Psylocke has been a compelling blend of character focus and intense action. The miniseries has captured the character’s ferocity on the battlefield while probing her past in flashbacks. Animal cyborg/robots tried to kill her boyfriend John Greycrow and now she’s out to stop them for good. The culprit? Ty Haniver, a psychopath who loves taxonomy.
Psylocke #4 opens with Psylocke right outside Haniver’s mansion with patrol bots monitoring every inch. Soon she’s using her powers in a creative way to take them out, and obviously walking into a trap. That’s okay, though, as she’s a ninja and knows her way around traps.
If there was a theme to this issue, it’s mind over body. Given Psylocke’s training she’s ready for nearly everything, but Haniver reveals some impressive mind powers. This allows writer Alyssa Wong to dig into Psylocke’s past as a kid, but also her complicated connection to Betsy Braddock. Longtime fans will shake their fist at Haniver, who uses Revanche in one scene to throw her off.
Awesome!
Credit: Marvel
This entire issue is all about Psylocke entering Haniver’s messed up funhouse of a mansion. It’s not even a home, but a museum, and Pyslocke must take out cyborg animals, robots, and even a past version of herself. It keeps the fight-comic nature entertaining, although it does feel like a lot of this is a delay for the big showdown with Haniver next issue.
It doesn’t help that Psylocke is mostly on her own, with only her thoughts to keep the interactions going. Greycrow and Devon Di Angelo are there at the start, but this is very much a Psylocke fighting her past demons sort of narrative.
Guest artist Moises Hidalgo does an admirable job keeping the art detailed and dynamic. Whenever Psylocke is using her powers or fighting the comic looks great. The final cliffhanger is a bit too undetailed, though, and some panels look rushed. Where the art counts most, however, is pulled off splendidly.
Psylocke #4 is a high-energy, action-packed issue that successfully balances intense fights with thoughtful character moments. While the pacing stalls slightly in anticipation of the next big clash, the creative use of Psylocke’s abilities and engaging themes make this a must-read for fans of the character.
You must be logged in to post a comment.