ICYMI: What If…? Runaways #1: Parents Still Don’t Understand

There’s multiple different worlds with many different outcomes. In the one we know, the Runaways defied their parents in the Pride and charted their own paths as reluctant heroes, but the multiverse is not always what we expect. Now instead of running away, they embrace the dark destinies laid out before them, but some things remain constant. They just need a bit more time to readjust.

This volume of What If…? Has had some impressive highs and some painful lows. Runaways fits firmly in the middle of this spectrum. There’s a spark for a larger storyline here, but it sadly never reaches its full potential thanks to the one-shot nature of this series.

Because of her experience writing the main series for the past few years, Rainbow Rowell has a good grasp on these characters even in this new incarnation. Everyone acts as you would expect them to given the circumstances, but noticeably absent is that sense of family that defines the Runaways as a unit. The building blocks remain and start to come together in the end, but honestly it does feel a tad contrived. Like I said earlier, this feels more like part one of a larger story rather than a self-contained tale.

Zulema Scatto Lavian’s art is serviceable, but is bereft of any outstanding panels. The new character designs for the “Young Pride” are good though, especially Molly’s Princess Powerful outfit. Frank Williams’ softer color palette also adds some depth to the illustrations.