As Cyclops’ X-Men enter the From the Ashes era, the book’s incoming writer has teased a massive new role for Psylocke. Psylocke has been a key member of the X-Men for nearly 40 years, and was a key player in the franchise’s Krakoan era. It was recently announced that Psylocke would join Cyclops’ new team in the pages of X-Men, and now more about her role has been revealed.

Jed MacKay, the incoming writer for X-Men, sat down with AIPT’s Mutant Monday to talk more about the upcoming From the Ashes era. MacKay, who will be joined by artist Ryan Stegman for the book, had this to say about Psylocke’s role in the book:

Psylocke is very much the professional. You know, a lot of them are arguing or goofing around, but she’s always been the one who gets things done. And she’s the one who Cyclops looks to to do that. She’s not going to get distracted. She’s not going to mess up. And she has the focus of a ninja assassin because that’s who she is.

Likewise, artist Stegman was excited about drawing Psylocke, saying:

I’ve drawn quite a few panels of her kicking people, punching people, and beating people up — and also reading their minds. So, you know, general Psylocke awesomeness.

Also on Cyclops’ new squad of X-Men are the Juggernaut and Magik.

The cover of X-Men #1 features Psylocke wearing an awesome new outfit and brandishing her trademark psychic sword.

Psylocke Is One of the Most Dangerous Mutants on Earth

Her Ninja Skills, Combined With Her Telepathy, Make Her a Formidable Warrior

Psylocke’s history with the X-Men ranks as one of the most memorable (and convoluted) in the franchise. Introduced as Besty Braddock, Psylocke was the sister of Brian Braddock, AKA Captain Britain. She joined the X-Men in the mid-1980s and became an integral member. Psylocke was then subjected to a cruel experiment that temporarily switched her body and personality with another woman named Kwannon. Today, Betsy is the new Captain Britain, and Kwannon carries on the Psylocke name. She has proven herself worthy of it, becoming a vital member of both the X-Men and X-Force.

Psylocke has a reputation for being a fierce warrior, and both MacKay and Stegman understand this about the character. Psylocke’s skills as both a psychic and an assassin are unparalleled. What makes Psylocke truly formidable is she has synthesized both of these skill sets into one. Her abilities allow her to concentrate her psychic energy into physical form, which she manifests as either “psychic” knives or swords. These weapons have laid many an opponent low. Stegman and MacKay are correct in their assessments that Psylocke is “the muscle” of the X-Men.

Psylocke’s New Role in the X-Men Will Allow Her to Show What She is Made Of

Psylocke Can Grow Even Further as a Character

And Psylocke’s new, more prominent role in the X-Men will allow her to demonstrate just how important she is to the team. Both MacKay and Stegman praised Psylocke for her professionalism, and how she handles matters “quickly and efficiently.” With a new, and dangerous, era dawning for the X-Men, Psylocke’s skills will be more in demand than ever. Psylocke’s new outfit is amazing, and showcases just how fierce she can be. Cyclops‘ new team of X-Men will need all the muscle it can get in the From the Ashes era, including Psylocke.

Source: AIPT

X-Men #1 is on sale July 10 from Marvel Comics!