Psylocke is just one of multiple great solo X-Men series to launch in the From the Ashes era, and it may just be my favorite of that bunch. The first issue is a thrilling look at what Psylocke does on her days off, and it usually means saving innocent lives. She’s onto something with mutant kids being kidnapped, and she won’t rest, even on her vacation, until they’re safe.
Psylocke #2 opens where we left off, with our hero in Phoenix, Arizona, amongst screaming kids. Her foot is on a bad guy who was recently taken out. She’s thinking about her past in a memory where she tends to lose herself at times of violent passion. Writer Alyssa Wong immediately connects us to her humanity, which is key given her reputation for being a cold-blooded killer. Soon, she’s saving the kids, and the mission is over.
Or is it?
So begins Kwannon’s task of saving the rest of the kids, which leads her to gain Shinobi Shaw’s trust. This series seems to be about seedy places where rich folks hang out to do very bad things. The developments from here aren’t too remarkable, with the usual high-security walls and sneaky about from our hero. There isn’t much in the way of our character, who proceeds fairly easily.
Beast. You’re on babysitting duty.
Credit: Marvel
It’s not until the big climax that the issue picks up again. In a surprising scene, Pyloscke must fight the mutant-powered kids she aimed to save, all inside a fighting ring for rich people’s enjoyment! Artist Vincenzo Carratu again shows Pyslocke’s impressive agility and fighting skills in this scene, which involves much jumping about. Carratu makes you believe Pyslocke could go toe to toe with Spider-Man. It’s an exciting sequence with Shinobi Shaw taking the cake for one of the craziest kills I’ve seen in a comic this year.
Aside from the somewhat mundane mission start with Shinobi, this issue also suffers from its one-shot adventure style. The cliffhanger seems out of left field with little to go on, partly because Pyslocke is technically finished with the mission she started in the last issue. Or so we think. With little to go on with the mystery, readers are in the dark, waiting to see how things connect.
Psylocke #2 delivers thrilling moments and stellar visuals, particularly during its intense climax, but its slower midsection and one-shot structure hinder narrative cohesion, leaving readers intrigued but slightly unfulfilled.
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