REVIEW: ‘Psylocke’ #6 - Confronting the Ghosts of the Past.
- Keith M.
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
Without a doubt, Psylocke #6 is my favorite issue in the series so far, as it dives deeply into Kwannon’s past and confronts one of her greatest adversaries — her own identity. Alyssa Wong does a brilliant job of highlighting what makes Psylocke such a compelling character, ensuring that both new readers and longtime fans are hooked as the ongoing solo series unfolds.
It hasn’t been long since Kwannon regained control of her body and the name Psylocke, a change that came with the dawn of the Krakoan era. Fallen Angels served as a kind of love letter to Psylocke fans, being the first story to restore the telepathic assassin to her full capacity, letting us finally say goodbye to the body-swapping saga of the past. While that arc could have been easily brushed aside, Wong masterfully revisits and builds upon this pivotal moment, offering a deeper exploration of the character.
For those who have followed Kwannon’s journey in recent years, it’s clear that she’s faced a number of personal struggles, from navigating romance to dealing with the painful rediscovery and loss of her child at the hands of Mister Sinister. While that storyline seemed to have been abandoned in Marauders, Wong reintroduces this emotional thread in a gut-punch of a moment, bringing her lost child back into the narrative, adding another layer of complexity to Kwannon’s already tumultuous past.
The journey of following Kwannon’s struggle to separate reality from illusion has been fascinating, especially considering her telepathic powers and the hallucinations she’s grappling with. Haunted by visions of her daughter and the unsettling image of a face that isn’t hers, even the hardened assassin finds herself vulnerable, forcing her to seek help from others.
Things take a particularly intriguing turn when, with the help of Magik, Psylocke finds herself in New Orleans at the Haven House — the headquarters of the Uncanny X-Men. Initially, like Psylocke, I was uncertain who in the X-Men could offer insight into her haunting visions, but the story takes an unexpected and exciting twist with the appearance of Deathdream — a mutant with the ability to enter a death-like state and commune with ghosts.
Through a fascinating use of his powers, Deathdream reveals that what haunts Psylocke might not be what she first thought. The ghosts of her past — and perhaps something darker — are truly tormenting her. This revelation is dramatically interrupted by a displeased Rogue (because what’s an X-Men story without a little more drama?), who arrives just in time to witness her charge’s transformation by the sinister force that has attached itself to Kwannon.
In the broader context of the mutant landscape, Psylocke is a must-read. It digs into the history and personality of one of the X-Men’s most complex and intriguing characters, while also setting the stage for a bright future filled with possibilities for her. This issue continues to pave the way for Kwannon’s growth and her place in the ongoing X-Men saga.
About Psylocke #6
Release Date: April 02, 2025
Written by: Alyssa Wong
Art by: Vincenzo Carratù and Moisés Hidalgo
Cover by: Mahmud Asrar
Page Count: 25
Synopsis: Psylocke is one of the X-Men's most dangerous and skillful telepaths. So why is her own mind the one thing she can't seem to control? Kwannon has begun to accept her past, but are some things better left buried?
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