Marvel Comics
Runaways #27
By Zak Edwards
July 8, 2007 - 16:23

Marvel Comics
Writer(s): Joss Whedon
Penciller(s): Michael Ryan
Cover Artist(s): Jo Chen



Runaways #27

Runaways.jpg
At the end of this issue, we are at the half-way point for Joss Whedon’s six issue Runaways.  So let’s recap, shall we?  In the first issue, Joss Whedon pumped out a script that made new readers cheer and loyal fans hiss.  He seemed to miss out on making the characters as believable and funny as the original creators.  This second issue, in this reviewers mind, made some very solid improvements.  Joss Whedon’s story became much more like the past stories; funny, witty, and fun to read.  Michael Ryan’s art has been consistently incredible no matter what Whedon has thrown his way.  Now the third issue has arrived, and we’re back at square one again.

Ninjas and missiles I can handle, time travel I’ve always had  hard time with.  I always thought of these other dimensions, other timeline stories as an admission that the creators have run out of ideas.  Now some stories along these lines have turned out good, but this one, so far, is not turning out good.  The whole thing feels so completely borrowed from other stories.  There’s a seemingly good guy that actually isn’t good, which Whedon drops so many hints for that there is literally no surprise when it happens.  A quest for a missing item which reminds me of Back to the Future way too quickly.  Last but not least, there is redone characters from the present Marvel Universe, but now in the past.  The whole story feels like it could have taken place in modern times, but Whedon felt that the script needed to be more issues, so he put it in the past to make the whole thing longer.  While there are funny parts along the way, and they are very funny, the whole series is disappointing again.

Michael Ryan continues to do an amazing job on pencils.  He continues to show his ability to relay emotion and facial expressions, as well as his ability to draw whatever Whedon tells him to.  Ryan continues to draw everything very well, from missiles and guns, to the horse and carriage times of 1907.  All of the characters maintain their unique styles in the new era, while still blending in with their surroundings.  In an issue where backgrounds can play an important role for an artist, Ryan does very well again.  I love the whole package, art-wise.

So, in closing.  If you are new to Runaways for this arc, you probably think I’m crazy to be saying bad things about this story.  Long-time fans will most likely disappointed as it feels like some of the magic is gone.  I think my overall rating tries to strike a balance for Whedon’s script and gives credit to Ryan’s art.

6/10    Whedon bad.  Ryan good.

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