that's what Vaughan did. It's a simple premise well told resulting in a fun book. The plot kept me guessing and the reveal also but maybe I'm just naive.
Characters: The heart of the story again and once again the banter and interactions are spot on. There is genuine emotions coming from the characters and it's great.
Solid and solid.
Onward to the next book!
June 22, 2017
"What's... what's your power?"
"A poor upbringing."
Okay, can we just take a moment and appreciate this cover in all its glory:
Even got a bit of the traitor in there too. (Can you find him?)
A good start to the second collection of Runaways volumes: Actual time travel. Introduction of new main character. Limited random drama or romance. Action-filled fight scenes. Injection of classic villain.
A good, solid issue all around. I recommend it to Marvel lovers who don't mind the focus being on a new character who has some serious daddy issues.
"A poor upbringing."
Okay, can we just take a moment and appreciate this cover in all its glory:
Even got a bit of the traitor in there too. (Can you find him?)
A good start to the second collection of Runaways volumes: Actual time travel. Introduction of new main character. Limited random drama or romance. Action-filled fight scenes. Injection of classic villain.
A good, solid issue all around. I recommend it to Marvel lovers who don't mind the focus being on a new character who has some serious daddy issues.
March 18, 2018
Continues a great story. Vaughan has created a pretty cool bunch of super heroes.
May 10, 2019
basically a re-read for me...must have read this in a bigger collection.
May 7, 2023
3.5 🌟
January 13, 2018
I read the Runaways years ago, but since the new t.v. series started up I decided to go back and reread these.
This is a good series, it's written well and doesn't feel dumb like some other comics written for a youthful audience. It's full of drama, teen angst, superheroes, action, romance, and so much more.
This was actually the first volume I could locate at my local library and I haven't read the first 3 volumes in well over a decade, yet it was easy picking this up and continuing on.
It's a fun read, with a surprising amount of depth and the plot twist towards the end was actually pretty cool.
The t.v. show isn't near up to this part and I doubt it'll cover all this, so reading this is fine and won't give much away.
This is a good series, it's written well and doesn't feel dumb like some other comics written for a youthful audience. It's full of drama, teen angst, superheroes, action, romance, and so much more.
This was actually the first volume I could locate at my local library and I haven't read the first 3 volumes in well over a decade, yet it was easy picking this up and continuing on.
It's a fun read, with a surprising amount of depth and the plot twist towards the end was actually pretty cool.
The t.v. show isn't near up to this part and I doubt it'll cover all this, so reading this is fine and won't give much away.
December 26, 2017
I was slightly concerned that this comic wouldn't be able to match the brilliance of the previous story arc. While it was a tough act to follow, this second story arc was still great. I didn't care for the introduction of a washed up third string former child heroes, I felt like it took away from the Runaways, and their character development.
Otherwise this continue to be a fun and fresh-feeling comic.
Otherwise this continue to be a fun and fresh-feeling comic.
November 9, 2013
In volume 4, the Runaways are, along with others in the LA area, trying to fill the power vacuum left by the destruction of the Pride. When a future Gert appears and tells them that they have to find a boy so that he cannot later destroy the Avengers, the Runaways are set on a collision course with a very familiar Marvel villain. And a mysterious benefactor contacts a group of former superheroes to try to get them to find the Runaways and get them off the streets and into normal lives. These former superheroes have given up the masked life and are trying to lead normal lives themselves so they want the same for the Runaways. The struggles of some of these superheroes to deal with fighting again and trying to help kids who don't want their help was really interesting. Another good addition to an interesting series, I'll definitely be checking out the next few.
March 30, 2015
I have read my fair share of graphic novels and I have tried some manga, but this is the first comic that has me absolutely HOOKED. I am so glad that I checked out several volumes at once, because I honestly don't think that I could have slept tonight without reading the next volume. This was jam-packed with action and suspense, plus great cameos by all sorts of Marvel heroes! Loved it!
December 5, 2017
Again a GREAT comic, the story is still GREAT!! And I was definitely surprised :) But I didn't like the art in this one as much... the change in the art is a bit strange since the artist is still the same...
May 25, 2016
4/5 stars
No f*cking way. I knew it. I knew that person couldn't be dead. Holy cow I'm so PUMPED.
No f*cking way. I knew it. I knew that person couldn't be dead. Holy cow I'm so PUMPED.
June 10, 2020
I really loved the first story arc but this was just too confusing with the introduction of so many new characters.
May 19, 2019
It's very nice to see the old gang back together in this volume. We get to see a bit more experience from our crew here, but my favorite parts of Volume 4 are the unexpected twists that push the story in new directions and the introduction (and integration) of some big-time Marvel baddies for our heroes to contend with. It's fun to see the Runaways maturing, and, as they do, their challenges become increasingly bigger, as well. About my only complaint is the seemingly random restriction that Nico's staff can cast a single spell only once...ever. That probably sounded reasonable when they were brainstorming the concept, but it feels awkward and arbitrary in the flow of the story. I hope this restriction takes on a more compelling and integrated role in upcoming stories. Despite that, I'm very much enjoying the story overall. On to Volume 5!
June 12, 2018
We meet the future version of one of our Runaways who then dies after sending them on a mission to stop a boy from becoming evil. Victor Mancha doesn't know who his father is, but it will determine who he is. Plus, some retired super heroes are sent out by an anonymous benefactor to retrieve the Runaways. Don't worry, the benefactor's a goodie.
December 12, 2018
A solid story arc -- particularly interesting to see the effect on the Marvel Comics west coast now that "The Pride", the crime syndicate running it for decades (and parents to our titular Runaways) is dead and gone. Less interesting is the story arc introducing a new character, with the brief guessing game of which villainous legacy he has inherited. Great to see some has-been C-list young heroes get another moment in the sun as a group of "recovering heroes" hired to track down the main characters.
June 29, 2023
I like it but it just seems unrealistic that theyd befriend the guy that is supposed to kill gertude in the future like I know hes supposed to be a good person now, but after alex I just dont get how they could trust someone like that so easily
July 6, 2020
Curious to see where this series goes as the first trilogybof graphic novels wrapped up so well. Interesting 1st parter to the next phase.
May 17, 2024
I should give this a 5 for its humor
September 7, 2020
Great start to a new arc, the art is different so the characters don't quite look the same, but I soon got used to it.
This was a fun volume with a bunch of jokes and name dropping. I'm looking forward to seeing where this storyline takes us!
This was a fun volume with a bunch of jokes and name dropping. I'm looking forward to seeing where this storyline takes us!
September 24, 2019
Wow, things are getting crazy. there were a few times where it felt like the plot was lagging, but it was good for the most part! plus, I was SO excited to finally be introduced to my favorite character from Find Your Way Home, Victor Mancha!! I’m so excited to see where the next volume takes him and the crew(:
Displaying 1 - 30 of 277 reviews