Runaways: Think of the Children #1

Runaways: Think of the Children #1 was published by Marvel Comics in 2021 as a one-shot special. It was conceived as part of the broader effort to highlight the legacy of the Runaways, a team created by Brian K. Vaughan and Adrian Alphona in 2003, who are defined by their status as children of supervillains turned heroes. This issue was designed to bridge the gap between their classic origins and their later status as established members of the Marvel Universe, focusing on the team's internal dynamics and the lingering trauma of their parents' legacy.

The issue was written by Christopher Cantwell and illustrated by Luca Pizzari. Cantwell sought to capture the cynical yet resilient voice that originally defined the series, grounding the heightened reality of teen superheroes in realistic interpersonal conflict. The visual direction by Pizzari leans into a contemporary comic aesthetic that maintains the clean, character-focused framing established by the original Runaways artists. Upon release, it was received as a respectful modern homage, appreciated by long-time readers for its commitment to the established character voices while serving as an accessible entry point for those familiar with the team's media presence.