Runaways: The Complete Collection #2

In "True Believers Chapter One," the Runaways patrol Los Angeles, confronting the Wrecking Crew after a failed attempt to talk Piledriver and the Excavator down from a bank heist. Meanwhile, the superhero support group Excelsior is interrupted by a mysterious benefactor offering a million dollars to track the teens, while back at their base, a strange machine delivers a chilling message from a future Gertie—urging them to stop a young Victor who will one day destroy every hero on Earth.

In "True Believers Chapter Two," the disgraced superhero team Excelsior reluctantly suits up again, chasing the Runaways for fame and fortune—only to uncover a chilling vision of a future where a villain called Victorious eradicates Earth's heroes. When the Runaways confront Victor Mancha at his school, a fight erupts just as Excelsior arrives on the scene.

In "True Believers Chapter Three," the Runaways flee with Victor as a hostage, only to confront his bewildered denial of their accusations—that he’ll one day destroy Earth’s heroes. As Excelsior closes in and Darkhawk erupts in fury against his own team, the group scrambles to survive another escape, while Ms. Mancha, learning her son has been taken, makes a cryptic call that hints at deeper connections.

In "True Believers Chapter Four," the Runaways bring Victor to their base, determined to uncover the truth behind his mysterious powers—especially since he insists his father, a long-dead war hero, can't be the one behind his abilities. When Victor takes control by threatening Gertie and calls home, the shocking answer comes not from a parent, but from Dr. Doom himself.

In "True Believers Chapter Five," Victor and the Runaways race to rescue his mother from the man he thought was his father—Dr. Doom—only to discover the villain is a robot. As the team fights their way through the deception, Victor faces a devastating truth when his real father, Ultron, emerges, claiming his mother’s life and seizing control of Victor’s own robotic form.

In "True Believers Conclusion," Ultron guides his son Victor through the memories of his creation, revealing the complex origins of their shared existence. As Victor confronts the truth of his mother’s death, he breaks free from his programming and joins the Runaways in their fight against Ultron. With help from Excelsior and Darkhawk, the tide turns—but not before a shocking revelation about Chamber and a surprising new ally emerges.