Psylocke: Ninja #1 Is a Fine but Mystifying Comic (Review)

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Psylocke is a long-time X-Men character with a complicated history. She originally debuted as Elizabeth “Betsy” Braddock, sister to Captain Britain, and was a fairly well-liked telepath. Her popularity surged, however, when she switched bodies with the ninja assassin Kwannon, gaining attention for her appearance. Later, they swapped back, leading Betsy to take on the role of Captain Britain while Kwannon became Psylocke and experienced a renewed level of popularity. In 2024, Psylocke received a solo series, followed by Psylocke: Ninja #1, from Tim Seeley and Nico Leon. While the new series isn’t entirely cohesive, it’s generally considered enjoyable.

The 1980s are considered the golden age for the X-Men, and this story is set during that exciting time. It focuses on Elizabeth Braddock and the team’s journey through the Siege Perilous, which results in a body swap with Kwannon. The writer does a great job of capturing the feel of the era and the personalities of the characters. However, the timing feels a little strange. While fans adore Kwannon as Psylocke and she eventually becomes central to the plot, this version of her is brand new – she has no memories of her past life or Betsy’s. Given how much fans wanted a new series featuring Kwannon, it’s odd to start with a version of the character they don’t quite recognize yet.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Pros Cons
The ending sets up would could be a good story as it goes on Highlights the most confusing time in Psylocke’s life
A lot of the first half feels superfluous
Takes a lot of X-Men lore knowledge to figure out everything

Psylocke: Ninja #1 Struggles To Justify Its Existence

The book largely centers on Matsuo Tsurayaba, a character from the X-Men comics who was prominent in the late 80s and early 90s but hasn’t been a major player recently. While reading, I found myself constantly questioning the story’s direction. The issue is well-structured and logically sound, but it seems geared more towards longtime X-Men fans than those who know Psylocke from newer games like Marvel Rivals.

I have to admit, this first issue didn’t quite grab me. It felt disconnected from where the character currently is, and I struggled to really get invested. I’m a fan of Seeley’s work, so I’m hopeful the series will improve, but starting at such a complicated point in the character’s timeline felt like a risky move. Honestly, I think it would have been much more effective to bypass all the exposition about Kwannon and Betsy and jump straight into the main story. It would have made for a much stronger opening, in my opinion.

Nico Leon’s Art Fits the Feel of the Book

Nico Leon’s artwork, similar to the writing, has both strengths and weaknesses. While the linework isn’t always consistent, it’s not a major flaw. There’s a visually impressive action sequence, though the heavy use of dialogue during it slows down the story. Leon excels at drawing Psylocke, and while the book features some suggestive imagery, it’s somewhat predictable given the character and her outfit.

I own a copy of Uncanny X-Men #256, the issue that first featured Psylocke as an Asian character, and I really appreciate the artist’s attention to detail. Leon clearly did his research, accurately recreating the Hand’s base from that original 36-year-old comic. He’s also skilled at drawing Japanese people in a way that feels authentic, which isn’t always the case in American comics. While the artwork isn’t groundbreaking, it perfectly matches the comic’s mood and provides some great visuals.

Psylocke is a complex character, and this comic feels equally confusing. While that might seem fitting for her, it’s not the best approach for a series starring her. Marvel Rivals recently boosted her popularity and drives comic sales, so a book so heavily focused on older storylines feels out of place. As a longtime X-Men reader, I understood the references, but I worry that new readers expecting a straightforward ninja comic based on the video game character will be disappointed. After reading this issue, it’s unclear who the target audience is. It doesn’t seem to appeal to those who enjoyed previous Psylocke series like Hellions, X-Men (Vol 7), or Psylocke (Vol. 2), nor does it cater to fans of Marvel Rivals – the very people who might be interested in this book. I don’t think it will resonate with either group.

Psylocke: Ninja #1 is on sale now.

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2026-01-21 17:40