Molly Hayes
Molly Hayes is a female comic superhero who features in Marvel Comics.
Contents |
Biography
Origin
Molly Hayes
Molly Hayes was first seen accompanying her parents to a social gathering hosted by the Pride, where she joined the children of the other members for what was supposed to be a shared evening together. While the older children passed the time with board games and conversations, Molly, being the youngest, displayed a restless energy and sought to remain involved with them despite their age gap. When the group decided to sneak through hidden passages in the house, she followed along, unaware of what they were about to witness. From behind a concealed viewing point, Molly saw her parents and the rest of the Pride assemble and perform a ritual in which they sacrificed a young woman. This shocking discovery left Molly stunned and frightened, forcing her to grapple with the realization that her parents were involved in acts of violence she could not fully understand, but she clung closely to the others as they fled the scene in horror. (Runaways v1 #1) In the aftermath of witnessing the ritual, Molly rejoined the group as they met in secret to process what had happened. Still younger and less able to rationalize the events than her peers, she asked questions that revealed her confusion and her attempts to understand why their parents had committed such an act. Molly looked to the older members such as Alex Wilder and Nico Minoru for guidance, often standing close to Karolina Dean for comfort. Although she lacked the maturity to strategize, her involvement showed that she refused to distance herself from the group despite her fear. As the others debated what steps to take, Molly demonstrated a stubborn insistence on staying involved, unwilling to be sent home or excluded from the unfolding conflict. (Runaways v1 #2)
Runaways
Molly continued to accompany the group when they began investigating their parents more directly. While exploring further, she was present as they searched through their parents’ property and began uncovering more evidence of the Pride’s activities. Her youth was evident in her questions and in her reliance on the others for reassurance, but she remained with them through tense discoveries. In moments of heightened danger, Molly gravitated to the center of the group, being shielded by the older children, but her constant presence marked her commitment to stand alongside them even when the situation grew riskier. This persistence further emphasized her importance as a member of the group, though still regarded by the others as someone to be protected. (Runaways v1 #3) The pivotal change in Molly’s role came when the children found themselves in immediate danger from their parents’ allies. Cornered and without options, Molly unexpectedly manifested her mutant powers for the first time. Her small frame belied the immense strength she unleashed, as she struck out and overpowered their attackers with raw physical force that none of the others could match. The sudden activation of her powers not only turned the tide of the confrontation but also revealed her as one of the most physically powerful members of the group. However, this effort also exhausted her, leaving her weakened after the display. The revelation stunned both Molly and her companions, who now recognized that the youngest among them had an ability capable of defending them all in ways they had not anticipated. (Runaways v1 #4)
New York
Molly Hayes re-joined her friends in Los Angeles as they attempted to establish a new life for themselves following the destruction of the Pride. When the group took residence in an abandoned hostel beneath Griffith Park, Molly was actively involved in the transition, carrying furniture and helping arrange the rooms with her immense strength. During the team’s first attempts at defining their new roles without parental oversight, Molly pressed for opportunities to participate in missions despite her young age. She voiced frustration at being treated as a child, insisting she was as capable as the older members. When a burglary interrupted their first night in the hostel, Molly eagerly rushed to confront the criminals, demonstrating her enthusiasm to use her powers openly, though she required assistance when her overexertion left her exhausted. (Runaways v2 #1) The group soon encountered Excelsior, a support group of former teenage superheroes operating in Los Angeles. Molly became curious about the idea of a group specifically dedicated to helping young people leave behind superheroics, and she peppered her teammates with questions about whether such a choice was possible for her. Her activity during this time consisted of following the group closely during their reconnaissance of Excelsior and expressing particular interest in the older heroes who claimed to have given up costumed lives. Despite her curiosity, Molly also remained combative, frequently breaking into arguments with the others whenever they downplayed her importance or suggested she should be shielded from battle. Her insistence on being heard and included highlighted her growing independence, as she tried to assert that her powers and presence were essential for the team’s continued survival. During the tension-filled exchanges, she physically prepared herself for action even while the others attempted diplomacy. (Runaways v2 #2)
When a conflict escalated between the Runaways and Excelsior over Cloak’s alleged crimes, Molly took an especially aggressive role. She used her powers to charge into battle against the older heroes, swinging with brute force that allowed her to incapacitate opponents far more experienced than herself. Molly’s determination was evident in her refusal to stand down even when Nico and Karolina urged caution, her belief in protecting her friends overriding hesitation. During the struggle she managed to hold her ground against multiple attackers, though her youthful overconfidence also placed her in danger when she underestimated their skill. Her exhaustion after using her powers forced her to withdraw temporarily, but her contributions were critical in keeping her team from being overwhelmed during the confrontation. (Runaways v2 #3) After the battle, Molly’s activities turned to tending to her teammates and recovering from the exertion of the fight. She questioned the wisdom of continually putting themselves in conflict with other super-powered individuals, though her restless energy made it clear she was eager for the next challenge. During this quieter period she actively participated in strengthening their base of operations, arranging supplies and helping Nico with defensive preparations for the hostel. Molly also provided a counterbalance to the somber atmosphere, her childish enthusiasm and jokes aimed at lightening the mood of the others. Yet even here, her curiosity about Excelsior lingered, as she continued to ask whether it was truly possible for young people to live normal lives after experiencing the world of heroes and villains. (Runaways v2 #4)
Loss of Gert
Meeting Klara
Runaways Disassembled
Runaways Reunited
J-Team
Molly Hayes was reunited with the Runaways when her grandmother, who had taken her in, was revealed to be part of a dangerous plot involving dark sorcery. Molly resisted her grandmother’s manipulations and stood firm with her friends, using her great strength to defend herself and protect Nico, Karolina, and Chase when they confronted the truth about her family’s involvement. During the ensuing conflict, Molly’s powers were used to physically oppose the supernatural forces her grandmother had summoned, allowing the others space to counter the magical threat. Despite the emotional strain of having to fight against her own blood, Molly remained active and unyielding, demonstrating both her loyalty to the Runaways and her refusal to compromise her principles. Ultimately, she chose to leave her grandmother behind, reaffirming her bond to her team. (Runaways v5 #25) In the aftermath, Molly stayed close to Nico and Karolina as the Runaways regrouped, offering her strength for practical tasks as they repaired damage from the confrontation. Molly was involved in moving debris and securing the group’s living space, her physical contribution proving vital in reestablishing stability after the chaos. She also served as a source of encouragement, reassuring the others that their fight had been worth it even though it had cost her a personal family connection. When the group debated their next steps, Molly insisted on remaining part of every discussion, determined to ensure her voice was included. (Runaways v5 #26) Soon after, Molly joined the group on their investigation into further magical disturbances linked to the events with her grandmother. She remained close to Gert and Chase during the mission, assisting with heavy lifting and physical confrontations when enemies attempted to block their progress. In one encounter, Molly hurled obstacles aside to clear paths for her teammates, her superhuman power repeatedly serving as the key to advancing through hostile environments. She also engaged directly with the threats they faced, grappling with summoned entities and buying Nico time to employ her Staff of One. (Runaways v5 #27)
When tensions within the team began to mount, Molly tried to mediate in her own way, offering simple but earnest advice to her older teammates while also continuing her direct involvement in missions. She physically carried supplies and reinforced barricades while the others planned strategy, keeping herself occupied with concrete action. During a confrontation with another mystical force tied to the fallout of her grandmother’s schemes, Molly again placed herself at the forefront, charging the enemy head-on while shouting encouragement to her friends. Although her efforts left her drained, she refused to back down until the threat was fully neutralized. (Runaways v5 #28) In the quieter moments that followed, Molly remained active in helping to stabilize the group’s living situation once again, using her abilities to handle construction and repair tasks around their base. She made a point of checking in with Nico and Karolina, offering comfort through small gestures and her presence, while also lightening the mood with her humor. Molly also participated in training sessions to keep her strength sharp, sparring lightly with Chase and Gert as part of their preparation for future challenges. (Runaways v5 #29)
Overview
Personality and attributes
In appearance, Molly Hayes was a young girl of small stature with light skin, expressive features, and long blond hair, usually depicted beneath a distinct purple hat with pointed cat-like ears. Her clothing reflected her age, often casual and childlike, with bright colors and simple designs suited to her role as the youngest member of the group. This youthful look created a striking contrast to the destructive strength she displayed once her powers emerged, making her distinctive among her companions. (Runaways v1 #1) After manifesting her powers, she wanted to pick the codename Princess Powerful though Chase called her Bruiser. (Runaways v1 #6)
Molly’s personality was defined early on by her innocence, optimism, and reliance on her friends. She was naturally cheerful, talkative, and prone to wide-eyed reactions when confronted with danger or the unknown. Although often frightened, she showed surprising stubbornness in her refusal to be separated from the group, insisting on sharing in their journey no matter the risks. Her optimism occasionally gave way to childlike tantrums or blunt honesty, but this naivety also provided moments of levity and humanity in otherwise grim circumstances. (Runaways v1 #1)
Molly was known to wear various ridiculous animal-base hats. (Runaways v2 #23)
She was shown to be a fan of Dazzler's music. (Runaways v2 #19) Molly had also said that she was a fan of Sailor Moon. (Runaways v5 #6)
Her father was noted to had been a runaway from his home and was taken in by Dr. Hayes who raised him alongside her daughter, Alice. (Runaways v5 #4) Although both Gene and Alice were born as baseline humans, they developed X-Genes and identical telepathic abilities through repeated genetic experimentation by Dr. Hayes. (Runaways v5 #5) At some point, Molly's father began working as a doctor and her mother began working as a speech therapist. (Runaways v1 #1)
Her grandmother was Dr. Hayes who was responsible for creating the X-Gene in Molly's parents. According to her, her research had allowed her to mould their DNA giving them their powers and she could have given them immortality. However, they sought to join the Pride against the wishes of Dr. Hayes and thus they departed from her life. (Runaways v5 #5) She had performed genetic experiments on cats within her care and instilled in them telepathic powers where they served her and she could command them with a thought. Dr. Hayes cared for her granddaughter Molly and wanted to keep her in her life. (Runaways v5 #6)
Powers and abilities
Initially, she seemed to had been a normal human as scans did not show any trace of the X-Gene. (Runaways v1 #5) She was born with her powers thus seemingly showing her to be a Mutant when these abilities came to manifest. (Runaways v1 #6)
Molly Hayes was revealed to be a mutant, her physiology marking her as Homo superior and granting her powers beyond those of a normal human. Her mutation manifested in immense superhuman strength and a degree of durability, allowing her to overpower adult opponents and demolish obstacles with ease despite her small size. However, the use of her powers placed a heavy strain on her body, leaving her exhausted after only brief exertions, a limitation that defined her earliest displays. This mutation made her a valuable protector within the group, with her physical gifts setting her apart from both her peers and her enemies. (Runaways v1 #4)
When Molly's strength increases, her eyes glow pink. Sometimes, she also emits a pink aura. This is a similar power signature to both her parents. (Runaways v1 #5)
Notes
- Molly Hayes was created by Brian K. Vaughan and Adrian Alphona where she made her first appearance in Runaways v1 #1 (July, 2003).
- It was noted that the character's name was taken from creator Brian K. Vaughan's sister, Molly Hayes Vaughan.
Alternate Versions
- In What If? House of M v1 #1 (2009), an alternate version of Molly appeared in the reality designated as Earth-2912 in the Multiverse. This version along with the other Runaways became the Young Avengers with Molly taking the name of Princess Powerful.
- In X-Men: Battle of the Atom v1 #1 (2013), an alternate version of Molly appeared in the possible future reality that was designated as Earth-13729 in the Multiverse. This alternate timeline was set 25 years in the future where she was mind controlled by Xavier and became a member of the Brotherhood of Mutants. As an adult, Molly has grown into a tall, muscular woman and appears to have outgrown the chronic fatigue she formerly exhibited after using her powers. She also harbors a grudge against her timeline's Colossus as a result of the event which originally splintered the two teams. Following the Brotherhood's defeat, Molly hid with her team. Molly and the Brotherhood members have survived and infiltrate Cyclops' new school. The Brotherhood was defeated by the past-Jean Grey's mind powers, it was later revealed that Molly and the Brotherhood members were under the mind control of Charles Xavier II and subdued him. Molly and the former Brotherhood are freed and return to their future.
In other media
Television
- In Runaways, Molly Hayes Hernandez appeared in the live-action Hulu televisions series where she was portrayed by actress Allegra Acosta.
Video games
- In Marvel: Avengers Alliance, Molly Hayes appeared as a playable character in the setting of the Facebook video game.
Appearances
- Runaways v1: (2003)
- Runaways v5:
External Links
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