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Runaways
Pride and Joy – Chapter 1
1 /JULY/2003
Publisher: Marvel/Tsunami
Writer: Brian K. Vaughn
Pencils: Adrian Alphona
Inks: David Newbold
Colors: Brian Reber
Letters: Paul Tutrone
Price: $2.50 US/R29.00 SA
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This is the third title in Marvel Comics’ new ‘Tsunami’
line under review this month. It’s easily the strongest all
round title of the new line so far.
The story follows a group of teenagers who reluctantly befriend
each other after being forced to by their parents, who attend annual
dinner parties together. Bored and with nothing to do while they
wait for the old folks to finish their ’meeting’ the
kids decide to spy on them. What they find out is both exciting,
disturbing and a great hook to keep you reading.
Brian K. Vaughn [Mystique, Y-The Last Man] writes
his second title in the new ‘Tsunami’ line, his first
being Mystique, and this is most definitely the
better of his efforts. The thing which struck me first is how Vaughn
manages to capture the teenager’s world perfectly. Each teenage
character has his or her own struggles, an interesting personality
and original relationship with their respective parents. The conversation
between teen and parent throughout this first issue is so brilliant
and realistic that it felt like being sixteen all over again.
Vaughn uses modern-day teenage stereotypes to drive his characterisation.
The Goth, the Jock and the Normal teen are all to be found. This
would probably be boring and stiff if written by anyone else, but
Vaughn uses it to his advantage in creating a diverse and interesting
cast. Each character gets a chance to shine as Vaughn gives a snippet
introduction for each one in this issue.
Via the use of pop-culture references and Ebonics Vaughn gives the
story a fresh and up to date feel. The pacing of the story is perfect.
A fast moving and interesting story with just enough characterisation
and hook to keep me very satisfied and hungering for the second
instalment.
The artwork seems to fit the title well. A clean and simple style
is employed by Adrian Alphona and his consistent artwork, with nice
inking by David Newbold, really foes the job. A nice job of characterisation
via clothing and hair design helps to distinguish a cast of over
18 characters. Alphona uses some great angles and close ups to drive
the story and to keep it visually fresh. The colours are simple
and varied enough to complete a great comic from an artwork standpoint.
In conclusion this is the best all round book in the new Tsunami
range. An enticing and interesting story will have you camping out
in front of the comic shop for issue # 2. The art is consistent
and suits the book perfectly. A great job at a different genre in
comics.
Score 9/10
Reviewed By:Iain Duncan
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Comic Reviews
