For years, fans have been clamoring for a show based on the cult classic Marvel comic called Runaways. The series from Adrian Alphona, Christina Strain, and Brian K. Vaughn is ripe for a live-action adaption, containing all of the classic teen drama tropes and superhero dramatics that would make for compelling character dynamics and over-the-top adventures. And we’re finally getting it this November on Hulu. However not much has been heard of or seen from the series being produced by Stephanie Savage and Josh Schwartz, though bad footage of a trailer screened at a media presentation managed to make it online. Hulu has yet to release an official trailer, waiting until closer to the release date to reveal their cards. But with less than three months until the show’s premiere on the streaming platform, Hulu has provided members of the media a sneak peak at the first two episodes of the series. Be sure to check back in November for our full review of the series. We can’t reveal too much about what we saw right now and spoilers are strictly forbidden, but given the quality of these two episodes fans of the Runaways have a lot to look forward to.

Marvel Meets 'Riverdale' First of all, the story makes a few changes to those initial issues of Runaways that came out over a decade ago. These are still the same six characters we came to know and love in the comic series. Some of the changes are minor, others more significant, but the heart of Runaways beats true in these episodes. Nico, Gert, Molly, Alex, Chase, and Karolina leap from the pages, though their circumstances might be altered. Their personalities and interactions might be turned up a notch, but it only serves to make a great teen drama. Some have called it “Marvel’s version of Riverdale,” and while it’s not entirely inaccurate it’s also not the fairest comparison. The series has more in common with Schwartz and Savage’s previous work on The OC and Gossip Girl, all while bracing the fantastic elements of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Another welcome addition is the focus on the parents, who are given further development in these episodes. The series seems to be exploring their personalities and motivations as much as it will the children, but rest assured the Runaways are the stars of the show. It will at least add another layer in the generational conflict, perhaps adding more gray in the battle between ‘good’ and ‘evil.’ prevnext

A Strong Cast The acting and casting are pretty spot on. Some characters have minor changes, most notably Allegra Acosta as Molly who is not as young as she is in the comic and therefore not as wily. She’s still the curious troublemaker, though it comes across as endearing. Nico, Karolina, and (especially) Gert are faithful portrayals. Lyrika Okano, Virginia Gardner, and Ariela Barer play their respective roles very well. Rhenzy Feliz as Alex is slightly more morose. Gregg Sulkin’s portrayal of Chase is ever the asshole, though there is a sense of untapped potential from the outset. The kids all seem like they leap from the comic pages, with the chops to back it up, but many of the parents are scene stealers. James Marsters as Victor Stein could be an early favorite, though it’s hard to say at this point given his lack of screen time, but Annie Wersching and Kip Pardue steal their scenes as Leslie and Frank Dean. The amount of development given to the parents allows them to come across in more than one note, which will only serve to heighten the drama when the inevitable showdown between the Pride and the Runaways occurs. prevnext