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X-23 #10: A Very Special Issue

8/10

X-23 #10

Artist(s): Diego Olortegui (Penciler) / Walden Wong (Inker) / Ashley Witter (Cover)

Colorist(s): Chris O'Halloran

Letterer: VC's Cory Petit

Publisher: Marvel

Genre: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, Superhero

Published Date: 03/13/2019

Recap

At Med-X-Tronics Dr. Robert Chandler does the villain thing and explains the X-Assassin project to Laura. Then there’s a sudden outbreak of stabbery. Gabby and the X-Assassin rescue what’s left of X-23. Laura quickly recovers (she heals fast, Bub) and makes after the retreating Chandler. Meanwhile awesomeness ensues.

Laura catches Chandler’s chopper, while the X-Assassin explains the kill switch to Gabby and bids her an emotional farewell.

The X-Assassin joins Laura on the helicopter and promptly shoves her off it.

The X-Assassin blasts the helicopter with her EMP before Gabby presses the kill switch. Chandler and the X-Assassin crash and burn (I’d like to know how many fictional helicopters actually make it to retirement.)

Review

Buckle up readers because this issue starts with some serious… exposition… oh… but once the action starts and we return to Laura’s inner monologue we’re on safer ground. These are again cleverly juxtaposed with appropriate panels.

This series seems to have lost its funny bone in this arc (see this is why you need to coat things in adamantium) and despite the brutality of the action the art is only good, not great, although the use of descending and darkening panels is a nice touch.

So objectively and technically speaking this is not the best comic book but Mariko Tamaki’s writing elevates it and to be honest, once the first page and a bit were out of the way, I loved it. It zips along at a good pace, Gabby is sweet and deeply affecting and the scene in their apartment is typically adorable.

And of course, say it with me now, fastball special! Oh hells yes *grins inanely and claps.*

True facts about the Honey Badger!

The arc ends well and thankfully avoids the concerns I expressed in the review of the previous issue. There’s a nice meaningful look between the X-Assassin and Laura before “Scout” goes out as a hero.

I’m hooked on this series, so already I’m wondering: if Laura and Gabby didn’t fall out over the X-Assassin then what’s that next cover all about?! I wanna know!

Final Thoughts

All’s well that ends well as this arc finishes strong with a sweet and action-packed final instalment.

X-23 #10: A Very Special Issue
  • Writing - 8.5/10
    8.5/10
  • Storyline - 7.75/10
    7.8/10
  • Art - 8/10
    8/10
  • Color - 7.75/10
    7.8/10
  • Cover Art - 8/10
    8/10
8/10
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