RUNAWAYS #30 by Joss Whedon (2008).
© Marvel Comics
Mania Grade: A
Comic Series: Runaways
Issue: 30
Authors: Joss Whedon, Michael Ryan
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $2.99
Comic Series: Runaways
Issue: 30
Authors: Joss Whedon, Michael Ryan
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $2.99
RUNAWAYS #30
By: Kurt AmackerReview Date: Sunday, July 13, 2008
This 30th issue of Runaways concludes a couple of things—Joss Whedon’s habitually late, but fantastic arc Dead End Kids and, indeed, this second volume of the series itself. Don’t worry, though, Maniacs, because another series will begin in August. With this issue, the war between the wonders—super-powered characters—of 1907 New York comes to a violent conclusion, as the kids try desperately to return to their own time with a couple of new friends in tow. The group must thwart the intentions of dead member Gert’s time-traveling parents. And, the cyborg Victor Mancha must deliver a message from the future to a young wonder who can dance through the sky. The latter resolves a lingering mystery from the first issue of the arc that has made for a compelling mystery. The real novelty of this issue and the arc it concludes comes from Whedon’s use of historical references and a character or two from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Look for an appearance by Richard Outcault’s the Yellow Kid. And, as Neil Gaiman did in Marvel’s 1602, Whedon recasts a few Marvel heroes for the time. The Punisher’s 1907 counterpart, the Adjudicator, is always a hilarious pleasure to watch.
Whedon really pulled this one off in spades. His preference for writing young adults shines through in a way that never did in his run on Astonishing X-Men. He also tempers his incessant one-liners and instead focuses on a few really powerful themes. Among them, he points out that the battle between good and evil is never won in any conclusive sense, and that history itself tends to move in cycles. He opened the arc in issue #25 with a mysterious older woman with a large, winged companion. She conveys a message to Victor for Lillie that ultimately brings the heart of the story together—that history is filled with both joy and tragedy, and trying to stop either usually doesn’t work. The conclusion to this issue is both heartbreaking and happy. One character leaves something in the past he can never have again, and another comes to the future for a life greater than anything she would’ve ever known.
Writer Brian K. Vaughan created the Runaways, writing the first volume and most of the second one. He established the kids and their bottomless emotional needs that have driven the series from the start. But, in this 30th issue, Whedon has written a love letter to the series and the very idea of teenage superheroes—a fitting sendoff before Terry Moore takes the reins next month. Artist Michael Ryan has brought Whedon’s vision of New York in 1907 to glorious life, with a cast of costumed “wonders” that retain their humanity throughout the story. All of Dead End Kids has simply looked great. And, Marvel has already released this arc in trade paperback—only a week or two after this issue hit shelves. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up. Whether you’re a fan of Whedon’s work or the Runaways, it’s worth it.
Questions? Comments? Let us know what you think at comicscape@mania.com.
More From Mania
Sure, Joss Whedon is up for X-MEN 3
More Joss Whedon/NEW X-MEN speculation
(Tuesday, January 6, 2004)
Whedon speaks about FIREFLY DVD
(Tuesday, October 7, 2003)
Joss Whedon discusses "Once More, With Feeling"
(Monday, September 30, 2002)
Joss Whedon talks about the future of BUFFY and working on FIREFLY
(Monday, September 30, 2002)
Joss Whedon Talks ANGEL/BUFFY Crossovers
(Monday, July 16, 2001)
Joss Whedon, Vampire Creator
(Tuesday, May 23, 2000)
Joss Whedon Blasts X-MEN Script!
(Monday, May 1, 2000)
See more related content
