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Secret Invasion: Runaways/Young Avengers (Marvel Comics, 2008; #1-3)

  • As the Runaways are getting ready to leave New York and return to LA, Skrulls attack.
  • Xavin recognizes the Skrull cult responsible for the attack and convinces Nico and Victor to get the rest of the team to safety while he figures out what’s going on.
  • That turns out to be an assassination attempt on Hulkling, who as the prophesied Skrull savior could put an end to the invasion. 
  • Yost avoids keeping the team’s bickering from sounding mean-spirited, and he gives Xavin some much-needed time in the spotlight as a driving force in the story.
  • Miyazawa returns to drawing Runaways, with Strain continuing as colorist; the arc looks very much like a manga take on the team, but it works well with frequent Skrull fights.

This is the first Runaways arc since Vaughan and Alphona’s departure to capture the tone of their run.  On top of that, Yost gives Xavin a much-needed chance to shine as a hero and not just Karolina’s grumpy significant other or Chase’s punching bag.

Collected in

  • Secret Invasion: Runaways/Young Avengers (#1-3)
  • Runaways: The Complete Collection, Vol. 3 (#19-30, Civil War: Young Avengers & Runaways #1-4, Secret Invasion: Runaways/Young Avengers #1-3)

Credits

Writer: Christopher Yost | Artist: Takeshi Miyazawa | Colorist: Christina Strain | Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna | Covers: Michael Ryan, Rick Ketcham, Christina Strain | Assistant Editor: Daniel Ketchum | Editor: Tom Brevoort

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