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Runaways (2017) (Collected Editions)
Runaways, Vol. 2: Best Friends Forever
The Runaways are a family again! But a family needs a guardian, and the only Runaway who's got her life together is in middle school. And, even for a kid like Molly who likes her classes, that can be fraught with peril. Meanwhile, there's a new arrival as the gang welcomes Karolina's girlfriend - Julie Power of Power Pack! Having an experienced adventurer around will be useful when one of the universe's most fearsome villains invades the hostel! But do some of the Runaways have mixed feelings about Julie's arrival? As Molly contemplates a supernatural deal that must have a monkey's paw-esque downside, one of the team suff ers a fate worse than death. Really! And will the Runaways' greatest foe be...well-meaning outsiders who want to help them?! Your favorite super hero teen drama continues!
COLLECTING: RUNAWAYS 7-12
COLLECTING: RUNAWAYS 7-12
136 pages, Paperback
First published October 30, 2018
20 people are currently reading
2086 people want to read
About the author
Rainbow Rowell
142 books141k followersRainbow Rowell writes all kinds of stuff.
Sometimes she writes about adults (ATTACHMENTS, LANDLINE, SLOW DANCE).
Sometimes she writes about teenagers (ELEANOR & PARK, FANGIRL) .
Sometimes — actually, a lot of the time — she writes about lovesick vampires and guys with dragon wings. (THE SIMON SNOW TRILOGY).
Recently, she’s been writing comics, including her first graphic novel, PUMPKINHEADS, and the monthly SHE-HULK comic for Marvel.
She lives in Omaha, Nebraska.
More at rainbowrowell.com.
Sometimes she writes about adults (ATTACHMENTS, LANDLINE, SLOW DANCE).
Sometimes she writes about teenagers (ELEANOR & PARK, FANGIRL) .
Sometimes — actually, a lot of the time — she writes about lovesick vampires and guys with dragon wings. (THE SIMON SNOW TRILOGY).
Recently, she’s been writing comics, including her first graphic novel, PUMPKINHEADS, and the monthly SHE-HULK comic for Marvel.
She lives in Omaha, Nebraska.
More at rainbowrowell.com.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 311 reviews
August 22, 2020
Rowell is kicking this book out of the park! More hyper real teenage and young peoples' angst, optimism and fun, with the addition of immortals, witches, lesbian romance, a big-time super-villain, dyed hair overkill and more! Now with ongoing sub-plots, the cool multi-faceted characterisations of the Runways, total adherence to the continuity, with rational actions and outcomes that like Brian K Vaughan before, soundly places the Runways in a more believable Marvel Universe than the mainstream (alongside Jessica Jones - Alias, Vol. 1).
The handling of the non-binary characters is done wonderful by Rowell - clearly defining them not by their sexuality at all, but by who they are - the rest of Marvel Universe should be taking notes. The humour is to-die-for, and a 13 year old Molly is still a joy to behold! Probably the best ongoing Marvel series of 2018. 8.5 out of 12.
The handling of the non-binary characters is done wonderful by Rowell - clearly defining them not by their sexuality at all, but by who they are - the rest of Marvel Universe should be taking notes. The humour is to-die-for, and a 13 year old Molly is still a joy to behold! Probably the best ongoing Marvel series of 2018. 8.5 out of 12.
September 21, 2019
Well, there's definitely more at play here compared to the first volume. I liked how everyone is trying to get things back to normal and to settle back into their old lives, even though it isn't easy at all. Victor is probably one of my favorites, I think he's a very complex character and I like how he interacts with everyone. Also, I can't stop laughing every time I see him in Chase's backpack.
I think the third volume will have to deal with some of the new relationships that may or may not have been started at the end of this second volume.
I think the third volume will have to deal with some of the new relationships that may or may not have been started at the end of this second volume.
September 9, 2018
While I enjoyed Rainbow Rowell's first volume a lot, this second volume was AMAZING! She's really not afraid to move these characters in new directions and mix up their relationships. The first volume was basically going back to the roots of the team, but this one is moving them forward, and I'm loving where they're all going. I can't wait to see where Rowell takes them next! 5/5 stars, and definitely a worthy continuation of the original comics.
April 25, 2021
Didn't realise it would be so addictive
September 4, 2018
That last issue! The whole arc was great and I thoroughly enjoyed every issue, but wow, that last one! I have three spoilery shouts:
So.. yeah. Totally in love with this series and these characters. I'm living in Scotland for a few months, which means I can buy the issues right when they come out, instead being a month behind on everyone else because of shipping. Good thing, too, because I need to find out what happens next ASAP. It's gonna be great.
So.. yeah. Totally in love with this series and these characters. I'm living in Scotland for a few months, which means I can buy the issues right when they come out, instead being a month behind on everyone else because of shipping. Good thing, too, because I need to find out what happens next ASAP. It's gonna be great.
October 18, 2018
4.5 stars.
The relaunch of Runaways continues to fire on all cylinders! AND they brought in a member of Power Pack?!?! Awesome!
The relaunch of Runaways continues to fire on all cylinders! AND they brought in a member of Power Pack?!?! Awesome!
September 13, 2018
4.5 stars. I think having the characters be a little older really works. They're a little more matured, and more rational about a lot of things. All the while still being the characters we love. PS: Thank you Rainbow Rowell, for writing a Chase Stein I actually enjoy reading.
April 17, 2020
the subtle horniness infused in the way anka draws himbo dad of the year chase stein
February 9, 2019
Goodreads needs to learn math. says 99% liked this but the percentages don't add up to that, and 2 stars and 1 star ratings even though there are a bunch are counted at 0%....uh wtf is going on here???
January 15, 2021
I liked this more than the first one, the panelling was still off, but less so this time around. I liked the story more and the characters are getting better as well. I will probably continue reading this series. At least as long as I can read about Victor.
September 22, 2022
I think I liked this even more than volume one. It’s fun having the band back together and seeing how they navigate their new circumstances as a group, from deciding who’s taking custody of Molly to fending off an angry Doombot together. While I found Victor von Doom’s Doombots out of place in a Winter Soldier story, they’re a much better fit here, and the hilarity of that fight scene, alongside Julie Power’s actual hero experience, really highlights what a hot mess the Runaways are. They’re not a superhero team, but they are a family, and their loyalty extends only to each other.
There are good character arcs here for Molly, Karolina, Gert, and Victor, as they struggle to come to terms with this new existence. Gert is two years displaced from her timeline, Molly’s plot with her best friend is weirdly sinister, and Victor fears that being put back in a functioning cyborg body would make him a villain again, while Karolina tries to make a long-distance relationship work. Some of the romances happen a little abruptly, and I would have liked more development and buildup on those (although some of the full-page art on them is flat-out gorgeous), but it is a graphic novel, and a young adult one at that. The pace tends to be pretty fast overall. I’m having a lot of fun with these, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next for this ragtag team of misfits.
I review regularly at brightbeautifulthings.tumblr.com.
There are good character arcs here for Molly, Karolina, Gert, and Victor, as they struggle to come to terms with this new existence. Gert is two years displaced from her timeline, Molly’s plot with her best friend is weirdly sinister, and Victor fears that being put back in a functioning cyborg body would make him a villain again, while Karolina tries to make a long-distance relationship work. Some of the romances happen a little abruptly, and I would have liked more development and buildup on those (although some of the full-page art on them is flat-out gorgeous), but it is a graphic novel, and a young adult one at that. The pace tends to be pretty fast overall. I’m having a lot of fun with these, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next for this ragtag team of misfits.
I review regularly at brightbeautifulthings.tumblr.com.
March 5, 2019
Niet zo sterk als de eerste serie, minder humor en sarcasme, tragere verhaallijn. Maar zeker nog leuk om te lezen! En dat einde doet verlangen naar Vol 3 ;)
March 4, 2019
You can tell that this story is very well researched. Rowell does not feel like an outsider, and it's clear that she is passionate about this project. Only issue is, things sort of meander, and it feels inappropriately episodic when all is said and done with. It's hard to tell how this is going to add up to a greater plot and not just be a big mess of cute things that happened.
I love the art, and I LOVE what Rainbow does with some of the characters and relationships. It's absolutely wonderful how totally gay this book is, and I'm super happy with how representation is handled. These feel like the authentic Runaways, and there is so much to explore within those walls. It's a fun teen drama, but again, I don't see the long game.
That twist at the end though! Maybe this is where we hop on the rails and really do something worth while.
I love the art, and I LOVE what Rainbow does with some of the characters and relationships. It's absolutely wonderful how totally gay this book is, and I'm super happy with how representation is handled. These feel like the authentic Runaways, and there is so much to explore within those walls. It's a fun teen drama, but again, I don't see the long game.
That twist at the end though! Maybe this is where we hop on the rails and really do something worth while.
October 30, 2018
[Read in single issues]
What a fantastic volume! I never read past the third volume of the original Runaways series so I know there's a lot of history with there characters that I don't know. But with the way Rainbow (can I call her that? I read so much of her stuff, I'm starting to feel like she's a really close friend so I'll call her Rainbow) writes, I don't feel 100% out of the loop. I love how she brings up things that previously happened in their history but makes it feel natural. She acknowledges that these characters have a deep, rich history and uses that to her advantage by weaving a story that both old and new readers will appreciate.
This is definitely one of my favorite titles coming out of Marvel and it will always be on my pull list.
What a fantastic volume! I never read past the third volume of the original Runaways series so I know there's a lot of history with there characters that I don't know. But with the way Rainbow (can I call her that? I read so much of her stuff, I'm starting to feel like she's a really close friend so I'll call her Rainbow) writes, I don't feel 100% out of the loop. I love how she brings up things that previously happened in their history but makes it feel natural. She acknowledges that these characters have a deep, rich history and uses that to her advantage by weaving a story that both old and new readers will appreciate.
This is definitely one of my favorite titles coming out of Marvel and it will always be on my pull list.
September 25, 2020
Wow, this new volume of the Runaways continues to be magnificent. Not only do we get two terrific new characters in Julie Powers and DOOMBOT, but we also get a fun story about eternal-youth, an issue about Gert, and an issue about relationships. There's great plot, great characterization, and increasingly one of the best things that Marvel is publishing.
And then the last page cliffhanger? Yikes! Bring on the next TPB.
And then the last page cliffhanger? Yikes! Bring on the next TPB.
January 2, 2019
Nothing earthshaking is going on here, but I like these characters, and it makes me happy to read about them hanging out with each other.
September 17, 2018
[Read as single issues]
The band may be back together, but that doesn’t mean that they’re playing in harmony. With tensions running high and every member of the Runaways coping with their everything-old-is-new-again situation differently, it’s only a matter of time before things explode. All it takes is a surprise visit from Karolina’s girlfriend and a magical age-defying cupcake, not to mention Doctor Doom, and the Runaways fragile family bonds may fracture before they’ve even unpacked their bags.
Best Friends Forever is a clever little arc. Rainbow Rowell does a bait and switch, making it as if the main plotline she introduces is going to be the most important one, but it actually impacts one of the subplots even moreso and becomes something entirely different by the end of the four issues. The character interactions remain absolutely top notch; I’ve never seen anyone get these characters as well as she does since Brian Vaughan created them and that’s high praise indeed. The way she threads in previous continuity like Avengers AI and Julie and Karolina’s relationship is perfectly pitched so that it nods to past stories without confusing new readers, and the voices she gives the characters are all so distinct, and yet so effortlessly done.
The true masterpiece of this volume though is probably the last two issues, two one-and-dones that deal with the aftermath of Best Friends Forever while focusing more on the individual characters than the whole group. Issue 11 brings Gert into the spotlight for the first time properly since she was brought back to life, and how she copes with both the new dynamic between her and the other characters and her and the rest of the world now that things have changed is again practically perfect. Meanwhile issue 12 looks at Karolina and Nico, picking up some plot threads that Brian Vaughan left hanging and running with them fantastically, before ending on a gut-punch of an ending that I didn’t expect to come into play just yet.
Of course, I can’t leave out Kris Anka. His eye for design makes all of these characters look like real people, in real clothing, and there’s no effort spared in any issue to make sure that they’re wearing new, always appropriate outfits. He does so much with so little, and his facial expressions are absolutely amazing – you’ve never seen a deinonychus look as expressive as Old Lace does here, and even with some help from Craig Yeung and Triona Farrell in place of his usual inker (himself) and colourist (Matt Wilson), this book doesn’t miss a beat on the art front either.
I cannot stop singing the praises of Runaways. From the story to the characters to the art to the respect for what came before, it’s literally doing everything right. If there was a rating higher than five stars, I’d be giving it out. Runaways is the perfect comic book, and I don’t think I’ve ever said that about any comic ever.
The band may be back together, but that doesn’t mean that they’re playing in harmony. With tensions running high and every member of the Runaways coping with their everything-old-is-new-again situation differently, it’s only a matter of time before things explode. All it takes is a surprise visit from Karolina’s girlfriend and a magical age-defying cupcake, not to mention Doctor Doom, and the Runaways fragile family bonds may fracture before they’ve even unpacked their bags.
Best Friends Forever is a clever little arc. Rainbow Rowell does a bait and switch, making it as if the main plotline she introduces is going to be the most important one, but it actually impacts one of the subplots even moreso and becomes something entirely different by the end of the four issues. The character interactions remain absolutely top notch; I’ve never seen anyone get these characters as well as she does since Brian Vaughan created them and that’s high praise indeed. The way she threads in previous continuity like Avengers AI and Julie and Karolina’s relationship is perfectly pitched so that it nods to past stories without confusing new readers, and the voices she gives the characters are all so distinct, and yet so effortlessly done.
The true masterpiece of this volume though is probably the last two issues, two one-and-dones that deal with the aftermath of Best Friends Forever while focusing more on the individual characters than the whole group. Issue 11 brings Gert into the spotlight for the first time properly since she was brought back to life, and how she copes with both the new dynamic between her and the other characters and her and the rest of the world now that things have changed is again practically perfect. Meanwhile issue 12 looks at Karolina and Nico, picking up some plot threads that Brian Vaughan left hanging and running with them fantastically, before ending on a gut-punch of an ending that I didn’t expect to come into play just yet.
Of course, I can’t leave out Kris Anka. His eye for design makes all of these characters look like real people, in real clothing, and there’s no effort spared in any issue to make sure that they’re wearing new, always appropriate outfits. He does so much with so little, and his facial expressions are absolutely amazing – you’ve never seen a deinonychus look as expressive as Old Lace does here, and even with some help from Craig Yeung and Triona Farrell in place of his usual inker (himself) and colourist (Matt Wilson), this book doesn’t miss a beat on the art front either.
I cannot stop singing the praises of Runaways. From the story to the characters to the art to the respect for what came before, it’s literally doing everything right. If there was a rating higher than five stars, I’d be giving it out. Runaways is the perfect comic book, and I don’t think I’ve ever said that about any comic ever.
October 12, 2018
3.5/5
It was a fun and engaging read but still it was lacking something for me. I love the rebuilding Victor plot and random appearances of the Doombot, how the Runaways are trying to be a family even though they've been apart for long... But I think the romances and relationship dramas are moving a little too fast for me. While I love how Karolina and Nico's relationship is developing, it got a little spoiled for me how it was intertwined with Julie's plot. I'm not really sure about Gert and her developments in that area, though. But I need to say I adore Kris Anka's style – he's the perfect artist for this series. It's still an enjoyable read but still not totally in love with it.
It was a fun and engaging read but still it was lacking something for me. I love the rebuilding Victor plot and random appearances of the Doombot, how the Runaways are trying to be a family even though they've been apart for long... But I think the romances and relationship dramas are moving a little too fast for me. While I love how Karolina and Nico's relationship is developing, it got a little spoiled for me how it was intertwined with Julie's plot. I'm not really sure about Gert and her developments in that area, though. But I need to say I adore Kris Anka's style – he's the perfect artist for this series. It's still an enjoyable read but still not totally in love with it.
June 10, 2019
The second volume in the Eisner nominated Runaways reboot. Chase, Nico, Gert, Old Lace (the dinosaur), the head of Victor the cyborg, and Molly are all back living in the old Runaways underground mansion. Someone has to drive Molly to school everyday, and Chase and Nico are both looking for jobs, and Karolina keeps sleeping over for movie and game nights. It would be prefect, expect some damn thing always seems to crop up: an evil best friend with a magical cupcake, a Doombot, a crush, a kiss, a breakup. Anka's art is gorgeous as always, and Rowell keeps the story moving while taking care with the emotional moments.
January 6, 2019
There's not as much narrative cohesion between issues as I'd like, but I really do love these characters, and I'm in love with Kris Anka's work, particularly the character designs and the outfits. Looking forward to reading more.
September 1, 2019
To quote The Lego Batman Movie, "Friends Are Family". This can perfectly sum up the Runaways, a gang of teenagers who ran away from the super-villainy of their parents, also known as "the Pride". As an unlikely team of youthful-driven super-powered teens who negate the idea of growing up, unfortunately most have grown up, so can they keep this mentality as well as the family together?
Following the first volume of Rainbow Rowell and Kris Anka's run, in which the Runaways are back together after Chase went back in time and saved Gert from death, the gang try to adjust their new status quo, whilst going through the normalcy of everyday life, which turns out to be quite difficult. As the only Runaway who's got their life together, Molly Hayes is loving life her time in middle school, especially with her BFF, Abigail, who has secretly stayed the same age of 13 for a long time and tempts Molly to go through the same magic spell. Best friends forever, right?
I said in my review of the previous volume that Molly is arguably the best Marvel character of all time, and I think this volume more or less confirms it. She is a bright, optimistic girl with Hulk-like strength and yet she can still be wowed by other Marvel characters. And yet, despite her love towards her new best friend, who may introduce themselves in an adorable salute (like in the movie Spider-Man: Homecoming), this temptation of eternal youth becomes the central conflict for Molly. Often seen as the youngest and cutest of the titular group, she asks her fellow Runaways about growing up, each giving their own perspective, positively or negatively.
There are a few moving gears in this arc, from the arrival of Karolina's girlfriend, Julie Power of Power Pack, to a Doombot who thinks he's the real Victor von Doom and is developing a new cyborg body for the headless Victor Mancha, who seems happy with his current state. It may acknowledge aspects of the Marvel universe in the most subtle way, Rainbow Rowell isn't interested in telling a story about superheroes defeating some foe, but exploring the domesticity of these characters, each with their own inner conflict, from Karolina ignores her girlfriend to Victor fearing he will become the weapon he was built to be. Whatever outside conflict, it feels more like a squabble where the outcome doesn't come out on a high note for everyone.
Based on the first volume alone, Kris Anka has already proven himself to be the best artist to ever draw Runaways, from showing the many expressions of all the characters (Molly and Old Lace being the highlights) to the various clothing lines that defines each of the Runaways. As humourous and touching Rowell's dialogue can be, Anka's art can get across the emotions in the silent pages, including a sequence where Gert walks among the public. Although Anka's environments aren't rich in detail, Matthew Wilson's vibrant colouring makes up for it and cleverly uses the colours to convey a character's emotions.
Good and evil is not what drives this title as Rowell and Anka are more interested in exploring angst and romance through a teen soap opera with the occasional superpowers.
Following the first volume of Rainbow Rowell and Kris Anka's run, in which the Runaways are back together after Chase went back in time and saved Gert from death, the gang try to adjust their new status quo, whilst going through the normalcy of everyday life, which turns out to be quite difficult. As the only Runaway who's got their life together, Molly Hayes is loving life her time in middle school, especially with her BFF, Abigail, who has secretly stayed the same age of 13 for a long time and tempts Molly to go through the same magic spell. Best friends forever, right?
I said in my review of the previous volume that Molly is arguably the best Marvel character of all time, and I think this volume more or less confirms it. She is a bright, optimistic girl with Hulk-like strength and yet she can still be wowed by other Marvel characters. And yet, despite her love towards her new best friend, who may introduce themselves in an adorable salute (like in the movie Spider-Man: Homecoming), this temptation of eternal youth becomes the central conflict for Molly. Often seen as the youngest and cutest of the titular group, she asks her fellow Runaways about growing up, each giving their own perspective, positively or negatively.
There are a few moving gears in this arc, from the arrival of Karolina's girlfriend, Julie Power of Power Pack, to a Doombot who thinks he's the real Victor von Doom and is developing a new cyborg body for the headless Victor Mancha, who seems happy with his current state. It may acknowledge aspects of the Marvel universe in the most subtle way, Rainbow Rowell isn't interested in telling a story about superheroes defeating some foe, but exploring the domesticity of these characters, each with their own inner conflict, from Karolina ignores her girlfriend to Victor fearing he will become the weapon he was built to be. Whatever outside conflict, it feels more like a squabble where the outcome doesn't come out on a high note for everyone.
Based on the first volume alone, Kris Anka has already proven himself to be the best artist to ever draw Runaways, from showing the many expressions of all the characters (Molly and Old Lace being the highlights) to the various clothing lines that defines each of the Runaways. As humourous and touching Rowell's dialogue can be, Anka's art can get across the emotions in the silent pages, including a sequence where Gert walks among the public. Although Anka's environments aren't rich in detail, Matthew Wilson's vibrant colouring makes up for it and cleverly uses the colours to convey a character's emotions.
Good and evil is not what drives this title as Rowell and Anka are more interested in exploring angst and romance through a teen soap opera with the occasional superpowers.
December 28, 2022
I was really intrigued by the magic cupcake storyline, but not happy with how it ended. Molly never had to make a decision or reach any type of revelation.
Two new relationships start and I'm not sure how I feel about them .
The Klara wrap up was very odd and felt unnecessarily tacked on in a rush.
Still the comic manages to be fun and we are left on such a shocking cliffhanger.
Two new relationships start and I'm not sure how I feel about them .
The Klara wrap up was very odd and felt unnecessarily tacked on in a rush.
Still the comic manages to be fun and we are left on such a shocking cliffhanger.
March 2, 2019
I wasn’t the biggest fan of volume one but Rowell has figured the Runaways out. This is fun and touching, sad and exciting, just like growing up. The family is in the awkward phase after teenage years mostly, and couples switch, agendas change.
It is beautifully drawn. The pacing is fun. The addition of Doombot is spot on and I can’t wait to see what happens with Victor Mancha’s head!
It is beautifully drawn. The pacing is fun. The addition of Doombot is spot on and I can’t wait to see what happens with Victor Mancha’s head!
November 16, 2019
This graphic novel is Volume two. I enjoy graphic novels, especially when they are done by favorite authors or for favorite series.
I am reading this one because it is Rainbow Rowell. The story was enjoyable and the illustrations were nice.
I am looking forward to reading Volume 3.
November 1, 2018
3.75 stars
August 13, 2019
I ship allllll of the couplesssssss
April 24, 2020
I’m not very keen on graphic novels, but Rainbow is my favorite author so I’ll give anything a chance that’s by her. Anyways, this was actually good. I definitely didn’t see the kiss between Victor and Gert coming. I’m excited to read the third volume.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 311 reviews