Betsy Braddock has gone through quite a few changes since her debut in 1976. Created as a backup character for Brian Braddock aka Captain Britain, Betsy eventually began to forge a name for herself. From becoming “Psylocke” and working with the X-Men to switching bodies with a ninja and joining the multiversal Exiles, Betsy has endured much in her life as a superhero. Now, a new chapter is about to start for her in the pages of Excalibur.
Excalibur #1 Spoilers Ahead
Before getting into Excalibur #1, it should be noted that all mutants, good and evil, now live on the island nation of Krakoa. Apocalypse informs Betsy that magic is blocking one of the portals on the island. Since Captain Britain’s powers derive from the magical Amulet of Right, Betsy recruits Brian in the hopes that he can help. Venturing through the portal, they arrive in Avalon aka Otherworld, where the Captain Britain Corps is based.
Soon, brother and sister meet the new ruler of the magical dimension, Morgan le Fay. The evil sorceress claims that Brian must serve her, as the Captain Britain Corps obey the ruler of Avalon. After a short battle, Brian succumbs to le Fay’s dark magic. However, before falling victim to her control, he hands the Amulet of Right to Betsy. Making it back to Krakoa, Betsy finds that the amulet’s powers now course through her, which will be central to the Excalibur story moving forward.
However, Betsy discovers that le Fay’s magic seeped through the portal and incapacitated Rogue, who used her powers to aid Betsy’s return. Now, with her loved ones in peril, Betsy begins to assemble a new Excalibur team to help the fallen. As a mutant, Betsy feels that she has a duty to protect others like her. However, that allegiance may be tested now that Betsy is a member of the Captain Britain Corps. With a portal connecting Krakoa and Avalon, a clash could be on the horizon, with Betsy in the middle.
Excalibur #1 is on sale now. How do you feel about Betsy’s new identity? What does this mean for Brian Braddock? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!