(W) Rainbow Rowell (A) David Lafuente & Various (CA) Kris Anka. A ghost from the Runaways' past returns with an ultimatum and the world is in the balance! Nico's magic has always been painful* an inheritance from her parents she had to hurt herself to use. Now* at last* she learns the shocking source of the Staff of One and things will never be the same! Meanwhile* Christmas comes to the hostel but a familiar face could ruin everything. Alex Wilder is back! No one led the Runaways better than him and no one hurt them more. But with the destruction of Earth looming* will Alex help the team overcome the worst threat they've faced since their reunion or is another betrayal on the horizon? Plus: In a special adventure* see the world through Old Lace's eyes! Collecting RUNAWAYS (2017) #13-18. Rated T+