Six kids from six families in Los Angeles find out they're connected through their parents' evil plot to destroy the world--but nothing is ever what it seems when your parents are super-rich supervillians.

This volume holds the first run of Runaways--all 18 issues-- plus some bonus material from writer Brian K. Vaughn. It's a rip-roaring adventure through the lives of the characters, full of adrenaline, but not too much testosterone. Strong female characters and kids of color in protagonist roles lead the way for through the action, and plenty of teen drama permeates every scene where nothing blows up. The Runaways are complex, compelling, round characters with distinct personalities, full of piss and vinegar as all teens are. Self-conscious in the right ways--essential for a new addition to such an established genre. ( )

Reviewed by Karin Perry for TeensReadToo.com

RUNAWAYS is a graphic novel published by Marvel Comics revolving around six teenagers with nothing in common except for the fact that their parents know each other. Once a year they are forced to spend an evening together while their parents have a secret meeting. Unable to stand the boredom during one of these nights, the kids decide to sneak in and see what really goes on behind the closed doors of these meetings. They learn that their parents are supervillains with powers that are maintained by sacrificing a human life on an annual basis. Witnessing the sacrifice shatters the kids' world and sends them running for their lives.

Nico, Gertrude, Chase, Karolina, Molly, and Alex learn their true heritage and each get a weapon or a power that they didn't know they had. Nico is the daughter of dark wizards and carries the "Staff of One," which allows her to cast spells. Gertrude is the daughter of time-traveling criminals and receives a genetically engineered deinonychus which she shares a telepathic bond with. Chase is the son of mad scientists and he uses high-tech gadgets he stole from his parents' lboratory to help them with their missions. Karolina is the daughter of alien invaders and can fly and manipulate solar energy. Molly is the daughter of evil mutants and has super strength, and Alex is the son of crime bosses and turns out to be a big surprise.

The kids run underground and hide in a place they call "The Hostel" and try to come up with ways to thwart their parents' evil plans and help the world -- while at the same time, stay alive.

Comic book fans will be glad to see some familiar superheroes make appearances throughout the book, such as Captain America and Cloak and Dagger. RUNAWAYS VOL. 1 is the collection of comic book issues #1 through #18 in hardback format. Volume 2 is already out and Volume 3 will be released in April 2007. Beginning with Issue #25, Volume 2, Joss Whedon, creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, will take over writing responsibilities. The graphic novel world is very excited about this development. ( )

Most of the superhero comic books and movies have you rooting for the "good" guys. What do you do when you find out your parents have super powers and are villians?

You run away from home and kick some butt, that's what! The teenagers are believable. This was a fun quick read that really made me think about what life would be like if it were turned on it's ear. ( )

This book was amazing! I like that there are only two main guy characters and the rest are females. I'm happy to see that Joss Whedon forced the author's hand into continuing writing about these teenage superheroes and am about to start on the second volume. ( )

A group of 6 kids find out their parents are involved in some shady activities. They snoop around their parents houses and discover more about their parents and their own abilities.