Gotta Get Back in Time
One of the more appealing things about the Runaways is its sense of inclusion within the marvel universe, without (usually) getting caught up with any major players. It’s a nuanced thing that I feel helps shape the characters and how they act, but also helps give a clear understanding of the universe they exist in. This can add depth and understand of a grounded world where Hulks destroy cities and men throw shields a Nazis.
The main storyline that this series building already had me hooked by the end of the first issue, but if it didn’t by then, it most certainly does now. Its still focussed on the first few characters from the debut but develops more on what happened to the team, as past events need to be explained to a character that has “missed” the last few years in the marvel comic universe. This doesn’t feel shoe horned and is a great jumping off point for new readers and I commend Rainbows natural feel as she explains the trials and tribulations that all the runaways had to persevere, while this character was “away”.
The art is top tier again, in typical marvel fashion and even though there aren’t any crazy action scenes or fights happening there is still a lot of care taken to draw this issue. I feel that maybe some artist would take this as an excuse to slack off or at least not put 100% in but its seems that this isn’t the case as It was a pleasure to read. With very little action and a very heavy focus on laying ground work for the next issues mixed with explanations for the new comers, it becomes a dialogue heavy issue but is executed excellently. As you read, the character all have their distinct personalities and voices. I find that even when reading this, I can imagine these characters I’ve known for so long actually saying the things they would say, and even with the voices they should have.
The last major thing I need to talk about when it comes to this issue, is that if you haven’t read Tom Kings Vision, you need to read that now. This is for two reasons; one: It’s an incredible read and if I could review it now, it would get a perfect score. And two: the storyline crosses over into this comic in a small but profound way. So, do yourself a favour and read Vision, its one of the best things I’ve ever read and I can guarantee anybody will love it.
In summary, this runaways issue was a success in what it needed to do. It explained to new readers what’s happened, it helps old follows gain an insight to how the left-over character feels about the events that transpired over the last few years and then subtly teased the current problem with a secret villain spying on another old but unmet runaway. With all that, I cant wait to get the next issue and I have a very strong feeling that its going to be great.