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.