"Q and Bond" from the 007 franchise.
The latest edition of AIPT's X-Men Monday interview series featured a conversation with author Alyssa Wong about her new Psylocke solo series for Marvel. Fan anticipation for the book is high, and Wong raised expectations even further with some tantalizing insights into what the early issues have in store.
Among the more notable details she dropped was the reveal that the series will introduce "a brand new character named Devon Di Angelo" who will serve as a mix of sidekick, staff, and tension relief for Psylocke as she embarks on her latest quest.
"Psylocke" Inaugurates A Fresh Era For The Psychic Warrior With New Weapons & New Allies
Psylocke #1 – Written By Alyssa Wong; Art By Vincenzo Carratù; Available November 13
Psylocke is, of course, synonymous with her psionic blade, which is visually one of the most hardcore representations of psychic mutant abilities that the X-Men franchise has ever produced. According to Psylocke writer Alyssa Wong, while the new series has the opportunity to introduce other psionic weaponry for the hero, the character will also receive some hard physical technology to aid her on missions, which will be the product of her new ally, Devon. Wong explained:
In of other weapons, we’re actually going to be introducing some fun new Psylocke tech, courtesy of a brand new character named Devon Di Angelo, who’s sort of her like man in the chair during her missions — the Q to her agent Bond.
This comparison to James Bond's classic armorer is an exciting touchstone for fans, which gives an immediate sense of what this Psylocke series will be like.
The armorer/assassinn dynamic plays a critical role in the James Bond franchise, which is what makes it such an apt comparison for Psylocke and new ing character Devon; extension of the X-Men franchise, and carving out her own niche in the Marvel Universe.
Psylocke's New Ally Brings A Different Energy To The Hero's Solo Series
Psylocke #2 – Written By Alyssa Wong; Art By Vincenzo Carratù; Available December 18
Speaking with AIPT, Alyssa Wong elaborated more on her new Psylocke character, and how they fit into the book. Wong stated:
Devon’s a college student who Psylocke saved in the past, and they’ve got this kind of late-night-Ramen-noodle-energy-drink-inventor energy, and I think it’s a great foil for Psylocke, who’s very intense and serious. So they’re brand new. I think they’re going to be making some really interesting, fun stuff for Psylocke to play with. And I think they’re a delightful addition to this book’s new cast. So yeah, I’m excited about them and I’m excited about the new stuff that Psylocke’s going to get to play with.
Wong's comments suggest that Devon will play a critical role in the series, both in of the tech they produce for Psylocke, but also the energy and tone they will add to the book. As the author noted, the eponymous assassin is "very intense and serious," meaning the book could be in danger of being too dark and grim. Devon will bring a dimension of levity and playfulness to the story to balance that out.
New Psylocke Ongoing Series Sees X-Men's Psychic Ninja Embrace Her Assassin Roots
The X-Men's resident psychic ninja Psylocke will be starring in her own ongoing comic series that sees her taking on the jobs too dirty for the X-Men.
This familiar character dynamic is key; it will help readers quickly acclimate to the book, so that Alyssa Wong and her creative team can launch into exactly the kind of kinetic, high-paced action plotline Psylocke deserves to be at the center of. In many ways, this Psylocke series has the potential to – and from Wong's comments, intends to –establish an entirely new paradigm for the character. That means the more the author can do to ground readers early on, the more they will be able to follow on whatever wild ride Psylocke takes them on.
As A Fan-Favorite X-Men Character, Psylocke Is Long Overdue For An Impactful Solo Series
Writer Alyssa Wong Is Up To The Task
In-universe, Psylocke is one of the Marvel's editorial policy at the time – the character has never quite gotten back on track in of her trajectory to the upper echelons of importance in the X-Men franchise, though she has had plenty of exciting moments since.
It is vital that characters like Psylocke be given long-awaited opportunities to make their mark as solo heroes, and with Alyssa Wong at the helm, this series can be expected to do exactly that.
Alyssa Wong's Psylocke series can elevate the character in a way readers have been clamoring for across decades. Every hint the author has shared about the series so far – as well as the teaser art and advanced synopses offered by Marvel – have emphasized that Psylocke will rank among the most thrilling debuts of the year. As the X-Men franchise moves forward, it is vital that characters like Psylocke be given long-awaited opportunities to make their mark as solo heroes, and with Alyssa Wong at the helm, this series can be expected to do exactly that.
Source: AIPT's X-Men Monday
Pyslocke #1 will be available November 13, 2024 from Marvel Comics.
The X-Men franchise, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, centers on mutants with extraordinary abilities. Led by the powerful telepath Professor Charles Xavier, they battle discrimination and villainous mutants threatening humanity. The series explores themes of diversity and acceptance through a blend of action, drama, and complex characters, spanning comics, animated series, and blockbuster films.
