From being a powerful member of the mutant superhero team, The X-Men, to the new leader of the superhero group, Excalibur, there are 5 reasons why Elizabeth "Betsy" Braddock is better off as Psylocke and 5 reasons the Marvel Comics super-heroine is perfect as Captain Britain. As a powerful telepath, Psylocke is able to use her psychic abilities to influence and control minds. As the sister of Brian Braddock, Captain Britain has the responsibility to uphold the laws set up by King Arthur's legendary magician, Merlin. But whatever role she chooses to play, Betsy has always been destined to save innocent lives.
Created by writer Chris Claremont and artist Herb Temple, Betsy Braddock's history with the X-Men has become complicated over the years. Betsy's mind was suddenly removed from her original shape and then placed into the body of the Japanese ninja known as Kwannon. As Psylocke, Betsy had gained someone else's martial arts skills and other bits of Kwannon's tough personality. Returning to her roots in England as the new Captain Britain, Betsy then chose her former teammates, Gambit, Jubilee, and Rogue, to help her protect the Kingdom of Avalon. But which role do we prefer her in?
10 10. An X-Man (Psylocke)
In New Mutants Annual #2, Betsy introduced herself as one of Mojo's vicious agents. Luckily, the superhero mutants-in-training were able to free her from Mojo's brainwashing and escaped from the Mojoverse alive. Psylocke then decided to stay at Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters because she wanted to learn how to use her powers better.
This was the beginning of Psylocke's journey to becoming one of the X-Men's prominent members. Psylocke never once stepped down to a major battle against Magneto or Apocalypse. She became even stronger than them in the end and grew as a person throughout her journey.
9 9. Sibling Rivalry (Captain Britain)
The powerful magician, Merlyn, and his daughter, Roma, pick the chosen one to endow with extraordinary powers in order to protect Britain from harm. Shy but studious, Brian Braddock, lived a quiet life alongside his older brother, Jamie, and sister, Betsy. After suffering a near fatal accident, Brian was suddenly brought back to life by Merlyn and Roma. Because of Brian's heroics after he became the champion of Great Britain, Betsy has a lot to live up to now that she has taken on the mantle. She cannot assume the role of Captain Britain without there being any sacrifices.
8 8. The Ninja Outfit (Psylocke)
As Psylocke, Betsy wears a striking and visually appealing ninja costume that completely works on the page. In a costume that's supposed to match with Kwannon's martial arts skills, Psylocke wears stretched out gloves that are long enough for her arms and hands.
The revealing costume design is held by red sash around her waist. This is the most recognizable outfit Psylocke has worn over the years. This is also the same sexy outfit that actress Olivia Munn wears in X-Men: Apocalypse.
7 7. Excalibur (Captain Britain)
The superhero team known as Excalibur comes with a lot of importance. Psylocke joined her brother, Captain Britain, alongside Meggan and the Black Knight, to protect the lighthouse that served as a convergence of multiple realities. Members of Excalibur banded together once again when Captain Britain needed help to defend London.
No matter what team she's in, Psylocke always demonstrates her real worth as a super-heroine. What makes Excalibur different than the X-Men is that they are a government-sponsored team. Because she went on missions throughout the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, Besty is now a highly respected international agent as Captain Britain.
6 6. Psi Blade (Psylocke)
Taught by the secret organization, The Hand, Psylocke was able to develop her signature weapon by channeling her psychic abilities. During battle, Psylocke uses the glowing purple psi blade to strike down her opponent.
Depending on how she wants to hurt her enemy, Psylocke typically drives her finishing move through the back of the head, or straight through the neck. The psi blade has become Psylocke's most significant move, especially in the videogames. Psylocke can be seen using the psi blade in X-Men: Children of the Atom and Marvel Vs. Capcom 2.
5 5. New Costume (Captain Britain)
Straying far from her X-Men attire, Besty isn't wearing an eye-popping outfit that will make Jean Grey jealous when Scott Summers gazes at her. Besty has to wear an entirely different outfit that doesn't scream out ninja. With the colors of blue, white, and red, Besty's new wardrobe has to look like she's actually wearing the flag of Great Britain as armor.
With a cape on her back, Besty's Captain Britain costume also comes with a psi sword. There is also an X-Men button near her shoulder to remind herself of who she was before.
4 4. Martial Artist (Psylocke)
Though Psylocke is described to be a master martial artist, there is no mention of what fighting style she has been specifically trained in. Psylocke's fighting skills are actually far superior than the average Hand ninja.
Along with her fighting skills, Psylocke manages to cheat during battle because of her telepathic powers. As a strong telepath, Psylocke uses her mind-reading powers during an intense fight, in order to predict her opponent's next move. Betsy is able to counter-attack and defend herself because she already knows what her attacker will exactly do next.
3 3. Apocalypse (Captain Britain)
With Betsy in the role of Captain Britain, she never realized how Apocalypse would become an incredible threat to her. In Excalibur #5, Apocalypse put in motion his secret plans to defeat Morgan Le Fay. After putting Rogue in a coma, Apocalypse patiently waited for her to wake up while beating her husband, Gambit, to a pulp.
When Rogue finally did wake up, she struck him dead by absorbing his powers and memories. With Apocalypse now inside of Rogue's head, Captain Britain has the ultimate enemy to defeat and save Otherworld.
2 2. A Warrior Spirit (Psylocke)
In Uncanny X-Men #328, Professor Charles Xavier even attempted to save Sabretooth, while having him held captive at the mansion. Sabretooth sneakily tried to charm Boom Boom, aka Tabitha Smith, into letting him escape.
In an intense grudge match, Psylocke did not hold back as she went up against Sabretooth, which left them both bloody and scarred. You would think Psylocke would step down from this fight because it's Sabretooth. But Psylocke stayed by Boom Boom's side, protecting her till the very end, proving herself as an unbeatable and loyal X-Man.
1 1. A New Dawn (Captain Britain)
In the epic aftermath of Dawn of X crossover event, Excalibur #1 introduces Betsy Braddock as her own person now. Besty has recently returned to her original body, which puts her right in a crossroads. Searching for her own purpose, Besty is even reluctant to use the Psylocke name, especially after controlling Kwannon's body for so many years.
Excalibur is an important role for Betsy, who's headed off in a new direction. This will be interesting read to see how Betsy establishes herself as Captain Britain as she makes the tough decisions while as team leader.