X-23 #1

8.3

Critic Reviews

19 Reviews
8.6

User Reviews

42 Reviews
Writer Mariko Tamaki
Artist Juan Cabal
Cover Price $4.99

Cloned from a warrior, raised as a killer, Laura Kinney has gone through hell and come out the other side a hero. After a stint as the All-New Wolverine, she returns to her roots as X-23 to make sure no one ever has to go through the horrors she did. With her sister Gabby and their pet Jonathan in tow, X-23 forges her own destiny in this new series by Mariko Tamaki (HULK, HUNT FOR WOLVERINE: CLAWS OF A KILLER) and Juann Cabal (ALL-NEW WOLVERINE, ELEKTRA).
Rated T+

Reviews (19) User Reviews (42) Rate / Write A Review

CRITIC REVIEWS

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  • 10

    ComicBook.com - Nicole Drum

    Jul 11, 2018

    This book is about as perfect as it gets so do yourself a favor and read it. Read Full Review

  • 9.6

    Comicsverse - Aaron Berkowitz

    Jul 11, 2018

    X-23 #1 is a fantastic issue from start to finish. Tamaki does Laura justice with some truly amazing writing. Juann Cabal adds some stunning visuals which are sure to please. Don't sleep on this book! Read Full Review

  • 9.0

    You Don't Read Comics - Jason A. Fleece

    Jul 12, 2018

    X-23 #1 is a promising start to a new adventure for the former Wolverine, establishing her place within the world of the X-Men while still setting her apart and defining her. Heres hoping that this great new series finds an audience, and that the continuing story isnt sidelined by any continuing larger drama of the X-Men line. Read Full Review

  • 9.0

    Henchman-4-Hire - Sean Ian Mills

    Jul 14, 2018

    X-23 is in really good hands with the new creative team, who debut with a very strong and fun first issue. There is some room for improvement going forward, and I'm confident this team can pull it off. Read Full Review

  • 9.0

    All-Comic - Jeremy Matcho

    Jul 18, 2018

    X-23 is a book for anyone and everyone. Mariko Tamaki turned in a great and funny script that really captures the youth of Laura and Gabby. The pencils and colors made the issue an even better read because they leap out of the book and grab your attention. This is a very promising start to a new series for a great character. Read Full Review

  • 8.5

    AIPT - David Brooke

    Jul 11, 2018

    A strong intro issue that establishes the main characters and the general premise of the book. Read Full Review

  • 8.5

    Graphic Policy - Brett

    Jul 11, 2018

    I've enjoyed X-23's adventures over the years but she's never been a character I've cared about. Tamaki in one issue has me beginning to care about her. There's a focus on character as well as the action and together it creates a comic that's a wonderful read and fantastic debut. Read Full Review

  • 8.4

    Geeked Out Nation - Jideobi Odunze

    Jul 11, 2018

    X-23 #1 is a strong debut for Laura and Gabby carving out their own path. Where Wolverine and others have slacked off fighting back the manipulation of mutant genes, this series now addresses that problem again with greater importance. Everything about X-23 and Honey Badger was fun, be it their personality or love for doing what they do best. Read Full Review

  • 8.3

    Weird Science - Jim Werner

    Jul 16, 2018

    This is definitely a good jumping on point for new readers to Laura and Gabby, and the pieces have been set up for a pretty good story. However, the one thing I really wanted to know going into this was why Laura is back to being known as X-23 when much of her recent history has been about leaving that name behind. Read Full Review

  • 8.2

    IGN - Jesse Schedeen

    Jul 11, 2018

    X-23 channels the appeal of All-new Wolverine rather than trying to be drastically different. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    The Beat - Alexander Jones

    Jul 11, 2018

    This is without a doubt one of the strongest debuts I have seen from Marvel following 'A Fresh Start.' Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    PopCultHQ - Christian Kern

    Jul 11, 2018

    I'd like to see Lara go the distance again as she did in her All-New Wolverine book. However, it's too early to tell. Usually with a new series, longevity is determined by the 5th or 6th issue solicitation orders from Diamond. Usually by then, Marvel and DC decide if a new series is worth pursuing. More than enough time for a comic to pick up with the reader market. The book is indeed worth your time and hard-earned coin. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    Multiversity Comics - Michael Mazzacane

    Jul 13, 2018

    Final Verdict: 8.0 " Awkward title aside, this is a strong start to the continuing adventures of Laura and Gabby as the creative team mine new areas of emphasis in the characters. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    Major Spoilers - Matthew Peterson

    Jul 14, 2018

    The proverbial great-jumping-on-point, with a lot of fun Laura/Gabby moments and an intriguing new mission. Read Full Review

  • 8.0

    Comic Book Revolution - Kevin Lainez

    Jul 14, 2018

    X-23 #1 is a great starting point for X-Men fans to get into Laura Kinney's ongoing adventures. Mariko Tamaki did a great job building off the momentum Tom Taylor created for Laura's character over in All-New Wolverine for this new series. The integration of the X-Men and Alchemax was seamlessly handled as Tamaki built a story that fans can instantly invest in. If you are an X-Men fan I highly recommend checking X-23 out. Read Full Review

  • 7.6

    Monkeys Fighting Robots - Brandon J. Griffin

    Jul 13, 2018

    Mariko Tamaki and Juann Cabal show they're more than capable of continuing to build on what Tom Taylor accomplished. X-23 starts off as a perfect compliment to and evolution of All-New Wolverine. This issue should satisfy Laura's fans, X-Men fans, and newcomers to the character. Read Full Review

  • 7.5

    Black Nerd Problems - Chris Aiken

    Jul 13, 2018

    In the end, it's just business as usual. X-23 #1 is a solid issue. I wish the were more behind the start of a new series but continuing the same kind of storytelling we got in All-New Wolverine isn't bad either. Also, without spoiling too much, the villains for this first arc are an excellent choice. They play well thematically to Laura's story and I can't wait to see more as they come head to head with Laura and Gabby. Read Full Review

  • 7.5

    On Comics Ground - Daniela Mendoza

    Jul 16, 2018

    I guess we'll see if Tamaki can carry the series as well as Thompson did with All-New Wolverine, it had left a lot skeptical. Cabal continues to have strong and awesome art. I think it has great potential to be as awesome as ANW was and we can look forward to great villains. Read Full Review

  • 7.0

    Sequential Planet - Steven Martinez

    Jul 14, 2018

    With a new creative team and story, X-23 #1 brings the characters we know into another fantastic issue for Marvel's "Fresh Start" realunch. Read Full Review

USER REVIEWS

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  • 10

    Ambaryerno

    Jul 11, 2018

    My big question remains why Laura would take back the X-23 name after so directly rejecting it in the last book. It's not by any means a flaw of the book itself, but it's definitely an issue we're seeing within Marvel of hammering the Reset Button so liberally. Combined with the fact we never got to see the moment Laura decided to become Wolverine, it only emphasizes the sense that her stint was simply filler, and that they never intended to take her seriously in the role.

    + Like Comment
  • 10

    mglsts

    Jul 11, 2018

    I'm a big fan of the original X-23 comics so this was a must for me. Mariko's other works are not usually my style, but I was willing to give her another chance, and I think it was worth it. Strong first issue with some interesting plot points being introduced and the return of the Cuckoos, so I'm liking this quite a bit. The art is good and the cover is great. I hope it continues with this level of quality.

  • 9.5

    Comic Salad

    Jul 16, 2018

    X-23 is part of Marvel's Fresh Start initiative and the best relaunch issue thus far. This features a new creative team: Mariko Tamaki, Juann Cabal and Nolan Woodard. Tamaki is also writing Hunt for Wolverine: The Claws of a Killer. This could have been a simple plot. Laura and Gabby are trying to keep what happened to them from happening to anyone else. The first part of the comic focuses on a fight with some baddies that possess mutant DNA. Luckily the comic gets more complex and unsettling. A plot involving the Stepford Cuckoos unfolds, weaving through narratives of birthdays. Tamaki writes both Laura and Gabby true to the characters we saw in All-New Wolverine. Their sisterly love and interactions are evident. Gabby is annoying as more

  • 9.5

    cincyfan

    May 21, 2020

    I Love wolverine and the wolverine family so i always read anything that has to do with them. this is a great start to this volume i love honey badger in this she cracks me up and i thought the story with the cuckoos was very interesting

  • 9.0

    axdn

    Jul 12, 2018

    I thought I was gonna miss Laura's ternure as Wolvie, but this book has made me feel that she hasn't gone anywhere

  • 9.0

    RaisingBlack

    Jul 12, 2018

    I am very happy with this fresh Start. Tamaki still remains true to the tone that brought success to Tom Taylor's run. My hope is that they can keep in strong contact about the ongoing story because Taylor continues to write my favorite Marvel team book in X-men Red and that book still uses Laura and Honey Badger quite well and keeping continuity would be nice. Mariko Tamaki is setting up an interesting story with the Stepford Cuckoos and I felt a little horror influence in the story. I have been such a fan of X-23 and honestly, I have yet to read a story around this character that didn't like. Each Run with her has been good to great and I think that is a testament to how well thought and round a character that she is. Tamaki and Cabal more

    + Like Comment
  • 9.0

    CrazyforRAMU

    Jan 21, 2019

    Laura and Gabby are back in action with a clone-centric story that has a big role for the Stepford Cuckoos. Quality characterization, an intriguing plot, and some pretty gorgeous art all conspire to make this great. In the minus column, there are a few moments of stiffness in the big action scene, but they are more than made up for by exceptional character art throughout.

  • 8.5

    Kalaoui

    Jul 11, 2018

    Good start by Tamaki. I'm hoping we get to explore more about what happened to get us here. I love the X involvement here and i'm on board. Cabal's art is spot on and fits the book well. The intro pages alone are worth it. Woodard's colors are just perfect on Cabal's art and set the tone throughout.

  • 8.5

    SloboSOY

    Jul 12, 2018

    I loved All New Wolverine but Cabal wasn't a good fit in it. So I decide to try this story with some huge brakes. But I find Cabal more interesting there. The expression he give Gabby made my heart melting. I was also interested by Tamaki approach. This true their is some major link between Laura & the Cuckoos. And it's nice to underline this. I'm not a fan of Sophie & Esme return even if that give motive & something interesting. I hope all the Cuckoos will not turn chased at the end. Only Esme (Like always) seem the dark one. Cover - Not a bad cover, not a very good too. Too random & not in link. 1/2 Writing - Well done because going after Tyler wasn't easy (Even Tyler didn't convince me with his use of both character in X-Men red) more

  • 8.5

    daddyT

    Jul 14, 2018

    going in with much dread... I've never liked any X-Men, and HATED Wolverine... but omg Tom Taylor made me LOVE Laura as Wolverine, and Gabby is the best ever. that book was fabulous and if it had continued I could see the Laura/Gabby team becoming my favorite book. easy. now.. back to her old name that I never read her as, and a new creative team... of course it seems to me like they are making a change that can't possibly be anything other that poop. here goes. cover: not bad. not what I'm used to. ok... interior art: ugh. this is going to be one of those "pastel color books?" groan. it seems like they do that when you're not supposed to take a book seriously or they just don't care enough to do real art. I'm sad alread more

  • 7.5

    Spacey Medicine

    Feb 08, 2019

    This is pretty good, there were some really good moments, and some things I'm not so sure about. Not big into the Cuckoos being here, but maybe they'll make it work.

  • 7.0

    Forge

    Jul 11, 2018

    Bringing Honey Bagder into this book almost ruins it. I'm not sure if this decision was Tamaki's or if it was mandated by editorial, but it drags down what otherwise would have been a pretty good book. X-23 was always written as a very dark, borderline sociopathic character for a decade before Brian Michael Bendis decided to denude her of any personality in his All New X-Men. Tom Taylor doubled down on this terrible development by creating Honey Badger, a character who seemingly exists simply for Laura to have inane conversations with her. Mariko Tamaki should do herself a favor and kill off Honey Badger ASAP. Otherwise, the art was pretty great. I also liked how the Stepford Cuckoos have returned to being more or less identical. Another more

    + Like Comment
  • 5.0

    nickogle

    Jul 12, 2018

    I honestly don't see the buzz for this issue. The art was certainly great, but the story was bland and uninteresting. If you like listening to X-23 and Honey Badger banter for 20 pages, then this is the issue for you. It has a really good story going for the Stepford Cuckoos, but I was already too bored and too done with the issue to care about that. X-23's internal monologue was also very good but suffered from the same problem as the Cuckoos. But, hey, at least the art was great.

    + Like Comments (1)
  • 10

    Dthirds123

    Jul 11, 2018

  • 10

    shatterstar

    Jul 11, 2018

  • 10

    BloodyNinja

    Jul 11, 2018

  • 10

    Grifter

    Jul 12, 2018

  • 10

    DrTracy

    Nov 29, 2018

  • 9.5

    arrogantdesperado

    Aug 26, 2018

  • 9.0

    Khan/Murdock

    Jul 13, 2018

  • 9.0

    Jason The Dude

    Jul 14, 2018

  • 9.0

    Herptydoo

    Jul 15, 2018

  • 9.0

    sebastianorellana95

    Jul 17, 2018

  • 9.0

    StanielK

    Jul 31, 2018

  • 9.0

    Gortam

    Jul 31, 2018

  • 9.0

    Payne

    Aug 23, 2018

  • 9.0

    Sidowski

    Oct 28, 2021

  • 8.5

    MKW69

    Jul 11, 2018

  • 8.5

    TheTrueSymbiote

    Jul 12, 2018

  • 8.5

    Alex17

    Jul 12, 2018

  • 8.5

    aceraxon

    Jul 17, 2018

  • 8.5

    Freden

    Jul 22, 2018

  • 8.5

    Psycamorean

    Jul 21, 2019

  • 8.0

    Veido

    Jul 13, 2018

  • 8.0

  • 8.0

    EDiakota

    Jul 13, 2018

  • 8.0

    sovereignsfall18

    Jul 18, 2018

  • 8.0

    tonpas1989

    Dec 03, 2020

  • 7.5

    iPodwithnomusic

    Jul 21, 2019

  • 7.0

    Solace

    Jul 17, 2018

  • 6.5

    CesarCastanha

    Jul 12, 2018

  • 5.5

    duBEARck

    Apr 01, 2022

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