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X-23

X-23 is a Marvel Comics character, also known as Laura Kinney.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

X-23 is a Marvel Comics character, also known as Laura Kinney. She was introduced as a Wolverine-related character with a healing factor, enhanced physical abilities, and adamantium claws, and later became a hero associated with the X-Men and, at times, the Wolverine mantle.

Publication history

X-23 was created by Craig Kyle and Chris Yost and first appeared in animation before moving into Marvel Comics. Her comic debut is commonly cited as NYX #3 in 2004, and she later became a recurring Marvel character.

Character background

Laura Kinney was originally presented as a clone-like Wolverine-related creation, with later Marvel material identifying her as Wolverine’s biological daughter in main continuity. Her backstory centers on her being raised and trained as an assassin before becoming a hero.

Powers and abilities

X-23 possesses a healing factor, enhanced strength, speed, agility, reflexes, senses, and adamantium claws. Unlike Wolverine, she typically has two claws in each hand and one claw in each foot.

Role in Marvel stories

Over time, X-23 moved from an assassin role into superhero teams and solo stories. Marvel characterizes her as a hero who has been part of the X-Men and has at times used the Wolverine identity.

Key facts

  • X-23 was created as a Wolverine-related character and is widely identified as Laura Kinney.
  • Her comic-book debut was in NYX #3, after an earlier animated appearance in X-Men: Evolution.
  • She has retractable claws, including two in each hand and one in each foot.
  • Her powers include a regenerative healing factor, enhanced physical abilities, and combat skill.
  • She has also taken on the Wolverine mantle in later stories.

Frequently asked questions

Who is X-23?
X-23 is a Marvel Comics character also known as Laura Kinney, first introduced as a Wolverine-related mutant with a violent origin story.
Is X-23 a clone of Wolverine?
She was originally presented as a Wolverine-derived clone, though later Marvel continuity identifies Laura Kinney as Wolverine’s biological daughter.
What powers does X-23 have?
She has a healing factor, enhanced strength, speed, agility, senses, reflexes, and adamantium claws.
How many claws does X-23 have?
X-23 usually has two retractable claws in each hand and one in each foot.
When did X-23 first appear?
X-23 first appeared in X-Men: Evolution and later made her comic debut in NYX #3.
Has X-23 used the Wolverine name?
Yes. Marvel says Laura Kinney has taken up the mantle from Logan as Wolverine in later stories.

References

  1. Marvel — https://www.marvel.com/characters/wolverine-laura-kinney
    Supports: Character identity as Laura Kinney/X-23, her hero status, X-Men association, and use of the Wolverine mantle.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-23
    Supports: Abilities, comic background, and overview of character history.
  3. Marvel — https://www.marvel.com/articles/tv-shows/x-23-character-x-23-evolution-wolverine
    Supports: Character description, claws, healing factor, and development since introduction.
  4. X-Men Wiki — https://x-men.fandom.com/wiki/X-23
    Supports: Healing factor and other powers.
  5. IGN — https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/11/who-is-the-all-new-wolverine
    Supports: Creators, origin in X-Men: Evolution, and comic debut context.
  6. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-23
    Supports: First appearance, creators, and basic character summary.