On Wednesdays X-23 #6 Wears Pink
by Tony Thornley
The previous volume of Laura Kinney’s adventures featured some delightful single-issue stories between the larger arcs. X-23 #6 continues that tradition with what might be the best issue of the series to date.
Mariko Tamaki is joined by Georges Duarte, Chris O’Halloran and Cory Petit as the girls go back to school. It’s a bit of a cliche on the surface, but Tamaki quickly sheds that, avoids any tropes, and tells a fun action story.
Laura and Gabby are following the trail on more missing tech. At first, they’re on the trail of the science teacher, but instead realize it might be the mean girl science club. Sure enough, a pink-clad mini mad scientist uses her (equally pink) battledroid to menace the girls!
Tamaki’s story is just fun. It highlights the personalities of the two leads really well–Gabby is overthinking her cover, while Laura is just enjoying doing something a little more mundane while sleuthing. The action is sharp and I love the witty banter that goes with it, even from the more stoic Laura.
I’m also really glad to see what the series has become in the last six issues. This isn’t a Laura Kinney solo series but a Laura and Gabby team book. It’s a major strength of series, and humanizes Laura so much.
Duarte’s art is light and cartoony. He has a very good eye for action as well, as the fight with the droid is well done, with great work in motion and perspective. It’s crucial for two more acrobatic brawlers for the action to feel fluid and it clicks here.
O’Halloran’s work is bright and light. He makes the mood a bit more sitcom-ish, which helps the script and lineart really well.
This issue proves that the first arc was no fluke. It’s a fun series that X-fans should be reading.
X-23 #6 is available now from Marvel Comics.
