Runaways 7: Live Fast

Comic Info

Runaways (2) #19

Reprints Runaways (2) #19-24 (October 2006-March 2007).  The Runaways are coping with the death of Gert as a new threat challenges the city.  While the Runaways try to contain a rampaging beast birthed of the Pride’s magic, Chase is on a dangerous path.  With an attempt to raise Gert from the death, he’s dealing with the Gibborim…and there may me be no return!

Written by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Adrian Alphona and Mike Norton, Runaways 7:  Live Fast is Brian K. Vaughan’s final entry in the series he created.  Following Runaways Volume 6:  Parental Guidance, Runaways 7:  Live Fast also ties in to the Civil War tie-in title Civil War:  Young Avengers/Runaways.  Two storyline “Dead Means Dead” (Runaways (2) #19-21) and “Live Fast” (Runaways (2) #22-25) are feature in the collection which was also part of the Runaways—Volume 3 hardback collection.

Runaways 7:  Live Fast really is just one storyline (Chase’s quest to revive Gert), but it feels rather divided due to two actual stories.  The story involving the Runaways’ battle with the demon in Los Angeles doesn’t mix well with Chase’s solo quest and feels like it clutters the story.

Runaways (2) #21

Vaughan attempts to develop the romance between Nico and Victor feel redundant.  Even the character states that all she does is run to new romantic interests when threatened.  Chase’s story is much more compelling and overruns this story.  It just feels that the teen-angst romance (especially for this character) is overworked and done…it doesn’t need exploring.

The story I wish had been more examined was the attempt to integrate Xavin into the team.  The idea that Xavin is a Skrull and can be any sex is interesting.  With the Chase story taking up so much of the time, I felt this concept was sidelined when it could have been a storyline (or at least a standalone issue) itself.

Runaways was always one of those titles that pretty good but not great.  I liked some of the stuff Vaughan did with it and he didn’t always take the easy route.  The series did have a lot of surprises and as a veteran comic book reader, surprises are few and far between.  Runaways 7:  Live Fast is followed by Runaways Volume 8:  Dead End Kids which has Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon taking over as writer.

Related Links:

Runaways Volume 1:  Pride & Joy

Runaways Volume 2:  Teenage Wasteland

Runaways Volume 3:  The Good Die Young

Runaways Volume 4:  True Believers

Runaways Volume 5:  Escape to New York

Runaways Volume 6:  Parental Guidance

Runaways Volue 8:  Dead End Kids