Gertrude Yorkes

• Core Identity: Gertrude “Gert” Yorkes is the fiercely intelligent, cynical, and compassionate heart of the Runaways, telepathically and empathically bonded to her genetically engineered Deinonychus, Old_Lace.
• Key Takeaways:
• Role in the Universe: Gert serves as the Runaways' pragmatist, skeptic, and moral compass. Her sharp wit and socialist ideals often provide a grounded, critical perspective amidst the chaos of superpowers and super-villainy, while her deep-seated loyalty makes her the emotional anchor of her found family. Her unique bond with Old_Lace is central to her identity and combat capability.
• Primary Impact: Her heroic death in the comics was a defining, tragic moment for the Runaways, fundamentally altering the team's dynamics and scarring her teammates, especially her love interest, Chase_Stein. Her eventual resurrection via time travel introduced complex themes of memory, identity, and the struggle to reconnect with a world that moved on without her.
• Key Incarnations: The primary Earth-616 version is defined by her purple hair, glasses, and biting sarcasm, who tragically dies and is later resurrected as a temporally displaced teenager. The Marvel Cinematic Universe version, from the Hulu Runaways series, is portrayed as a more contemporary “social justice warrior” whose story arc diverges significantly, exploring different challenges and avoiding her comic book death entirely.

Gertrude Yorkes first appeared in Runaways Vol. 1 #1, published in July 2003. She was co-created by writer Brian K. Vaughan and artist Adrian Alphona as a founding member of the titular team. The entire concept of the Runaways was born from Vaughan's desire to explore a simple but profound high-concept pitch: “What if your parents were actually super-villains?” Within this framework, Gert was designed to subvert the common tropes associated with teenage characters in comics. She was the “brains” of the group, but not in the stereotypical, socially awkward nerd archetype. Instead, Vaughan and Alphona crafted a character who was intelligent, well-read, and politically aware, but also deeply cynical, sarcastic, and emotionally guarded. Her physical design—the round glasses and dyed purple hair—became instantly iconic, visually separating her from more conventional superheroines. Her original codename, Arsenic, paired with her dinosaur's name, Old Lace, was a direct homage to the classic 1944 film Arsenic and Old Lace, reflecting her sharp, sometimes morbid wit. Gert's creation was integral to the series' thematic core. She represented the intellectual and emotional struggle of a teenager reconciling the love for their parents with the horrifying truth of their actions. Her voice was often the one that questioned authority, challenged assumptions, and demanded moral consistency, making her the philosophical heart of the team. Her death in 2006 was a landmark moment in modern comics, a shocking and permanent-feeling consequence that defied the industry's “revolving door of death” and cemented the stakes for the series for over a decade.

Gertrude Yorkes was the daughter of Dale and Stacey Yorkes, who she believed were simple, albeit eccentric, antique dealers. In reality, her parents were time-traveling criminals from the 87th century who had fled to the 21st century to escape justice. There, they became founding members of The_Pride, a secret cabal of super-villains who controlled Los Angeles and made annual human sacrifices to ancient, god-like beings known as the Gibborim in exchange for power and influence. The Pride's ultimate goal was to rule the world after the Gibborim cleansed it of humanity, securing six spots in the new paradise for themselves and their children. Gert grew up largely unaware of this horrifying truth. She was a brilliant but socially isolated teenager, whose cynical worldview and socialist beliefs put her at odds with her peers and her seemingly conventional, well-off parents. Her life changed forever on the night of The Pride's annual “charity” gathering. Along with the other children of The Pride's members—Alex_Wilder, Nico_Minoru, Karolina_Dean, Chase_Stein, and Molly_Hayes—she discovered a secret passage in Alex's home. From this vantage point, she witnessed her parents and the other members of The Pride murder an innocent young woman in a ritual sacrifice. Shattered by this revelation, Gert and the others decided to run away from home, vowing to expose their parents' evil. Before fleeing her own home, she discovered a secret passage in her basement leading to a hidden cavern. There, she found a living, breathing Deinonychus, a genetically engineered dinosaur her parents had commissioned from a scientist in the 87th century and brought back in time as a failsafe inheritance. The creature immediately responded to Gert's thoughts, revealing a powerful, permanent psychic and empathic bond between them. Gert named the dinosaur Old Lace and took her along. As the newly formed Runaways, Gert adopted the codename “Arsenic.” She quickly became the team's most pragmatic and skeptical member, often clashing with Alex Wilder's strategic calculations and Nico Minoru's emergent leadership. Despite her abrasive exterior, she formed deep bonds, particularly a quasi-maternal relationship with the youngest member, Molly Hayes, and a burgeoning, “opposites-attract” romance with the seemingly dim-witted jock, Chase Stein. Her origin is one of profound betrayal, forcing a young, idealistic cynic to confront the ultimate evil in the people she was supposed to trust most, and in doing so, find her true power and a new family.

In the Hulu television series Runaways (which exists in a pocket of the wider MCU, but is not directly tied to the core movie continuity), Gertrude “Gert” Yorkes is portrayed by actress Ariela Barer. Her origin shares the same foundational elements but features significant adaptations for the serialized television format. Like her comic counterpart, Gert is the daughter of Dale and Stacey Yorkes, members of the sinister organization PRIDE. This version of Gert is presented as a sharp-witted, purple-haired high school student and an outspoken activist, a modern interpretation of her comic book ideals, often described as a “social justice warrior.” She runs a club at her school and is passionately involved in feminist and social causes, which often masks her deeper anxieties and insecurities. Her discovery of PRIDE's activities mirrors the comics: she and her friends witness their parents sacrificing a young woman, Destiny Gonzalez, during their annual gathering. This horrific event shatters their world and compels them to unite and investigate their parents. The discovery of Old Lace is handled differently. Instead of finding the dinosaur waiting as a planned inheritance, Gert's parents (who in this version are bio-engineers, not time-travelers) have the creature contained in their basement for PRIDE's purposes. During a snoop, the power goes out, and Old Lace is accidentally released. The dinosaur is initially hostile and terrified, but Gert manages to calm it down by talking to it, instinctively forming the psychic link. The bond is portrayed as more gradual and intuitive, with Gert initially unaware of its full extent. She doesn't realize she is mentally commanding the creature until later, believing at first that it simply likes her. The MCU adaptation places a greater emphasis on Gert's struggles with anxiety and her reliance on medication, adding a layer of vulnerability not as explicitly detailed in the early comics. Her relationship with Chase Stein is also a central plotline from the beginning, evolving from a childhood crush into a complex romance. The core of her origin remains the same—a brilliant young woman betrayed by her parents who finds a new family and a loyal dinosaur—but the context is modernized, her parents' motivations are more nuanced (focused on reviving their son, not serving cosmic gods), and her personal struggles are brought to the forefront.

• Telepathic-Empathic Link with Old Lace: This is Gert's primary and only superhuman ability. The bond is deep and bidirectional.
  • Mental Command: Gert can mentally issue commands to Old_Lace with perfect clarity and speed. Old Lace is unfailingly loyal and will follow any order, from complex tactical maneuvers to simple tasks, without hesitation. This makes them an incredibly effective fighting duo, with Gert providing the strategy and Old Lace executing the physical action.
  • Empathic Connection: They share a powerful emotional link. When Gert is distressed, angry, or afraid, Old Lace feels it and reacts accordingly, often becoming more aggressive. Conversely, Old Lace's primal instincts and feelings can bleed back to Gert.
  • Shared Pain: The most significant drawback of their bond is that they share physical pain. Any injury sustained by one is instantly felt by the other. This creates a strategic vulnerability, as an attack on Old Lace can incapacitate Gert, and vice versa.
• High Intellect: Gert is exceptionally intelligent, possessing a sharp, analytical mind. She is well-read, knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects including history, politics, and social theory. She is often the one to see through deception, question faulty logic, and formulate plans based on observation rather than brute force.
• Strategic Thinker: While not a trained combatant herself, Gert's intelligence allows her to be an effective strategist, using Old Lace's strength and agility with tactical precision. She understands how to use her dinosaur as a powerful weapon, a distraction, or a defensive shield.

Gertrude herself uses no standard equipment, weapons, or costume. Her entire “arsenal” is Old_Lace, a genetically-engineered Deinonychus from the 87th century. Old Lace possesses:

• Superhuman Strength and Durability: She is strong enough to rip through metal doors, shatter concrete, and fight super-powered beings. Her hide is tough and resistant to conventional injury.
• Enhanced Speed and Agility: As a Deinonychus, she is incredibly fast and nimble, capable of leaping great distances and navigating complex environments with ease.
• Deadly Weaponry: Her primary weapons are her razor-sharp teeth and the signature sickle-shaped claws on her feet, which can inflict devastating damage.

Gert is defined by a thick outer layer of sarcasm, cynicism, and intellectual superiority that armors a deeply compassionate and fiercely loyal heart. She is a committed socialist, frequently critiquing capitalism and authority, which often puts her at odds with the world around her. She is initially very guarded, using her wit as a defense mechanism to keep others at a distance. Beneath this prickly exterior, she is arguably the most empathetic member of the Runaways. She cares profoundly for her friends, acting as a protective older sister to Molly and a grounding influence for Nico. Her love for Chase Stein reveals a softer, more vulnerable side, though their relationship is still filled with banter and intellectual sparring. Her defining trait is her unwavering loyalty; once she considers someone family, she will go to any lengths to protect them, even sacrificing her own life.

• Psychic Link with Old Lace: The nature of the bond in the Hulu series is fundamentally the same. Gert can mentally communicate with and command Old Lace. The show visually represents this connection, showing Gert's focus when she is giving orders. The empathic link is also a key feature; Gert's anxiety can agitate Old Lace, and the dinosaur's fear or aggression can affect Gert's emotional state. The shared pain aspect is also present and used as a plot point.
• Intellect and Activism: This version of Gert is also highly intelligent, but her intelligence is channeled more through the lens of modern social activism. She is skilled at research, organizing, and public speaking. Her knowledge is more focused on contemporary social and political issues, which she uses to navigate her conflicts with PRIDE and the world.

Similar to the comics, Gert's main asset is Old Lace. The show's depiction of the dinosaur is a faithful CGI rendering, emphasizing its animalistic nature while still conveying its deep bond with Gert. She does not use any other specialized gear.

The MCU's Gert shares the same core personality traits: sarcastic, intelligent, and fiercely loyal. However, the show amplifies and modernizes certain aspects. Her identity as a “social justice warrior” is more pronounced, and her activism is a more central part of her daily life before discovering her parents' secrets. A significant difference is the show's explicit focus on her anxiety. Gert is shown taking medication and struggling with panic attacks, making her vulnerability a more visible part of her character arc. This adds a compelling layer to her cynical persona, suggesting her tough exterior is a direct result of her internal struggles. Her relationship with Chase is a central emotional through-line for the entire series, depicted with more screen time and nuance than the early comics allowed. While still sharp and witty, this Gert is portrayed with a slightly softer edge, her desire for connection and belonging being more apparent from the start.

• Old_Lace: Gert's most important relationship is with her dinosaur. It transcends that of a pet or a weapon; they are two parts of a single whole. Old Lace is the physical manifestation of Gert's will and protective instincts. The empathic bond means Old Lace understands Gert's emotional state perfectly, acting as a source of unconditional comfort and support in a way no human can. Gert's love for Old Lace is absolute, and she would do anything to protect her.
• Chase_Stein: Chase is Gert's primary love interest and her polar opposite. Where Gert is intellectual and cynical, Chase is action-oriented and often naive. Their relationship, initially built on witty banter and mutual antagonism, blossoms into one of the most heartfelt in the series. Chase is one of the few people who sees past Gert's sarcastic armor to the caring person beneath. Gert's death in his arms is his most defining trauma, and his entire motivation for years is to find a way to save her. Her eventual resurrection creates a difficult but powerful challenge for their relationship, as she returns without the memories of their deepest moments.
• Nico_Minoru: Gert and Nico have a complex but enduring friendship. As the two most cynical and strong-willed members of the team, they often clash over leadership and strategy. Gert frequently acts as a check on Nico's darker impulses, questioning her use of magic and pushing her to be a more transparent leader. Despite their arguments, they share a deep bond forged in their shared trauma and a mutual respect for each other's strength.
• Molly_Hayes: Gert has a fiercely protective, big-sisterly relationship with Molly. Recognizing Molly's innocence and youth, Gert often takes it upon herself to shield her from the harsher realities of their situation. She is Molly's staunchest defender and a constant source of (often sarcastic) affection.

• The_Pride (Dale and Stacey Yorkes): Gert's most personal enemies are her own parents. The betrayal of discovering their villainy is the foundational trauma of her life. Dale and Stacey Yorkes are particularly tragic villains; as time-travelers, their motivation for joining The Pride was to secure a safe, idyllic future for Gert. However, their methods—murder and allegiance with cosmic horrors—are irredeemable. This creates a complex emotional conflict for Gert, who must fight the very people who claim to love her most.
• Geoffrey Wilder: While all of The Pride were her enemies, Geoffrey Wilder, Alex's father, is the one who personally ends her life. In a final, desperate act to resurrect his own wife, Wilder stabs Gert with a dagger during a confrontation. Her death at his hands solidifies him as one of the team's most hated foes and the direct cause of the Runaways' greatest tragedy.

• Runaways: Gert is a founding member and the undeniable heart and soul of the Runaways. The team is not just an affiliation; it is her family. She provides the group with a critical and questioning voice, ensuring they never lose sight of their principles. Even after her death, her memory serves as a guiding light and a source of motivation for the team. Her return reaffirms her place as an essential part of their unique family dynamic.

This is the foundational storyline that establishes Gert's character and the entire premise of the series. The plot follows Gert and her friends' discovery of their parents' secret life as members of The Pride. For Gert, this arc is about the complete shattering of her reality. She goes from a cynical but relatively normal teenager to a fugitive. Her key moments include her discovery of Old Lace in her basement, the immediate formation of their psychic bond, and her coining of their names (“Arsenic and Old Lace”). This storyline establishes her role as the group's skeptic, her budding romance with Chase, and her fierce protectiveness over Molly, setting the stage for everything that follows.

This is arguably the most impactful single issue in Gertrude Yorkes' history. The story arc involves the return of a resurrected Geoffrey Wilder, who has made a deal with the Gibborim for a second chance at life. He hunts down the Runaways, leading to a climactic battle. During the confrontation, as the team is trying to save an innocent, Wilder corners Gert. She heroically pushes Chase out of the way, taking a fatal dagger wound meant for him. In her final moments, she confesses her deep love for Chase and, with her dying breath, transfers her psychic control of Old Lace to him, telling the dinosaur to “obey him now.” Her death is brutal, tragic, and profoundly impactful, serving as a stark reminder of the genuine danger the team faces and traumatizing every member of the Runaways for years to come.

Years after her death, a guilt-ridden and obsessed Chase Stein finally perfects his father's time machine. He travels back to the exact moment of Gert's murder, intending to save her. However, he is only able to prevent the dagger from going as deep, pulling her from the timestream seconds after she is stabbed but before she dies. He brings her to the present to be saved by Nico's magic. The consequence is that this resurrected Gert is the version from years ago; she has no memory of her relationship with Chase deepening, her own sacrifice, or anything that happened to her friends in the intervening years. This storyline brilliantly explores the ramifications of her return. She is a ghost in her own life, struggling to connect with a team that has been shaped by a death she doesn't remember and a boyfriend who is a stranger to her. It is a powerful exploration of grief, identity, and the impossibility of truly turning back the clock.

As detailed previously, the Gert Yorkes from the Hulu series is the most prominent alternate version. This incarnation, while sharing the core identity, exists in a separate continuity. Her story avoids her tragic death and instead explores different challenges, including PRIDE's more complex motivations, a future timeline where she has died of a disease, and the team's conflicts with the alien Magistrate's family. This version provides a full, series-long character arc that sees her mature into a confident leader without the defining trauma of her Earth-616 counterpart's death and resurrection.

During the 2015 Secret Wars event, a new Runaways miniseries was launched, set in the Battleworld domain of Doomstadt. This version of Gert Yorkes was a student at the prestigious Victor von Doom Institute for Gifted Youths. While she still had her signature purple hair and rebellious attitude, her backstory was completely different. She was not a member of the original Runaways but was instead part of a new, disparate group of students (including alternate versions of Molly Hayes, Jubilee, and Amadeus Cho) who discovered the school's headmasters were evil. She still had a loyal dinosaur companion, Old Lace, and her personality as a quick-witted cynic remained intact, showcasing the durability of her core concept even in a vastly different reality.

In this one-shot “What If?” story, the timeline diverges when the Runaways seek help from other heroes after discovering their parents' villainy. They encounter the shapeshifting Skrull, Xavin, much earlier, and are intercepted by Captain America and Iron Man. The story explores a reality where they are integrated into the superhero community, forming a version of the Young Avengers. In this reality, Gert takes on the codename “Arsenic” publicly and fights alongside her friends under the Avengers' guidance. The story highlights how different her path would have been with institutional support, though it ends on a characteristically tragic note, suggesting their fate as outsiders is a constant across realities.

• Runaways
• Old_Lace
• Chase_Stein
• Nico_Minoru
• The_Pride
• Molly_Hayes
• Alex_Wilder

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