X-23 #5
Matthew David Clarke
Recap
Laura discusses Esme’s plan with Mindee and Sophie, first on the astral plane, and then rather less glamorously in a blue sedan (you have no idea how long I agonized over using that Americanism, but the comic is set in America AND this way I get to play Sedan Delivery by Neil Young.) Quick headcount: Laura has been dead, but isn’t anymore; ditto Esme, who has possessed Gabby; Mindee is not dead at all (lucky her); while Sophie is completely dead, but her spirit exists inside Laura as a passenger because comics.
Having wrecked their van, the Cuckoos proceed on foot before apparently coming under fire from Beast, who… isn’t actually there #magic. Laura/Sophie (that’s So-Laura?) waits for Esme/Gabby on the steps of mansion. They (right?) reveal to Phoebe and Celeste that Esme killed their sister Sophie. Esme responds by stabbing another sister (I’m beginning to think she has a problem.) Laura and Esme square off.
The physical fight is interrupted by Mindee, who is using Cerebro.
Esme is dead, Laura and Gabby are reunited and embrace (awww.)
The issue wraps up with the Kinney’s celebrating a “funeral party” for Esme.
Review
I’m going to get this out of the way, the last issue set an impossibly high standard, so it’s hardly an insult to say that this issue is not as good. Especially as Mariko Tamaki’s writing is still very strong. There’s not too much in terms of plot here, instead, you get a tense build-up to Laura and Gabby, Sophie and Esme’s final confrontation. Following all the zappy, stabby goodness we’re treated to one of the best-written comic book pages I’ve read.
Sophie’s dismissal of Esme is as cold as ice and wonderfully juxtaposed (what? I’ve got to use this English degree for something) with Laura’s heartbreaking monologue. With that kind of freeze and thaw action going on, I’m surprised my screen didn’t crack.
The book is also surprisingly funny (more so than some alleged comedy titles…) considering the subject matter.
Juann Cabal & Marcio Fiorito’s art is stunning. The re-imagining of Gabby as a villain is still terrifying and brutal, while other sections of the book are just beautiful.
I love how Sophie’s possession of Laura was handled, the bright blue eyes and lettering combine to create a startling visual.
Nolan Woodard’s coloring is once again, not merely good, but meaningful. The Cuckoo’s have their recurring blue theme, while the striking red panels again refer back to Laura’s previous conflicts with the psychic sisters.
Final Thoughts
Cracking writing and art. A worthy end to a wonderful arc. More, please.
X-23 #5: Ohana Means Family
- Writing - 9/109/10
- Storyline - 8.5/108.5/10
- Art - 9.5/109.5/10
- Color - 9.5/109.5/10
- Cover Art - 8.5/108.5/10