Runaways (2003-2004) #1

Runaways (2003) (Single Issues) #1

by Brian K. Vaughan, Adrian Alphona (Illustrator), David Newbold (Illustrator)

Six couples meet up every year for a party and each year each couple brings their child. This year, the children decide to find out what is so special about this annual party, only to find the parents committing murder!

Genres: Comics, Marvel, Graphic Novels, Graphic Novels Comics, Young Adult, Fantasy

25 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2003

About the author

Brian 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.

Reviews

[Siobhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's extremely difficult to rate the individual chapters, therefore the following is a review of the first volume. In other words, chapters one through six.


I am a big fan of Brian K. Vaughan’s Saga series and have been meaning to dive into more of his work for a while. Finally, I have picked up the first volume of Runaways: Pride and Joy and found it to be an okay read.

I can certainly see why many enjoy this one, as there are lots of things I am interested to see more of. While I did find it enjoyable, it was clear that this was an introduction to the series. Lots was introduced and questions were raised, ensuring I wanted more, but there was nothing that made me go ‘this is such a unique concept’ in the way parts of Saga do. Although it did not blow my mind, I am curious enough to read the next volume.

All in all, this has not earned a spot on my must-read list of graphic novel series, but it has left me willing to read more.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a series that had been on my list for a while and then the series came out and I just never got round to it. Since the show returns in 10 days, I want to read a few of the comic series before it comes back out.
This was a great first issue. It introduced all the relevant characters quickly but we got to know to see a little bit of their personalities too. The main characters are diverse in all ways and it will be interesting to see how the story develops along with the characters.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to really like this, but I just didn't. I think it's less about the characters and the story, and more about the author and his writing style. I've just never been a big fan of Vaughan, and I was turned off the moment one of the characters uttered the "R-word". Yeah, I know that things were different back when this story came out (early 2000s), but I still didn't like it. It's kinda hard to get behind or root for a hero that talks like that, y'know?

I really have no desire to continue reading this series. I would, however, like to read Rainbow Rowell's version.

[Adam Spanos · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot is fun, easy to follow. Not sure how I felt about the sacrificial girl at the beginning but I made it through. Also, art work wasn't that great. Was a little simplistic and clearly geared for a younger market.

[Luis González · Rating 4 out of 5]

Empezamos fuerte, ¿eh? No me imaginaba que estuviera tan turbia la historia jajaja pero me agradó. Quizá el único problema sea la diversidad de personajes, son muchos y es difícil saber quién es quién o qué onda, pero eso se arregla con la lectura y el tiempo. Vamos al segundo tomo.

[Pixie 🍜 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forgot about some of these characters but all I remember is it being gay I think

[Norrin Shearer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good! Really excited to keep reading and see where it goes. It shows its age in a few lines of dialogue, but otherwise this first issue has held up really well. Good stuff!

[Lacie Scout Bateau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm late to the game, as well as the "new" show (which is going on to season 2, and I have JUST watched season 1). The show is what piqued my interest in reading the title as I have so many other titles to read.
So, I started with the oldest dated books I could find; that being 2003. If you're a fan of the show, the show is very loosely based on the idea of this comic & characters. I don't know how closely newer versions are, as I haven't read them yet.
Anyway, this is about the comic, not the show. The story is quick to action from the get-go. I think I would have been at a better advantage reading this before watching the show as I had already developed preconceived biases and favorite characters.
The teenage children accidentally discover their parents are not who they thought they were; in fact they are a group of dark, twisted, and dangerous people.
Each kid comes from a different background, thus making their
experience unique. There are other circumstances that are revealed making the story exciting on a higher level.
I love the artwork, the covers are gorgeous! I recommend this series for those looking for something a little different.

[mkhare · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Not a fan of the art, but I really want to read more!

[Thenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

An introduction to the soon-to-be runaways. They're an interesting mix of kids. Let's see what they get up to...