X-Solicits for April 2018

	Astonishing X-Men #10 Charles Soule (W) • ACO (A/C) A Man Called X Part 4 Evil doesn’t always know it’s evil. Proteus has a wonderful gift for the world – all he needs is a little time for the finishing touches. The X-Men race north to stop him and choose their field commander for the battle to come. It’s the mutants unleashed at last, fighting Proteus’ army for the fate of the planet. Evil doesn’t always know it’s evil.
	X-Men Red #3 Tom Taylor (W) • Mahmud Asrar (A) Cover by: Travis Charest Headshot Variant Cover by: Travis Charest Young Guns Variant Cover by: Javier Garron Venom 30th Variant Cover by: TBA The Hate Machine Part 3 • Welcome to The X-Men, Trinary, Hope You Survive The Experience! • The battle rages in India, and the newest X-Men member may be the key to the team’s survival. • Gambit is caught up the intensifying global frenzy of mutant hate. • Plus: Could one of Jean Grey’s oldest friends turn foe?
	X-Men Blue #25 Cullen Bunn (W) • Jorge Molina (A/C) Venom 30th Variant Cover by: TBA Cry Havok Part 3 • Magneto comes face-to-face with Havok, with the fate of mutantkind hanging in the balance. • Emma Frost, Miss Sinister and Bastion have formed an unholy alliance, and now is the time for them to unleash Project: Mothervine! • With the Original Five lost in space, a New Team of X-Men must rise to take their place!
	X-Men Blue #26 Cullen Bunn (W) • R.B. Silva (A) Cover by: Mike Choi Cry Havok Part 4 • Project: Mothervine has been unleashed, and new mutants are emerging all over the world! • Even though these new mutants cannot control their powers, Miss Sinister can! • A new team of X-Men stand against the White Queen, Havok, Bastion and Miss Sinister!
	X-Men Gold #25 Marc Guggenheim (W) • Paulo Siqueira (A) Cover by: Ryan Stegman Venom 30th Variant Cover by: TBA Cruel and Unusual Part 3 • Scythian has come to Earth to take vengeance on the X-Men! • But how can the X-Men save the Earth from a vengeful god while they’re stuck in prison? • Guest-starring a whole lot of other super heroes!
	X-Men Gold #26 Marc Guggenheim (W) • Diego Bernard & Paul Renaud (A) Cover by: David Yardin Cruel and Unusual Part 4 • The Countdown to The Mutant Wedding of the Century! It all begins here! But Who is tying the knot? And can I bring a plus-one? • Also: The X-Men in their final confrontation with an old foe, a fight that ends up costing Rachel everything. • Plus… The evil alliance you never expected.

Charles Soule Twitter Q&A

Q: Is Psylocke still gonna play a major role in Astonishing X-Men going forward?

Charles Soule: Yes.

Q: Is Astonishing X-Men still ending in issue #12?

Soule: My part is - beyond that?

Q: Is X back for good?

Soule: Wait and see.

Q: Any plans and/or storylines heavily featuring Archangel in the pipeline?

Soule: He's in Astonishing!

Q: Which X-Man was the easiest to write for in Astonishing X-Men and why?

Soule: Old Man Logan. I like writing old people.

Charles Soule Talks the Astonishing Return of Charles Xavier

CBR: In the Marvel Universe, death is more often than not far from the end of a hero’s journey. Of course, when a hero returns from the dead, sometimes their personality changes in radical ways — ways that frighten and confound their friends and loved ones. What happens, then, when one of the most powerful telepaths in the Marvel Universe returns after fighting a brutal war on the Astral Plane that seemingly spanned centuries?

The X-Men are wrestling with that question right now in “A Man Called X,” the current arc of writer Charles Soule’s Astonishing X-Men. The team’s founder, Charles Xavier, has returned from the grave in an unexpected fashion and is behaving in unsettlingly unusual ways. Worst of all, one of the X-Men’s most powerful foes has followed him back: the reality warper known as Proteus.

CBR: The center of your first act of your Astonishing X-Men run is the return of team founder, Charles Xavier, and it looks like he’s a large part of Act II as well. Is the larger interconnected story you’re telling in Astonishing X-Men about the return of Xavier and what he means to your various characters?

Charles Soule: That’s right – Astonishing X-Men is the story of Charles Xavier’s return to the Marvel Universe after his death in the Avengers vs. X-Men event all the way back in 2012. I’ve always liked Professor X, and I think he fills an important role in the overall mutant landscape, so the opportunity to bring him back to life was an easy sell to me. Of course, as we’ve seen, just because he’s back doesn’t mean he’s exactly the same. I think that bringing a character back needs to mean something, just like killing them. There should be a reason, and they should be changed by the experience. As we’ve seen, Xavier has been through a lot since his death. Exploring that is a big part of Acts II and III of the story.

It’s great to have Xavier back, but one of the things that made his return so interesting the question of whether this is a situation of be careful what you wish for. I’m getting a sense of sort of psychological horror and mystery to his resurrection, like there’s something unsettling just out of focus that I can’t see yet. Was that your intention?

Yes it was! Xavier spent what felt like centuries battling the Shadow King on the Astral Plane, an unending stretch of mental and psychological war. He was hanging on by his fingernails, essentially a toy for one of the vilest entities in the Marvel Universe. You don’t come out of that without paying a cost.

When we catch up with him in Astonishing X-Men #7 Charles isn’t exactly the same person the X-Men knew and loved. But is he as powerful as he used to be?

Charles, or X, as he currently prefers to be called, is extremely powerful, as we’ve seen in AXM #7. He was always extremely powerful, though – omega-level, I believe. Plus, a thousand years of psychic war is bound to sharpen your skills, too. So, no problems there on the power level front – the issue might be more what he chooses to do with that power. He was always pretty grey, in my mind, using his powers to wipe minds and push people where he thought they should be in service of the larger dream. We’ll see where he lands now.

What’s it like bouncing Xavier off the rest of your cast? Which character dynamics have you especially enjoyed writing in “A Man Called X?”

X isn’t the only return in Act II of Astonishing X-Men. We also see the resurrection of a villain we haven’t seen in X-comics in almost a decade, someone who was known as Mutant X back in his day. So, the question here is whose story is this, really? X, Mutant X — or someone else?

We also can’t forget that X returned by taking Fantomex’s body, and converting its substance into his own. Fantomex’s consciousness currently resides on the astral plane – he’s attempting to be something like a “kinder, gentler Shadow King.” So, lots of changes, lots of tension, and writing the rest of the cast react to that has been a blast, especially people like Mystique, who never trust anyone.

Approximately how much story time passed between the end of Act I and the beginning of “A Man Called X?” What can you tell us about the inciting incident of the story and some of the action?

It’s all picking up right away. The story is falling dominoes, one after the other. My plan from the start was to write a series that felt breathless, paced so you could barely process one revelation before the next hit you. The inciting incidents for “A Man Called X” are the return of Xavier in his new form, and then the return of this new villain. Those two things and how they connect form the spine of Act II.

Let’s talk a little bit about the returning villain you’ve hinted at. He makes his appearance at the end of Astonishing X-Men #7. Mystique identifies him as Proteus AKA Kevin MacTaggert.

Now that the issue’s been out for almost a week, I think I feel comfortable just saying it, despite my teases above –Yes, the new, returning villain is Proteus. He’s the super-powerful mutant son of Moira MacTaggert, with the ability to warp reality and possess bodies. He has put the mutants through their paces many, many times in the past, and I want to take him to a new place. I think X-fans new and old will really enjoy it.

One of the toughest parts of writing an X-Men book — really, any team book — is finding moments to spotlight each of your cast members. Who are some of the regular cast that will get big moments in this arc?

Psylocke has some really cool stuff to do, as does Rogue. Bishop is crucial here because he has what he calls his Endtime Database, with files on possible apocalypses and their inciting events. He sees some very troubling signs in what’s been happening recently, and might have to take some drastic action.

One thing I’ve loved about your Astonishing X-Men run is that each issue features a different artist. You kicked this arc off by reuniting with your original Poe Dameron collaborator, Phil Noto. What was it like working on this story with Phil? Who are some of the other artists you’ll be collaborating with on this arc?

I love working with Phil, and I’ve particularly enjoyed seeing him draw the X-Men. This is our third collaboration – we did an issue of Thunderbolts way back when at the very start of my time working for Marvel, then our long run on Poe Dameron, and now this issue. I think he knocked it out of the park, especially the stuff with Archangel and Old Man Logan. I can’t wait to do something with him again soon. The other artists on the book for Act II that have been announced are Paulo Siqueira, Matteo Buffagni and ACO, and they’ll all bring something unique and awesome to the title, just like the artists in Act I. This book looks incredible.

Finally, you’ve got quite a large cast, but I imagine once word gets out of Xavier’s return, other X-Men — and perhaps characters from around the Marvel Universe — will come to investigate. Is that something we’ll see right away? Or further down the road?

As I mentioned, this is an incredibly fast-paced series. It’s taking place over the course of a few days in Marvel Universe time. We’ll get to see X’s re-introduction to the mutants and other figures in the MU, but it may take a bit.

I’ve been really happy with the response to this series – I think it’s one of the strongest things I’ve written at Marvel, and I’m looking forward to the trade of Act I hitting in March so even more folks will have a chance to check it out.

The Braddock Family Tree

Earth-616 • Otherworld • A Legacy Across Realms

The Braddock Family — Bloodline & Legacy

From ancient Celtic warriors to wealthy British aristocrats, the Braddocks represent a lineage spanning two realms: the history of Earth-616 and the magic of Otherworld. Explore the generations, mysteries and extraordinary figures that shaped one of the Marvel Universe’s most remarkable families.

Click the family tree to view it at full size.
The images representing General Braddock and Sir James’ mother are illustrative; neither character has appeared on panel.

THE CELTS

Origins in Ancient Britain

The Braddocks can trace their origins to the Britons, with subsequent developments during the Anglo-Saxon period shaping the family’s name. Braddock Manor, situated in the town of Maldon, Essex, was built on land that has been a part of the Braddock heritage since before the Roman invasion of Britain, serving as evidence of the Braddocks’ distant descent from the Britons, the indigenous Celtic people of Great Britain. The specific territory, now Essex, was once inhabited by the Trinovantes, a notable Celtic tribe during the pre-Roman era. The Trinovantes’ capital, Camulodunum (modern Colchester), was one of the proposed sites for the legendary Camelot. Following the decline of Roman rule in the 5th century, Anglo-Saxon settlement in eastern and southern Britain began, leading to the cultural and linguistic fragmentation of the Britons. The Braddock name itself originated during the Anglo-Saxon period, deriving from Old English words—‘brad,’ meaning broad, and ‘ac,’ meaning oak—indicating a family’s association with a large oak tree. [Captain Britain v1 #9 / Celtic Britons / Trinovantes / History of Braddock name]

POWER AND GLORY

The Manor and the General

In the 17th century, construction of Braddock Manor commenced in 1685 by a victorious General returning from the European Wars. The General, potentially having participated in the Franco-Dutch War (1672-1678) given the historical timeline and England’s involvement in conflicts during that period, undertook the construction as a post-war endeavor. The manor, strategically built in the countryside, had an additional feature beneath its structure – a nexus of mysterious caverns. [Captain Britain v1 #9 / Mighty World of Marvel v2 #16 / List of wars involving England]

Lord Albert Braddock

In the 19th century, Lord Albert Braddock, a descendant of the victorious General who built Braddock Manor, played a prominent role in the family’s legacy. Living during a time marked by wealth and power, Lord Albert Braddock was a notable member of the English branch of the Hellfire Club and a contemporary of Mr. Shaw, who would later become the great-grandfather of Sebastian Shaw. As a longstanding member of the Hellfire Club, Lord Albert Braddock quietly and effectively worked towards the club’s goals for years. In 1859, during a critical moment in the club’s history, the formidable En Sabah Nur sought an alliance with the Hellfire Club alongside scientist Nathaniel Essex. Lord Albert Braddock dismissed Apocalypse as a lunatic and demonstrated a pragmatic approach that contrasted with the grand visions of the powerful mutant. [Further Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix v1 #2 / Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A to Z v1 #5: Hellfire Club's entry]

John Braddock

John Braddock, potentially a grandson of Lord Braddock, emerged as a significant figure within the Hellfire Club during his initiation by the White King, Edward Buckman. Acknowledged for his notable achievements that elevated him above the common societal ranks, John claimed his position among the world’s elite and pledged unwavering allegiance to the Hellfire Club. Positioned as one of the architects shaping the trajectory of the new world, John Braddock was a contemporary of influential figures like Warren Worthington Jr., Howard Stark, and Sebastian Shaw. Their collective initiation into the Hellfire Club marked a pivotal moment, solidifying their interconnected roles within this exclusive and powerful society. In due course, John Braddock fathered a son whom he named James Braddock. During John Braddock’s lifetime, it’s plausible that, much like numerous ancestral estates, Braddock Manor had left the family’s possession due to financial strain. [X-Men: Hellfire Club v1 #4 / Excalibur v4 #4 / Mighty World of Marvel v2 #16]

OTHERWORLD

Sir James Braddock’s connection to Otherworld introduces intriguing possibilities, and two theories offer plausible explanations for his Otherworld lineage.

Two Theories, One Lineage

In Theory 1, it is proposed that Merlyn orchestrated a complex plan involving a female from Otherworld sent to Earth-616 to influence the Braddock lineage, with John Braddock chosen as a suitable partner. Following the maiden’s pregnancy, she returned to Otherworld and gave birth to Sir James Braddock. This manipulation by Merlyn suggests a prolonged influence over the Braddock lineage. Through their Otherworld line, the Braddocks descend from the warrior caste of Otherworld, forging a unique connection that intertwines their earthly and mystical heritage. Confirmation of Sir James Braddock as the son of John Braddock from Earth-616 lends greater plausibility to Theory 1. [Excalibur v1 #55 / Excalibur v4 #4]

In Theory 2, it is suggested that the Otherworlder Sir James Braddock assumed the role of his deceased Earth-616 counterpart, the son of John Braddock. In this scenario, James Braddock Sr. may have been a real person on Earth-616 with counterparts in other realities. The Earth-616 counterpart likely perished during a conflict, prompting Merlyn to intervene by sending the Otherworld version to fill the void and maintain the continuity of the Braddock lineage on Earth-616. [Marvel Atlas v1 #1]

Merlyn’s Chosen Guardian

Both theories showcase Merlyn’s intricate manipulation and the intersection of Earth-616 and Otherworld within the Braddock family history. Sir James Braddock, renowned as a scientist, warrior, philosopher, and strategist, served as Merlyn’s chosen guardian within the Captain Britain Corps—a legion of heroes dedicated to protecting the Omniverse. Given his stature, Sir James was entrusted with a vital quest: to travel to Earth-616, select a carefully chosen mate, and father a hero surpassing even his own greatness. The genetically-compatible mate chosen for him was Lady Elizabeth Hartwood. Whether Lady Elizabeth was aware of Sir James' Otherworld origins remains unknown. Taking advantage of the post-war confusion, Sir James justified the absence of official records about him. The couple lacked any documented history prior to 1945. [Captain Britain v2 #1, #7 / Excalibur v2 #2, #3]

AGE OF HEROES

The Braddock Siblings

Upon Sir James Braddock’s arrival on Earth-616, he secured the means to reclaim Braddock Manor, successfully repurchasing the ancestral property in the 1940s. The strategic significance of the estate’s location to Merlyn’s plans becomes apparent, as the caverns beneath Braddock Manor would later serve as the developmental site for Mastermind, a computerized ‘node of the omniversal knowledge.’ This creation would function as a watchpost for Braddock’s new continuum. The union between James and Elizabeth resulted in the birth of three children, each bearing unique characteristics. The couple’s firstborn, James ‘Jamie’ Braddock Jr., exhibited mutant abilities devoid of any trace of Otherworld heritage. A decade later, Lady Elizabeth gave birth to twins, Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Braddock and Brian Braddock. Both inherited the Otherworld genes from their father, yet only Betsy manifested mutant abilities. [Captain Britain v2 #7 / Excalibur v2 #3 / Uncanny X-Men v1 #463]

The Braddock siblings, each possessing distinctive abilities, embarked on divergent paths that would shape their destinies. Jamie, the eldest, grew into an omega-level mutant with reality-warping powers, but he grappled with mental health issues, making his abilities unpredictable. Betsy, on the other hand, evolved into the formidable Psylocke—a powerful telepath committed to safeguarding mutants in a world marked by prejudice and fear. As an esteemed member of the X-Men, she dedicated her life to the protection of her fellow mutants. The youngest sibling, Brian, assumed the mantle of Captain Britain, tasked with defending Britain as its champion and serving as the protector of the Omniverse. Together, Jamie, Betsy, and Brian Braddock navigated their individual paths, each contributing uniquely to the broader tapestry of the superheroic landscape.

ENTER THE FAIRY

Meggan Puceanu

Brian Braddock found love and companionship in Meggan Puceanu, the daughter of William and Mrs. Puceanu. Meggan’s origins can be traced to a lineage of Romanichals, belonging to an ancient race of travelers. Furthermore, hints of her ancestry suggest a connection to the faery folk, adding an enchanting dimension to Meggan’s identity. As an empath, metamorph, and elemental, her capabilities extend into the mystical. In joining her life with Brian’s, Meggan not only became an integral part of the Braddock family but also contributed her unique strengths to the dynamic world of superheroes and mutants. [Captain Britain v2 #8 / Excalibur v1 #12 / Excalibur v4 #16]

Margaret “Maggie” Braddock

After years of marriage, Brian and Meggan celebrated the arrival of their first daughter, Margaret ‘Maggie’ Braddock. From an early age, Maggie exhibited exceptional intelligence and the ability to articulate thoughts and ideas, surpassing the developmental milestones of her peers. As a Braddock, she inherits not only a legacy of strength but also a commitment to greatness. Despite her accelerated intellectual development, Maggie’s journey is just beginning, and as a Braddock, she undoubtedly holds the potential to evolve into a remarkable and accomplished young woman. [X-Men Gold v1 Annual #1]

Rogue & Gambit #1 Spoilers & Art

Spoilers: Rogue trains with Psylocke, Pixie and Armor in the Danger Room when Gambit joins their session. The young students gossip with Betsy about Rogue and Gambit's love life.

Astonishing X-Men #7 Art

Astonishing X-Men #7 Spoilers

Spoilers: When Xavier returns in Fantomex’s body, he promises the X-Men he’ll answer all their questions, but first he must handle the fallout of the Shadow King’s plans. Xavier reaches out to Warren and gives him the gift of keeping Archangel under control. Now with all the power, and none of the rage, Warren stops the missiles from hitting London. Xavier then contacts the British authorities and mindwipes them into forgetting the X-Men’s shenanigans in London. Charles starts purging the Shadow King’s infection from all victims, including Bishop. Psylocke, Rogue and Mystique are suspicious about the new Xavier, and Betsy decides to take a trip to the Astral Plane and talk to Fantomex herself. There, Psylocke explains that he’ll be stuck in the Astral Plane as long as Xavier has his body, but Fantomex assures her it was his choice. Betsy points out Xavier could have induced him mentally, but Fantomex says he’s at peace with that as well. Back in London, Old Man Logan and Gambit watch as Xavier gathers the infection in the shape of a green sun. Archangel meets them, and the trio wonder if it was really Xavier’s doing. Bishop accesses his database to investigate the green sun and is informed it means an inciting incident of the Mindkiller Apocalypse. Xavier, Psylocke, Rogue and Mystique watch as Archangel bring Logan and Gambit to their location. Xavier says he’ll have gifts for all of them, but is soon interrupted when all the infection he’s purged becomes alive. They all know what it means: Proteus has returned.

Note: Psylocke doesn’t appear in Phoenix Resurrection #2, but is mentioned by Kitty to be recovering from her injuries.

Recap 2017 • Psylocke

Betsy Braddock • Year in Review

Recap 2017 — An Astonishing Return

2017 was an unusually quiet year for Betsy Braddock, with her lowest number of appearances since these annual recaps began in 2009. Following the conclusion of Inhumans vs. X-Men, Psylocke was largely absent from the X-Men’s increasingly busy world, and several of her appearances amounted to brief cameos.

Her fortunes changed in July with the launch of Astonishing X-Men. Betsy joined a new team drawn into a dangerous conflict with the Shadow King, returning to a regular title and taking a central role in the psychic struggle unfolding across the astral plane.

January01

Inhumans vs. X-Men #2

Inhumans vs. X-Men, Chapter 2

When the X-Men attack the Inhumans in New Attilan, Psylocke distracts the inhuman Nur long enough so Magik can teleport him to Limbo.

All-New X-Men #17

Inhumans Vs. X-Men Tie-in, Chapter 1

Psylocke is among the many X-Men present on their assault on Inhumans on New Attilan.

February02

Extraordinary X-Men #19

Inhumans Vs. X-Men Tie-in, Chapter 3

Psylocke join the X-Men in Iceland to battle the Inhumans. She takes on the inhuman Reader.

March03

Inhumans vs. X-Men #6

Inhumans vs. X-Men, Chapter 6

Psylocke is among the few X-Men left standing along Archangel and Emma Frost. She was ultimately defeated by Medusa.

Uncanny X-Men #19

Untitled

Psylocke stays true to her promise and decides to kill Magneto for all the harm he’s caused to mutantkind. After an intense battle, she drives a sword through his heart.

May05

Secret Empire #1

Secret Empire, Chapter 1

When Captain America and HYDRA take over the USA, Psylocke and a few mutants relocate to the mutants’ sovereign republic of New Tian.

July07

Amazing Spider-Man #30

Secret Empire Tie-in, Chapter 2

Psylocke confronts Doctor Octopus when he goes to New Tian to retrieve some stuff he had in Parker Industries.

Astonishing X-Men #1

Life of X, Chapter 1

Psylocke is attacked by the Shadow King in London. After being saved by Bishop and Rogue, she sends a group of X-Men to the Astral Plane.

August08

Captain America #25

Secret Empire Tie-in

Psylocke joins New Tian's resistance against Captain America's Hydra regime.

Jean Grey #5

Nightmare Fuel, Chapter 5

Psylocke tutors the young Jean Grey in the art of creating psychic weaponry and puts her to the test against a horde of Hand ninjas in Madripoor.

Astonishing X-Men #2

Life of X, Chapter 2

Psylocke tells Angel and Bishop how the others must defeat the Shadow King on the Astral Plane.

September09

Astonishing X-Men #3

Life of X, Chapter 3

Psylocke explains to the Ministry of Defense why she has attacked London while possessed and why they must not interfere.

October10

Astonishing X-Men #4

Life of X, Chapter 4

Xavier contacts Psylocke from the Astral Plane and tells her to fight the Shadow King-possessed Old Man Logan. Betsy engages him in battle and take him out.

November11

Astonishing X-Men #5

Life of X, Chapter 5

When the Shadow King-possessed Gambit strikes, Psylocke protects her teammates and British soldiers. She also urges Warren to unleash Archangel.

December12

Astonishing X-Men #6

Life of X, Chapter 6

Psylocke thinks the Shadow King has won, but is surprised to find out he was defeated by none other than Professor Xavier, who took over Fantomex’s body.

Phoenix Resurrection #1

Frustrate the Sun, Chapter 1

Psylocke works with the Weapon X members to investigate a Phoenix-related phenomenon on the North Pole.

Refresh your memories and talk about your favorite stories, writers, artists, quotes and more. Happy New Year!