Welcome, X-fans, to another incredible edition of X-Men on Monday at AIPT!
We know that X-fans aren’t the most welcoming bunch, but is it safe to assume that now is a good time to be a fan of Laura Kinney?Laura was one of the highest-grossing films of the year. In addition to playing a key role in Deadpool & Wolverine, he is also one of the main characters in the acclaimed NYX series. And on December 11, 2024, Marvel will launch an all-new ongoing series, Laura Kinney: Wolverine. As I said, it’s a good time to be a Laura fan.
To find out a little more about what we can expect from Laura’s upcoming solo adventures, we invited series writer Erica Schultz back on Monday’s X-Men. Let’s see what she has to say.
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AIPT: Erica, welcome to X-Men Monday!
Erica Schultz: Thanks for having me back.
AIPT: Let’s go back to the not-so-distant past. How did the opportunity to revisit Laura in an all-new ongoing series for Laura come about?
Erica: How did this amazing opportunity come about for me? I think working hard at Marvel over the past few years has proven my ability to handle characters like Laura Kinney. Masu. So, with the reboot of the X titles after Krakoa, the editors asked if I would be interested in writing Wolverine again. Of course I jumped at the chance! I always love exploring new stories with my favorite characters, so Laura was a lot of fun to write in X-23: Deadly Regenesis.
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AIPT: In X-23: Deadly Regenesis, you wrote a younger version of Laura. How do you approach writing an older, wiser Wolverine?
Erica: Laura from Deadly Regenesis was still a teenager. She once escaped from the facility and became a member of X-Force along with Logan. In the current version of Laura Kinney: Wolverine, Laura is in her early 20s. Although she is not a teenager, she still has a lot to learn. As a woman in my early 20s living in New York City, I too thought I knew everything. Laura will have a hard time here too. She is a mutant in a world where mutants are hated more than ever. She is a woman who lives in a big city. As we’ve already seen in several issues of NYX, she’s trying to find her place in the world, and Laura will experience some real struggles.
Given Laura’s unique situation, I really appreciate that this book has primarily female and/or non-binary creators. Laura must find her way not only as a mutant, but also as a growing woman. The world hates mutants, but it also hates women. For me, it’s important to have the best creators in their field who can feel what Laura is feeling and infuse that emotion into their work.
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AIPT: That’s right. Well, this week’s first X-Fan question comes from Key, who wants to know why he’s drawn to Laura as a writer over other X-Men characters.
Erica: Laura is a very complex character and there are so many facets to her that need to be explored. She’s more than just a “female Logan.” She is her own person. Despite having the same power set, Logan had a relatively normal childhood until he developed his mutant abilities. Laura never had a normal childhood. She was born in a lab and isolated from others. Her immaturity with social norms and emotional cues once served as bait to “catch fish out of water.” Now Laura has more experience with relationships (Julian, Warren, Everett) and even with a clone of herself (Talon). Laura still has a lot to do, and we’ll see it unfold in all its emotional and action-packed glory.
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AIPT: Laura has had several ongoing series at various points in its publishing history. Laura Kinney: What is Wolverine’s mission statement?
Erica: Laura’s defining line in “Deadly Regenesis” was, “I have to do what others can’t do.” Now, Laura’s defining line is, “I’m going to save every mutant I can, or I’m going to die trying.” The fall of Krakoa was a huge shock to Laura, but she didn’t know how much I wasn’t expecting how I would feel. It made her think about what a “normal” life is like. It led her to ask questions like, “Given my past, do I deserve something like that?” But we promise you that you will experience moments of pain and pleasure in the best possible way.
AIPT: Laura also appears on NYX, so X fans Alex Nelson and Solo G wondered if there was some coordination between the creative teams on that series.
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Erica: Yes. Jackson Lansing, Colin Kelly, and I speak regularly on a secret comic channel that only those “in the know” know about. We’ll explore ideas and make sure no one steps on each other’s toes. Even though I want to tell great stories, I’m a continuity person…when it’s in my control.
AIPT: X Fan’s Gambits Boyfriend Harry G, Kashi, Kendrick asked if we can expect some of her famous family to make an appearance, including Logan, Akihiro, Jonathan the Wolverine, and of course Gabby. In fact, X fans Jacob West, Matt, osos213, and SKULLCAT want to know about Gabby. Have something to share?
Erica: Well, I would say there are some X-Family moments, but the book focuses on Laura and her story throughout. You can’t say anything without giving something away.
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AIPT: X fan Emma B asked if we can expect different team-ups with characters other than NYX castmates.
Erica: Yes, Laura is going to do some team-ups. It is already revealed on the covers of issues 2 and 3 that she will be working with Daredevil (Elektra). When spoilers like this happen, I start to dislike the way the direct market works, but that’s life. Daredevil won’t be the only one teaming up, but if a cover song isn’t up for grabs yet, I won’t let you know.
AIPT: X fan Beli Abrantis loved X-23: Deadly Regenesis and wanted to know if we’d see Haymaker again. Belli said that he enjoyed their presence and that he thinks this character is one that has a lot more to say.
Erica: I can’t confirm or deny that Haymaker will be back. Jordan is such a great character and I really love their heart. Even after losing their brother and everything they had been through, they found the courage to work with Laura. I loved working on this story with Jan Bazaldua and Edgar Salazar.
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AIPT: X Fan’s Ben Davis asked if Laura will face new additions to her rogues gallery in this series.
Erica: This is difficult. Laura will face new enemies, some of which were not originally hers. Just like Logan, she’s always happy to add someone to her kick list.
AIPT: Finally, what can we expect from artist Giada Belviso in terms of the series’ visuals?
Courtesy of Marvel Comics and ComicBook.com
Erica: Giada and I worked together on the Women of Marvel short. This story showed everyone at Marvel that her style and dynamic pages were truly fun and vibrant. Of course, some pages are from issue 1. If you don’t think the art (colors by Rachel Rosenberg) is amazing, check your eyes. Giada chooses angles and expressions that show emotion, playfulness, anger, and pure despair. She’s a rising star, that’s for sure.
AIPT: The art looks great, but more on that later. That’s all I can do for you for now, Erica. Thanks for stopping by X-Men Monday!
Remember, X fans — Laura Kinney: Wolverine #1 will be released on December 11, 2024. Below, see more of Giada’s artwork (and Erica’s words) in this exclusive preview of the first issue of the series.
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Provided by Marvel Comics
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Provided by Marvel Comics
In case you missed it, the 2024 X-Men Monday survey is now open.
This is your chance to tell X-Men Monday what you love most about the “From the Ashes” era. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll share the results with X-Office. Let’s take a look! But first you need to vote. To do this by December 8, 2024, click here.
Until next time, have a special time, X-fans!
