Art of the Day – Psylocke by Marcio Takara

Original sketch by Marcio Takara – Digitally colored.

Reminder: Please email officex@marvel.com and kindly ask for more appearances of Betsy Braddock in the comics! 💜

From the Ashes: The Future of the X-Men Revealed (and Speculated)

Following the groundbreaking Krakoan Age, the X-Men are poised for their next phase in X-Men: From the Ashes! Debuting this summer, this new era promises to reshape Marvel's mutants. After the collapse of Krakoa, the X-Men are fractured and lack a central base of operation. As a result, three X-Men titles will become core series, each focusing on different aspects of the team’s identity.

In X-Men, led by Jed MacKay and Ryan Stegman, mutants regroup in Alaska post-Krakoa's fall. Cyclops, Magneto, Kwannon, Magik, Temper, Kid Omega, and Juggernaut confront new challenges while navigating the destiny and philosophy of mutantkind.

Uncanny X-Men, by Gail Simone and David Marquez, sees the team as outlaw heroes in New Orleans. Rogue, Gambit, Nightcrawler, Jubilee, and Wolverine defend a world that often rejects them, showcasing their unwavering dedication to justice.

Exceptional X-Men, by Eve L. Ewing and Carmen Carnero, spotlights educators Kate Pryde and Emma Frost. Returning to Chicago, Kate mentors young mutants Bronze, Axo, and Melee, offering a fresh perspective on mutantkind's future.

In the coming weeks, Marvel Comics will unveil new X-Men titles, including X-Force, X-Factor, NYX, Phoenix, Storm, and Wolverine. No updates have surfaced regarding Betsy Braddock's next steps in the X-Men universe, particularly with Excalibur missing from the upcoming titles. When questioned on Twitter/X about Betsy's status, Senior Editor Tom Brevoort cryptically replied, "All answers in good time." Let's delve into some speculation together.

Among the X-Men’s prominent telepaths, Jean Grey, Emma Frost, Kwannon, and Kid Omega have all found their places, while Monet is strongly hinted by Simone to join Uncanny X-Men. As a result, Betsy Braddock and Rachel Summers remain the only major telepaths without a designated title. Given that it's unlikely for Betsy to appear in the solo titles Phoenix, Storm, and Wolverine, this narrows down her potential options to just three remaining possibilities: X-Force, X-Factor, and NYX.

Mashup Art by Priscilla Petraites + Marcio Takara

X-Force: While Betsy Braddock has been a significant member of different X-Force iterations in the past, her current role as Captain Britain presents a potential obstacle. However, recent developments in the X-Men Unlimited Infinity storyline show Betsy severing ties with Great Britain and adopting an oppositional stance toward the nation. This shift in allegiance might lead her to reconsider joining a black ops team like X-Force, where she could operate from the shadows once more.

X-Factor: It’s an intriguing option for Betsy Braddock, as it's a team with which she has never had any previous connections. However, if Betsy can mend her relationship with the British government and regain their confidence and trust, she could potentially join a government-sanctioned X-Factor team. In this role, she might serve as a liaison between mutants and humans, working to improve relations in the aftermath of Orchis's anti-mutant propaganda.

NYX presents the least likely option for Betsy Braddock's next destination. Historically, NYX has focused on teenage mutants and their personal struggles, a realm where Betsy is not known to excel, particularly in terms of mentoring young mutants. Therefore, it seems improbable that she would find a suitable role within the context of this series.

In summary, while we've explored potential paths for Betsy Braddock's future in the X-Men universe, it's all speculation at this point. We can't say for sure if X-Force will be a black ops team or if X-Factor will be government-sponsored. Plus, Betsy might not join either book and could be saved for a later announcement. Share your thoughts on Betsy's next chapter in the comments below! What do you hope to see for this iconic mutant character?

Captain Britain by Marcio Takara

Captain Britain by Marcio Takara

Psylocke by Marcio Takara

Merry X-Men Holiday Special #1 Spoilers & Art

Spoilers: December 17 at Braddock Lighthouse, the Braddocks gather for Christmas. Maggie takes her first steps, and as a proud mother Meggan start filming her as Brian isn’t there to see this. Maggie falls down, and Betsy comforts her, joking that she may never get the hang of having a body like her auntie. Brian arrives with blueberry scones and is shocked to see that Betsy has returned to her real body. He drops all scones, and the Braddock twins hug each other. Betsy says it’s good to see him.

Psylocke by Marcio Takara

Phoenix & Captain Britain by Marcio Takara

Psylocke by Marcio Takara