Psylocke: Ninja #2 – The Light Through the Dark or the Light of A Funeral Pyre

The mind of Betsy Braddock and the body of Kwannon have united into the assassin Psylocke. Now, Psylocke has been sent to destroy The Hand’s most hated enemy, The Chaste. She has been tasked to destroy what The Hand hates most, what the Chaste took from them, Elektra Natchios

check out my review for Psylocke:Ninja #1 with Yancy

Creative Team

Writer: Tim Seeley
Artist: Nico Leon
Color Artist: Dono Sánchez-Almara
Letterer: VC’s Ariana Maher
Cover Artist: Derrick Chew

Writing

Tim Seeley really takes the story to another level in this issue. I love that this series so far has not attempted to change or even further retcon what is perhaps one of the most convoluted retcons in Marvel history. In serving as an almost lost chapter series, Seeley gives us a more rich image of how Psylocke came to be. Readers continue to be treated to a great story that contributes to the law of a character. Many have always felt they wanted more of.

In addition to the great writing, I really like the decision to include The Chaste, and in doing so, build not only the lore around Psylocke, but also The Hand and Elektra. I think in building up these back stories. There was really a chance for the story to get convoluted and make an already complex story even more complex, but, Seeley and the other members of the creative team have done a great job carrying readers through this story.

I loved being introduced to Palm and other members of The Chaste. The “lost chapter” style series that Marvel has been releasing around Psylocke, Rogue, and Emma Frost may not be for everyone, but if you are someone who really enjoys the idea of world building and developing the lore around certain characters they have been a well written, easy to follow, and fun series. Psylocke:Ninja #2 continues that trend.

Art

Leon and Sánchez-Almara are putting in some of the best work I have seen from either artist on this run. From Leon, we are getting clean, sharp lines and incredible detail while Sánchez-Almara is finding the most creative uses possible for the color palette.

Ariana Maher continues to shine in this issue. When dealing with characters like Elektra and Psylocke or any other characters with strong mental abilities it takes a steady hand to guide the reader through the panels in a way that is both easy to follow and does not distract from the art or the narrative. I think Maher is one of the best in the business at doing that.

Final Thoughts

Overall this is another strong issue from this creative team. Seeley continues to prove time and time again that even in the most familiar of stories, there is room to let the characters and the story breathe a little bit. The continued work of this creative team, crafts, a story that feels satisfying and fulfilling. Psylocke:Ninja mentally feels like when you’re seeing a puzzle that is almost completed mimicking the satisfaction you feel putting the last few pieces in place. Even though you could see the picture before with the new pieces in place, the picture is fuller, clearer, and more satisfying.

Overall Grade 10/10

until next time may your pulls be magical, and your Multiverse remain stable!

what did you think of this issue? Let me know in the comments below.