How Marvel Rivals Boosted the Popularity of Psylocke

Marvel’s upcoming team-based shooter, Marvel Rivals, has sparked renewed interest in several characters, but one standout has been Psylocke. While long-time comic fans know Betsy Braddock as an iconic X-Men member, her inclusion in the game has introduced her to a new audience. With her blend of telepathic abilities and ninja combat skills, Psylocke has quickly become a favorite among players eager to explore her rich history.

Psylocke’s Role in Marvel Rivals

In Marvel Rivals, Psylocke is expected to be a high-speed, stealth-based character, capitalizing on her ninja skills and psychic weaponry. Her gameplay mechanics likely highlight her agility, lethal precision, and psionic constructs, making her a must-play for fans who enjoy tactical, fast-paced combat. Her presence in the game has reignited interest in her backstory, abilities, and evolution in Marvel Comics.



Essential Psylocke Comics

For those looking to dive deeper into Psylocke’s character, here are some must-read comic storylines:

Captain Britain Vol. 1 (#8-13, 1976) – Introduces Betsy Braddock as Brian Braddock’s (Captain Britain) sister, before she gains her mutant abilities.

New Mutants Annual #2 (1986) – Betsy officially joins the X-Men, taking on the mantle of Psylocke.

Uncanny X-Men #256-258 (1989-1990) – The iconic Acts of Vengeance storyline where Psylocke is transformed into a ninja assassin by the Hand and Spiral.

X-Men (1991) #1-3 – Showcases Psylocke’s skills as part of the Blue Team, alongside Wolverine, Cyclops, and Gambit.



X-Men: Psylocke (2010) – A solo miniseries exploring her struggles with her past and her deadly combat skills.

Uncanny X-Force (2010-2012) – One of the best modern Psylocke stories, featuring her as part of Wolverine’s black-ops X-Force team.

Excalibur (2019-2021) – Betsy takes on the mantle of Captain Britain while still wielding her psychic abilities.

X-Men: The Krakoan Era (2019-Present) – Psylocke (Kwannon) has become a central figure in the modern X-Men era, distinguishing herself from Betsy Braddock.



Psylocke in Other Media

Psylocke has also made notable appearances in various animated series, films, and video games:

Animated Series:

X-Men: The Animated Series (1992-1997) – Brief appearances but still showcases her psychic blade.

X-Men: Evolution (2000-2003) – A more modern adaptation of Psylocke.

Wolverine and the X-Men (2009) – Features Psylocke with an expanded role.

Live-Action Films:

X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) – Played by Olivia Munn, showcasing her ninja combat skills and psychic blade, though with limited development.

Video Games:

Marvel vs. Capcom 2 (2000) – A fan-favorite playable character.

X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse (2005) – One of the most powerful characters in the game.

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 (2009) – Features her unique mix of melee and psychic abilities.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns (2022, DLC) – Introduces Psylocke as a tactical fighter.

Marvel Rivals (2024) – The latest game to put Psylocke in the spotlight, fueling her resurgence in popularity.

Conclusion

Psylocke’s inclusion in Marvel Rivals has amplified her popularity, introducing new fans to her dynamic abilities and fascinating backstory. Whether through comics, animated series, or video games, there are plenty of ways to explore her journey. With her growing recognition, it’s possible that we’ll see even more of Psylocke in future Marvel projects, cementing her status as one of the X-Men’s most compelling warriors.