Laura Kinney’s Ascendancy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
The conclusion of Deadpool & Wolverine has ushered X-23—also known as Laura Kinney—into the realm of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The character, portrayed by Dafne Keen, joins forces with Hugh Jackman’s Logan, bringing the iconic elements of the FOX X-Men franchise into a new and exciting chapter within the MCU. This narrative crossover presents a wealth of opportunities to explore and further develop Wolverine’s clone in innovative and meaningful ways.
Marvel writer Erica Schultz, who is spearheading the new series, Laura Kinney: Wolverine, shares insights on the character’s potential that extends beyond the realms of being merely a clone or superhero. Instead, this iteration aims to encapsulate a rich coming-of-age narrative for Laura, albeit framed through the lens of her adult experiences.
A New Chapter for Laura Kinney
In the current comics, Laura has transitioned into her twenties, paralleling her maturity in the MCU. This evolution indicates that her stories will focus on a form of personal development that moves beyond traditional narratives of adolescence, embodying a Bildungsroman—a narrative of self-discovery set against the vibrant backdrop of life in New York City.
Erica Schultz’s Exploration of Laura Kinney
Before undertaking her role in Laura Kinney: Wolverine, Schultz penned X-23: Deadly Regenesis, which revisited Laura during her teenage years following her escape from Utopia Island. This earlier work centered on her struggles and the emotional turbulence of her past. With her transition into adulthood, Laura now faces an array of new challenges that Schultz is eager to illuminate.
The Laura of Deadly Regenesis was still a teen. She had had experiences with breaking out of The Facility and being a part of X-Force with Logan. In the current run of Laura Kinney: Wolverine, Laura is in her early 20s. She’s not a teenager, but she still has a lot to learn. Having been a woman in her early 20s living in New York City, I know I thought I knew everything, too. Laura will be put through her paces here, too. She’s a mutant in a world that hates mutants more than ever. She’s a woman living in the big city. She’s trying to find her place in the world, as we’ve already seen in some issues of NYX, and Laura will have some real struggles.
This narrative frames Laura’s journey of self-discovery against the complexities of navigating adulthood in an unwelcoming environment, particularly as a woman in contemporary society.
The Convergence of Identity
Laura Kinney’s Dual Identity
In the Laura Kinney: Wolverine series, Laura’s exploration transcends the simple notion of self-discovery. Now more than ever, she confronts the escalating animosity toward mutants, especially in light of the recent upheavals following the Krakoan era and the aggressive campaign led by Orchis. This context amplifies Laura’s struggles as she grapples with societal prejudice against both her identities as a mutant and a woman.
Because of Laura’s unique situation, I really appreciate having mostly female and/or non-binary creators on the book. Laura is not only having to find her way as a mutant, but as a woman growing up. The world hates mutants, but the world also can hate on women. It’s important to me to have creatives who are some of the best at what they do, who have felt how Laura is feeling, and can imbue that emotion into the work.
Through Schultz’s creative lens, the narrative will intricately explore how Laura internalizes and navigates the dual challenges of societal hate, allowing for a deeper understanding of a character who embodies resilience in the face of adversity.
Understanding Laura Kinney vs. Logan
A Distinctive Path for a Unique Character
Laura Kinney’s challenges are distinct, particularly when compared to Logan, the original Wolverine. While the visual parallels may be evident with their shared abilities, Schultz asserts that the nuances of their experiences set them apart considerably.
Laura is such a complex character, and there are so many facets of her to explore. She’s not just “the female Logan.” She’s her own person. Despite the same power sets, Logan had a relatively normal childhood before manifesting his mutant abilities. Laura never had a normal childhood. She was born in a lab and isolated from others. Her inexperience with social norms and emotional cues would play to “fish out of water” fodder in the past. Currently, Laura has had so many more experiences with relationships (Julian, Warren, and Everett) even dealing with her own clone (Talon). Laura now still has so much to mine, and we’ll see that play out in all its emotional and action-packed glory.
Laura’s upbringing starkly contrasts with Logan’s childhood filled with privilege, illustrating how these divergent backgrounds shape their perspectives and experiences. While navigating her way through New York City, Laura Kinney steps closer to finding her own identity, transcending her original classification as merely a Wolverine clone.
Evolving Narratives: Laura Kinney in Today’s Marvel
The New Era for a New Wolverine
With various series chronicling Laura Kinney’s adventures since her introduction in 2003, the latest series aims to redefine her character amid the current cultural landscape. Laura Kinney: Wolverine aspires to illustrate her growth as both a woman and a mutant, spotlighting the intricate dynamics of her identity and separating her from the legacy of the original Wolverine.
This shift in narrative context is timely, coinciding with her enhanced role within the MCU, presenting ample opportunities for audiences to engage with Laura as more than just a derivative of Wolverine. Her story is not just an extension of an existing legacy but a profound exploration of identity that resonates with contemporary themes relevant to modern audiences.
Readers can explore the journey of Laura Kinney in Laura Kinney: Wolverine #1, now available from Marvel Comics.
Source: AIPT Comics
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