Reviewed by: Ryan Broussard : ryanb1114@yahoo.com

Rating: Excellent!
Title: Runaways #2 : “Dead Wrong” part 2
The Runaways battle a team of Majesdanians out to take down Karolina…

Writer:Terry Moore
Art: Humberto Ramos
Inker: Dave Meikis
Colors: Christina Strain
Letters: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover Art: Humberto Ramos
Editor: Nick Lowe
Asst. Editor: Daniel Ketchum
Editor in Chief: Joe Quesada
Publisher: Marvel Comics: Dan Buckley

I can not speak for the majority of the Runaways fans out, but I for one have felt like the title has been absent for quite some time. In fact, I would say this title has not been on track since its creators Brian K. Vaughan and Adrian Alphona departed the book well over a year ago. Since then fan favorite scribe Joss Whedon took on the kids and unfortunately did not fill Vaughan’s shoes and left the title always being late and incredibly disappointing. Now with yet another re-launch, Liberty Meadows writer Terry Moore joins artist Humberto Ramos to try and get this title back to where it belongs. After an average start with issue one, I am pleased to say the new creative team brought this issue back to the basics and was excellent.

In issue one of this series the team, including new comer Klara, have returned to Los Angeles and have begun to restructure their lives back together. However, the welcome home did not last long as their new home was destroyed by a group of warriors resembling the same powers as Karolina. This issue picks up from there and goes to all out Runaways action. The gang work together and try and find out exactly who these warriors are what they want. Turns out they are the same race as Karolina, Majesdanians, and something very very bad has happened to their planet. The problem is they are blaming Karolina for this tragedy. I really like what Moore is doing here. He is bringing back the idea that these kids are not their parents. This was the core theme of the original run of this title and it has been missing. I feel like Moore is bringing back that main aspect of this book back to the characters. I also like the development of Karolina and Xavin’s relationship, which was pretty much absent in Whedon’s tenure on the book.

Moore has done his homework on these characters. He is starting to develop the characters more and progress the story that Vaughan set up along time ago. I cannot express what a relief it was to read this issue. I have been a Runways fan for a very long time. For a time it was the number one book on my pull list. I hope that Moore can help it get to that point again.

As far as the art side goes it is a controversial one. Seems like most people either despise Humberto Ramos’ style or completely love it. Luckily for me, I love it. His facial expressions and uses of movement are brilliant. I love the exaggerated mouths and wide eyes on the characters. It makes them look younger, which in fact they are. So many people forget that these characters are children for the most part. Personally I feel like this is some of if not the best work I have seen Ramos put out. His line work and attention to detail is very strong. I see a progression is his work as before every character looked extremely similar and now I do not see that as much.

Overall, I am extremely pleased with this issue. It is the absolute needed and right step to get this book to be great again. If you are a fan of the original Runaways stories under Vaughan, I would very much suggest this book. I know some people are turned off by Ramos, but I am telling you, his fresh and modern style works wonders on these characters.

What Works:
The action, the story, the character developments, the art

What Doesn’t:
I really want more stuff with Nico, but I am sure that is coming

Recommended for:
Fans of Brian K. Vaughan’s Runaways

Scores:
Story: 5/5
Art:5/5
Final: 5/5

Make sure to pick this issue up at BSI Comics when it hits stands this Wednesday September 24th !