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]

Astonishing X-Men - Marvel Legacy Primer Pages

Artist Phil Noto introduces a new take on Charles Xavier!

Marvel.com: Series writer Charles Soule keeps throwing curveballs at his Astonishing X-Men team. And they might not be ready for the latest twist heading their way.

When Part One of the new storyline “A Man Called X” begins with Astonishing X-Men #7, the merry mutants must reckon with a resurgent—and slightly unfamiliar—Charles Xavier. Written by Soule with art by Phil Noto, this epic tale starts with a bang.

We caught up with Noto to discuss teaming up with his Poe Dameron partner on a different series, getting to know a few mutants better, and developing a new look for Professor X.

Marvel.com: There has been an all-star lineup of artists contributing to this run of Astonishing X-Men so far. What most appealed to you about joining in on the fun?

Phil Noto: I was flattered to be included with those artists in the lineup. It’s also been awhile since I’ve worked on an X-book, so that appealed to me.

Marvel.com: This book contains a pretty eclectic group of X-Men. Did any of them offer a surprising challenge when you started digging into the issue?

Phil Noto: Well, I’ve drawn most of them in one form or another—except for Bishop. I think this might be my first official Bishop work, which has been fun because I’ve been a fan of the character since the old X-Men cartoon. Other than a few costume changes with Gambit and Rogue, I felt like I had a pretty good handle on them.

Now, creating a young Xavier definitely felt like a bit of a challenge. He’s more cocky and laid back than his future self. He’s also walking around. I just tried to make him read as X as much as I could, and I think it worked.

Marvel.com: What’s it like shining the spotlight on Professor X this way?

Phil Noto: It was fun to do a Professor-centric issue. I’ve never really spent much time drawing him. And the way Charles has written this new incarnation of Xavier is very cool!

Marvel.com: What can you tell us about the threat Professor X and his team find themselves up against as “A Man Called X” begins?

Phil Noto: After the defeat of the Shadow King, London remains swarming with psychic zombies, with Bishop being one of them. Suddenly, a young Xavier appears—dressed as Fantomex—and tells the team that it’s cool, that he’s got it under control. Next thing you know, there’s a crazy green sun, which can’t be good. Don’t want to spoil more than that!

Marvel.com: You’ve worked with Charles Soule before—how has your collaborative relationship evolved over time?

Phil Noto: Charles and I go way back. We did a Thunderbolts issue together years ago. Working on Poe Dameron with him has been a delight. From planning out the initial story and characters to doing the book together, we definitely have a good rapport. It’s nice to have that kind of relationship with a writer. I usually instinctively know what he’s going for on the page. If I have any questions about something, I can just text him. I think we make a pretty good team!

Writer Charles Soule and artist Phil Noto’s ASTONISHING X-MEN #7 drops on January 3!

Phoenix Resurrection #1 Preview

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]

Astonishing X-Men #6 Art

                

Astonishing X-Men #6 Spoilers

Spoilers: As the psychic infection spreads throughout London, the Shadow King claims victory against Xavier in the Astral Plane. Farouk reveals he has cheated by using an additional power source to boost his powers. Xavier surprises him by reveling he too has cheated and unveils the presence of Rogue, Fantomex and Mystique, who attack the King. Back to London, Archangel shoots feathers at both Logan and Gambit as the Ministry of Defense considers bombing out London to prevent the infection from spreading. Psylocke overhears the Ministry informing the clean room protocol has been activated and learns what it means by reading the mind of one soldier. Back at the Astral Plane, Xavier ponders that each X-Men had a role to play and they were perfect for this battle. The Professor notices that Farouk is too busy simultaneously defending himself against the X-Men, spreading the infection in London, controlling Gambit and Logan and keeping Charles chained. Xavier uses this opportunity to free himself and kill the Shadow King. Fantomex talks about sacrifice and doing something big everyone will remember. Meanwhile in London, Gambit and Logan come to their senses. Psylocke contacts Archangel and tells him that the Shadow King is gone, but they both notice the people of London remain infected, including Bishop. Betsy tells Warren that he needs to stop the Ministry’s plane from dropping a bomb on London. Psylocke is then surprised by Fantomex. He takes off his mask and reveals he’s Charles Xavier now. Xavier says everything will be alright.

Rogue & Gambit #1 Preview

Astonishing X-Men: A Man Called X

Marvel.com: Ever since Cyclops apparently killed Professor X back in 2012’s Avengers vs. X-Men #11, Charles’s consciousness has been forced to cling to life in the astral plane. What kind of impact has this had on him? How will it affect his decisions moving forward?

On January 3, writer Charles Soule and artist Phil Noto begin to answer those queries with Astonishing X-Men #7! In “A Man Called X,” the mutants finally get their reunion—but it may not be exactly what they’ve expected.

We contacted Soule via telepathy to hear more about what to expect in the new issue.

Marvel.com: How has Professor X changed since we saw him last? Will we see a different Charles when he returns?

Charles Soule: As we’ve seen in Astonishing X-Men thus far, Xavier’s spirit, or soul, or life force (depending on how you want to think about it) got taken after his death by one of his oldest and most powerful adversaries—Amahl Farouk, The Shadow King. Farouk brought Xavier’s spirit to his home, in the bizarre parallel dimension called the Astral Plane, where anything you imagine becomes real. So, since his death, Xavier has been held prisoner on the Astral Plane, with The Shadow King toying with him in all sorts of terrible ways. Even worse—time runs differently in Farouk’s dimension, so even though it’s only been a few years since Cyclops killed Xavier in the Avengers vs. X-Men story, for poor Professor X it feels like it’s been millennia.

Marvel.com: What can you tease about how he’ll make his comeback?

Charles Soule: When we pick up the story in Astonishing X-Men, Farouk and Xavier get embroiled in a sort of psychic chess game, with a group of X-Men (Old Man Logan, Psylocke, Fantomex, Rogue, Gambit, Bishop, Angel, and Mystique) as the pieces. The Shadow King plays the game to pass the time, and also to hopefully build himself a pathway out of the Astral Plane so he can wreak havoc in our world. Xavier does his best to beat him…but The Shadow King holds all the cards. We’ll see how it goes.

Marvel.com: Charles has a plan…but it sounds like not everyone supports it. What kind of push back will he face?

Charles Soule: As the story has developed, we’ve seen that the battle on the Astral Plane has had effects that have rippled out into our world, especially in London, where the story takes place. Some sort of psychic infection has been spreading rapidly among the city’s populace (including Bishop!), and the human authorities with the British Ministry of Defence look set to take drastic action to stop it from going any further. Beyond that, Gambit and Logan have both been possessed by The Shadow King and have gone around murdering people, and Archangel looks to be on the verge of losing his mind.

So…things are bad. If Xavier might somehow fix all this, it’ll take drastic measures. We’ll see if the cure will be worse than the disease.

Marvel.com: A lot of readers consider Xavier a favorite. What have you enjoyed about bringing him into this story?

Charles Soule: I like the fact that he’s really very morally grey. He’s not Magneto, but he’s not as far from him as he’d like to think—and the stories we’ve seen with him really bear that out. Xavier is brilliant, incredibly gifted, and always 10 steps ahead. That’s the kind of character I love to write. Also, I just missed him in the stories. Professor X is cool.

Marvel.com: What else would you like to mention?

Charles Soule: We have some fantastic artists coming up on the series for its back half, including my longtime partner on the Poe Dameron series, Phil Noto, for issue #7, and someone I’ve been dying to work with on issue #10—ACO.

Issue #6 ends Act I of the series, “Life of X,” but then we move right into Act II: “A Man Called X,” which flips the story a bit and makes it about something new that will feel completely organic with what we’ve already seen. And then there’s Act III…which will be the culmination of the whole thing. It’s been a blast to construct a series like this, and I hope people enjoy seeing where it goes.

Witness the return of Charles Xavier in Astonishing X-Men #7, by writer Charles Soule and artist Phil Noto, on January 3!