Runaways (Marvel Comic Series)

Runaways is a comic created by comic book all star writer Brian K Vaughn and acclaimed artist Adrian Alphona in 2003. The series was created as part of Marvel’s Tsunami imprint, Marvel’s attempt to tap into the at the time potent manga audience. The series was canceled after 18 issues only to be renewed as the collected issues sold exceedingly well. The original creative team left the book after issue twenty-four hanging over the reigns to writer Joss Whedon and artist Michael Ryan. After a few more runs the book finally was canceled in 2009.

The series is about a group of teenagers that find out their parents are evil so they run away and in the process discover a lot more about themselves. They face their parents and after the events a new journey begins. The runaways get new additions from time to time and lose members as well. Nico Minoru serves as team leader fighting with the magical staff of one, a staff that is summoned by bleeding and can cast any kind of spell using one word but only once. She is joined by Chase Stein kid of geniuses and bad boy. Molly Haynes is a young mutant with the power of super strength but it exhausts her to use it. Karolina Dean is an alien princess that can shoot energy and fly. They are eventually joined by shapeshifting alien Xavin, cyborg Victor Mancha, and Klara Prast a plant manipulator.

Representation
Xavin is a shapeshing Skrull, an alien race in the marvel universe, and appears to identify as male at first. However, when discovering Karolina Dean’s sexuaitly explores their gender. Xavin takes female pronouns after encountering Karolina and appears to be a representation of a genderfluid character.

The previously mentioned Karolina Dean is in the opening roster of the team and a lesbian.

Where are they now
Nico Minoru is now on the all female avengers team A-force

The other Runaways are not currently a member of any modern comic book.

Recommended reading
Runaways Volume 1-2

Do not read Avengers Arena or Undercover, just don’t.