Writer: Noelle Stevenson
Artist: Sanford Greene
Overview:
Noelle
Stevenson continues this Secret Wars tie-in series after the debut of
her Runaways #1. Along with Stevenson, Sanford Greene continues his
artwork for this series as well. Stevenson’s Runaways consists of
Jubilee, Pixie, Cloak and Dagger (Ty as Dagger and Tandy as Cloak),
Skaar, Amadeus Cho, Frostbite, Delphyne Gorgon, and the only original
Runaways member Molly Hayes. There was much uncertainty about the
first issues debut mainly because majority of the original Runaways
weren’t in the last issue. Despite the lack of the original
members, Noelle Stevenson gives a nice spin to the Runaways. Last
issue was mainly an introduction and establishing the new members
from Doom’s Institute for Gifted Youths. In this issue, this group
of delinquent teenagers must figure out how they will work as a team
for the upcoming Final Exam.
Synopsis:
At
the Doom Institute, all the students are gathered in the Great Hall
where headmaster Valeria Von Doom gives her opening speech to all
those participating in the Final Exam. Later, Bucky Barnes assembles
the team of Jubilee, Ty, Cho, Skaar, Pixie, Frostbite, and Gorgon for
the initial part of the Final Exam and wishes them luck on the Exam.
As
the team enters the arena which seems like a simulation room, Ty and
Cho are discussing a plan of attack for the team. Suddenly flash of
light appears along with computer-generated enemies. A huge fight
then follows. More enemies starts to pop up; putting the team at a
disadvantage. Cho manages to find an escape route. Pixie tells
Jubilee to fall back, but she seemingly disappears after being shot
by one of the virtual enemy.
As
they’re in hiding, Jubilee notices the bodies of students laying
down across the battlefield. In turns out, they were actually
battling with other students as they appeared as virtual simulations.
Jubilee finds Pixie’s dead body after figuring out she was still in
the arena. They also figure out that the Exams are just annual tournament;
just to kill of the students no matter what (pretty much like Hunger
Games).
Everyone decides to leave the Final Exam and Doom’s
Institute. Jubilee leaves to get another Night Witch member. Ty
manages to meet up with Tandy, but she decides to stay behind. Cho
finds the head of their Doombot instructor from the previous issue
and brings it with them. Jubille finds Molly and brings her
with them as well. They all get on an aircraft and fly off just
before the Institute’s guards get to them. However, they all notice
everyone is on board except for Frostbite.
Review:
The
story continues to be interesting including the Hunger Games twist.
Stevenson does a great job on characterization in this issue. Jubilee
continues to act like a complete jerk, but her moments with
Frostbite, Pixie, and Molly gives her a compassionate persona.
Stevenson wrote Cho as the character he should be by showing his
brilliance and wittiness in this issue. Jubilee, mourning the death
of Pixie, is portrayed impressively. Along with the character
interactions, the action sequences looked cool; especially the battle
in the arena. The art continues to look silly and muddled throughout
the book, but it fits the tone of the series. Greene draws the action
sequences and character interactions really well. I would pick this
up if you are a big fan of the Runaways and would like to pick up a
Secret Wars tie-in.
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