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 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]
“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.
