X-23 #5
Marvel Comics
Written by: Mariko Tamaki
Art by: Juann Cabal & Marcio Fiorito
Colors by: Nolan Woodard
Letters by: Cory Petit
So this was the finale of the initial five issues of X-23. So we get the payoff on the Cuckoos’ nonsense, Esme possessing Honey Badger, Sophie possessing X-23 and all that. And there have been two transition-type issues where I felt there wasn’t a lot going on, so I’m expecting a pretty big payoff.
My expectations left me disappointed. But I was expecting some crazy, blow-for-blow brawl. Like a 15 on a scale of 1-10. Instead, we got a 7, which really fine. Certainly not enough to give up on this run of X-23, but I’d like to see more action in the next story.
Laura is such a badass and Gabby is the perfect foil and comedic relief to her older sister.
And that’s one thing I will say was good about this five-issue story, Mariko Tamaki did an excellent job of establishing the bond between X-23 and Honey Badger. It wasn’t an origin, but looking at it all now, I think these five issues will help readers appreciate their chemistry.
Plus, whenever I think of Laura and Gabby, I will always think of their embrace in X-23 #5. It’s definitely not a powerful image, but definitely an “awww” moment. No matter what X-23 says going forward, there’s no doubt about how she feels about her sister.
So we have our two main characters, we have a foundation, can we please take advantage of X-23’s raw power now? Juann Cabal has done great with the little action and acrobatics he’s drawn, but I’d like a little more of it.
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.
Fingers crossed.