Karolina Dean
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Karolina Dean | |
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Publication information | |
Publisher | Marvel Comics |
First appearance | Runaways #1 (July 2003) |
Created by | Brian K. Vaughan (writer) Adrian Alphona (artist) |
In-story information | |
Alter ego | Karolina Dean |
Species | Majesdanian |
Place of origin | Earth |
Team affiliations | Runaways |
Notable aliases | Lucy in the Sky L.S.D. Princess Justice |
Abilities |
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Karolina Dean (
Karolina has been described as one of Marvel's most notable and powerful female heroes, being labeled as a prominent LGBT character.[9][10][11][12][13]
Karolina Dean appears in the Hulu / Marvel Cinematic Universe television series Runaways, portrayed by Virginia Gardner.
Publication history
Author Brian K. Vaughan, the creator of Runaways, played a significant role in the character's development throughout the series. He collaborated with Adrian Alphona, who helped with Karolina's character development and visual representation.
Karolina debuted in Runaways #1.
Fictional character biography
The Pride
Karolina is the daughter of renowned
Personality
Early in the series, Karolina constantly struggles with her alien heritage, feeling that she is a "freak" amongst the group, the only one who needs to actively hide her true form.
As a fugitive
In the early issues of Runaways, volume 2, Karolina fights under the command of de facto leader Nico. Karolina expresses more comfort with being an extraterrestrial[19] and makes strong hints at being a lesbian, especially as she stops to compliment Julie Power on her beauty during a battle with Excelsior over the custody of Victor Mancha[20] and later even agrees to go on a date with her following a joint Avengers Academy/Runaways mission[21] (and would eventually become romantically involved).[22] Soon after Victor joins the team, Karolina "comes out" to Nico with an attempted kiss, which Nico rejects outright.[23] Karolina's "outcast" insecurities resurface when her Skrull fiancée Xavin comes to Earth in search for her. Unbeknownst to her, Karolina's parents arranged Xavin's and Karolina's marriage as part of a peace-weaving effort between the Skrull and Majesdanian (her species) homeworlds.[24] Karolina leaves with Xavin, much to Nico's distress.[24]
While on her home planet Majesdane, Karolina learns to control the shift between her Majesdanian and humanoid forms and how to further control her solar powers.
Deportation and other activities
In S.W.O.R.D. #2, Karolina is one of the aliens kidnapped by
.Reunion
After the Runaways disbanded for some time, Karolina moved on to a happy new life in college and left behind her anxieties over her old life with the help of therapy; thus, declined the invitation to reunite even with the return of the undead Gert. Karolina reasoned she had grown up and changed from their time as scared kids on the run. She also felt it didn't make sense for them to get back together because they were never a team, like the Avengers, or had a mission, other than staying alive and not becoming their parents. Nico agreed with Karolina's assessment, but it still left her riddled with guilt.[32] Karolina dropped by Nico's apartment to reconsider the reunion when Nico attempted to kiss Karolina but is rejected due to having a girlfriend and dismissed it as Nico's habit of seeking comfort at times of stress.[33] The Runaways banded together to rescue Gert and Molly from Molly's mad scientist grandmother's house. Karolina avoided hurting Molly's grandmother and her genetically engineered creations; however, once Nico was struck by a telepathic attack, Karolina blasted the house and put an end to it. Battered but finding solace together as a makeshift family, they all decided to go home.[34]
At this point, the Runaways resettled into their old hideout, the Hostel. Karolina is fitting in like she never left like her friendship with Nico hasn't missed a beat, but she struggles to give equal attention to her classes and girlfriend.[35] When Julie's eagerly awaited visit is interrupted by Doctor Doom's attack on the hostel, Karolina and Julie don't see eye-to-eye on how Runaways improvise-styled battle plan and their functionality as a super-hero family team works.[36] Julie expressed frustration of Karolina not opening up in their relationship, especially about her past that's now her present. To drown her sorrows in sugar over Karolina ignoring her once again, Julie unknowingly ate an enchanted cupcake that transformed her back to a thirteen year old forever.[37] The Runaways eventually reverse the spell, but Julie still broke up with Karolina as she felt Karolina placed her membership in the Runaways on a higher priority.[38] While Nico and Karolina bonded over lost loves, Karolina admitted she had been neglecting Julie which, perhaps, made their breakup inevitable.[39] Following the break-up, Karolina invited Nico to attend her parents’ legitimate children's charity ball with her. While there, Nico confessed her feelings asking Karolina for a second chance.[40] Karolina was surprised and scared.[40][41] After some hesitation that left Karolina feeling rejected again, Nico finally seized her chance and the two kissed, beginning a relationship.[40][41]
Characterization
Relationships
Karolina gets along well with the other Runaways, and the only time she had ever got into an argument with them was after they questioned her about Xavin's gender.[42][43] She has an older-sister type relationship with Molly, but a caring relationship with both Chase and Victor, whom she had both comforted after they lost loved ones.[44]
Nico Minoru
It was subtly hinted throughout the first volume of Runaways that Karolina had harbored a longtime crush on Nico.[45] Much later, Karolina attempted to kiss Nico, but was rejected. Karolina then came out to Nico as a lesbian, admitting her feelings for Nico.[23] After deciding to leave Earth to marry Xavin, Karolina left her medical alert bracelet with Nico as a token of remembrance. When Karolina later returned to Earth, she accidentally confessed to Xavin (who had taken on the form of Nico) that she was still in love with Nico. Despite this, Karolina remained staunch in her devotion to Xavin, and thus her feelings for and attraction to Nico occasionally put a strain on their friendship.[27]
When the Runaways re-banded sometime later, Nico made possible romantic overtures towards Karolina, ultimately attempting to kiss her. However, Karolina rejected Nico out of faithfulness to Julie and dismissed it as Nico's habit of seeking comfort in times of stress.[33] Following Julie and Karolina's break-up, Karolina invited Nico to attend her parents’ legitimate foundation's a charity ball with her. While there, Karolina's usual nervousness was replaced by newfound confidence because of Nico's support as she's felt Nico had “always seen the real” her.[40] Nico confessed she was confused about herself for so long she couldn't see her clearly. Nico knows who and what she wants now and asks Karolina for a second chance.[40] Karolina was surprised and scared, which exacerbated her old feelings of rejection when Nico pulled away.[41] But Nico seized her chance and the two kissed, beginning a relationship.[40]
Xavin
Xavin came to Earth to marry Karolina, revealing that their parents had arranged a marriage between the two of them in order to keep Earth safe from Skrull attacks. Karolina initially rejected Xavin; Xavin attempted to persuade her, explaining that the marriage would be part of a peace treaty. Karolina still refused, stating that it would be a "lie" for her to marry a man. Xavin then revealed that Skrulls could shapeshift into different sexes, prompting Karolina to decide to accept the marriage proposal.[24] However, they were later unable to get married when war broke out again between the Skrulls and Majesdanians. They escaped to Earth and re-joined the Runaways.[46] Throughout their relationship, Karolina fully accepted Xavin's continued changing between male and female appearances. However, she secretly expressed confusion and doubts over Xavin's true gender. However, during an argument, Xavin subconsciously reverted to female human form, which pleased Karolina.[27] Their relationship ended when Xavin left Earth with a remaining group of Majesdanians, sacrificing themself for Karolina.[47]
Julie Power
Karolina flirted with and later began dating Julie Power, after a trip to Avengers Academy; this resulted in long-term relationship. Julie attempted to convince Karolina to move to New York so they could be together full-time after the past year apart, though Karolina was resistant to this.[35] After visiting Karolina in Los Angeles, Julie broke up with her, believing that she and Karolina were too incompatible, and that Karolina's first priority would always be to the Runaways.[36]
Conceptual changes
In Brian K. Vaughan's original pitch for the series, Karolina Dean was originally called Leslie. This name would eventually be given to
Powers and abilities
Like all Majesdanians, Karolina's natural form is luminous, iridescent, and visually fluid, often depicted with waves of rainbow-like light floating off her body (Chase described her as "a burning painting") though body structure is essentially humanoid.
The drawback to Karolina's powers is that they have a finite charge. If she is in her Majesdanian form too long or exerts her powers too much, her glow will start to fade and revert her to human form until she uses the sun's rays to recharge. The only time she entirely lost her powers was when the Runaways battled the Gibborim to prevent Chase from sacrificing himself.[42] Leslie Dean stated early in the series that Majesdanians' abilities do not affect one another.[18]
Cultural impact and legacy
Critical reception
Peyton Hinckle of
Accolades
- In 2013, Autostraddle included Karolina in their "20 Kickass Girls in Books, Comics, TeeVee, Movies, and Pop Culture In General" list.[12]
- In 2014, BuzzFeed ranked Karolina 4th in their "12 Kick-Ass Gay Women In Comics And Graphic Novels" list.[57]
- In 2014, Autostraddle ranked Karolina 10th in their "11 Female Superheroes I Wish Marvel Would Make Movies About" list.[58]
- In 2015, WhatCulture ranked Karolina 1st in their "12 LGBTQ Comic Book Characters Ready For Live-Action Adaptation" list.[59]
- In 2015, Bustle ranked Karolina 4th in their "14 Female Superheroes Who Deserve Stardom" list.[60]
- In 2017, BuzzFeed ranked Karolina 23rd in their "27 Kick-Ass Female Superheroes You'll Love If Wonder Woman Is Your Favorite" list.[61]
- In 2018, CBR.com ranked Karolina 4th in their "20 Daughters Of Supervillains Who Are Deadlier Than Their Parents" list.[62]
- In 2019, CBR.com ranked Karolina 2nd in their "The 10 Most Powerful Members of The Runaways" list.[13]
- In 2020, Scary Mommy included Karolina in their "Looking For A Role Model? These 195+ Marvel Female Characters Are Truly Heroic" list.[63]
- In 2020, CBR.com ranked Karolina 4th in their "A-Force: 10 Heroines That Should Join The Marvel Team" list.[64]
- In 2021, CBR.com ranked Karolina 2nd in their "10 LGBTQ+ Marvel Characters Who Deserve A Solo Series" list.[65]
Other versions
House of M
Karolina Dean is mentioned as being a "go-to" girl for the
Marvel Zombies Halloween
A zombie Karolina Dean is attacking Kitty Pryde and her son Peter in Marvel Zombies Halloween. She is stopped by Mephisto.
In other media
Television
Karolina Dean appears in Runaways, portrayed by Virginia Gardner.[67] This version is a half-human, half-Gibborim girl descended from a family of exiled royal magistrates whose fear of removing her power dampening bracelet stems from her mother's religious background and work with the cult-like Church of Gibborim, which made Karolina a target of ridicule at school.[68] Over the course of the first season, Karolina slowly learns more about her true form and powers and expresses feelings toward Nico Minoru,[69] whom she soon enters a relationship with.[70] In the second season, Karolina learns of her heritage and embraces her dual identity further.[71][72]
Video games
- Karolina Dean appears as a playable character in Marvel: Avengers Alliance.
- Karolina Dean appears as a playable character in Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2 via a DLC season pass.[73]
- Karolina Dean appears as a playable character in Marvel Avengers Academy.
- Karolina Dean appears as a playable character in Marvel Puzzle Quest.
Miscellaneous
Karolina Dean received a figure from HeroClix.[74]
See also
References
- ^ Brian K. Vaughan (w), Adrian Alphona (p), Craig Yeung (i). "Pride & Joy" Runaways, no. 6 (Sept. 2003). Marvel Comics.
- ^ "Everything You Need to Know About Marvel's RUNAWAYS — Nerdist". archive.nerdist.com. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
- ^ "Where to Begin Reading Marvel's 'Runaways' Comics". Inverse. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
- ^ Issue #11 page 19 panel 5 Chase Stein aka Talkback says "L.S.D. you take tall dark and ugly"
(referring to Cloak (comics)
- ^ Sherlock, Ben (2019-08-11). "Thor: Love And Thunder - 10 Characters Valkyrie Might Choose As Her Queen". ScreenRant. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
- ^ Runaways Vol 5 #27
- ^ Keough, Robert (2020-02-20). "Marvel's Runaways Expose Their Leader's Most Disturbing Secret". ScreenRant. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
- ^ Karolina Dean
- ^ "Fan-Favorite Marvel LGBTQ+ Characters and Couples". Marvel Entertainment. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
- ^ Samantha Puc Contributions from George Marston (2022-06-10). "Most iconic LGBTQIA+ comics romances". gamesradar. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
- ^ a b "18 Queer Female Superheroes and Villains Who Can Kick Your Ass". www.pride.com. 2015-07-08. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
- ^ a b Vanessa (2013-05-23). "Let's Talk About Fictional Kickass Heroines: Katniss, Xena, Buffy and More". Autostraddle. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
- ^ a b Wyatt, Liz (2019-08-27). "The 10 Most Powerful Members of The Runaways, Ranked". CBR. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
- ^ Runaways #1
- ^ a b c Runaways #3
- ^ a b Runaways #6
- ^ Runaways #12
- ^ a b c Runaways #17
- ^ Runaways vol. 2 #1
- ^ Runaways vol. 2 #3
- ^ Avengers Academy #28
- ^ Avengers Academy #39
- ^ a b c Runaways vol. 2 #7
- ^ a b c Runaways vol. 2 #8
- ^ a b c Runaways vol. 2 #16
- ^ Runaways vol. 2 #17
- ^ a b c Runaways vol. 2 #30
- ^ a b S.W.O.R.D. #2
- ISBN 0-7851-4076-X) (2010)
- ^ Avengers Arena #13
- ^ Avengers Undercover #4
- ^ Rainbow Rowell (w), Kris Anka (p), Matt Wilson (col). "Finding Your Way Home" Runaways, vol. 5, no. 3 (Nov. 8, 2017). Marvel Comics.
- ^ a b Rainbow Rowell (w), Kris Anka (p), Matt Wilson (col). "Finding Your Way Home" Runaways, vol. 5, no. 5 (Jan. 10, 2018). Marvel Comics.
- ^ Rainbow Rowell (w), Kris Anka (p), Matt Wilson (col). "Finding Your Way Home" Runaways, vol. 5, no. 6 (Feb. 7, 2018). Marvel Comics.
- ^ a b Rainbow Rowell (w), Kris Anka (p), Matt Wilson (col). "Best Friends Forever" Runaways, vol. 5, no. 7 (March 21, 2018). Marvel Comics.
- ^ a b Rainbow Rowell (w), Kris Anka (p), Matt Wilson (col). "Best Friends Forever" Runaways, vol. 5, no. 8 (April 4, 2018). Marvel Comics.
- ^ Rainbow Rowell (w), Kris Anka (p), Matt Wilson (col). "Best Friends Forever" Runaways, vol. 5, no. 9 (May 9, 2018). Marvel Comics.
- ^ Rainbow Rowell (w), Kris Anka (p), Matt Wilson (col). "Best Friends Forever" Runaways, vol. 5, no. 10 (June 20, 2018). Marvel Comics.
- ^ Rainbow Rowell (w), Kris Anka (p), Matt Wilson (col). "Best Friends Forever: Am I the Same Girl You Used to Know" Runaways, vol. 5, no. 11 (July 18, 2018). Marvel Comics.
- ^ a b c d e f Rainbow Rowell (w), Kris Anka (p), Matt Wilson (col). "Best Friends Forever: Time After Time" Runaways, vol. 5, no. 12 (Aug. 29 2018). Marvel Comics.
- ^ a b c Rowell, Rainbow (10 September 2018). "Rainbow Rowell's script for the Nico/Karolina kiss". Twitter.com. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
- ^ a b Runaways vol. 2 #23
- ^ Cronin, Brian (2017-02-06). "Marvel's Runaways: Get To Know the Teen Team Before Their TV Debut". CBR. Retrieved 2022-09-16.
- ^ Chase had lost Gert, and Victor had lost Lillie
- ^ Garcia, Mayra (2022-01-14). "10 Best Marvel Comics With Great LGBTQ+ Representation". CBR. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
- ^ Brian K. Vaughan (w), Adrian Alphona (p). "Parental Guidance" Runaways, vol. 2, no. 17 (June 2006). Marvel Comics.
- ^ Terry Moore (w), Humberto Ramos (p). "Dead Wrong" Runaways, vol. 3, no. 6 (Jan. 2009). Marvel Comics.
- ISBN 0-7851-1876-4. Retrieved 2008-11-04.
- ^ Pages
- ^ Erao, Matthew (2017-11-01). "Runaways Fans Won't Be 'Disappointed' In Karolina's Powers". ScreenRant. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
- ^ Kantor, Jonathan H. (2018-07-05). "Goddlers: 20 Children Too Powerful For Their Own Good". CBR. Retrieved 2022-09-16.
- ^ Adam Holmes (2016-08-18). "The Runaways: What We Know From The Comics". CINEMABLEND. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
- ^ Hinckle, Peyton (June 17, 2018). "Why Karolina Dean is the Lesbian, Rainbow Goddess We All Need in Our Lives". ComicsVerse.
- ^ Kogod, Theo (2021-06-19). "10 Great Marvel Comics That Feature Well Written LGBTQ+ Characters". CBR. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
- ^ Yehl, Joshua (2012-05-23). "The State of Gay Characters in Comics". IGN. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
- ^ Vanessa, Friedman (2013-05-23). "Let's Talk About Fictional Kickass Heroines: Katniss, Xena, Buffy and More". Autostraddle. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
- ^ Ford, Ashley C. (June 13, 2014). "12 Kick-Ass Gay Women In Comics And Graphic Novels". BuzzFeed. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
- ^ Mey (2014-08-05). "11 Female Superheroes I Wish Marvel Would Make Movies About". Autostraddle. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
- ^ Hall, Jason (2015-09-22). "12 LGBTQ Comic Book Characters Ready For Live-Action Adaptation". WhatCulture.com. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
- ^ "14 Female Superheroes Who Don't Get Enough Credit In Hollywood Despite Being Seriously Cool". Bustle. 27 September 2015. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
- ^ Dominick, Nora (11 December 2017). "27 Badass Female Superheroes To Love If You're Obsessed With Wonder Woman". BuzzFeed. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
- ^ C. B. R. Staff (2018-11-15). "Ladies Fight: 20 Daughters Of Supervillains Who Are Deadlier Than Their Parents". CBR. Retrieved 2022-09-16.
- ^ "Looking For A Role Model? These 195+ Marvel Female Characters Are Truly Heroic". Scary Mommy. 29 November 2021. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
- ^ O'Brien, Megan Nicole (2020-11-18). "A-Force: 10 Heroines That Should Join The Marvel Team". CBR. Retrieved 2022-09-16.
- ^ O'Brien, Megan Nicole (2021-04-26). "10 LGBTQ+ Marvel Characters Who Deserve A Solo Series". CBR. Retrieved 2022-09-15.
- ^ House of M: Avengers #4
- ^ Strom, Marc (February 2, 2017). "'Marvel's Runaways' Finds Its Cast". Marvel.com. Archived from the original on 2017-02-03. Retrieved February 2, 2017.
- ^ Morgen, Brett (director); Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage (writer) (November 21, 2017). "Reunion". Marvel's Runaways. Season 1. Episode 1. Hulu.
- ^ Webb, Jeremy (director); Jiehae Park & Kendall Rogers (writer) (January 2, 2018). "Doomsday". Marvel's Runaways. Season 1. Episode 9. Hulu.
- ^ Jobst, Marc (director); Quinton Peeples (writer) (January 9, 2018). "Hostile". Marvel's Runaways. Season 1. Episode 10. Hulu.
- ^ Stephen Surjik (director); Warren Hsu Leonard (writer) (December 21, 2018). "Earth Angel". Marvel's Runaways. Season 2. Episode 12. Hulu.
- ^ Webb, Jeremy (director); Quinton Peeples (writer) (December 21, 2018). "Split Up". Marvel's Runaways. Season 2. Episode 13. Hulu.
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2018-06-14. Retrieved 2018-04-23.
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: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Marvel Secret Wars - Battleworld HeroClix Unboxing". Marvel. Retrieved 2022-09-16.