Runaways #13-17 (2004): Alex dies

In this arc, Alex figures out the origin of The Pride—the evil group that all these kids’ parents belong to.  Some Gods called the Gibborim formed the Pride to give them a virgin soul to eat every year.  After eating 25 souls, the Gibborim would be powerful enough to destroy most of humanity.  In exchange, The Pride will get to rule the human-less Earth, and will be able to pass that right on to their children.  Alex tells all this to his fellow runaways after translating some ancient texts.  He also advises that there’s a big “Rite of Thunder” that some of The Pride have to undertake, and the Runaways fight to stop them.

Meanwhile, the Pride did all their bad deeds in part for their kids.  Now, with their kids on the run, the Pride start to fracture and in-fight.  The specific plot points are fun and drive the story forward, but aren’t necessary to repeat here.  I’ll leave you something to gain from actually reading the comics (which are very good comics!).

During the battle to stop the ritual, Alex betrays the team.

We see that Alex is working with his parents and betraying The Runaways.  Turns out, he’s known the truth for years—and he’s directing The Runaways to stop the Rite of Thunder because, due to the internal Pride battles, it won’t turn out well for Alex’s parents.  Through his betrayal, he gets all the Runaways’ items (Old Lace, Nico’s staff, Chase’s Fistagons, etc.) and presents himself to his father as the hero of the Pride…

Alex has now foiled the ritual, and the Gibborim are displeased.

And they kill Alex.

Having foiled the bad Gods, the team take a vehicle from The Pride and head home when they are greeted by Captain America.

Next issue will be the closeout for this series.

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