Young Adult Angst Revives Doombot in Runaways No. 22
By Alex Widen
Once Again, Chase Has the Best Line of the Issue!
It took circumstance and will for Doombot to develop a shred of a personality apart from Dr. Doom’s programming. Without that, Doombot is yet another drone who thinks he’s the real deal. The last time he fought the Runaways, not even having a founding member of Power Pack gave them a chance. Will he tear the team apart with one arm tied behind his back (or missing)? Especially when Molly and the rest of the team see him as a friend, and Gib’s too disinterested to help?
Image by Marvel Comics
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Rainbow Rowell continues along with her yeoman effort to revitalize what was once the most unique Marvel comic the publisher had. Like other writers who’ve tried it, she borrows heavily from their first two volumes. Unlike those writers, she’s captured the spirit of Brian K. Vaughan’s creations and is progressing their character arcs in innovative and organic ways. It leads to drama and conflict, but of the sort that feels natural because it is character driven, not based on a crossover plot. It may be old hat for many comics now, but it captures what makes them special.
Image by Marvel Comics
Rowell’s handling of Chase is more complex than it seems. She doesn’t coddle the character; it’s very obvious that his main problem is not letting go of an idealized past. Much like Gert, Chase would be happier accepting the world in front of him rather than pine for a past that barely was. Yet it’s also obvious that this is hardly deliberate, and that Rowell is even able to play Chase for laughs as the “exasperated adult” of the team. His eye rolls at Doombot and Gib are great!
Image by Marvel Comics