X-23 #1
Marvel Comics
Writers: Craig Kyle & Christopher Yost
Pencils: Billy Tan
Inks: Jon Sibal
Colors: Brian Haberlin
Price: $2.99

Rating: 3 stars

I have not been a fan of the X-23 concept at all. From day one, I thought it was a contrived idea that should have stayed in the television show comic. Then I read issue one of the X-23 book. Told from an emotional standpoint, the book hits all the right notes. Tying in persons involved in the original Weapon X experiment with the newer technologies, X-23 brings a fresh look at the mysterious character that has been wreaking havoc around the X-universe.

During the original Weapon X experiments, Wolverine killed and maimed many of the people involved in his process. From this tragic event, a sneakier, more contained Weapon X facility and crew has emerged and continues the experiments started so many years before. A brilliant new geneticist, Dr. Sarah Kinney, is brought in to work on cloning the genetic material left behind into a viable weapon. Like so many good intentions, her work takes an unexpected turn that has horrible, untold consequences.

Where issue 2 will take us, I have no idea. I am fascinated by the approach taken in bringing this character?s origin to light. Writers Craig Kyle and Christopher Yost have a cohesive story to tell, as proven with this first issue. There is a three dimensional quality to the characters introduced, and how they fare remains to be seen. I know that the tone of the story caused me to be interested and care for the well being of these individuals.

The art by Billy Tan is improved by the able inking of Jon Sibal. I hope they keep this pair together, as there is a great quality about the line work and detailing when they work together. Having Brian Haberlin do the coloring is icing on the cake. Visually, the story is stunning.

I look forward to seeing what happens in issue two of this series. X-23 has a rich back story that I didn?t think was possible. The humanization of this growling, unlikable character brings a whole new light to the possibilities. I plan to pick up issue 2 to make sure my first impressions are right, and to see what happens next. I also would like to see more interaction between X-23 and Wolverine down the road, as more of her background unfolds. As a skeptic proved wrong so far, the journey should be an interesting one to say the least.

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