X-23 #5 brings this story arc to a close, and I do have to say that when all is said and done that this had been a bold story to tell. While the focus on clones was uniquely taken from Laura, Gabby, and the Stepford Cuckoos, this at the same time changes the direction of the Stepford Cuckoos dramatically. They've always been characters who come and go to help under special circumstances, but where do they go from here? What kind of life will they live now that they have made such a poor decision? Only time will tell, but for now this story was engaging for what it was. Read Full Review

Gabby is a bright spot and change of pace for the Wolverine lineage of characters. In the end, I'm glad that she's back in the fold, musing about clone dynamic and cracking jokes. Read Full Review

Would definitely like to see more action in the next story. This was the best comic in this storyline that took forever to build up. The art was good and very vibrant, Cabal and Fiorito definitely did a good collab of both their styles. Read Full Review

Lastly, one big thing the X-23 series has going for itself is these are very quick issues. If these were long reads with this little fighting, I'd probably more consideration into dropping this from my list. That being said, if Marvel changes the tune of X-23 starting in issue #6, I'm OK with that. So long as they make the right changes, of course. Read Full Review

The new series closes out its opening storyline with little to no depth, but an enjoyable adventure nonetheless. Read Full Review

Laura's conflict with the Stepford Cuckoos comes to an end in X-23 #5, and for all of the energy and excitement the story started with, the ultimate resolution is remarkably quick, tidy, and average. Read Full Review

Tom Taylor’s X 23 was one of Marvel’s best titles throughout its run, making both Laura and Gabby memorable and interesting.
Mariko Tamaki gives Taylor a run for his money with her first 5 issues and first arc. Anyone who can makes The Cuckoos riveting deserves an award and that’s what Tamaki does creating a parallel between their situations and Laura and Gabby. The story’s twists and turns were surprising and suspenseful all along with first rate storytelling and characterization.

Art was again, on point! Favorites issue in the series so far! Only Quiver was, so the explosion never happened with Beast? A little part of me wishes that Esme is alive to make an arcnemesis for Laura. Though no doubt that there is a part of Sophie still in Laura's head. Tamaki deff feels like she has the dialogue for both Laura and Gabby down.

the art took a BIG DIVE and the story was a bit of a let-down, but at least not in the one big way that so many writers would have done. Gabby is fine, and that's about all this issue needed to do.

from a base of 6, this gets a rating of: 9.
-1 because: the art was distractingly bad.
-1 because there was too much stupid humor.
-1 because: it was confusing.
+1 because: VERY glad it ended without the stupid Gabby is evil thing being an ongoing thing
+5 because: I love Laura's drive, reactions, and the reunion

Laura saves the day, of course, cultivating just enough Cuckoo support to kick Esme out of her sister. It's a no-surprises victory, but that really doesn't diminish it at all. I'm glad Juann Cabal was on deck and in full fig for the most important parts of the issue - the climax and epilogue. This arc demonstrates in the strongest possible way that these creators - Ms. Tamaki and Mr. Cabal - are wholly worthy of carrying on Laura and Gabby's story.

A solid conclusion to a solid arc with solid art.

After the amazing issue #4, this felt a bit weaker but still a solid ending to an interesting story arc.

I like some of the part of this ending. And in the same time I'm a little disappointed about it.
I cannot tell what bother me. It's good & this was very logical. Maybe too fast.
But I really like that Tamaki take the time for a lay down moment before closing the book.
Maybe it's because I like all the previous issue so much & wanted liked even more the ending.
But really I don't know what I want to be in this to do more.

Cover - Nice & related. The trouble is that I don't like it a lot ! 1.5/2
Writing - Very nicely done, but maybe too quick, short & quiet ! 2/3
Arts - Cabal show us some of is limits too. Some panel are without backrgound. The double splash page is maybe to simple, strong but It's like a gain time with this. But I love Gaby/Esme badass look. So funny ! 2.5/3
Feeling - I'm sorry but it's a mixed filling. 1/2
+1 for a awesome First Arc, I feared so much a bad book after Taylor have to left Laura ! more

Fairly standard end to the arc that you probably saw coming. It wasn't bad though.