Runaways #23 Review

Writer: Rainbow Rowell / Artist: Andres Genolet / Marvel Runaways Issue #23 is an absolute clinic in how to write a comic without one hero having to lift a finger to stop this villain or the next. Rainbow Rowell consistently shows readers that it isn’t all about the glory and fame of saving the day. Sure, everyone loves to see a menacing bad guy get what’s coming to them, but when you use relationship dynamics to fuel the quality of your writing, you set yourself apart from the bevy of other writers in the industry. And sometimes, you get your book nominated for an Eisner. Chase and Victor try to work through their Gert tension by focusing on reviving Doombot. Chase removes the miniature black hole in Doombot’s chest which was prevented him from turning into a vicious killing machine. Homie wakes up talking that murder music. Victor acts quickly and winds up inside Doombot’s head.

It all turns out to be one to be a wildly touching and highly inspirational interaction. Andres Genolet is now firmly in the driver’s seat of the artistic direction of this series and portraying the inside of Doombot’s mind is a comic book-loving mechanic’s dream. While the two creations have a verbal sparring match and come to terms with their complicated histories, Chase and Gert stand above their bodies having their own reckoning. It is as heartbreaking as it sounds. Rowell dives into their past like Old Lance launching herself into a pool of T-bone steaks. Speaking of steak, Gib still hungers. …