Ask AI: Write a long biography of the comic book character Laura Kinney known as X-23.

Laura Kinney, best known by her codename X-23, is a fictional comic book character appearing in stories published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer Craig Kyle for the animated television series "X-Men: Evolution" in 2003, Laura was later introduced into the comic book world by Kyle and writer Christopher Yost in "NYX" #3 (2004). ### Early Life and Origin Laura Kinney is the result of a top-secret program within the Weapon X project, which aimed to clone the original Weapon X, Logan (Wolverine). Researchers at the facility, led by Dr. Martin Sutter, Dr. Zander Rice, and geneticist Sarah Kinney, were tasked with replicating Wolverine’s formidable powers. After numerous failed attempts to replicate the Y chromosome from Wolverine's damaged genetic samples, Dr. Kinney suggested creating a female clone by using a viable X chromosome to create a viable XX chromosome pairing. Despite initial resistance, the project proceeded. Dr. Kinney carried the embryo to term, and Laura was born. Her early years were marked by rigorous training, significant emotional and physical abuse, and scientific experimentation, all designed to turn her into the perfect assassin. Unlike Wolverine, Laura was equipped with only two retractable bone claws in her hands and one in each foot, all of which were subsequently laced with indestructible adamantium. ### Training and First Missions Raised in an environment devoid of love, Laura’s only connection was with Dr. Kinney, who systemically opposed the other handlers' cruel methods. At the age of seven, Laura was subjected to the "trigger scent"—a chemical that sends her into a murderous rage, making her an efficient killing machine unable to control her actions. Her handlers used this to control her during missions and to eliminate high-profile targets. One of her earliest missions led to an unintended consequence when the trigger scent was applied to her mother. Driven by a manipulated rage, Laura killed Sarah Kinney, but not before her mother imparted upon her a humanizing lesson, igniting the need to choose her own path and instilling a sense of identity beyond being a mere weapon. ### Integration with the X-Men Struggling to break free from her programmed nature, Laura wandered, eventually meeting Logan and the X-Men. Her introduction to the X-Men came through her interaction with Wolverine, who recognized her plight due to their shared origins. The team took her in, seeing potential in her and understanding her internal struggles and trauma. Under the mentorship of Logan and other X-Men, such as Cyclops and Emma Frost, Laura began taking steps toward rebuilding her identity, dealing with her past, and finding a family. Her combat prowess became an asset to the team during numerous operations, and over time she started building relationships with her teammates. ### Becoming Wolverine In the storyline “All-New Wolverine” (2015), Laura Kinney assumes the mantle of Wolverine after Logan’s death. Unlike Logan’s solitary tormented journey, Laura’s time as Wolverine is marked by her efforts to form connections and break away from her past as X-23. She actively fights against her violent conditioning, striving to be a hero and not merely a killer. Laura finds depth and purpose in her relationships, particularly with her clone sister Gabby (also known as Honey Badger or Scout), a fellow Weapon X project escapee. The duo represents a stark contrast from Laura's lonely childhood, as Laura embraces her role as a protector and a mentor, helping Gabby avoid the pitfalls she experienced. ### Further Challenges and Growth Throughout her adventures, Laura confronts numerous challenges from her past, including battles with former Weapon X operatives, ethical dilemmas around the use of her abilities, and confrontations with clone versions of herself. Laura also participates in various teams including the Uncanny X-Men, the Avengers Academy, and X-Force, displaying her commitment to using her skills for the greater good. Her relentless drive to redeem her past and protect those she loves defines her evolving character. Over the years, she continually works to dismantle the narrative forced upon her by her creators, actively deciding her own fate and legacy. Her journey is one of personal growth, illustrating Marvel's complexity in developing nuanced characters with rich backstories. ### Legacy Laura Kinney's story is a powerful testament to resilience and the quest for identity amid abuse and manipulation. Her evolution from a weaponized clone to a beloved member of the X-Men and an inheritor of Wolverine’s legacy remains a significant and inspirational narrative within the Marvel Universe. Through her struggles and triumphs, Laura exemplifies the spirit of overcoming one's past and forging a new path defined by empathy, strength, and self-determination.