X-23 #7
Matthew David Clarke
Recap
Gabby is getting an ice-cream, meanwhile Laura’s opening monologue reveals that three scientists have been murdered in three weeks. They are assisting the NYPD’s investigation.
Gabby passes some time on a park bench before assuming her position atop an apartment block.
Someone or… something sneaks into Dr. Erwin Davies apartment via an air-vent (nothing good ever comes from having large air vents.) They attack the apparently unsuspecting scientist, but wait… that’s no scientist!
He cut her hair! Alexander Pope will be rolling in his grave! The attacker eventually escapes out of a window.
But…
Laura removes the attacker’s helmet to discover a SPOILER ALERT!
Beast meets them at The Tank. Gabby feels bad about locking up another clone. Laura tries to argue that it’s necessary before an alarm sounds. Soldiers break through the door and open fire on the three clones. TO BE CONTINUED…
Review
I love the opening juxtaposition of Laura’s dark monologue with Gabby innocently ordering an ice-cream. This perfectly encapsulates two apparently contradictory parts of Gabby’s character. Similarly the pastel colors of the ice-cream store contrast with the film noir style of the crime scenes that follow. So it’s immediately clear that this is a well constructed issue which should come as no surprise. It sets out it’s stall early, introducing the key ideas and conflicts that will define the arc. The revelation of the “third sister” (if that is what she is) was very effectively handled with a beautiful full page panel. Gabby’s reaction to locking their “sister” up was also touching.
It’s not the funniest issue, in fact I can’t remember the last time I didn’t laugh at a book with Gabby in it. But she’s still charming and that’s a minor complaint given the amount of emotional, thematic and narrative heavy-lifting that the issue gets through.
Final Thoughts
An emotive issue that sets up what looks to be an interesting arc.
X-23 #7: The Three Sisters?
- Writing - 8.75/108.8/10
- Storyline - 8.75/108.8/10
- Art - 8.75/108.8/10
- Color - 8.5/108.5/10
- Cover Art - 8.5/108.5/10
