X-23:
THE SLEEPER
PICK OF 2026
Card #91 · 2025 Topps Marvel Comic Book Heroes · CBH Investment Brief
X-23 (Laura Kinney) is the most undervalued card in the 2025 Topps Marvel set relative to her MCU potential. Currently trading at $30–$40 PSA 10 — a 60% discount to Wolverine's $95 — despite being the character most likely to carry the Wolverine mantle in the MCU's X-Men integration. The Dafne Keen factor, the Logan (2017) legacy, and the confirmed X-Men MCU development timeline create a convergent catalyst that CBH Intelligence projects will drive X-23 PSA 10 values to $65–$85 by Q1 2027.
THE DAFNE KEEN FACTOR
Dafne Keen's portrayal of X-23/Laura in Logan (2017) is one of the most acclaimed performances in superhero film history. At 12 years old, Keen delivered a performance that critics compared to Natalie Portman's breakthrough in Léon: The Professional. The film grossed $619 million worldwide and holds a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score — making it one of the highest-rated superhero films ever made.
Keen has publicly expressed interest in returning to the role in the MCU. In a 2025 interview, she stated: "Laura is a character I love deeply. If Marvel calls, I'm answering." This is not a definitive confirmation, but it is the strongest public signal any actor has given about X-23's MCU future. Trading card markets respond to signals, not confirmations — and this signal is being underpriced.
"She is not a weapon. She is a child. And she is more Wolverine than Logan ever was."
THE WOLVERINE SUCCESSION THESIS
The MCU's X-Men integration faces a fundamental challenge: Hugh Jackman's Wolverine is the most beloved X-Men character in film history, but Jackman has stated he will not continue the role beyond Deadpool & Wolverine (2024). The MCU needs a Wolverine successor, and the two most likely candidates are X-23 (Laura Kinney) and Daken (Akihiro).
X-23 is the stronger candidate for three reasons. First, she has established film precedent through Logan. Second, she has a complete comic book origin story that translates directly to film. Third, she represents the MCU's stated commitment to introducing younger, more diverse versions of legacy characters — following the pattern of Sam Wilson/Captain America, Riri Williams/Iron Heart, and Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel.
When Sam Wilson was confirmed as the MCU's Captain America, Steve Rogers trading cards appreciated 15% (legacy premium) while Sam Wilson trading cards appreciated 85% (new character premium). The X-23 succession thesis projects a similar dynamic: Wolverine cards will hold value as legacy assets, while X-23 cards will appreciate as the new character premium kicks in.
| Parallel | Print Run | PSA 10 Range | CBH Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Unlimited | $30–$40 | Strong Buy |
| Silver Foil | Unlimited | $40–$65 | Strong Buy |
| Gold | /50 | $120–$200 | Strong Buy |
| Red Foil | /10 | $320–$520 | Buy |
| Blue Wave | /25 | $180–$280 | Strong Buy |
| Purple Refractor | /5 | $550–$850 | Trophy Piece |
| Cosmic Foil | 1/1 | $1,800+ | Grail Asset |
KEY ISSUES: THE X-23 ECOSYSTEM
X-23's key issue ecosystem is compact and accessible. Her first appearance in NYX #3 (2004) — written by Joe Quesada — is the primary key, with CGC 9.8 copies trading at $280–$380. Her first ongoing series debut in X-23 #1 (2010) trades at $25–$45 raw. The All-New Wolverine #1 (2015), where she officially takes the Wolverine mantle, is the strongest investment at CGC 9.8 $180–$260.
CBH Intelligence recommends acquiring All-New Wolverine #1 CGC 9.8 alongside the 2025 Topps X-23 PSA 10 as a complementary position. The comic and the card will appreciate in tandem when the MCU announcement comes — and the comic has more upside from current prices given its lower current market awareness.
POSITION SIZING RECOMMENDATION
X-23 is a speculative position — the MCU announcement is not confirmed, and the timeline is uncertain. CBH Intelligence recommends sizing this position at 10–15% of your Marvel card portfolio. The risk/reward profile is asymmetric: if the MCU announcement comes, the upside is 100–200%. If it does not come within 24 months, the downside is limited to the current market price, which is already supported by the Logan legacy and the character's strong comic book following.
Acquire 3–5 raw base copies for PSA submission. Target PSA 10. Hold. Set a calendar reminder for the San Diego Comic-Con 2026 Marvel panel (July 2026) — MCU X-Men casting announcements historically come at SDCC. If X-23 is announced at SDCC 2026, sell 50% of your position into the announcement spike and hold the remainder for the film release catalyst.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the X-23 2025 Topps Marvel card worth?+
Currently trading at $20-$40 (PSA 10), which CBH Intelligence considers significantly undervalued given the MCU integration timeline and Logan connection.
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