Books: Runaways

"Runaways" is a comic book series where a group of teens learn that their parents are secretly supervillains. There's some action, quite a bit of comedy, and a dash of romance, all presented in a pseudo-manga style by writer Brian K. Vaughan and artist Adrian Alphona. The series won a Harvey Award in 2006, and there's been talk of a film adaptation. Vaughan also wrote "Y: The Last Man" for DC/Vertigo.

The best part of "Runaways" is its willingness to be playful with superhero conventions, and Marvel Comics tropes in particular. The very first panel features a fictional Marvel-themed MMORPG, and characters regularly poke fun at catchphrases like "Hulk smash!" and "It's clobberin' time!" Vaughan has said that he's not as comfortable writing stories with the standard company characters as he is with his own creations; "Runaways" has a loose and creative feel that perfectly captures the spirit of being a teenager.