X-23: Innocence Lost

[Quirky Cat]

Summary:

Laura Kinney, aka X-23, has not led the best life. Her childhood was stolen from her, as she was designed as part of a scientific experiment (with even darker end goals). Her story unfolds on these pages, partially through Laura's eyes but also through the eyes of her mother.

Review:

I remember reading X-23: Innocence Lost ages ago. But recently, I've been craving a re-read of all things X-23, so here I am! But seriously, this volume hits hard. Honestly, a lot of origin stories tend to hit hard, but Laura's is especially difficult to read.

This is one of those classic X-Men stories that will make you feel. Mostly sad, but also some rage. It's also a slightly different take on an origin story, as much of it unfolds from a different perspective. While the story is unquestionably all about Laura, it's not technically "her story" for the longest time. It's her mother's. That's still a surprise, even now. It shouldn't work, but it does.

This perspective lets us see everything about Laura's past, including the reason (and methods) behind her creation. Throw in the character development, and well...you can see why X-23: Innocence Lost hits hard, even two decades (yikes) later.

Highlights:
Teenage Superhero
Superhero Drama
Dark Backstory

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