Before the X: In this fifth and final chapter, we delve into the events from Captain Britain vol. 2 #1-14 (1985-1986), marking the concluding phase of Betsy Braddock’s early life. Jamie Delano assumed writing duties from the first issue, recommended by Alan Moore and with the approval of Alan Davis. Davis initially provided plot ideas but later took over as the writer in issues #13 and #14 due to dissatisfaction with the direction. Throughout this run, Betsy asserted herself as an equal to her brother, standing up for her beliefs and engaging in frequent arguments with Brian. The narrative delved into her connections with the magical realm of Otherworld, retroactively establishing her father’s origin from this mystical domain. Betsy, in the absence of her brother, emerged as a formidable Captain Britain, facing harrowing challenges, including a rape attempt by a doppelganger and a brutal assault by the villain Slaymaster, resulting in her permanent blindness. The flashback depicted in Uncanny X-Force #17 (2011), showcasing Betsy meeting Warren for the first time, aligns with this run’s timeline for several reasons. Firstly, after Betsy and Brian’s reunion in Daredevils #3, they quickly became entangled in James Jaspers’ Warp. Secondly, Betsy was romantically involved with Tom Lennox before, with any flirtation likely occurring post his demise. Lastly, the initial issues of this run were relatively calm, allowing Brian and Betsy the opportunity to attend parties. And so, this marks the conclusion of Betsy Braddock’s early life—until the arrival of Mojo and Spiral led to the birth of Psylocke in the pages of New Mutants Annual #2 later that same year. Thank you for following this project; we hope you enjoyed the journey!
CHAPTER V - Captain Britain
Betsy and Brian enjoyed a predominantly happy and peaceful life at Braddock Manor, accompanied by their guests Alison Double and Meggan. Despite her playful teasing of Brian, Betsy often reminded him of the loneliness she felt when he vanished from her life. Meggan, describing Betsy as kind and gentle, cherished their friendship. Engaging in nostalgic conversations about Brian’s tenure as Captain Britain, Betsy couldn’t fathom her brother’s affinity for combat. The lingering grief over Tom Lennox’s death continued to weigh heavily on her. One morning, perusing the personal ads in the newspaper, Betsy stumbled upon an absurd yet intriguing ad from the Crazy Gang, seeking a clever leader. The address provided in the ad served as Brian’s sole lead to the Crazy Gang’s hideout. [Captain
Britain v2 #1, #2 / Excalibur: The Sword is Drawn #1]
During this period, the siblings maintained connections with the Hellfire Club. Both Betsy and Brian were entitled to their father’s seat as Black Bishop in the London Chapter’s Inner Circle, yet neither displayed a keen interest in claiming the position. On a trip to America, the twins attended a party hosted by the Hellfire Club’s New York branch. Bored by the monotonous conversation of the White Bishop, Donald Pierce, Betsy sought refuge by captivating the attention of the charming Warren Worthing III, asking him to rescue her from Pierce’s dull banter. No introductions were necessary; Betsy was already aware of Warren’s identity as an X-Man, aristocrat, and playboy, just as he knew her as the daughter of Sir James Braddock and the twin sister to Captain Britain. The duo quickly forged a connection, toasting to their shared hereditary obligations. It was a memorable night for both of them. [Uncanny X-Force v1 #17 / Excalibur v1 #96]
Days later, back in England, the mercenaries known as the Technet were hired to capture Kaptain Briton, a vicious doppelganger of Brian Braddock from an alternate universe. However, the Technet mistakenly apprehended the real Brian instead. Seizing the opportunity, Kaptain Briton masqueraded as the genuine Brian, a ruse that caught Betsy’s attention due to his peculiar appearance. The Technet eventually realized their error, freeing the authentic Brian to confront his malevolent counterpart. Startled by the sight of two identical Brians, Betsy, along with Emma, Alison, and Meggan, gathered to witness the intense battle. As the skirmish unfolded, Kaptain Briton, in a brutal turn of events, knocked Brian unconscious. The Technet, grappling with confusion, once again captured the wrong Captain Britain, leaving Betsy unable to discern the genuine article. Subsequently, Kaptain Briton took advantage of Betsy’s vulnerability, deceiving her into believing he was her brother. In a distressing moment, he forcibly kissed her and attempted to rape her. Betsy, shocked and desperate, unleashed her telepathic power to connect with her attacker’s mind. Immersed in the sadistic memories and fantasies within Kaptain Briton’s psyche, Betsy felt a surge of disgust and anger. Responding fiercely, she launched a powerful psychic blast, shattering his mind and wreaking havoc in her room. Tragically, Briton became the first person Betsy had killed, leaving her traumatized and in a state of shock. Upon the real Brian’s return, Betsy, haunted by the traumatic assault, found herself naturally averse to him. The scars of the ordeal lingered, casting a shadow over their relationship. [Captain Britain v2 #4, #5, #6, #7]
On that fateful night, the computer Mastermind revealed to the twins their Otherworld origins and the pivotal role their father, Sir James, played in Merlyn’s grand design. As Betsy delved into the knowledge of Otherworld, she began to regard it as her home, reading about its diverse domains such as the Forest of a Thousand Sorrows through her father’s journals. When Mastermind proposed a more active role in guiding them, Betsy was open to the idea, but Brian remained suspicious. She contended that their father had designed the computer for this very purpose, chiding Brian for his perceived short-sightedness.
[Captain Britain v2 #7 / Excalibur
v2 #1 / Uncanny X-Force v1 # 21]
Braddock Manor received unexpected visitors in the form of Captain UK and Agents Michael and Gabriel from the R.C.X., the agency that had succeeded S.T.R.I.K.E. Betsy joyfully recognized ‘Gabriel’ as Matthew, her former colleague from S.T.R.I.K.E. Tensions arose when Brian, reluctant to aid in preventing an impending coup d'état, clashed with Betsy, who believed he lacked foresight. Amidst the confrontation, the Warpies—children mutated by the Jaspers Warp—were accidentally set loose, prompting Betsy, Brian, Linda, and Meggan to unite in defeating them. Later, when Gabriel extended an invitation for Betsy to join the R.C.X., she declined but insisted on providing sanctuary for the small Warpies. Though Brian wished them gone, Betsy asserted her ownership of the house and insisted on offering the Warpies protection, education, and love. The Warpies, in turn, developed a particular fondness for her. When Betsy sided with the R.C.X., Brian chose to leave Braddock Manor with Meggan. [Captain
Britain v2 #8, #9]
As Braddock Manor fell under the control of the R.C.X. and the Warpies, and with Brian departing, Betsy yearned for solitude to rebuild her life as a fashion model. However, Gabriel had different plans, urging her to take up the mantle of Captain Britain. Initially hesitant, Betsy relented when the safety of the Warpies was at stake, and Linda offered to be her partner for a temporary period. Mastermind, in turn, modified Kaptain Briton’s uniform to align with Betsy’s sense of style, instilling in her a sense of power and the thrill of flight. The dynamic duo of the new Captain Britain and her partner, Captain UK, captured public attention and worked seamlessly for several months. Betsy even developed a romantic relationship with Agent Gabriel during this time. However, the partnership faced a turning point when Linda decided to leave. On the same day, crime lord Vixen challenged Betsy to a duel at the South Bank building site on the Thames. Despite sensing it was a trap, and with Agent Gabriel cautioning against it, Betsy proceeded at the insistence of Agent Michael. The confrontation unfolded as Vixen orchestrated a showdown with Slaymaster, who subjected Betsy to a brutal beating and gouged out her eyes. Brian, experiencing a psychic flash of Betsy’s pain, rushed to her rescue in a berserker rage, ultimately killing Slaymaster by smashing his head with a rock. Brian returned Betsy to Braddock Manor and entrusted her care to Mastermind, blaming the R.C.X. for her blinding. However, Betsy affirmed that her choice was voluntary. This traumatic incident marked a turning point, prompting Brian to reclaim the mantle of Captain Britain. [Captain
Britain v2 #12, #13]
In the ensuing days, Betsy experienced a remarkable recovery from the traumatic incident, devoting much of her time to bonding with the Warpies. Particularly, Beetroot viewed Betsy as a loving mother, and during Christmas, she joined the children in unwrapping presents. When she went skiing outside Braddock Manor with Gabriel, she declined his offer to implant cybernetic eyes. Betsy explained that her psychic abilities more than compensated for her lack of sight, allowing her to ‘see’ the world through the minds of others. Sensing that the Manor no longer felt like home, Betsy invited Gabriel to travel to Switzerland, to Alison’s château, which she considered an ideal place for a holiday or even a honeymoon. Subsequently, Betsy, Gabriel, and Alison embarked on a vacation in Switzerland, and for the first time in a while, Betsy found happiness. [Captain Britain v2 #14 / Excalibur v1 #62]
“For so long, my life has been out of control. Chaos and serendipity, wrapped in insanity. I have suffered, I have lost. Not just my life, but my very soul, my self. But no more. Now I know who I am.” – Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Braddock, daughter of Otherworld, mutant, telepath, telekinetic, defender of the realm and, above all, X-Man.
