Generation X-23 #8: A Thin Plot Can’t Dull Logan and Laura’s Bond

Issue #8 follows up on the reveal that Nanny and Orphan-Maker had infiltrated Facility-23, with the former being the primary antagonist of this issue. Plot-wise, this comic is nothing terribly exciting. Nanny’s inclusion makes sense for the story, but ultimately nothing is done with the character worth remembering. The Generated remain incredibly uninteresting; children subjected to mutant experimentation is not something new to Marvel or even new to a Laura Kinney story.

Jody Houser excels at writing Logan and Laura’s relationship. Houser highlights the strained father-daughter dynamic the characters have. At this point in the storyline, Logan doesn’t have his healing factor (issues 7 and 8 of this series take place between issues 21 and 22 of the Wolverine series) and lacks claws on his right hand. Logan being in this state flips their relationship on its head; now, Laura must look after her father. Furthermore, Houser highlights the difference in approach between Logan and Laura. While both charge headlong into combat, Laura’s more sympathetic approach to her enemies ends up paying off in their battle with Nanny. The emotional moment between Logan and Laura in this comic is one of their best portrayals in years. Any reader who cares about these characters appreciates their softer moments, and Houser absolutely delivers in this comic.

Emilio Laiso and Erick Arciniega make for a great artist/colorist duo. This comic uses high-contrast leading lines to emphasize scenes. Lines flash between reds and greens, blacks and greys. There’s a great moment halfway through the issue where the orange energy bolts from Nanny are the leading lines in the panel, really giving the impression of high-intensity combat to the reader. Arciniega’s saturated palette makes the colors pop. Laiso matches this energy with detailed linework, drawing each panel with care. In particular, Laiso draws highly detailed facial expressions; even in more minimalist panels, each character’s emotions are visually signaled.