Welcome, X-Fans, to another uncanny edition of X-Men Monday at AIPT!
So, I know X-Fans aren’t the most agreeable bunch, but is it safe to assume this is a good time to be a Laura Kinney fan? Beyond her key role in Deadpool & Wolverine, one of the year’s highest-grossing films, Laura’s also one of the main characters in the critically acclaimed NYX series. And, on December 11, 2024, Marvel launches the all-new ongoing series, Laura Kinney: Wolverine. Like I said, it’s a good time to be a Laura fan.
To learn a little more about what we can expect from Laura’s upcoming solo adventures, I invited series writer Erica Schultz back to X-Men Monday. Let’s see what she has to say.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
AIPT: Welcome back to X-Men Monday, Erica!
Erica Schultz: Thank you for having me back.
AIPT: Let’s go back to the not-too-distant past — how did the opportunity to revisit Laura for her all-new ongoing series come about?
Erica: How did this incredible opportunity come to me? I’d say working hard and diligently at Marvel the past few years has shown my ability to handle characters like Laura Kinney. So with the relaunch of the X-titles post-Krakoa, editorial reached out to see if I’d be interested in writing Wolverine again. Of course, I jumped at the chance! Laura was so much fun to write for X-23: Deadly Regenesis, as I’m always game for exploring new stories with favorite characters.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
AIPT: In X-23: Deadly Regenesis, you wrote a younger version of Laura. How do you approach writing an older, wiser Wolverine?
Erica: 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.
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.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
AIPT: Absolutely. Now, this week’s first X-Fan question comes from Key, who wanted to know what draws you to Laura as a writer more than other X-Men characters.
Erica: 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.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
AIPT: Laura’s had a few ongoing series at various points in her publishing history. What’s your mission statement for Laura Kinney: Wolverine?
Erica: In Deadly Regenesis, Laura’s through line was, “I must do what others cannot.” Now, Laura’s through line is, “I’m going to save every mutant I can or die trying.” Krakoa falling really hit Laura hard, and she didn’t anticipate how much she’d feel it. It made her think about what a “normal” life would look like. It made her ask questions like, “Do I even deserve something like that considering my past?” But I can promise you that you’ll have moments of fun mixed with pain in the best possible ways.
AIPT: As Laura also appears in NYX, X-Fans Alex Nelson and Solo G. were wondering if there’s any coordination between that series’ creative team.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
Erica: There is. Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, and I speak regularly on a secret comics channel known only to those “in the know.” We’ll kick around ideas and make sure that no one is stepping on each other’s toes. Despite wanting to tell a great story, I’m a stickler for continuity… when it’s in my control.
AIPT: X-Fans GambitsBoyfriend, Harry G, Kasi, and Kendrick asked if we can expect any appearances from her famous family members, such as Logan, Akihiro, Jonathan the wolverine, and — of course — Gabby. In fact, X-Fans Jacob West, Matt, osos213, and SKULLCAT really want to know about Gabby. Anything you can share?
Erica: Well, I can say that there will be some X-family moments, but this book will be focused on Laura and her story throughout. I can’t say anything else without giving something away.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
AIPT: X-Fan Emma B asked if we can expect some different team-ups with characters outside her NYX castmates.
Erica: Yes, Laura will have a few team-ups. The covers for issues 2 and 3 already reveal that she’ll be working with Daredevil (Elektra). When spoilers happen like this, it kind of makes me dislike the way the direct market works, but such is life. Daredevil won’t be the only team-up, but if the covers aren’t solicited yet, then you won’t hear it from me!
AIPT: X-Fan Berri Aberrantis loved X-23: Deadly Regenesis and wanted to know if we’ll ever see Haymaker again. Berri said their presence was fun and he thinks this is a character who has many other things to say.
Erica: I can neither confirm not deny that Haymaker returns. Jordan is such a great character, and I really love their heart. Even after everything they went through with the loss of their brother, they still found the courage to work with Laura. I loved working with Jan Bazaldua and Edgar Salazar on that story.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
AIPT: X-Fan Ben Davis asked if Laura will face any new additions to her rogues gallery in this series.
Erica: This is a tricky one. Laura will face new foes, but some weren’t hers initially. Like Logan, she’s always happy to add someone to the kick-their-ass list.
AIPT: Finally, what can we expect from artist Giada Belviso regarding the series’ visuals?
Courtesy of Marvel Comics and ComicBook.com
Erica: Giada and I worked together on a short for Women of Marvel. That story showed everyone at Marvel that her style and dynamic pages were really fun and kinetic. Obviously, some pages have been shown from issue #1, and if you don’t think the art looks amazing (with colors by Rachelle Rosenberg), then get your eyes checked. Giada chooses angles and expressions that show emotion and playfulness, anger, and sheer despair. She’s a rising star, that’s for sure.
AIPT: The art looks fantastic — but more on that in a second. For now, that’s all I have for you, Erica. Thanks for stopping by X-Men Monday!
Remember, X-Fans — Laura Kinney: Wolverine #1 goes on sale December 11, 2024. Below, you can see more of Giada’s artwork (and Erica’s words) in this eXclusive preview from the series’ first issue.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
In case you missed it, the 2024 X-Men Monday Survey is now open.
This is your chance to let X-Men Monday know what you’ve loved the most about the “From the Ashes” era. And maybe — just maybe — I’ll share the results with the X-Office. We’ll see! First, though, you need to vote! Click here to do that before December 8, 2024.
Until next time, X-Fans, stay exceptional!
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