As much as I'm enjoying the title, I know Dark Wolverine can't last forever, but I still want X-Men storylines from Marjorie Liu and X-23 along with NYX and her previous prose within the X-Men universe have shown that the writer really gets the teenage characters leading me to believe a series focusing on a team of New X-Men might fit here perfectly. Well " we can dream can't we! Read Full Review

I missed most of the original X-23 stories when they were released. One pleasant surprise while reading the X-Women graphic novel (2010) is that I got to read an impressive collection of stories that are leagues better than the endless Krakoa non-sense we are getting in current year.

This one-time is told entirely from Laura Kenny’s (X-23) perspective and touches on her origin’s and her time on the streets as a sex-worker. Laura’s story is tragic and hardcore stuff. The character has been used by everyone she has had a meaningful relationship with, including X-Force a team that sends her on assassination missions.

The book switches from origin to present day as Laura catches the scent of the group of kids that accepted her with open arms with no hidden motives or agendas. This presents Laura with a dilemma, to stay with her peer group or go back to the X-Men.

I really liked this story. It totally establishes Laura Kenny as her own character independent from the Wolverine and the X-Men. The comic also made me question why this character would ever go by X-23 or Wolverine for that matter. Laura has clear identity issues and PTSD issues based on the manipulation she has faced her entire life. If anything based on this issue alone. I would expect Laura to forge her own identity. It is pretty weird that Marvel basically lost the plot had her take on someone else’s mantle a decade later.

The art for the X-23 One-Shot is dark and stylistic. The art direction is unique and works to contrast the character against Wolverine. I have reviewed 3 of the 4 stories featured in the X-Women graphic novel. I did skip reviewing the Dazzler story because it was dogshit. I really feel like I missed some solid stories. If you are a fan of this era of X-Men, please offer suggestions in the comments below.

In Short: X-23 provides a definitive breakdown of the character and her origins.

For More, subscribe: https://ireviewcomics.substack.com/ more