Runaways #10

Runaways is back. This issue hammers home the idea that Terry Moore was the problem in the series's recent funk. The Runaways are, have always been, and will always be, funny, modern, and just plain cool.

This issue gives us two different self-contained stories. The first one involves Molly finally responding to the X-Men's all-call for mutants. Chris Yost writes a hilarious story centering on Molly. He nails the tone of the series and writes every character's dialogue perfectly. Molly is whiny and annoying the crap out of the X-Men in a totally amusing fashion. She gets sad when people talk about her parents the same way she did when Brian K. Vaughan wrote the series. In fact, this entire issue read incredibly similarly to those glory days issues.

Sara Pichelli's art for the first story was a little hit or miss. Her depiction of Molly and Wolverine are spot on. Every other character just looks bad though. Karolina and Emma Frost are drawn exactly the same and Nico looks about 30 and has a boob job. Pichelli's style is a little cartoony, but I think it's appropriate for this title. Her character work just needs a little help.

The second story is written by James Asmus and is equally as impressive. Since Molly dominated the last tale, the rest of the team gets the focus on this one. Like Yost, Asmus also captures the true spirit of the team. They're teenagers. They play around a lot, act rashly, overreact to things, and don't realize the significance of others. Asmus masterfully conveys all these things in a game of truth-or-dare, a time honored tradition of teens.

Emma Ross handles the art for this part and does an adequate job. Every character looks appropriately confused, embarrassed, and amusing. The action is also fun to follow and nice to look at.

This issue is what the Runaways is about. It's amusing, action-packed, and most importantly, captivating. Anyone who was turned away by Terry Moore's terrible run needs to get this issue. As a matter of fact, every one should get this issue. It is probably the best comic of the week.