"Runaways"...yay or nay?

Tortuga · April 07, 2007, 09:32:50 PM

After 15 years of not collecting comics, I've decided to selectively take advantage of the fact that there's a nice little comic shop within a 5 minute walk from our place.

About 2 years back I started collecting New Avengers as it was recommended by the manager. I stopped before issue 20 as I just couldn't get into it -- the story was all over the place.

I collect the City of Heroes comic as well. Not because it's great, but because I just love the game that darn much. Apparently, it'll be done after the next two issues.

Sometime last year, the manager recommended Astonishing X-Men instead of New Avengers. Thank goodness, 'cause I love that series. Too bad it only comes out once every who-knows-when.

Today, he showed me issue #25 of Runaways, written by Whedon. The concept sounds interesting and I read a very positive review on ign.com. But I'm curious if anyone here has any 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' about it.

Thanks in advance!
Tort

Zippo · April 07, 2007, 09:49:22 PM

I have all the digest-sized collections out so far for the Runaways.

IMO, they deffinately get a "thumbs up". The art starts out a little shakey in the first issues, though it's not bad, and it improves steadily through the series. The story is similar, though it starts out good and get very good as the story progresses.

Jakew · April 07, 2007, 10:14:10 PM

I have the first two hardbacks ... they're a fantastic read. Well-written, great art.

Not sure about Whedon's take so far ... from what I've heard, he's going to shove the characters more firmly into Marvel continuity (whereas they pretty much existed in their own little world for much of Vaughan's run, with occassional guest-spots by heroes/villains).

Protomorph · April 08, 2007, 12:16:37 AM

I liked the story :thumbup:

tommyboy · April 08, 2007, 03:13:32 AM

I liked Whedon's take on them.
I had enjoyed the first two digests of runaways, but not enough that I bought the book regularly. And I don't really know why.
But now I'm back on board as long as Whedon is.
The first issue he writes isn't quite as good as his first Astonishing was, (but to be fair I didn't like the art in Runaways as much as I do Cassaday's Xmen stuff, so that may influence my judgement).
But Whedon sets up some interesting possibilities straight off the bat, and gives good dialogue and humour.
So I'd say thumbs up, read it, especially if you have enjoyed other Whedon comics/films/TV.

gdaybloke · April 08, 2007, 04:35:44 AM

If I had to recommend any titles to anyone right now, they'd be Astonishing X-Men, Runaways, and for the reader who's after something a little more than a spandex titles, Fables. I'd also recommend Strangers In Paradise.

The latter two I'd mainly recommend to adults primarilly because younger readers would miss a lot of the nuances and whatnot.

MyndVizion · April 10, 2007, 10:34:38 AM

I've read some of the Runaways. While the stories were certainly good, I just couldn't get into the book due to the characters. I know that's a shallow point on my opinion, but....heh. The art direction of the series is certainly good, and I felt the writing is some of the best in the Marvel U - so yes, for many readers out there this is certainly a mag to pickup. I just couldn't really connect with any of the characters.

AfghanAnt · April 10, 2007, 01:37:52 PM

this title is one of my all time favorites. Great cast, art and writing. Though i'm really enjoying whedon' s takd yet.

AfghanAnt · April 10, 2007, 01:39:59 PM

that should be not enjoying it yet

Podmark · April 10, 2007, 08:13:50 PM

I read the first volume a while back and really enjoyed it. I found the individual issues a bit too decompressed for me to get into buying them regularly, but I still keep up with whats going on through online reviews and discussions.

Tortuga · April 28, 2007, 03:32:34 PM

I picked up #25 and liked it.

Went to my library and picked up two Runaways TPBs, but I don't quite understand where one of them falls in the overall story...

One of them is a digest, the beginning of the series so #1-something. The other is Vol. 2 Issues 1-12. But there's gotta be something between the Digest and Vol. 2 Issues 1-12. I can't seem to find it. Any ideas?

Zippo · April 29, 2007, 11:24:05 AM

The series restarted the numbering after issue 18 (I think) of the first run. There are 3 digests for Vol. 1, then Vol 2 starts.