Runaways #14 - Review and Spoilers

[Puunk]

The best issue of this run. Freaking awesome. A total surprise, too, after the previous two abysmal issues. However, not a great concluding issue. I think what made this better than the previous two is that it had a clear storyline, a decent amount of suspense and then of course the shock. A must read for everyone, including non-Runaways readers.

Hunter Stein returns - Chase mearly transported him elsewhere in LA. Chase, meanwhile, says he's going to get them food - Nico, however, believes he won't be coming back. Chase heads to the place where Gert loved, and while moving through the crowd, he runs into a living, breathing, walking-talking Gertrude Yorkes. However, she doesn't recognizes him. Chase lies stunned on the ground, not believing what happened. He rushes after her, but also gets hit by a van. As he lies in the hospital, it's revealed he's fulfilling Nico's belief that he won't come back.

[XaviersMisprint]

This issue made me furious. I never invest this much emotion, positive or negative, into a comic.

I cannot believe they would end the volume like that. It resolved nothing and instead introduced dozens of new subplots, like the whole Gert thing, the obvious change of mind the Runaways will have regarding Hunter's offer, the "death" or whatever of Chase Stein... the silhouette of Old Lace in the back of that alley?

What is Klara's deal? What comes next? Is Chase dead or alive? Why bring back Gert at all if there was no interaction with the other team members? What the hell is happening?

How is Hunter even alive? Chase swears he ran him over... now what? LOL THE END. No, sorry.

I wouldn't be this angry if it were just a regular issue. I would actually recommend it as a normal issue. Art and writing were great, but it made no sense in its entire purpose of being a final issue. I'm pretty mad. It isn't like next month starts a new number 1. So far, there have been three months of advance solicits and none of them have a new Runaways anything listed. I'd say "give me a break", but apparently thats what we're already getting and I'm not very pleased.

[Puunk]

This issue made me furious. I never invest this much emotion, positive or negative, into a comic.

I cannot believe they would end the volume like that. It resolved nothing and instead introduced dozens of new subplots, like the whole Gert thing, the obvious change of mind the Runaways will have regarding Hunter's offer, the "death" or whatever of Chase Stein... the silhouette of Old Lace in the back of that alley?

What is Klara's deal? What comes next? Is Chase dead or alive? Why bring back Gert at all if there was no interaction with the other team members? What the hell is happening?

How is Hunter even alive? Chase swears he ran him over... now what? LOL THE END. No, sorry.

I wouldn't be this angry if it were just a regular issue. I would actually recommend it as a normal issue. Art and writing were great, but it made no sense in its entire purpose of being a final issue. I'm pretty mad. It isn't like next month starts a new number 1. So far, there have been three months of advance solicits and none of them have a new Runaways anything listed. I'd say "give me a break", but apparently thats what we're already getting and I'm not very pleased.

Apparently, production was halted for retooling - Joe Q mentioned previously they had a years worth of storylines mapped out. But I agree that it ended off at the worst place, considering it'll be a while.

[Leirus]

Joe actually said that the title worked far better in... how do you call this big fat issues in english... digest? hardbacks? Whatevers?

So they will change the way of publishing it, but it is definetly continuing.

Or so I hope. So, no, it is not an end...

[Michael P]

Joe actually said that the title worked far better in... how do you call this big fat issues in english... digest? hardbacks? Whatevers?

"Collections" is a good general term for it.

But Jesus, I agree with XM: This is the worst possible place to leave off on before a hiatus.

[Personamanx]

I'll have to read it before I judge it. But.................... Come on! That's a terrible way to end it if it is indeed any kind of Final Issue.

[Personamanx]

Judging from the Spoilers this reminds me of an Episode of that Semi-crappy "Teen Titans" animated Show.

[Michael P]

Judging from the Spoilers this reminds me of an Episode of that Semi-crappy "Teen Titans" animated Show.

That's why you generally shouldn't judge a story based just on its spoilers.

If there were an issue 15 coming out next month, or at all, it would be just fine.

[Personamanx]

I meant nothing bad by the reference. I just noticed a Similarity.

[Puunk]

I reread the issue.

I'm still stunned with Chase/the van.

[Westgarth J]

My personal take on leaving it where it is: All involved knew the axe was coming down several months ago and yet still we have this unfinished storyline, which to me says only one thing - it's a deliberate ploy to make readers return for Volume 4.
Sales are so low at this point that Marvel have to be assuming that if they actually finish the plotlines started by Immomen and then go on hiatus, most of the readers already on the fence will take that as a jumping-off point and not return for the relaunch. Cynical, but understandable, and the frustrated fanboys also help create the marketing buzz Marvel want: "fans of Runaways were left gasping for more!" So if you're frustrated, just remember that's entirely intentional because your response will be used to help sell the next iteration of the book.

Personally, I don't think I'll bother with Volume 4. I'll wait around for the team to be cannibalised into books I still enjoy reading rather than one that Marvel have tried to launch four times in less than eight years and which they freely admit is mostly read by people who profess not to like comics anyway - and I never actually realised until recently that that's kinda snobbish.
Bye, Runaways - you had a good run. It ended several years ago, but still...

[Puunk]

This issue makes me feel weird.

The last two issues were terrible, and this was a great one (for an issue, not as a conclusion).

The loose-ended plot points remind me of Moore's run.

[jordanbeard]

I actually really liked the whole run but hated how they concluded it (I'm guessing it was no choice of the creative team and more by Marvel) but...

wasn't this supposed to be a double-sized issue for $3.99?
What happened there?

[Ratstar]

Pretty abysmal run, but this issue did give a pretty decent conclusion. After how the book had been going I was expecting Gert to be the last big shark, but I actually kind of liked the way she was brought back.
And I still like Strain's colouring, starting to get used to the shiny and scratchy quirks.
Definitely feels like the end for the Runaways though, 'retooling' or not, since Karolina is already on her way to another book, and presumably Molly and maybe Klara too will show up in Legacy. Possibly Victor too, since it was mentioned he's intended to develop into a human mutant...

Chase... Well, definitely a bad idea if there were intention to have the book coming back in some form, but it was okay and a good hook for the conclusion. Would've liked to see Old Lace go berserk and eat Klara's head before dying though.

6/10 for the issue, 4/10 for the arc

[art of martial arts]

Overall I thought this was a satisfying issue. Didn't really like what Immonen did in the last 3, but this one held my interest. I especially like the way Gert was brought back. It leaves a lot set up for the mystery of how she was brought back for future issues. The only thing I didn't like (and what I don't about the previous 3 issues) is that everyone is so whiny, brooding and feeling sorry for themselves. I especially don't like that internal monologue that Nico uses at the beginning. It's just too melodramatic.

When they bring this book back, I hope they get it right this time. I don't have a problem with Immonen being the writer when it returns, but please stop making the book so depressing.

[Victorious]

Karolina is already on her way to another book, and presumably Molly and maybe Klara too will show up in Legacy. Possibly Victor too, since it was mentioned he's intended to develop into a human mutant...


where did you read this?!

[Ratstar]

where did you read this?!

Karolina was mentioned in solicits for SWORD, Molly was just a guess, Victor was way back in his introductory arc I think. The X-titles probably don't have a place for him though, since they already have two masters of magnetism (even if one is a villain doing god knows what and the other is still off in space I think?)

[Puunk]

Karolina was mentioned in solicits for SWORD, Molly was just a guess, Victor was way back in his introductory arc I think. The X-titles probably don't have a place for him though, since they already have two masters of magnetism (even if one is a villain doing god knows what and the other is still off in space I think?)

You're right - Magneto just returned last issue, and Polaris is still in space.

[4sake]

Karolina was mentioned in solicits for SWORD, Molly was just a guess, Victor was way back in his introductory arc I think. The X-titles probably don't have a place for him though, since they already have two masters of magnetism (even if one is a villain doing god knows what and the other is still off in space I think?)

True, but I don't think Magneto will be a villain to the X-men currently.

[Ramirez IV]

I thought it was brilliant... as long as there is definitely another volume.

There's still that unshakeable feeling of nothing being as good as Vaughn, but it was still an excellent book and I loved the art.

Really hope it comes back... too early to hope for a BKV revival?

Also, does anyone know what the hell Adrian Alphona is doing these days? Guy was my favourite artist ever by the end of Volume 2.

The Kids Keep Running!

[Personamanx]

I thought it was brilliant... as long as there is definitely another volume.

There's still that unshakeable feeling of nothing being as good as Vaughn, but it was still an excellent book and I loved the art.

Really hope it comes back... too early to hope for a BKV revival?

Also, does anyone know what the hell Adrian Alphona is doing these days? Guy was my favourite artist ever by the end of Volume 2.

The Kids Keep Running!

Adrian Alphona last did a story in the "Captain Britain, and MI-13" Annual. Supposedly he's working on a Project for Marvel at the moment.

[Wellman]

Karolina was mentioned in solicits for SWORD, Molly was just a guess, Victor was way back in his introductory arc I think. The X-titles probably don't have a place for him though, since they already have two masters of magnetism (even if one is a villain doing god knows what and the other is still off in space I think?)

Victor was introduced as a mystery son of a villain that turned out to be Ultron's cyborg 'son' whose mechanical bits are slowly converting to biological as he ages. Still more robot, then mutant however and if he were to appear in another team book, it would probably be one of the Avengers books.

Honestly, I sort of like this issue. It felt stronger then Moore's issues earlier in the run and had this been the first arc of the current volume, it would have been a great start. I am pissed that the economy sucks right now and that I couldn't support this run for the entire volume but I would have loved for Marvel to allow Kathryn Immonen to finish this run past her opening arc.

I mean I appreciate some of the gambles they have taken over the years but at the same time, why in the name of Stan Lee did we need like a dozen Dark Reign minis, Dark Avengers, Dark X-Men and how many Wolverine books are there now?

[Puunk]

Victor was introduced as a mystery son of a villain that turned out to be Ultron's cyborg 'son' whose mechanical bits are slowly converting to biological as he ages. Still more robot, then mutant however and if he were to appear in another team book, it would probably be one of the Avengers books.

Honestly, I sort of like this issue. It felt stronger then Moore's issues earlier in the run and had this been the first arc of the current volume, it would have been a great start. I am pissed that the economy sucks right now and that I couldn't support this run for the entire volume but I would have loved for Marvel to allow Kathryn Immonen to finish this run past her opening arc.

I mean I appreciate some of the gambles they have taken over the years but at the same time, why in the name of Stan Lee did we need like a dozen Dark Reign minis, Dark Avengers, Dark X-Men and how many Wolverine books are there now?

Yeah, no kidding.

Again, I also enjoyed this issue - one of the bests in a while. Although I must admit, involving Runaways in the Dark Reign will definately draw in new readers.

[FeminineMystique]

A good but frustrating issue cause we're going to have to wait so long for any follow up on all this. Has there been any word when the next series of Runaways starts? And will it have the current writing team still?

[Puunk]

A good but frustrating issue cause we're going to have to wait so long for any follow up on all this. Has there been any word when the next series of Runaways starts? And will it have the current writing team still?

Well, the recent CupoJoe says it's being "retooled" and should be back "very soon." As for the writing team, they're next going to be working on the Pixie miniseries. Sarah Pichelli said on one of her blogs her upcoming projects are the Pixie miniseries and something for another company.

I expect a new writing team. o__.

[ddqfpluskick]

Overall I think the issue had some issues with pacing. Even during the forever Whedon run the character were able to have a conversation or two. However I still enjoyed the issue. The only thing I found odd was right before Chase got hit. It showed him standing in front of a row of cars. I thought was odd becuase it seemed like the driver was either out of control already and just didn't bother to turn in the first place.

[trypr]

I loved it.

I think the previous two issues suffered for being essentially static and set underground, with no interesting backgrounds, but remained essentially good if you could get past the fact. The characterisation is the best it's been since the original run. Hunter is an interesting new character.

The surprise "return" is actually inspired, the more I think about it. Because Runaways is as much about engaging with and examining the tropes of the superhero genre as anything, the likely alternate reality explanation is logical and even foreshadowed in the original run and doesn't break the cardinal "no resurrections" rule.


A good but frustrating issue cause we're going to have to wait so long for any follow up on all this. Has there been any word when the next series of Runaways starts? And will it have the current writing team still?

I agree it's frustrating we'll have to wait so long for a follow up, but I have other things I can read until then :)

It's my understanding that Immonen will still be writing it, which makes me glad. I think Sarah Pichelli may be replaced, which is fine so long as they produce another artist who is as good. I sincerely hope they keep the colourist, since I think she's fantastic.

[Westgarth J]

Runaways is as much about engaging with and examining the tropes of the superhero genre as anything

While also whoring itself like crazy as not being a superhero comic.
Not sure about 'examining' the tropes of the genre when it utilises them so often - there's a big difference between self-awareness and lampshade hanging, and right from the beginning Runaways has veered to the latter.

[Personamanx]

I sincerely hope they keep the colourist, since I think she's fantastic.

She has Swine Flu......:frown:

[Puunk]

She has Swine Flu......:frown:

What? Did she say this in the Runaways' LJ?

Link please! I hope your just kidding. Christina's amazing, and I'd some fantastic work this issue.

[Personamanx]

What? Did she say this in the Runaways' LJ?

Link please! I hope your just kidding. Christina's amazing, and I'd some fantastic work this issue.

http://ceeceeluvins.deviantart.com/journal/27529511/

[Puunk]

http://ceeceeluvins.deviantart.com/journal/27529511/

No way! Christina's amazing.

And this second wave hit my city already.

I don't know, her getting I'll makes me more nervous.

[Personamanx]

Swine Flu has not come to my general Area yet. It's in Newfoundland, but Newfoundland is a Big place, and it has a very small population.

[Prodigy55]

What a bad ending. The last 4 issues have been the worst stuff of this series.

[Personamanx]

What a bad ending. The last 4 issues have been the worst stuff of this series.

I've not read the last issue yet, but judging from 11-13 I don't quite disagree with you.

[trypr]

While also whoring itself like crazy as not being a superhero comic.
Not sure about 'examining' the tropes of the genre when it utilises them so often - there's a big difference between self-awareness and lampshade hanging, and right from the beginning Runaways has veered to the latter.

I don't agree. I think if you don't think it's a superhero comic, then maybe the point is to maybe rethink what that means. We might disagree, I feel.

At it's best, it's a discourse on the established conventions of superhero comics as much as anything. By attempting to re-examine and engage the "tropes" it has aimed to move beyond convention to becoming something a little more meaningful and relevant; to say more about who people are and what superhero comics say about us, how they relate to the psychological struggles in our own lives. I think all the best stories do this in one manner or other.

I think, when it's good, it employs conventions and stands them on their heads: makes you look at them a different way in a manner that can be very challenging.

[Westgarth J]

I don't agree. I think if you don't think it's a superhero comic, then maybe the point is to maybe rethink what that means. We might disagree, I feel.
A disagreement? On the internet?
Runaways is an example of the superhero genre in the same way that Smallville is. Dropping the costumes and not drawing attention to superhero codenames doesn't change what either of these properties are, it merely obfuscates the originating premise to cross over into a traditionally uninterested section of the potential audience in the same way that Battlestar Galactica's producers have sold the hell out of that show on the premise that it's a drama that explores the themes of our age rather than a show about a big spaceship that fights killer sex robots - but Battlestar Galactica is a show about a big spaceship that fights killer sex robots and you can't say that it doesn't originate in that, or that this doesn't have a large bearing on the stories told.
There may be other stuff going on that looms larger in the perceptions of the greater fanbase, but Runaways' framework is still derived from the western peculiarities of the superhero, and I find it odd that some are defensive towards this idea not because it's a reductionist argument, but because it ties the title to a specific genre.

[trypr]

There may be other stuff going on that looms larger in the perceptions of the greater fanbase, but Runaways' framework is still derived from the western peculiarities of the superhero, and I find it odd that some are defensive towards this idea not because it's a reductionist argument, but because it ties the title to a specific genre.

I've not come across that. Runaways is unquestionably a superhero comic, it's just a lot more intelligent about it, when it works.

To use your example: both versions of Battlestar Galactica are about battles in space versus killer robots, but that's not their defining characteristic. It's largely an aesthetic choice, and is only explored more fully, as a social reality, in the contemporary version. The original Cylons were more transparently a cypher for facism, whereas in the new series they are more firmly rooted in hard sci-fi and take on the role of a militant religion.

There is a problem when genres are seen as something that needs to be served and limits what a story can be, rather than a means of identification, as with tropes; and even as a descriptive, they can have a limiting effect upon audience perceptions if what falls between them is ignored. This is why Runaways appropriates conventions and then subverts them: it's not disavowing the importance of the superhero genre, it's challenging the assumptions surrounding it and you can't do that without an engagement.

Runaways is not a cynical exercise in making superhero comics more marketable by packaging them differently: if you think that was what BKV was about, then I reckon you are missing the point completely.

[Westgarth J]

Runaways is not a cynical exercise in making superhero comics more marketable by packaging them differently: if you think that was what BKV was about, then I reckon you are missing the point completely.

'Cynical' is a subjective term that suggests something negative in Marvel and BKV going to pains to make their end product appeal to as large an audience as possible, and while I don't think anyone can claim what another is 'about' as a whole, it's a matter of record that Runaways' creation was a process of refinement to make it (and the other Tsunami imprint titles) more marketable to manga readers and friendly towards later adaptations in other media.

As for BSG - any allegory was incidental to things blowing up and space pirates getting smacked in the mouth, as that series was conceived first and foremost as a heroic fantasy in the Star Wars mold (George Lucas even issued a legal challenge to the show's original title: Star Worlds) more than it was the biblical/Mormon analogue favored by current revisionist evaluation.

[Uncanny Madman]

This issue made me furious. I never invest this much emotion, positive or negative, into a comic.

I cannot believe they would end the volume like that. It resolved nothing and instead introduced dozens of new subplots, like the whole Gert thing, the obvious change of mind the Runaways will have regarding Hunter's offer, the "death" or whatever of Chase Stein... the silhouette of Old Lace in the back of that alley?

What is Klara's deal? What comes next? Is Chase dead or alive? Why bring back Gert at all if there was no interaction with the other team members? What the hell is happening?

How is Hunter even alive? Chase swears he ran him over... now what? LOL THE END. No, sorry.

I wouldn't be this angry if it were just a regular issue. I would actually recommend it as a normal issue. Art and writing were great, but it made no sense in its entire purpose of being a final issue. I'm pretty mad. It isn't like next month starts a new number 1. So far, there have been three months of advance solicits and none of them have a new Runaways anything listed. I'd say "give me a break", but apparently thats what we're already getting and I'm not very pleased.

Just got and read this issue and this pretty much sums up my feelings.

To shorten it, my exact reaction after reading it was "what the **** was that?!".

I HATED this entire arc, the writing was horrible and half the time I had no idea what the hell the characters were even saying, the art was ugly and y'know, based on this I'm pretty terrifed at the prospect of seeing Pixie, Mercury, Armor, X-23 and Blindfold being handled by this same creative team.