Generation X-23 #6: A Slow Slice of Life

Issue #6 has a very slice-of-life vibe to it. Laura and Gabby do not grapple with the end of the world. Author Jody Houser takes the reader through a very low-stakes story that allows the characters time to develop themselves. The comic ends with a cliffhanger, as most Marvel stories do; however, the main plot itself takes a backburner to the characters and their development. 

For better or for worse, this issue gives X-99, X-92, and X-74 some distinct personality traits. The first one is insufferable! X-99 makes incredibly tasteless references that make this brand-new comic seem dated upon publication. The other two have very cute moments that demonstrate their personality. Unfortunately, none of the Generated have done anything worth noting previously, and that trend continues in this issue. Despite their enhanced development, these characters still feel like entities designed to fill empty space.

Houser’s writing shines with Laura herself. Laura feels like an older sister forced to babysit her younger siblings; it’s the stern but gentle nuances of the character that separate her from her father. Many authors struggle to distinguish Laura from Logan; this issue makes the two Wolverines seem like completely separate people. Her sister, Gabby, serves as the emotional core of the issue. It’s her who can best relate to the experiences of the Generated.  

Artist Emilio Laiso and colorist Erick Arcienga pair well together to create perfectly serviceable artwork. The artwork is good, but it is nothing spectacular. Laiso makes great use of framing by layering panels on top of full-page spreads. Arcienga’s colors pop on the page and contrast each other well. Laiso and Arcienga’s best work is on the powers of X-99, which have a perfect combination of creepy and unnatural. However, there are no panels that truly capture the eye. The artwork does its job, but it doesn’t do anything beyond that.