Dissassembled Psylocke II (from Uncanny X-Men [vol.5] #2, 2018) - starting off strong, this one is actually one of my most favorite Betsy looks. The soft purples are a really nice change of pace from her regular deep indigos and it’s a welcome one at that! The details on her bodysuit really add to that “psychic powerhouse of an elite team of mutants” vibe. A solid 9/10.
Astral Plane Princess Psylocke (from Uncanny X-Force [vol.2] #3, 2013) - to be completely transparent, I don’t really dig the whole “warrior princess” vibe it gives off. The dress looks unpractical and way too frilly, the headband is out of place and the boots are too voluminous (but do match the shoulderpads, I’ll give ‘em that). Confidently, a 2/10.
X-Treme Psylocke (from X-Treme X-Men [vol.1] #1, 2005) - even though it is very reminiscent of her original costume, as sexy and revealing as it is, it looks very dull and unimaginative, sticking to the basics. Only adding an awkward red streak that doesn’t match anything, on her face, solidifies this as a 3/10.
Puzzle Quest Revanche (from X-Men [vol.2] #21, 1993) - not even gonna lie, I lowkey enjoy spy-catsuit Revanche. In my opinion it holds up well even to this day, adding a certain flaire to miss Kwannon. The pink also compliments really well her deep purple, rounding up the score to a good 6/10.
All-New All-Different Psylocke (from Uncanny x-Men [vol.4] #1, 2016) - weirdly enough I feel somewhat indifferent towars this costume. It does it’s job of revitalizing the original costume into something more slick and stylish well, but it lacks flair and elegance as it is basically “Ninja Psylocke”. A decent score of 6/10.
Mutant Massacre Agent Braddock (from Uncanny X-Men [vol. 1] #213, 1987) - as tacky and a “product of it’s time” it is, I absolutely adore this rendition of Psylocke. Despite the grim title, this costume is very happy, bright and comforting, with soft pink hues and bulbous sleeves. It strays far from Psylocke’s usual ensamble, but maybe that is a good thing and so I give it a happy 7/10.
Original/The Hand/Blue Team Psylocke (from Uncanny X-Men [vol. 1] #256, 1989) - ah, the original Psylocke costume, giving you and me all the flashbacks. Absolutely no doubt in my mind that this is the most iconic Psylocke costume, though, that doesn’t mean it’s even close to being a favorite of mine. The version where every X-Men just put on a jacket over their regular costume and called it a day, actually looks a bit more dashing to me. Maybe it’s too simple or maybe it’s the oversaturation of media picturing Betsy/Kwannon with this suit that has me sighing at the sight of it. For it’s time it worked, but I’m glad we moved onto bigger and broader horizons with her. Still, an iconic look nonetheless, so a decent score of 6/10.
Acts of Vengance Lady Mandarin (from Uncanny X-Men [vol. 1] #257, 1989) - I’m really conflicited about this look - on the one hand our girl looks badass and truly formidable, on the other hand, she becomes unrecognizable and even looks messy, as cohesive as it TRIED to be. It was an interesting change, along with her moniker, that never truly paid off. An even score of 5/10.
This Is Forever Kwannon (from Uncanny X-Men [Vol. 5] #16, 2019) - channel your inner ninjas everyone, Kwannon has opened a dojo. No really, this look is the epitome of “mysterious ninja”. It’s a classic trope that suits Kwannon’s personality as a calculating assassin, perfectly balancing the darkness of her palette with the shadows (and perfectly contrasting with the brightness her psi-blade), while still having that panache usual for Kwannon and Betsy’s outfits. So, in secret, here is a shady 8/10.
Psi-War Psylocke (from X-Men [vol. 2] #78, 1998) - I’mma straight up say it - Psylocke looks like she is Blackheart’s daughter. Like legit! But anyways, if you didn’t know would you even CONSIDER that this is Psylocke? In some cases straying from a character’s original design pays of but here we just flopped, as there is nothing memorable in this design. And to top it all off, guess what? The red streak is back. And the low scores are also back - 2/10.
X-Uniform Psylocke (from Uncanny X-Men [vol. 1] #273, 1991) - as is costumary, Psylocke also has the iconic yellow and blue garb. Nothing much to say as every X-Man has to, at one point, wear these colors and show their worth to mutantkind. That warrants an equally costumary score of 5/10.
Revolution Psylocke (from X-Men [vol. 2] #100, 2000) - is it just me or does she look like an anti-hero/rogue (pun totally intended) type of character with that scarf and bandana? I kind of like how silver looks on her but the red streak AND the red bandana are back which really lowers the score to a 4/10.
Australian Outback Psylocke (from Uncanny X-Men [vol. 1] #232, 1988) - and here we have the inspiration behind one of Revanche’s costumes, as Betsy donned the “knight” look as the X-Men were stranded in Australia. Honestly I really don’t mind this look, as it was a refreshing take on Betsy’s colours and costume as it stayed true to her mysterious persona. Some may find if bland, but I do love a good costume switch-up once in a while so here is a good score of a 7/10.
R.C.X. Agent/Original Captain Britain (from Captain Britain [vol. 2] #13, 1985) - taking her brother’s mantle for the first time, Betsy was experimental with her look and it really shows. Her hair is supposed to represent the flag’s colors, but they left the pink for some reason? I prefer the Lady Brtion outfit, to be completely fair. I mean nothing really stands out, except for the hair and even with it’s flaws and partial blandness, this suit still recieves a rating of 6/10.
Marvel NOW Psylocke (from Uncanny X-Force [vol. 2] #1, 2013) - putting it as bluntly as I can - I like this outfit. Nothing that special or eye-catching about it. Just a simple black suit with markings and a belt for good measure.Remember - sometimes simple doesn’t equal dull. Decent look gets the decent score of 8/10.
Dawn of X/New Captain Britain (from Excalibur [vol. 4] #1, 2019) - now we’re talking! Not only is this the last look from the cover, it’s also the newest one, so far, in terms of comic books! This costume is probably one of the very few times where I enjoy how the red and pink clash and mix together, as the look itself IS cohesive. The psi-sword is also a nice touch, so here is our first 10/10.
Ranking of more of Betsy and Kwannon’s costumes is below the cut!
Runner-Ups/Honorable Mentions
Hellfire Gala Captain Britain (from Excalibur [vol. 4] #21, 2021) - I’ve already stated my thoughts on this outfit, in the post where I rank the Hellfire Gala looks, so I’m just gonna rank it. The butteflies really made this one grow on me so here you go - 7/10.
Dark Angel Saga Death (from Uncanny X-Force [vol. 1] #17, 2011) - so... um... Betsy became a Horseman of Apocalypse. Don’t ask, it’s complicated. I just want to say that I am astonished at how different she looks. It fits her archetype and the story allows for a costume change so I’m giving it a deathly 8/10. (PS. The psi-blade in blue looks SO GOOD.)
Planet X Psylocke (from Uncanny Avengers [vol. 1] #19, 2014) - as far as alternative universes go, our girl in purple runs the show here. Her costume actually makes her look x-tra powerful and authoritative, as she is one of the most powerful psychics in the world! I even like the clash of red and purple! I’m happily giving away a 9/10 here.
Horde’s Illusion Psylocke (from Uncanny X-Men Annual #11, 1987) - Jocasta called, she wants her body back. Honestly as far off as this look goes from Psylocke I actually kind of like how it looks. It’s like if Betsy & Colossus had a kid, this is what her “steel” form would look like. An iron 5/10.
Danger Room Psylocke (from X-Men [vol. 4] #13, 2014) - all the bad and good clash in this outfit. The damn bandana is back, but at least it’s steel now. The shoulderpads really don’t match the rest of the outfit and what’s up with the psi-bow? The lack of shoes also baffles me but the top actually looks very good, so I present you - 6/10.
Viper’s Pawn Psylocke (from Wolverine [vol. 2] #125, 1998) - I would be reaching if I said it’s one of my favorites, but this specific shade of green actually looks so good on her. A bikini with shoulderplates really doesn’t make for good battle armor but it’s sleek, it’s sexy and it captures Betsy’s personality as a “deadly seductress” pretty effectively. Here comes the slithering score of 7/10.
Contest of Champions Psylocke (from Contest of Champions II #3, 1999) - no. Just no. Why is she wearing bones? Is she Marrow’s sister? Is she a spider goddess? And my dear friend - the out of place red streak is back, looking as dawdy as ever here due to the equally hideous armor. A definitive 1/10.
Danger Psylocke (from Uncanny X-Men [vol. 2] #16, 2012) - hear me out... I’m not even into anime but the “mecha queen” vibes this gives me are immaculate. I also like how reminiscent it is of her original suit, even with all it’s stylistic touches and armor. The palette also only works in it’s favor. So in summary - 9/10.
.EXE Psylocke (from What If? X-Men [vol. 1] #1, 2018) - moving swiftly from anime to cyberpunk, I present - 2077 Psylocke! Not really, but the cyberpunk vibes really ARE at hand. The visor/glasses are really a strong point of this outfit as they realy stand out against the dark palette. The soft purples as armor features also add to that “soft blade runner” type of feel. An 8/10 is due!
Excalibur Psylocke (from Excalibur [vol. 2] #1, 2001) - only strong contenders down here! While you could say it’s very basic and bland, this costume serves it’s job as a momentary costume change well. It isn’t anything to write home about, but it’s simplicity works in it’s favor. Also the mark is pink now! Such an easy change that makes everything look superior and more cohesive. And yeah the sword is actually pretty cool (glowing along with the streak to signify she is using her powers). An easy 7/10.
X-Women Psylocke (from X-Women #1, 2010) - nothing really screams Psylocke here. If anything, I’d say this is Chimera with a hair colour change! That isn’t necessarily a bad thing though. The coiling dragon on her dress is nice, but I would’ve liked them to stick to Psy’s original color palette as it is iconic and would’ve worked well with this outfit. I’m dishing out a 4/10, strictly because I’d like to see them keep to the purple and pink hues.
Warlock Psylocke (from New Mutants Annual #2, 1986) - we can all agree on one thing, right? Yellow is NOT Betsy’s colour. At all. I understand the purpose of the Warlocke (get it?) suit and why it looks the way it looks, but c’mon. Almost ANY colour would’ve been better than yellow.Thankfully the black makes-up for it slightly. For that, I’m bestowing it with a sunny 2/10.
Psylocke’s Dream Marvel Girl (from New Exiles [vol. 1] #8, 2008) - what did I just say? What did I say? Yellow is NOT Betsy’s color. And mixed with the red? AND the purple hair?! This outfit is a pure travesty on all fronts. I get the Marvel Girl idea, but some tweaking of the colors to suit Psylocke would’ve been the better move. And so this outfit moves to the bottom of the list with a 2/10.
Days of Future Past Red Queen (from Wolverine: Days of Future Past #1, 1997) - I REVERE the idea of Betsy joining the Hellfire Club. But as far as alternative universe titles go, we really couldn’t get a “Violet Queen” in huh. As for the outfit, it is absolutely all over the place. The weird spikes, the red bodysuit, the weird cape that doesn’t match anything and even the DAMN RED STREAK. Sorry, but for how much I love the idea of Betsy being part of the Hellfires, this outfit is not it and so a 1/10.
Earth X Psylocke (from Universe X #2, 2000) - a GODDESS. A DAMN GODDESS. I would be lying if I said that Betsy doesn’t deserve that status, because you and I know her power. As far as the outfit goes it isn’t anything crazy - the cloak is basic, guiding your eyes towards her head, which is understandable as it is the main attraction (now that I’m thinking about it couldn’t we have had something similar as a Hellfire Gala look for either Betsy or Kwannon?). It does it’s job of her looking divine, but something more interesting with her body could’ve been done, so I grant it a 5/10.
Fantomex Psylocke (from Uncanny X-Force [vol. 2] #7, 2013) - so... this is a thing that exists... I can understand this was never meant to last, but really? Much more could’ve been done to tie together this look - adding some dark purple lining along her body, a buttefly design on her mask or gun, darker boots and gloves and a longer ponytail would’ve sufficed. And a disappointing 3/10.
Psychic Armor Psylocke (from Uncanny X-Force [vol. 1] #33, 2012) - is it just me or are you getting Deathbird vibes too? Maybe it’s the helmet. There is literally nothing cohesive about this look - the random pieces of bright pink details, the random lines on her bodysuit, the shoulderplate that’s just there? And drum roll please... the award you recieve is.... a 2/10.
Mojo’s Pawn Psylocke (from Uncanny X-Men Annual #10, 1987) - the late eighties had some gems. Note that I said some. This outfit, is not one of them. The weird green, the random lines and the unsuitable hue of Betsy’s hair make for an unsatisfying ensamble. The highest score I can gift out is a drab 3/10.
Original Astral Plane Psylocke (from Uncanny X-Men [vol. 1] #456, 2005) - you know what? I actually don’t hate it. As much as I go on about “sticking to the colour palette”, here the mint actually matches her purple accents very masterfully. Much better than her later dress, which makes you wonder why’d they even change it? If it ain’t broken... Anyways, a decently high score of 6/10 is proper. I’m only some taking points away for lack of detail on the kimono.
Utopia Psylocke (from Uncanny X-Men [vol. 1] #514, 2009) - the catsuit is the most basic you can get with character design. That isn’t always a bad thing, I mean look at Black Widow and Catwoman for example. But Betsy always had a taste for the flashier, for the bold. Seeing her like this is a far cry from her regular flamboyance and not a welcome one at that. You could say it’s too far of a cry. So as far as I can get, 5/10 is the farthest I can go.
New Exiles Psylocke (from New Exiles #1, 2008) - all of Betsy’s Exiles costumes follow the same formula. A deep, almost black-ish blue with very little purple as details. The colours really don’t do it for me, as in this outfit especially she just could be any random woman. How can you even tell that is supposed to be Psylocke? Anyways, without too much rambling I rank all her Exile uniforms at a firm 4/10.
X-Force Psylocke (from X-Force [vol. 4] #1, 2014) - what is this? I’m expecting an apology video in the very near future. I can say literally NOTHING good about this outfit. I really tried to find a single good thing, but even that is notably abscent. 1/10. Sorry.
2099 Prechronal Collapse Psi-Girl (from Spider-Boy Team-Up #1, 1997) - you cannot tell me this isn’t Saturn Girl. You just cannot. The colors are altered slightly and her hair is down, but this is Saturn Girl. At least her Postchronal Collapse look is better (look it up)! A 5/10 for copyright infringement, and for the way too vibrant pink.
Movie Adaptation Psylocke (from X-Men The Movie Special Edition, 2000) - so as we all know in the early X-Men movies, the cast stuck to the black outfits as the “yellow would’ve been too tacky”. I call bullshit. Psylocke does lowkey look badass though, but I do wish the purple on her suit was a bit more visible and prominent all around. Overall not a horrible depicting though! An anchored-in-reality score of 7/10 is adequate. I’m only taking points away for the red streak, as you could’ve guessed.
Age of X Psylocke (from X-Men: Legacy [vol. 1] #245, 2011) - okay, okay I see what they did here. The softer pink hues are a suprisingly good look on Psylocke. I even kind of like the yellow scarf. Can you believe that? A good mix of yellow and pink on a Psylocke costume? Someone write that down. The only thing throwing me off are these beige boots and the weird shaped daggers, but everything else really bounces off of each other and creates a coherent silhouette. Adequately, 9/10.
Sword of the Braddocks Psylocke (from X-Men: Sword of the Braddocks #1, 2009) - the black catsuit makes a return and so does the Spylocke look. Honestly nothing much to say, as it is just a skintight black one-piece. I like it, but again - some violet lining could’ve elevated the outfit much more. 6/10.
Weird War Psylocke (from Excalibur: Weird War III #1, 1990) - the name of the suit really summarises what I think. It is very out there in terms of colors and vibrancy, but other than that it really has nothing going for it. It’s again a simple one-piece with a weird funky design. It’s something straight out of the 80′s, despite the release date of the comic it debuted it. Something MARINA would wear, so this pin-up doll gets a 5/10.
Nocturne’s Reality Psylocke (from Exiles [vol. 1] #42, 2004) - why do I kind of dig this look on Psylocke? The blue mixed with the 60′s dress really makes me happy for some reason. I really don’t have any major gripes with this design so I present you with another 8/10.
Ultimate Psylocke (from Ultimate X-Men #84, 2007) - the Ultimate universe is really infamous for a multitude of reasons. This costume is one of them. I don’t know about you but when I think of Psylocke, I am far from the thought of Sailor Moon. And that is exactly what they did here. The not so stellar score of 4/10 is the highest I can I go.
The End Psylocke (from X-Men: The End - Book Two #2, 2005) - listen... I don’t loathe this design. The red is incorporated well as just a logo on her chest, whie the rest of her clothes are a simple dark, almost black-ish blue. It gets point for actually managing to stay cohesive so a nice score of 6/10 is owed.
All-New X-Men Psylocke (from All-New X-Men #25, 2014) - so this is basically what Psy would look like if she joined Alpha Flight or the Corsairs full-time. While I don’t hate it I have the complete opposite problems with it, compared to her other suits - it has too much detail. There is just way too much to look at and the purple becomes a tiny bit overbearing. Still, not a bad outfit, so this space girl that I saw a lunar eclipse with gets a 7/10.
Sentinel Territories Battleworld Psylocke (from Secret Wars Journal [vol. 1] #4, 2015) - I’m getting “sorceress” vibes from this for some reason. Like if Scarlet Witch and Psylocke merged this would be the result. That being said, I wish the violet colors were more prominent and the blue was less so. In fact, if her suit was purple, it would be a straight-up 9/10. But due to the pure blue, it’s a 6/10 from me.
Arcadia Battleworld Psylocke (from A-Force [vol. 1] #5, 2015) - so big Marvel NOW inspirations all-around. It’s super visible, but maybe that is the point? I loved that outfit and I love this one too, the white accents on the black with the purple hair are a really enjoyable combo so again a good 8/10. Almost perfect :)
O-Chiyo Braddock (from 5 Ronin #4, 2011) - okay but bathouse owner vibes anyone? Try telling me that she doesn’t meet Chihiro at point. Enough Studio Ghibili references for now, but I really do dig this ensamble. The blue waves/flowers compliment the less saturated red on her belt well. Real talk, a good 7/10.
Captain Britain Corps Captain Britain (from Excalibur [vol. 1] #44, 1991) - contrary to our last entry, here the blue and red don’t mix well AT ALL. It is a very messy design and I really don’t get the shard/sharp motif around her costume. The hue of her hair also clashes with the 2 already clashing colors. The score I can give, as low as it is, is 2/10.
The Hand’s Illusion Betsy Braddock (from Uncanny X-Men [vol. 1] #256, 1989) - to be fair, out of all the Hand Illusion Betsies, this one is my fave. As basic as her outfit is, here simple = elegant. And if you look up the other 2, you will understand why this one is the best out of the 3. But no matter, still a good 6/10.
House of M Psylocke (from Uncanny X-Men [vol. 1] #463, 2005) - as far as House of M looks go, I really like the shapes and how they play on Betsy’s figure. The dragon is literally such a good inclusion, sadly it isn’t in too much of her other designs. The psi-katanas are also an insanely simple but smart addition that just boosts the vibe of the suit. The only thing stopping me from giving it a perfect score is that damn belt. If it was removed or was a different color to match, this look would’ve been flawless. Nonetheless, a good 9/10.
The War Day Lady Mandarin (from New Exiles [vol. 1] #7, 2008) - the Lady Mandarin looks have never been strong, but this one is especially weak. Psylocke doesn’t fit the “knight” shtick as she is too elegant and mysterious for that. The weird armor, the blue cape, my dear friend - the red streak all make for a chaotic look, and so a chaotic score of 1/10.
Barbarian Warrior Besty Braddock (from New Exiles [vol. 1] #11, 2008) - like I just said, the “barbarian” vibe isn’t Betsy nor Kwannon’s vibe for that matter. The 2 are way too elegant to be putting on animal skulls, leather bandanas and weird thigh rings. But this is exactly what was done here. I know that there can’t be done a lot with a viking age X-Men, but some unrealistic colors that fit Betsy could’ve been overlooked for the sake of cohesiveness. At least the blade adds a point up, so a 3/10.
S.T.R.I.K.E. Agent Betsy Braddock (from The Daredevils #3, 1983) - this outfit is basically the lesser sister of the Mutant Massacre Agent Braddock costume. This is technically Betsy’s first “superhero costume” so I can cut it some slack. I mean it’s just normal clothes that don’t really match her hair... I really don’t get why red but whatever. I strike it down with a 4/10.
Original Psychic Armor Psylocke (from Uncanny X-Men [vol. 1] #324, 1995) - in fairness her latter psychic armor is worse. The design, while messy - the headgear, the choice of a bright blue as a primary color, the kneepads, the metallic accents that are just there for the sake of being there is still slightly more cohesive than her later armor. Sorry Psy, but it is another 3/10.
X-Club Psylocke (from Uncanny X-Men [vol. 1] #512, 2009) - I don’t know if it’s the pose, the look or the outfit itself but I’m getting a retro “desperate housewives” from this. It looks like Betsy just gave up on being a hero and just retreated into a cottage to take care of her 3 children while her husband is at war. For this grieving widow, a 3/10.
Mystery in Madripoor Psylocke (from Hunt For Wolverine: Mystery in Madripoor [vol. 1] #1, 2018) - despite how sleek this looks, nothing stands out. I would’ve added some rings, bracelets, earrings to really add to that powerful vibe. The boob window is kind of ridiculously big. I like the color of the bodysuit tho, so I’m giving it a 5/10 as it’s not dissapointing, just lackluster.
Multiverse Captain Britain (from Excalibur [vol. 4] #17, 2021) - bland, dull and boring. I’ve said it. I think it’s supposed to be bland, but in reality something COULD’VE been done. I like the ponytail though. A dazzling 3/10.
New Captain Brtain Corps Captain Britain (from Excalibur [vol. 4] #16, 2020) - one of my personal favorites from the Captain Britain Corps, this Betsy looks full with confidence and authority. Her fur and cape really signify the “I’m powerful” vibe (and also leave me thinking about Lionheart and her time as Captain Britain) and her belt adds to that, referencing her time in the X-Men. A fantastic score of 7/10 is due.
Captain Britain Corps Titania Captain Britain (from Excalibur [vol. 4] #16, 2020) - I can see that this costume is trying to reference Brian Braddock and his simple but tasteful look. Buff Betsy is never a bad thing and her hair is also a really nice shade of purple, fitting for the unsaturated reds and blues on her costume. A bloody 6/10, love.
Captain Britain Corps Elspeth Braddock (from Excalibur [vol. 4] #19, 2021) - another strong contender for the best Captain Britain Corps costume title. I really love this medieval look on Betsy, with the lantern that (pressumably) has glowing will-o-wisps in the form of butterflies. Very “witch from the woods” vibes. Fancy a 8/10 rating.
Captain Britain Corps Queen Elizabeth III (from Excalibur [vol. 4] #19, 2021) - okay but our girl looks absolutely royal in this garb. I wish the dress was more intricate and clever with the inclusion of the Captain Britain colors and flag, but the hair, the cape, the sword and the forehead dangles really sway me to the 8/10.
(Also thank you so much if you managed to reach all the way down here, you a real one! Let me know which Betsy/Kwannon look is YOUR personal favorite, even if it isn’t on the list!)
Superboy #22 Preview: Leading into Psi-War and a change in writers
Leading to Psi-War, another issue of Superboy with Dr. Psycho. Recent news has revealed that Justin Jordan will be leaving Superboy, so what course will this title take going into the Superman Psi-War crossover, the events in Teen Titans, and the events…
