After reading Wolverine #9, the next to last chapter of Three Months to Die, I thought about my next and maybe best candidate for the next Wolverine. No one can replace James Howlett aka Logan but will someone take up the code-name and carry on the X-Man’s legacy?
After Logan’s literal dance with “Death” in this week’s issue I thought of the perfect hero become the next Wolverine.
Laura Kinney aka X-23.
Laura is a clone created from Logan’s DNA (his X-gene to be specific) in a section of the Weapon X program. Born in blood, bred to be an assassin and reborn a hero – Laura would be a student at Xavier’s but would later be recruited (against Logan’s wishes) for the X-Force.
Laura left the mutants behind to join the Avengers Academy only to be kidnapped and thrown in Avengers Arena by Arcade. Laura recently joined the New Xavier School and fought with the All-New X-Men against the Purifiers and Future Brotherhood.
It’s not just her genetics, Laura is a survivor like Logan.
Laura is a killer fighting her nature to stay human. X-23’s killer instincts are more than an animal inside her like Logan, she was scientifically made to kill. Logan has done his best to guide her down a different path.
In the past new heroes have risen when icons are killed or sidelined. Thunderstrike, War Machine and U.S. Agent are some examples. I can’t imagine a Marvel universe without Logan. The Death of Wolverine will have a profound impact on the X-Men, Avengers and entire Marvel cast and inspire great storytelling.
Logan has taken so many young women under his watch to protect, mentor and save them like Kitty Pryde, Jubilee, Idie and Laura so I’d like to see a woman show the world how Logan shaped their life.
What an impact Marvel could make if Laura could rise to become the new Wolverine.
With the success of Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel – a female led book will sell and inspire. X-23’s already impressive journey from animated series guest star to comic book icon could be just the beginning for the “daughter” of Wolverine.
By Editor