In our latest deep-dive into the characters of Marvel Comics, we explore X-23, a.k.a. Laura Kinney. In this piece, we’ll explore X-23’s first appearance and her Marvel Comics history. You can check out the full series here.
Technically, the first appearance of Laura Kinney, a.k.a. X-23, was in the animated series X-Men: Evolution in 2003. Series writer Craig Kyle created her. Much like DC’s Harley Quinn, Marvel created X-23 for TV animation before transferring her over to comics. She then appeared in the official Marvel 616 continuity in 2004’s NYX series.
How Was X-23 Created in Marvel Comics?
A top secret government program known as “the Facility” was responsible for the creation of X-23 in Marvel’s comics, all in an attempt to create their own clone of Wolverine. A scientist named Dr. Martin Stutter was behind the project and recruited known mutant geneticist Dr. Sarah Kinney. Because the genetic samples from Logan were damaged heavily, they could not grow a proper clone of Wolverine. Unable to salvage the Y chromosome, after 22 attempts, Kinney proposes they create a female twin of Logan. She carries the child to term herself, and on the 23rd attempt, X-23 is born into the world of Marvel Comics.
X-23: Marvel Comics’ Living Weapon
The scientists subject X-23 to all kinds of torturous experiments. All in order to activate her mutation early, which is identical to Logan’s. Once her healing factor kicks in, they graft an adamantium skeleton to parts of her body. She now has metal claws, just like her genetic donor Logan. The scientists create a lethal assassin in X-23, one they hoped to control in a way they never did with Wolverine.
Eventually, with the help of her birth mother, X-23 escapes the facility, but not before they trigger her into a murderous rampage, one which kills all the scientists in the facility. She also accidentally kills her mother, but in her last moments, Sarah reveals X-23’s true name—Laura. Telling her daughter she loves her, she instructs Laura to find Wolverine and the X-Men for help. By the time she joins the X-Men, she is a teenager.
X-23 and the X-Men
After escaping the Facility, and going through one harrowing event after another, Laura eventually made her way to the X-Mansion. She joined the X-Men, and formed a bond with Wolverine (eventually). Laura also formed close friendships with other famous X-Men, like Gambit, Jubilee, and Psylocke. She also had a brief romance with a teenage version of the founding X-Man Angel, who came from the past via time travel.
Laura eventually grew close to her father Logan, who became protective of her. She even tried to forge a relationship with her villainous brother, Daken. Eventually, Logan and Laura serve on the militant mutant squad called X-Force together. During a time when they believed that Logan was dead, Laura dropped the X-23 name and took on the codename Wolverine in his honor. Even when he returned from the dead, she kept his name and yellow costume, and now the X-Men has two Wolverines.
The Full Story of Marvel’s X-23
If you’d like to learn more about X-23, check out the rest of the pieces in our explainer series, below: