A Spoiler-Free Review of the Marvel’s Runaways Pilot
Hulu is jumping into the superhero game with Marvel’s Runaways and based off of the pilot, it looks like they might have nailed it on their first try.
At New York Comic Con, attendants of the panel were treated to a first look at the anticipated fall series. Already considered one of the best new shows of the year, Runaways might push Hulu ahead of Netflix in the battle to have the best original series.
The biggest question surrounding Marvel’s Runaways would be whether the show was faithful to one of the most popular modern-day comics. Thankfully, the series draws a considerable amount from the comics and retains a similar feel to the successful Brian K. Vaughn story. Not to mention, the special effects manage to be impressive, especially Karolina, and all of the superpowers far exceed those portrayed on ABC’s Inhumans.
However, the most impressive part of Marvel’s Runaways is how strong the acting is across the board. Of course, the characters all get their signature outfits and looks correct, but the actors manage to inject them with unique personalities in only fifty-three minutes. Karolina gets a minor change to her backstory because her parents aren’t movie stars like they are in the comics but they are still prominent members of society.
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Meanwhile, Marvel is not allowed to use “mutants,” or even mention them, therefore, Molly actually gets a huge reworking in the pilot. Despite the massive background changes, her powers seem to work the same and her innocence is very prominent throughout the episode.
Fans at NYCC who went to some of the various lockers set up for Marvel’s Runaways will have noticed that Gibborim, a villain from the comics, was confirmed for the series. However, he plays a vastly different role in the pilot because inside Karolina’s locker is a stick for “The Church of Gibborim”. The episode immediately introduces said Church, and it’s a fun modern take on a villain during this time. Of course, the other villains of the series are the kids’ parents who all get a little bit of screen time to introduce themselves.
James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), looks as though he’s having the most fun in the role of an abusive father to the resident athlete, Chase Stein (Gregg Sulkin). He’s most famous for playing villain turned anti-hero, Spike, on Buffy but here he doesn’t chew scenery like on his former show but approaches the role with a silent intensity. While the rest of the adults will probably get their chance to shine throughout the season, their few moments in a group are an amusing amount of drama.
Next: Brand new photos from Marvel’s ‘Runaways’
Netflix has been known for their unique style of their Marvel series but Hulu is ready to give the other streaming service a run for their money. Marvel’s Runaways is incredibly well-shot, and completely captures high school life in the first episode. With excellent writing and acting, there isn’t anything standing in the way of Hulu having the hottest show of the fall.