Who The Hell Is... Psylocke?
October 04, 2024
Psylocke as seen in Marvel Rivals
Psylocke is one of Marvel's most complex and intriguing characters, weaving through multiple identities, bodies, and alternate universes. First introduced as Betsy Braddock, she has transformed into the deadly ninja warrior we know today. Most recently, the 2011 comic Demon Days: X-Men reintroduced her as Sai, a new version of Psylocke created by artist Peach Momoko who also collaborated with the Marvel Rivals development team on the artstyle and implementation of Psylocke in the game.
Whether you know Psylocke from the comics, her appearance in X-Men: Apocalypse, or you're first encountering her in Marvel Rivals, this guide will walk you through her rich history and her transformation into the fierce character seen in-game.
Betsy Braddock: The Beginnings
Psylocke's story begins with Elizabeth "Betsy" Braddock, the twin sister of Brian Braddock, better known as the British superhero Captain Britain. Betsy, born into a privileged family, originally wasn't a ninja. In fact, she was a British model with powerful psychic abilities.
Betsy's early years were spent exploring her telepathy and working alongside the UK superhero organization, S.T.R.I.K.E.. She eventually took up the mantle of Captain Britain for a brief time after her brother's apparent death, showing early signs of her strong will and desire to fight for justice.
Betsy Braddock as Captain Britain — Captain Britain (vol. 2) #13
Despite her initial role in the UK superhero scene, Betsy's path took a sharp turn when she joined the X-Men. Under the mentorship of Professor Charles Xavier, her psychic powers grew stronger. But it wasn't until an unexpected event in the 90s that Psylocke's identity truly transformed.
The Kwannon Body Swap: A Life-Changing Transformation
Perhaps the most famous chapter in Psylocke's story is her body swap with the Japanese assassin Kwannon. This convoluted storyline occurred during the Acts of Vengeance storyline in the late 80s and early 90s, where Betsy's mind was transferred into Kwannon's body due to the manipulations of the villainous Spiral.
This swap led to the Psylocke many fans are familiar with today: a highly skilled martial artist with the body of a ninja, but the mind and telepathic powers of Betsy Braddock. Her new body came with enhanced agility, fighting skills, and a psychic knife — a signature weapon she could use to incapacitate foes by stabbing them with pure mental energy.
Kwannon — Psylocke #1 (Hicham Habchi variant)
This duality — Betsy's telepathy combined with Kwannon's physical prowess — made Psylocke a formidable force within the X-Men. For years, readers followed her adventures as she battled threats like the Shadow King, Magneto, and the Sentinels. However, this period in her history also raised questions about identity and control. Was Psylocke still Betsy Braddock, or had she become something else entirely?
In later years, the story would take another twist, with Betsy and Kwannon being separated into two distinct characters again. Kwannon regained her own body and became the new Psylocke, while Betsy reclaimed her identity as Captain Britain.
Sai: Psylocke in Demon Days
Fast forward to 2011, and we find a new version of Psylocke in Demon Days: X-Men, a fascinating re-imagining of Marvel characters set in a fantasy world inspired by Japanese folklore. Created by artist Peach Momoko, this alternate universe presents Psylocke as Sai, a deadly ninja warrior with strong ties to the mystical.
In this universe, Sai is less reliant on the psychic powers that defined her in the mainstream Marvel Universe. Instead, she channels her formidable physical skills, acting as a wandering samurai. Her backstory is intertwined with that of Logan, a version of Wolverine, who becomes her companion in this mythic retelling. Together, they navigate a world filled with yokai, ancient spirits, and powerful sorcerers.
Sai — X-Men: Demon Days
Sai retains much of the stoic, disciplined personality seen in her mainstream counterparts, but with a more mystical, almost ethereal edge. Her design is heavily influenced by traditional Japanese samurai armor and weapons, giving her a distinct and visually striking look compared to the sleek bodysuit of her classic Psylocke form.
One of the most interesting aspects of Sai in Demon Days is her connection to the spiritual world. While Psylocke in the main continuity is known for her psychic abilities, Sai's powers are more grounded in myth and magic, making her a fresh and exciting take on a well-known character. Her relationship with Logan also offers a new dynamic, combining their skills to take on the dangers of this fantastical world.
Psylocke in Marvel Rivals
In Marvel Rivals, Psylocke is represented by her Demon Days version, Sai. This version of the character emphasizes her physical combat skills over telepathic abilities, making her an agile and deadly fighter. Players will appreciate her swift, powerful attacks and her ability to navigate the battlefield with precision.
Sai's kit in Marvel Rivals draws inspiration from her samurai background, with abilities that reflect both her ninja training and her mystical connections. Her signature moves utilize her psychic powers alongside her odachi, enhanced with the supernatural powers from her world.
For Marvel Rivals players, Sai serves as an excellent assassin-type character, ideal for players who like quick, high-damage playstyles. Her synergy with other high mobility flankers such as Magik and Spider-Man will likely offer unique team compositions and strategies, as well as causing all sorts of headaches for the enemy team.
This is the version of Psylocke we'll meet in Marvel Rivals — a powerful warrior with a rich lore steeped in fantasy and samurai traditions. She brings not only her martial prowess but also the wisdom of a world-weary warrior who has seen the darker side of humanity and the supernatural.
Psylocke's Legacy
Psylocke's legacy in Marvel is a testament to the character's ability to evolve and stay relevant. Whether as Betsy Braddock, Kwannon, or Sai, Psylocke has been a mainstay of the X-Men universe, offering readers and players alike a complex character with deep ties to both her friends and foes.
Her journey from British telepath to ninja assassin, and now to mystical samurai, reflects the changing nature of comic book storytelling. As Marvel Rivals introduces a new generation to the character, Psylocke's unique blend of powers, skills, and personalities ensures she'll remain a fan favorite for years to come.
Whether you've followed Psylocke since her early days with the X-Men or you're encountering her for the first time in Marvel Rivals, her journey is one of transformation, growth, and resilience. As both a telepathic ninja and a wandering samurai, Psylocke continues to captivate audiences with her unique blend of physical and psychic abilities.
For those diving into Marvel Rivals, Sai represents an exciting new chapter in the character's story, one filled with mythical lore and the deadly grace of a master warrior.
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