What’s Young, is New Again
The first issue of the original Runaways started in 2003 and was definitely a product of the time, from the characterisation and personalities of each young members to their various (painfully in retrospect) early 2000’s fashion. Now I know this isn’t a fashion blog or review but to understand my thoughts on the newest iteration of Runaways, a little history is needed.
First and foremost, Brian K. Vaughn is undoubtedly one of the more prolific writers of comics out there today and has been around for quite a while. He has written many of not just mine but the world’s favorite comics, from Y: The last man and Saga, to a fairly new comic named Paper Girls (which I’m super late too but cannot wait to read). Now it may seem weird starting a review off about a guy who has nothing to do with this issue at all, but without Brian (and his artist) the original Runaways wouldn’t exist. After his run ended on Runaways, the story seemed to continue on albeit without as much heart or style that had accompanied its previous creators.
I only mention this as I feel anyone who is given the task to reboot any franchise has a pretty difficult job ahead of them, let alone a franchise with such a cult following! A following that I would attribute to be akin to Buffy or Lost, (KYLES FUN FACT! Vaughn also wrote Buffy comics, as well as a few episodes of the TV series, Lost). Now I hadn’t read much of the new writer for this issue, Rainbow Rowell, as she has written, and is most famous for, her young adult novel’s that focus on ‘slice of life’ type stories or young teenagers that happen to be wizards. After reading the first issue, I can see that she has the right tone and style for the characters I grew up reading and enjoying. They have been modernized and made to fit our contemporary time without it seeming forced and, it almost seems as relatable to me now, as it did to 2003 Kyle. With only opening and closing an issue with 2 to 3 characters of the almost 7 of the original roster, it gives off the impression of a slow burn but! mixed with a time-traveling murder/ time traveling rescue (trust me it makes sense) it got my attention right away. The art has that modern Marvel styling which fits pretty well and compliments the aesthetic that is set by the writing, and it forms a pretty cohesive comic overall.
Reboots always get a bad rap and I agree that it’s a difficult thing to achieve well, but if this comic is any indication it seems that this series is well on the way to becoming great.