Runaways [2017] Volume 4: But You Can't Hide

Truly impressive how much fun Rowell can make out of these characters simply moving about their lives. Nothing major really happens in this collection, but a lot of characters and story beats are moved into place, setting up various plotlines, premises and problems that will be presumably paid off in the next one. And somehow, it's all very rewarding and enjoyable to read anywaya. (And the Doombot continues to steal every scene he's in.)

Last time I mentioned how sad I feel for anyone who dropped Runaways at the start of Rowell's run. I didn't realize then that by now I QUADRUPLE that sentiment. Let me explain.
Anytime a best-selling author writes for comics, I'm leery. Writing for comics isn't something you can just mosey on into, even if you're a brilliant, talented, and golden example of authorly prowess. Writing for comics is a different medium and therefore a different process. You really need to understand the medium, and I feel like most of the time Best-Selling Authors are way too cocky to do this right. There's a sense that comic readers will read any old drivel so there's no pressure to be your best or even try. So yes, Rainbow Rowell was successful as a show more novelist, so you're right to scrutinize her efforts. Also she writes YA romances, which I know it's unfair, but I fully expect comic fans to disregard her for that alone.
And I'm here to tell you that those fears are unjustified!
Rowell has said in the past that she's been a comic reader far longer than some of us have been alive. Runaways was one of her all time favorite series. She understands the medium and the series. And honestly, writing YA Romance was good Practice for writing for Runaways especially. (Yeah, that's right. Writing beloved and hugely successful books like Eleanor & Park is, in fact, Practice for this woman. Like, No Big Deal??)
There's a nuance of emotion within this volume that the previous volumes have been building up to, and are in fact Rowell's specialty. I'm just so proud of it. To think I've been on this journey with these characters for a decade or more (some of it fun, some of it disappointing garbage) all leading up to... This Moment. Is it possible for it to get better???

Also of note, I was heartbroken that Kris Anka left the series (though I understand why he had to) but I'm truly happy with Andrés Genolet beautiful art. UGH. this book is so good, you guys. show less

Whenever I read books by Rainbow Rowell, "pleasant" seems to be the word that first comes to mind. In this Runaways collection, characters I like talk to each other a lot. It's all very pleasant, even when they are fighting. I might not remember any of the words in a week, but I'll remember the pleasant buzz I felt while reading it.

I enjoyed this but came away thinking Oh, is that all? Six issues only allows for so much to happen! And as I’m primarily a reader of novels and rarely a reader of comics, I’m used to getting more story in one go.

My favourite moments included found-family, therapy and something that felt like a moment of unexpected poetry:

Doombot: “What would you have me be, Victor Mancha?”
Victor: “Nothing. Yourself.”
Doombot: “My self is a tangle of dead ends and contradictions.”
Victor: “Yes. That’s the path of humanity”

Gib, Victor, Chase, Doombot. So much to love here.

This book is very, very good. Great art.