Firefly: River Run

Firefly (Collected Editions)

by David M. Booher, Jeff Jensen, Andrés Genolet (Illustrations)

It’s time for TWO Firefly a dangerous rescue mission undercover, followed by a Dickensian look at Jayne in the most classic Christmas tale in the ‘Verse!

Simon Tam will do anything to save his little sister from the Alliance. It’ll cost him everything— his wealth, career, parents, and a perfect life on the Central Planets. But the love between them, a love more dangerous than madness, will persevere as Simon goes undercover into the Alliance to get her away from those that hurt her at any cost. In addition, it’s time for a Christmas Carol, Firefly style! Jayne’s selfish behavior receives the unwanted attention of three visiting spirits who reveal the hidden past, present and future of Serenity’s most… miserly crew member. Acclaimed writers David M. Booher (Canto) and Jeff Jensen (Green River A True Detective) as well as artists Andrés Genolet (Runaways), Vincenzo Federici (Red Sonja), Jordi Pérez ( Warrior Princess), and Fabiana Mascolo (The Dark Age of Resistance), finally reveal the origin of the greatest sibling bond in a story no Browncoat can afford to miss, as well Firefly’s take on Dickens’ beloved cautionary tale. Collects River Run #1 and Holiday Special #1.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Science Fiction, Fiction, Adventure, Graphic Novels Comics

112 pages, Hardcover

Published May 24, 2022

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 2 out of 5]

A pair of unnecessary tales, but at least the first doesn't betray the roots and norms of the series. There are no surprises in expanding the backstory of how River got in the box, and since we know she ends up there there is no tension or worry either. But at least it doesn't offend. Jane's tale on the other hand...his constant belittling at the hands of the other crewmembers doesn't read as funny or loving, it's cruel; and the constant attempts to give him a tortured background are unnecessary - - let him be what he was, a self-interested mercenary.

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first story is a recounting of how Simon saved River. Not a lot of new information, but still a sweet story of a brother saving his little sister.

The second story is a play on A Christmas Carol with Jayne. This one was a bit of a mixed bag. I found it a little confusing and it didn't feel like particularly well done "Jayne is a bad boy" material. I cringed a few times.

[Anna Quilter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty straightforward,harmless duo of stories..probably ideal for the Firefly completist.

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

River Run consists of two lengthier tales: the story of Simon saving River from the torturous Academy and a Christmas Carol riff starring Jayne. Both are above average in terms of Firefly content. Simon has never been a particularly interesting character, so it was neat to see backstory for him in which he sacrificed everything to save his sister.

Jayne's Christmas extravaganza is a hoot, but it also reveals a softer side to the crusty anti-hero. There are a million Christmas Carol riffs out there, so I was surprised this one was so effective.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some back stories that seem to follow what we know pretty well. (the Tams and another for Jayne) Fun.

[Mauritzvd · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh please.

Give me my money back.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

2022 bk 249. I loved the tv show, Firefly, and the movie, Serenity. This graphic novel, comic comes with 2 stories. The first tells the backstory of how River's brother rescues her from the 'Academy' and is a delight to the eyes. It brings the emotions, the curiousity about the pair, and while giving some resolution, still leaves much to wonder about. The second story is Jayne's - told through the disguise of "A Christmas Carol" type tale. It is good - enjoyable, but not the same sense of reliving the the tensions of the television show. I'll re-read at Christmas time to see if that fits the mood of the story better than this 95+ temperature that I'm reading it in.

[Cale · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection has two very distinct stories - the title story is accessible by any Firefly fan, detailing some of the events leading to Simon's rescue of River. It doesn't add anything particularly important to the story, but it's not a bad story.
The second story is basically a Christmas Carol starring Jayne, and it doesn't really work. It's also pulled from the continuing series, so if you're not a regular reader of that you'll probably be lost by some of the 'current' events going on in the plot. Ultimately, the story doesn't really fit the Christmas Carol format well enough to really work, but at least the art is good on both.
This is definitely not something to seek out if you're not a big Firefly fan - most of the main characters aside from Simon and Jayne are only briefly present, and the stories don't really add much to their protagonists. If you're desperate for anything Firefly you'll enjoy it, but otherwise I wouldn't recommend it.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think Booher will be good for firefly. I think he'll do it better than Greg Pak did. First story is more of the story to how River was saved from the school that was partly shown in the Serenity movie. Enjoyable, believable, a deeper look. Story 2 was a Christmas one that I don't think was meant to be taken overly serious. Or at least I hope it wasn't.

[Kathryn Halbert · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. The first story is about Simon rescuing River, a story we're already plenty familiar with. Nothing new. The second story is a Christmas Carol with Jayne, which in concept has the potential to be awesome, but in execution is something of a disjointed mess. It also features a number of really badly drawn faces.

[Kirsten · Rating 1 out of 5]

A brief, fragmented look at how Simon saved River. A Christmas redemption story for Jayne Cobb? This is not good, and the illustrations were just off enough that everyone looked a touch gremlin-y...

[Lila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice recap. I like the overlap as Simon gets closer to River, but I feel the visual cues did not have to be over-narrated. Trust the reader…

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too short.

[Christy MacCallum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two short stories in the Firefly universe - I probably would have enjoyed more if I was familiar with the characters. There was definitely no background or build up because it’s an existing series.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The River Run half is good.

The second half is a bit on the nose.