During her time with the X-Men, Psylocke and her powers have evolved drastically, cementing Betsy Braddock as one of Marvel’s most dynamic mutants.
Change is the name of the game for the X-Men, and perhaps no mutant has embodied this concept more than Betsy Braddock. Usually known as Psylocke, Elizabeth Braddock has taken on many names and just as many costumes. Her wardrobe changes have manifested in just as many changes in Psylocke’s powers, with each new look reflecting a further development in Betsy’s character.
Currently taking on the mantle of her brother’s former role of Captain Britain, Psylocke’s abilities have changed once more to reflect this. Here’s a look at all of the different powers and appearances that Betsy Braddock has had over the years, and how these have changed her character.
The Original Psylocke
Betsy Braddock was created by Chris Claremont and Herb Trimpe, debuting in her brother’s comic book Captain Britain #8 (by Chris Clairmont, Herb Trimpe, Fred Kida, G Roussos, and Irving Watanabe). By the time she started showing up in the pages of Uncanny X-Men, she was shown as having incredible mental powers, not unlike that of Professor X as well as Jean Grey. These powers allowed her to read minds, as well as poke and prod into someone’s mind to manipulate their actions and even possess them.
She could also send out a powerful “psychic blast” attack that could easily kill an opponent. It was even shown to be enough to harm the outside armor of the Juggernaut. She’s most known in this original incarnation for having a violet butterfly “mask” manifest around her face whenever she used her powers, though it was unknown if others saw this or if it was simply an artistic effect. Her more defensive use of her psychic powers reflected her mousier appearance, as her flowing purple costume more so resembled a sort of extravagant school outfit than her later looks. She also had bright purple hair in this form, which coordinated with her costume.
Ninja Psylocke
A later story would have Psylocke gaining her more iconic look, although this form would somewhat change her powers. Psylocke was kidnapped by the Hand and used to save the life of Kwannon, the lover of the group’s leader. The procedure which is done to save her merged Psylocke and Kwannon on a mental level and also put Betsy’s mind into Kwannaon’s body. Temporarily becoming “Lady Mandarin,” the new Psylocke would receive expert training and become a top assassin for the Hand. This would also see her develop more of a bond with fellow martial artist Wolverine.
Her new costume, a dark blue unitard, fit her more vivacious and active personality and fighting style. With her mental powers somewhat weakened after the mental procedure, Psylocke focused much more on her new combat skills. She later regained control of her psychic abilities and learned how to manifest these powers into a “psychic knife,” which was a more melee-based version of the psychic blast. Later stories would also give her the ability to teleport, fitting her new role as a master of ninjutsu. She could also teleport through shadows, which she used against the villainous Shadow King.
Psylocke as Captain Britain
The events of House of X (by Jonathan Hickman, Pepe Larraz, Marte Gracia, and Clayton Cowles) and the building of the nation of Krakoa saw the magical Morgan Le Fay attack Brian Braddock. Le Fay transformed Psylocke’s brother into her dark agent. This saw Brian giving his Amulet of Right to his sister Betsy, who became the new Captain Britain. Having recently regained her original body, Betsy now possesses all of her powers plus those of her brother.
These Captain Britain abilities include super strength, speed, dexterity, and flight, which when combined with Psylocke’s mental abilities and martial arts training make her potentially one of the most powerful and versatile mutants in the Marvel Universe. Her appearance now, reflecting her original body, takes on a more regal and serious look than her now classic bathing suit costume. It has elements of this form, however, such as the psychic knife being reimagined as a psychic sword and shield. Now armed and armored, the new Psylocke is prepared to defend both England and Krakoa as the psychic powered Captain Britain.
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