January 22, 2025

We seem to be going through a Marvel renaissance right now. The brand has been retooling their cinematic universe, pushing more animation, and knocking it out of the park with video game releases (two of which became my favorites of 2024). Among this reworking and focus shifting, the X-Men have been in the spotlight for the first time in maybe decades. From Deadpool and Wolverine to X-Men ’97, X-Men media is coming out at a high quantity and quality.

With these uncanny mutants back in the pop culture zeitgeist, one character has been receiving a bit more attention than she has in years: Psylocke. She has popular appearances in Marvel Vs. Capcom and Marvel Rivals, a leading role in some of Peach Momoko’s excellent Demon Days stories, and now her own spinoff series. Issue #3 of Psylocke releases next week, so now’s a great time to dive into this spinoff and discuss why I think this is a pretty fun series so far.

Psylocke (2024) #1

As he’s forming a new X-Men team, Cyclops decides to give Psylocke a break and sends her on a mandatory vacation. Not one to be idle, Psylocke (real name Kwannon), takes this time to start pursuing a side threat. After getting involved, though, she ends up in a bigger conspiracy that involves temporary mutant powers, kidnapped children, and AIM.

While I’m not in love with the framing device of Psylocke being benched for a mandatory vacation (I think it’s a little cliche and silly), I genuinely think this is a strong first issue. I feel like some comics – especially more contemporary titles – have the same issue where my attention isn’t really grabbed until the second issue. Of course there are exceptions to this, and this issue is a great example of a solid start to a series.

This applies to other aspects of the writing, too. Psylocke’s backstory is extremely convoluted and spans over decades in the comics. Psylocke feels like a great starting point for new and returning fans of the character. Issue #1 briefly covers some of her history and powers, but largely starts fresh.

I like that about the story. You don’t need to know about Betsy Braddock or all of Pyslocke’s powers. This is Kwannon’s story, and they provide the information necessary to enjoy it as such.

All in all, I think this was a strong start! It has an interesting hook that made me excited to jump into the second issue. My only major gripe that has been annoying me more than it should is that the cover has, quite literally, nothing to do with the issue at all. I guess I can kinda see what they were going for, but honestly my impression of the story was much different based on the cover alone.

Psylocke (2024) #2

This continued the story at about the same level of quality as the first! The intrigue is definitely higher as it dives deeper into the conspiracies and challenges Psylocke will have to deal with in this story. Without just direct spoilers, I think the action is really strong in this issue, and I think the direction the writer is going with the mutant drug is interesting.

Psylocke’s character is strong here, too. Another issue I feel like newer comics can struggle with sometimes (especially for female protagonists) is not giving the lead enough flaws or personality. Psylocke has plenty of both, though, and it makes her character feel real. I found her voice to be fleshed out too. There’s a great quote where she passes by some of the atrocities committed by the antagonists and thinks “Every single person here deserves to die.” It’s a powerful moment, and it’s one that adds to her strong characterization.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely feel like comics are in a strong spot right now, as shown by the strong start to this new series. I’m really looking forward to issue #3’s release. Plus, if a spinoff series is this good, I honestly may have to check out mainline X-Men too!

Check this series out if you have a chance! If you’re grabbed by issue #1, I think you’ll be satisfied by the direction this series is headed.