A Well-Known Issue: Marvel Editor Highlights Critical Flaw Affecting a Beloved Hero Franchise
Tom Brevoort, a senior editor at Marvel, recently voiced his concerns regarding a significant flaw in a cherished superhero franchise, labeling it an “inherent problem.” His comments come in light of the ongoing challenges faced by the Runaways, a series that debuted in the early 2000s and quickly grew into a cult favorite. Despite enjoying some success, including a television adaptation, the franchise has struggled to maintain its momentum, and Brevoort has his theories as to why.
Initially created by Brian K. Vaughan and Adrian Alphona, Runaways introduced a fresh narrative to the Marvel landscape when it launched in 2003 as part of the Tsunami initiative, aimed at attracting younger readers. Instantly, it captured attention and later evolved into one of Marvel’s standout titles. However, the core issue, according to Brevoort, lies in the series’ original premise, which has a definitive end. He noted that once the creators reached that endpoint, there was no logical continuation for the characters other than to keep them “on the run” because that was the title’s name, leading to a reliance on contrived plot devices.
As it stands, Marvel does not currently produce a monthly Runaways comic, lending credence to Brevoort’s analysis. The series had its roots in a compelling setting where the protagonists were the children of villains known as the Pride, who were involved in various criminal enterprises on the West Coast. This setup allowed for a unique angle, as the Runaways battled their parents’ dark legacy while navigating their own teenage dilemmas, making it relatable to a younger audience.
After the departure of Vaughan and Alphona, Runaways experienced a notable shift. While later writers, including Joss Whedon and Kathryn Immonen, brought their own insights to the table, it became increasingly challenging to preserve the original essence of the series. The ongoing battles, while entertaining, shifted the focus away from the characters’ unique situation of running away from their villainous parents.
Even after enjoying some success with a TV series that had connections to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the comic series struggled to reclaim its former glory. Rainbow Rowell and Kris Anka later tried to resonate with fans by reviving the series, but it ultimately concluded with issue 38, signaling a hiatus for the Runaways story.
Despite these challenges, the rich character landscape created by Vaughan and Alphona remains valuable. Characters like Nico Minoru and Victor Mancha have crossed over into other Marvel stories, proving that the potential for great narratives exists, even if they’re currently not in active comics.
Brevoort’s evaluation of the situation seems spot on; the Runaways concept might be running low on steam. However, this doesn’t mean it’s out for the count. History shows that with the right creative vision, any franchise can find its footing again. Reviving Runaways could be as simple as assembling a passionate team who understands and honors the spirit of the original series, showing that the Runaways still have much to offer the Marvel Universe.