X-Men: The Return of a Familiar Face Makes Wolverine’s Death Even More Heart-Wrenching

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for NYX #6

The saga of Laura Kinney, the second Wolverine, unfolds with touching complexity and heartbreak. From her tragic origins and intense life struggles to the sad events following her death, the narrative has taken yet another emotional twist. In recent developments, after the original Laura meets her demise, a clone has emerged through mutantkind’s Resurrection Protocols. This new iteration of Laura encounters her dearest friend, Kiden Nixon, unaware that she is a mere copy of the friend she lost.

Chaos and Confrontations Among Friends

As events unfold at a showcase, a chaotic scene culminates in a dramatic confrontation involving Mojo. In the course of this intense battle, Wolverine finds herself gravely injured, and just when hope seems lost, Kiden Nixon arrives as a beacon of support. The joy of their reunion is tempered by the unsettling knowledge that Kiden is oblivious to Laura’s true nature as a clone.

Exploring Laura and Kiden’s Past

To appreciate their current relationship, it’s vital to understand the history between Laura and Kiden. After her time as X-23—a living weapon for the Facility—Laura’s life took a transformative turn when Captain America intervened, leading her to freedom. Unfortunately, with no support system, Laura fell into dark circumstances, including forced prostitution. It was during this vulnerable time that she crossed paths with Kiden in the early iterations of NYX.

This fortuitous friendship allowed both characters to forge their paths, with Kiden becoming a crucial ally in Laura’s quest for identity and community. Their relationship, though infrequent in the comics, radiates warmth and familial ties, creating a pivotal dynamic in the stories they inhabit. As the years progressed and the Krakoa Saga emerged, Kiden faded from the narrative while Laura solidified her status as a hero.

Laura Kinney’s Ongoing Identity Crisis

The complexities of identity have long haunted Laura Kinney. After the events in the Vault—a time displacement chamber—an unfortunate twist provided the resurrection of a new Laura devoid of memories related to her predecessor’s traumatic experiences. It’s important to note that while the original Laura, now known as Talon, continued her heroic endeavors, she was tragically slain by the High Evolutionary, leaving a profound void in the legacy of her character.

Wolverine and Talon Side-By-Side, fighting underground vampires

This recent resurrection situation compounds Laura’s struggles, repeating themes of identity and humanity that she has wrestled with throughout her existence. Despite the fact that she’s technically alive, the emotional burden of her predecessor’s experiences continues to impact this newer version, creating a confusing web of relationships and pasts that she must navigate.

Impact of Resurrection on Relationships

Opportunity for Clarity in NYX Series

The tragic death of Talon is steeped in melancholy, not merely due to the event itself but for the life she was deprived of experiencing. Her life in captivity starkly contrasts with the experiences of the newly resurrected Laura, leading to an emotional gap that stings every time Laura reconnects with someone from her past. The original Laura, who rescued Kiden and shared significant moments with her, has irrevocably vanished, leaving the new Laura to confront a painful reality. Kiden’s survival means that they will never share those formative experiences again.

NYX #6 is presently available from Marvel Comics, setting the stage for an exploration of these emotional developments as Laura navigates her layered identity and relationships.

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