Contains spoilers for Marvel’s Runaways #38.
The most recent issue of Marvel’s Runaways marks two important milestones for the series: the 100th issue of the series overall and the end of the current series’ run. In its current form, the series is written by Rainbow Rowell, with art by Andrés Genolet. The final issue of the series welcomes back two familiar Runaways names: former series artist Kris Anka and the co-creator of the Runaways, Adrian Alphona.
Rowell has been the lead writer on Runaways since Marvel relaunched the title in 2017. When this 100th issue was first announced, Rowell said she was originally not sure how long the series would run, but has been pleased with the long run the comic has had. The comics series follows a group of teens who run away from home after learning that their parents are actually super-villains. The team has grown and changed throughout the series, but the core heart of the story remains the same: the Runaways are super-powered kids with nowhere else to go, who do not want to follow in the villainous footsteps of their parents.
Newsarama has reported that Runaways #38 is the last issue of the series. There are lots of exciting places for this issue to pick up, but it starts in a familiar place: with the arrival of the Light Brigade. After calling off her marriage to the Skrull prince Xavin, Karolina Dean finds herself being chased again by the Light Brigade – a group of Majesdanians, which are a super-powered race of aliens that she herself belongs to. The Light Brigade is not a new stressor for the Runaways – they have faced this particular group before. The Light Brigade believe that Karolina’s family sold the entire planet out to the Skrull (who were just united with the Kree, via a love beam), leading to its destruction. Karolina approaches the enemy fearlessly – only to reveal that she, herself, called them there.
Summoning enemies to a home base is not a great idea unless a character has a really, really good plan. The Runaways team has previously put in a lot of effort keeping Karolina safe from the Light Brigade, so her summoning her own enemies to their home base is a bit of a slap in the face. It’s hard to tell exactly why she’s called them there – certainly not to turn herself in? With this being the last – and simultaneously the 100th issue – of this series, readers are looking forward to resolution to some of their questions – like how the oddest love triangle Marvel has ever seen will play itself out.
However, there are lots of other story lines that could appear – and be wrapped up – within this issue. Nico sold a part of her soul to a mysterious sorcerer known as “the One,” who is also the Minoru family’s “staff of One.” The team has also grown with new members who have not gotten a proper chance to shine yet. With this issue being the final one – and such a significant one at 100 for the characters – the story-lines will hopefully conclude in a satisfying way for readers. Cliffhangers are great, but not if the series is over!
Runaways #38 is available starting August 11.
