Betsy Braddock, Chapter V – Captain Britain

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 I / Chapter II / Chapter III / Chapter IV / Chapter V

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]

Betsy Braddock, Chapter IV – Jaspers Warp

Before the X: In this fourth chapter, we delve into the pivotal event known as the ‘Jaspers’ Warp,’ a Marvel UK storyline featuring Captain Britain. The adventures covered here spanned from Daredevils #8-#11 (1983) to The Mighty World of Marvel #7-13 (1983-1984). Notably, these stories mark the only mainstream Marvel Universe work by Alan Moore, with Captain Britain and Betsy Braddock being the only major Marvel characters Moore wrote on a regular basis. During these events, Betsy faced life-altering traumas. First, she experienced the death of her lover, Tom Lennox, through their shared psychic rapport. Second, she endured imprisonment in a concentration camp. In the camps, Betsy formed an unusual friendship with Victoria Bentley, a supporting character from Dr. Strange, though this pairing received no further development. Artist Alan Davis, who penciled Moore’s entire run, assumed writing duties and reintroduced Betsy with enhanced powers in The Mighty World of Marvel #16. Now capable of generating psi-bolts to stun others, Betsy emerged as a more active hero. Join us in the next chapter as we continue to explore Betsy Braddock’s extraordinary journey.

Chapter I / Chapter II / Chapter III / Chapter IV / Chapter V

CHAPTER IV - Jaspers Warp

On a chilling January night at Braddock Manor, Betsy, Brian, and their eclectic group of guests—Tom Lennox, Saturnyne, and the aliens of The Special Executive—gathered to watch a televised speech delivered by Sir James Jaspers, M.P., cautioning against the danger posed by superheroes. Betsy noticed an unsettling glance from the alien Fascination towards her lover, Lennox. Despite Tom’s pleas for them to leave the house while they still could, Betsy paid him no heed. In that moment, she experienced a precognitive vision of a dark future—a concentration camp, a sky obscured by smoke, heads on pikes, captured superheroes, screaming people, and one of them was her. Captain Britain, Captain America, Spider-Man, and Betsy herself—all met their demise. Unbeknownst to the Braddocks, they were mere pawns in a master game orchestrated by Merlyn. [Daredevils v1 #9]

Later that night, Captain UK fell prey to the Fury—a lethal cybiote designed to annihilate all superhumans—in the surrounding bushes of Braddock Manor. Betsy, using her mental powers, sensed Brian’s fear. The unexpected arrival of the cybiote disrupted Merlyn’s carefully laid plans, leaving both Betsy and the alien Cobweb in a catatonic state. The heroes rallied to bury the Fury in the caves of Braddock Manor, with Brian tenderly holding a stunned Betsy in his arms. The members of The Special Executive decided to distance themselves from Captain Britain’s mission, leaving Betsy, Brian, Lennox, and Saturnyne to face the unfolding events at Braddock Manor alone. [Daredevils v1 #10, #11]

Amidst the unfolding chaos orchestrated by Sir James Jaspers’ anti-superhero campaign, which won him a resounding election victory, Betsy and Brian chose to keep a low profile to survive the perilous times. Pretending to be ordinary humans, they attempted to navigate the challenges brought about by the Jaspers Warp, where superbeings across Britain were confined to concentration camps. However, their attempts to blend in were shattered when Brian was exposed as a superhero during a routine food line. Forced to confront the Beetles—Jaspers’ enforcers—Betsy and Brian managed to escape, sparking a glimmer of hope among the imprisoned superbeings who caught wind of their daring getaway. [Mighty World of Marvel v2 #7]

Following this incident, Betsy, Brian, Linda, Lennox, Saturnyne, and Alison Double abandoned Braddock Manor, seeking refuge in a London cellar. Betsy frequently utilized her precognitive abilities to determine the safest times for the group to venture out of hiding. As Alison’s health declined, Betsy, relying on her psychic powers, collaborated with Saturnyne to raid a drugstore and procure the necessary medicine. Betsy harbored deep resentment for the transformed England, now plagued by concentration camps, storm troopers, and curfews. In the midst of the upheaval, she lost all sense of time, unable to recall how long they had been living in this dystopian reality. [Mighty World of Marvel v2 #8]

The following day, Betsy’s heightened senses detected the approaching Beetles closing in on their hideout. Lennox, aware of the danger, instructed Betsy to leave with the others while he sacrificed himself to buy them time. Attempting to escape through another exit, Betsy and Alison Double were both captured by the Beetles, leaving Saturnyne and Linda to manage a narrow escape. Lennox, tragically shot multiple times, succumbed to his injuries. Betsy, connected through their psychic rapport, experienced his death vividly, feeling every bullet on her mind. The shock left her in a state of tears, lying helpless on the floor. In the realm of Otherworld, Merlyn removed the pieces of Betsy, Lennox, and Double from his chess game. [Mighty World of Marvel v2 #9]

Subsequently, Betsy and Alison endured imprisonment in a concentration camp until the demise of Jaspers. During their time in captivity, Betsy formed a bond with Victoria Bentley, a young woman possessing formidable mystic powers and an ally of Dr. Strange. Upon the liberation of the concentration camps, Victoria took on the responsibility of caring for Betsy, recognizing the depth of trauma from the loss of Tom and the mental scars it left. Betsy and Alison relocated to Victoria Bentley’s castle. As reality gradually restored itself six months later, with only a few people, including Betsy, retaining memories of Jaspers’ Warp, she struggled to fully recover from the psychic shock triggered by Tom’s death. Victoria played a crucial role in guiding Betsy to channel Lennox’s death and utilize her powers in a more assertive manner. [Mighty World of Marvel v2 #13, #14, #16]

Three months later, Betsy and Alison returned to Braddock Manor, where they were warmly welcomed by Brian and Emma Collins, their longtime nanny. Observing Betsy’s subdued state, Emma kindly offered to bake her favorite cake, walnut cream. Brian introduced his sister to Meggan, a mutant residing at Braddock Manor. Brian shared his intention to reopen the Braddocks’ farms. Betsy, still haunted by the madness of the concentration camps and Lennox’s death, expressed her lingering turmoil. When the twins were unexpectedly ambushed by mysterious bounty hunters, Betsy unleashed a powerful psychic blast to assist Brian. Although the attackers vanished, an uneasy feeling lingered, hinting that new challenges were on the horizon. [Mighty World of Marvel v2 #16]

Betsy Braddock, Chapter III – S.T.R.I.K.E.

Before the X: In this third chapter, we explore Betsy Braddock’s ascent to supermodel stardom and the beginning of her enduring superhero career. While Chris Claremont may have introduced Betsy, it was the acclaimed writer Alan Moore who truly shaped her character. After a six-year hiatus since her last appearance in 1977, Moore revitalized Betsy in Daredevils #3 (1983), giving her iconic purple hair, a secret agent backstory, and establishing her as a telepathic hero. For the first time, Betsy exhibited distinct character traits that set her apart from her brother. Moore’s run, covered in the first half from Daredevils #3 to #8, portrayed her as fierce and even ruthless, going as far as suggesting that Brian should kill Slaymaster. The flashback in X-Treme X-Men #3 (2001) added depth to Betsy’s early days as a supermodel and secret spy. Additionally, fashion magazine covers in Excalibur: The Sword is Drawn #1 (1988) highlighted Betsy’s celebrity status during that period. Join us for the continuation of Betsy Braddock’s journey in the next chapter.

Chapter I / Chapter II / Chapter III / Chapter IV / Chapter V

CHAPTER III - S.T.R.I.K.E.

Returning to England, Betsy Braddock ascended to become one of the world’s most prominent supermodels. A sought-after ‘face,’ she graced the covers of renowned fashion magazines globally, commanding both the runways from Paris to Milan and the covers of Vogue, Hello!, Playboy, Woman, and Chic. Embraced by her own fashion circle and favored by top designers, Betsy earned the esteemed title of Britain’s most beautiful woman. Notably, one of her early model shoots unfolded in the picturesque backdrop of Valencia, Spain. During this time, Betsy Braddock would often frequent the Violet Velveteen nightclub in Leeds, England, to catch performances by terrible bands. [X-Treme X-Men v1 #1, #3 / Excalibur: The Sword is Drawn #1 / X-Men: Sword of the Braddocks #1 / Excalibur v4 #19]

Two years later, as Betsy’s telepathic powers continued to intensify, she attracted the attention of Agent Matthew from the Sci-Tech Division at S.T.R.I.K.E., the British counterpart to S.H.I.E.L.D. The agency, in the process of establishing a Psi-Division, sought Betsy’s involvement. Intrigued by the prospect of understanding her mind and its capabilities, Betsy accepted the role. As a Special Agent, she received basic training in hand-to-hand combat and firearm usage. Within the Psi-Division, Betsy collaborated with fellow psychics, including Alison Double, Avril Davis, Tom Lennox, Vicki Reppion, Kevin Mulhearn, Denis Rush, Andrew Hornby, Leah Mickleson, and Stuart Hattrick. The work provided a unique avenue for Betsy to explore the depths of her psychic abilities. [Daredevils v1 #3 / Captain Britain v2 #13 / X-Treme X-Men v1 #3]

Early in her illustrious secret agent career, Betsy received a crucial assignment from S.T.R.I.K.E.: infiltrate the infamous Hellfire Club’s ‘Master House’ to capture the attention of the Lord Imperial, Sir Gordon Philips, and the emerging Black King of the New York Chapter, industrialist Sebastian Shaw. The Braddock family’s connection to the club, coupled with Betsy’s modeling career, made her an ideal candidate for the mission. Young, confident, and fearless, Betsy dove into the task, aiming to gather intelligence. However, Tessa, Shaw’s servant, recognized the danger Betsy was in and warned her of the Inner Circle’s attempts to corrupt a soul as brilliant and innocent as hers. Advising Betsy to leave for her own safety, Tessa’s words lingered as a cautionary reminder. During this period, Betsy also pursued a romantic relationship with her fellow psi, Tom Lennox. [X-Treme X-Men v1 #3 / Daredevils v1 #5]

After two years of service at S.T.R.I.K.E., the agency faced infiltration by a criminal espionage network led by the crime lord Vixen. Detecting the threat through their psychic abilities, the Psi-Division members realized the danger and became targets. Vixen enlisted the services of the assassin Slaymaster to eliminate them. In the ensuing confrontation, Kevin, Denis, Andrew, Leah, and Stuart lost their lives. Betsy and the remaining survivors, understanding the gravity of the situation, chose to go into hiding. Simultaneously, after several adventures in Otherworld and Earth-238, Brian was finally returned to Earth-616 with his memories intact. With the twins’ psychic rapport reestablished, Betsy sensed Brian’s return and knew that her brother was home. [Daredevils v1 #1, #3]

Betsy urgently contacted Brian at Braddock Manor, revealing the imminent danger to her life. They arranged to meet at a McBurgers in Oxford Street, marking their first reunion in four years. The changes were striking: Betsy was astonished by Brian’s increased height and strength, while Brian was taken aback by Betsy’s purple hair and her revelation of being a telepath working for S.T.R.I.K.E. Their conversation was abruptly interrupted as Betsy sensed Slaymaster’s brutal attack on her friends Avril and Vicki at a nearby comic shop. Working with Tom Lennox, Betsy created a diversion to aid Captain Britain in defeating Slaymaster, though she harbored the hope that her brother had put an end to the assassin. In the aftermath, Brian extended an invitation for Betsy, Lennox, and Alison Double to stay at Braddock Manor. The apparent bombing of the manor turned out to be an illusion created by the Mastermind computer. [Daredevils v1 #3, #4]

Soon after, the Omniversal Majestrix Saturnyne enlisted the alien mercenaries known as The Special Executive to apprehend Captain Britain. As the aliens infiltrated Braddock Manor, their plan involved removing Betsy and Lennox from the equation. During the chaos, Lennox was incapacitated, and Betsy, awakened in the middle of the night due to their shared psychic rapport, confronted the alien Cobweb. Overwhelmed by the intricacies of Cobweb’s mind, Betsy had no choice but to shut off her own mind, collapsing unconscious on the floor, while the aliens successfully kidnapped Brian. [Daredevils v1 #5]

The following day, tension simmered between Betsy and Lennox as they engaged in a heated argument. Lennox advocated for leaving Braddock Manor, deeming Brian’s lifestyle clinically insane and believing they were better off evading pursuit from S.T.R.I.K.E. Betsy, fueled by her fury, countered him vehemently, her primary concern being the whereabouts of her kidnapped brother, taken by inhuman creatures whose minds weren’t even human. The doorbell’s ring interrupted their dispute, heralding Brian’s return in the company of Saturnyne and the alien members of The Special Executive. Betsy, taken aback, was left startled by the sudden turn of events. Braddock Manor’s intrigue heightened with the arrival of Linda McQuillan, also known as Captain UK, bearing a grave warning: British politician Sir James Jaspers had initiated a superhero legislation campaign. The unfolding events mirrored those of McQuillan’s own Earth, leading to the grim climax of the deaths of all superpowered beings. [Daredevils v1 #8]