Runaways, Vol. 1 by Brian K. Vaughan

Vaughan, B. K., Alphona, A., & Miyazawa, T. (2006).  Runaways, Vol. 1.  New York: Marvel Publishing Inc.  ISBN 9780785118763

Plot Summary 

In the Marvel Comics universe, there are all manner of super-powered beings, but the group of six children whose parents meet yearly to discuss their charitable endeavors never thought they were part of that group. One year, these teens decide to peak in on their parents before the meeting is over only to discover that they are killing a teenage girl and have plans to use their super-powers for their continued personal gain. This is a lot to take in for the kids, and they decide to runaway to the streets of Los Angeles, where they slowly discover they have powers similar to their parents.

Critical Evaluation 

There is some parallel construction in the fact that the six children have similar if not identical powers to their parents and perhaps suggests the possibility that the children could grow to be like their parents. This idea is traditionally not a bad thing, but there is a clear rejection of that tradition here, where the children not only want to rebel, but feel compelled to out of a moral duty. The point of view is third-person, but it follows the children, and makes the reader identify with them.

Reader's Annotation 

It is one thing to find out one day, after years of never knowing any better, that your parents have super powers, but to also discover that they are super-villains? Faced with these revelations, there is no choice but to run away.

Author Information 

Brian K. Vaughan is most well known as a comics author, having worked on Ultimate X-Men, the critically acclaimed Y: The Last Man, Ex Machina, and the ongoing comic Saga. He has also worked on film adaptations and as a producer on the television series Lost. He is a graduate of New York University, where he went to study film, but also participated in the Stan-hattan Project, a program named after Marvel Comics founder and longtime writer Stan Lee, which encouraged budding comics writers.

Genre 

Graphic novel, superhero

Curriculum Ties 

Reading and Language Arts

Booktalking Ideas 

Describe the experience of one of the children followed in Runaways as they discover the truth about their parents, giving an inner monologue of their feelings and shock.

Reading Level/Interest Age 

Rated T+ by Marvel for older teens

Challenge Issues 

Running away is a definite issue, but cutting is also addressed. One character discovers that a powerful staff that they can summon can only come from their body, an open wound. The idea of cutting is discussed by the characters, as well as how this is different, which points to the theme of the book that things are not as they seem, yet this is still controversial.

If challenged, I would first suggest being familiar with the work in order to speak about it directly.  Then, listen the challenger's complaint, show them to positive reviews, and refer to the collection policy, stating a need to include a variety of works that may not be suitable for all, but should contain something for everyone.  As a last resort, turn to the ALA Bill of Rights or First Amendment defense, but try not to let things get there; listen and reassure the patron. 

Reason Selected

I am a regular reader of Vaughan's other comics Y: The Last Man and Saga.  This young adult title naturally piqued my interest.

References 

Brian K. Vaughan. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved April 1, 2013, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_K._Vaughan