There comes a time in every comic run that makes you glad you've been following it. An issue that just stands out from the rest and vinidcates every reason why you read this series and enjoy it.
This issue of X-23 was that for me. It had almost everything I enjoy about comics in a nice self-contained package yet still keeping in continuity and propeling the overall character drive and story.
This issue of X-23 has art by Sana Takeda. Using this soft glowy art as seen in X-23 v3 issue 3, it pushed a quiet innocence of X-23. The last few pages with Laura's choices just helped accentuate the tone the art gave off.
The subtle commentary from Marjorie Liu hidden within the dialogue was also a highlight. Whether it was Gambit commenting on how much following X-23 has helped him, or the ending lines of just drifting on the waves, the dialogue makes you think about facets you may normally disregard about a character. Yet it was subtly interwoven with every detail of what they were facing. The devil was in the details with the choices X-23 made. Showing yet again her capabilities to analyze a situation fast, and make choices on this information. This time, she used her strategic capabilities to help drive her moral decisions. Something completely new to X-23. She chose to err on the side of innocence in what seems like a throwback to v3 issue 3's commentary on her empathy capabilities.
It even brought up an interesting point about the density of adamantium and the drawbacks to trying to swim with it. It never said X-23 couldn't swim, as she's had plenty of water based missions in her origin mini, but it pointed out how immediate haste could be an issue when in danger. Whereas previously it was just her doing a mission in Greece for the Facility with timebombs she herself had placed on a ship and escaping while wearing scuba gear that could have hidden the adamantium weight from herself. This is of course besides whatever other armanents she may have had in tow as well since the panel in question only shows from the top of her nose up lifting the goggles, and what looks like wetsuit over her head. This issue chose to dive further into that, and pick up those loose threads to question just how much of a hindrance could it be. It even raises a point about Laura never asking Logan if he could swim with adamantium coating all his bones.
This issue has it all. A perfect jumping on point for new readers, a perfect self-contained issue for those curious how the comic is, and yet also a perfect issue for longtime fans.
I especially loved the opening commentary about those that use the Weapon X program to create weapons. Whether it be the facility, this new guy, or even Weapon X itself, it brought up a valid point about these people in charge and their lack of care for life. Who cares if the weapon drowns, we can make more, or so it would seem from X-23's perspective at least. Which makes sense considering the final mission from her mother was just that, stopping the facility from creating X-24 onward from Laura's DNA.
6 Claws out of 6
I cannot recommend this issue highly enough. I do not give 6 out of 6 unless it's an exceptional issue or TPB. This is one of those times.
Next Review: X-23 v3 Issue 8
Solicit Description: PART 1 OF COLLISION: THE DAKEN/X-23 CROSSOVER! When X-23 went to Madripoor searching for secrets about her past, she didn't expect to find Daken. But now that she has, will they be allies against a common enemy...or will this encounter lead to only one of them left standing?
Cover Price: $2.99
Writer: Marjorie Liu
Penciler: Ryan Stegman
Inker: Michael Babinksi
Colourist: John Rauch
Letterer: VC's Cory Petit
Editor: Jeanine Schaefer
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