Sunday, April 08, 2007

RUNAWAYS #25

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RUNAWAYS #25
Review by Joe Palmer

Runaways (2007)
"Dead-end Kids"
Written by Joss Whedon
Art by Michael Ryan
Color by Christina Strain
Marvel ($2.99)


Following Brian K. Vaughn as writer on a series he helped to create could be a risky proposition for most writers. Upon learning that Vaughn would depart the title I half-considered dropping RUNAWAYS till it was announced that Joss Whedon was his successor. Whedon as writer seemed like a great idea. How could Buffy’s creator not understand another group of eclectic misfits? The biggest surprise for me was that Whedon expressed interest to start with though. The title may be RUNAWAYS, but as far as I know the book has never been a runaway best seller.

“Dead-end Kids” as a title is likely a nod to the 1934 play of the same name that featured a group of kids living on the streets of New York. The play led to a series of movies (Dead-end Kids, Little Tough Guys, East Side Kids, Bowery Boys) featuring the child cast that was brought to Los Angeles. In a slight twist here, the Runaways have left their improvised “home” in LA and come to New York.

Whedon’s first issue is mostly set-up. An opening sequence, presumably for any new readers jumping on because of Whedon’s name, in which two off panel people discuss kids’ backgrounds and powers is an overview. So, the Runaways have come to New York for the purpose of meeting with the Kingpin and asking him a favor. Said discussion takes place in Kingpin’s tony restaurant at a corner table with a dramatic view through floor to ceiling glass walls overlooking the city. Bluffs are made and bluffs are called. Kingpin agrees to provide a place for the kids to hide, but it’s a quid pro quo arrangement, one that will definitely land the bunch in a sticky situation, but not before they start to settle into their split level penthouse quarters.

Several instances show Whedon has done his homework and has a good understanding of the characters. Notable is the encounter between Nico and Karolina on the penthouse rooftop. Nico admits her shortcomings in the meeting with Kingpin, and either out of curiosity or jealousy, she asks Karolina a personal question about Xavin leading up to the nature of their relationship. It sets Karolina off after a cutting comment to Nico, revealing some unresolved feelings. Molly scolds Chase for an abrupt comment he made to Kingpin, and later comes up with the perfect idea that escaped her older friends. Xavin shapeshifts into his female form while saying he admires Kingpin’s strength. The irony is even Xavin chose to appear as a man during the meeting with Kingpin because a male form is perceived as stronger.

Evident too is Whedon’s deft skill with dialog, tailored for the Runaways of course. It just wouldn’t be right if Nico talked like Buffy, and Molly like Dawn, or Chase like Xander. Rounding things out are some humorous scenes: Chase landing the Frog; his put down to Xavin about being a Super Skrull in training; and Xavin’s little “accident.”

The Runaways owe Fisk a favor, and he’s called it in already: retrieving some unnamed artifact from a high rise building. Unknown to both parties, an elderly woman whose life is full of regret is involved with a “Rob Liefeld” sized presumably baddie she refers to as her “angel.” Their part in this is obviously to be revealed when the time comes. The favor quickly turns bad on the Runaways. Acting as look out alone on the rooftop, Chase becomes the target of a big name Marvel character that I really despise, but trust I’ll enjoy Whedon’s handling. There’s a requisite big explosion and Old Lace, the unofficial cast member, comes to his rescue. Inside, the other Runaways have succeeded in retrieving Fisk’s desired object, but find themselves in immediate danger from a fire caused by the preceding explosion. Karolina transports them to a neighboring rooftop, but they’ve inadvertently put themselves in the sights of “big name Marvel character that I really despise.” He’s the reason Fisk didn’t attempt this, and even this BNMC isn’t aware of the plot twist hovering out of his sight.

Artist Michael Ryan has a hard act to follow, too, but I think he’ll make a good mark. Ryan’s art is quite nice, if a bit of a departure from Adrian Alphona’s work. Certainly both artists’ styles are representational. Alphona’s style has a personally distinctive tone, where Ryan is more photo-realistic. Not a criticism of either artist as I enjoy both styles. I hope Alphona is picked up soon for another book. Ryan is quite adept at keeping the kids’ distinctive appearances, conveying emotions, and creating believable settings for the cast to inhabit. I’m not familiar with inker Rick Ketcham’s work, but he certainly doesn’t hamper the penciling at all. Christina Strain does an admirable job with colors.

All in all a solid issue that should reassure loyal RUNAWAYS fans!

Rating: 4 out of 5

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