X-23 introduces fans to one of the most compelling and dynamic characters in the X-Men universe. The episode revolves around the mysterious and troubled character known as X-23, a young female clone of Wolverine, created by the sinister organization HYDRA. X-23, who possesses the same healing factor and Adamantium claws as Wolverine, is on a mission to take down her genetic template, leading to intense and emotional confrontations. This episode explores themes of identity, control, and the search for belonging, resonating deeply with viewers.

Created first for this episode and then later adapted into comics, Laura Kinney’s X-23 has since become a character of vital importance, not just to the X-Men, but also the wider Marvel Universe as the second Wolverine. She consistently appears in her own spin-off comics, still proving popular decades later. And it all started with this episode.

It’s a pivotal episode that not only introduces a fascinating new character but also delves into profound themes that are central to the X-Men universe. The character’s journey from animated series to comic books and live-action films underscores her enduring popularity and significance.

An unknown person breaks into a secure site and searches through files on the X-Men. Upon finding Wolverine‘s file, the intruder slashes the computer screens with claws, triggering an alarm. Guards pursue the intruder, who creates a diversion and escapes via the sewers. The next morning, Logan conducts a training exercise at the mansion, but it is interrupted by the arrival of S.H.I.E.L.D. helicopters. Nick Fury informs Logan that someone with adamantium claws broke into S.H.I.E.L.D. HQ, and DNA samples match Logan’s. Logan is taken to S.H.I.E.L.D. HQ, where he meets Deborah Reisman, a former Hydra scientist. She reveals that the intruder is X23, a female clone of Logan created using his DNA.

X23 was raised without love or pity, resulting in emotional instability and hatred. She has now turned against her creators and is targeting the X-Men. While Logan is at S.H.I.E.L.D. HQ, X23 infiltrates the mansion and knocks out several X-Men. Logan returns just in time to stop Ray from shorting out an inhibitor keeping Xavier unconscious. The team searches for the intruder and is ambushed by X23. Logan confronts her, and they engage in a fierce battle. Logan tries to calm her, explaining that he understands her pain and that he, too, was used. X23 breaks down and begins to cry.

As helicopters approach, Logan tells X23 to seek shelter while he deals with Fury. Fury demands that X23 come with him, but Logan refuses, insisting she has been through enough. Fury backs off and leaves. The next morning, Logan and Xavier find Rogue in her room and invite her to join a new exercise. Logan surprises the students by announcing a game of Mutant ball, reminding them to enjoy their youth.

Helicopters approaching Xavier’s is never a good sign; it’s usually some government type, with or without a warrant. On screen, X-Men: Apocalypse and X2 both had scenes with Stryker invading X-Men airspace. Operation: Zero Tolerance saw Bastion invade the school in X-Men #65 and wiped the place clean. In X-Men ’97 and X-Men #57, Valerie Cooper does it and X-Men: Evolution‘s third season premiere had feds swarming the place!

Much of the movie Logan‘s sub-plot comes from this episode and the mini-series which introduced Laura to the comics. Laura’s mother Sarah seems based on this episode’s Debra Risman.

Traditionally, HYDRA is less an X-Men issue and much more of a Captain America one, as seen in the MCU movies. They are unconnected to the Weapon X project that created Wolverine in print.

As seen in other versions of the franchise, Storm’s room in this episode is a plant-filled attic.

In Logan, X-23 bonds with Charles Xavier quickly, whereas in this episode, in contrast, she takes the Professor out first. Also, similar to the movie, Laura doesn’t speak until the end of the episode.

DADDY’S GIRL!

The creation of X-23 for this episode proved to be a significant milestone in the X-Men franchise. Initially conceived for the animated series, X-23’s popularity quickly soared, leading to her inclusion in the comic books and expanding her story further. Her character’s appeal lies in her complex background and her struggle to reconcile her inherent violent tendencies with her desire for a normal life. This episode captures the essence of X-23’s internal conflict, making her a relatable and sympathetic character despite her dangerous abilities. Her journey from a weaponized clone to a member of the X-Men is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

X-23’s impact extended beyond the animated series and comic books, making a notable leap into live-action cinema. Dafne Keen’s portrayal of X-23, also known as Laura Kinney, in the critically acclaimed movie Logan brought the character to an even wider audience. Keen’s performance was lauded for its intensity and emotional depth, capturing the spirit of X-23’s struggle for identity and autonomy. This portrayal solidified X-23’s place in the broader X-Men lore and opened the door for further appearances in the franchise, including crossovers with characters like Deadpool and Wolverine.

Cruise Control | Dark Horizon (Part 1)