Betsy Braddock: Captain Britain #2 follows a predictable structure that has been used for almost every issue since Excalibur: a villain scheming, Betsy (and now Rachel) foiling her plan, the villain retreating, and a cliffhanger with the villain scheming again. While this structure may work for some readers, it can feel repetitive and formulaic.
Furthermore, Betsy comes across as an incompetent hero, as Rachel has to coach and mentor her every step of the way. This not only undermines Betsy’s character but also cements Rachel’s position as the annoying “know-it-all” sidekick.
The metacommentary, which is meant to be a self-aware critique of the comic book fandom, falls flat and feels repetitive. Given the low sales, antagonizing Betsy’s fans any further doesn’t feel like a smart decision.
Morgan’s motivation for hating on Betsy as Captain Britain because she’s a mutant seems flimsy and inconsistent, given that she wastes all her time trying to recruit Betsy’s doppelgangers who happen to be mutants as well. This lack of coherence makes it hard to invest in Morgan as a villain.
Finally, the guest appearance of Captain Carter and Lizzie Braddock serves no purpose other than cheap fan service. It doesn’t move the story along and their characters are only brought in to be fridged, which is a far cry from their competent portrayal under Jamie McKelvie’s pen.
Overall, Betsy Braddock: Captain Britain #2 has some notable flaws that detract from the story’s potential. The fact that the standout moment in the issue involves Betsy, a character known for her psychic knife, using said psychic knife, highlights how low the bar is set for Tini Howard’s Betsy. While some readers may find it enjoyable, it falls short of its promise and fails to live up to the standards set by previous Betsy Braddock writers. more
By: Tini Howard, Vasco Georgiev
Released: Mar 29, 2023
TWO CAPTAINS - ONE COUNTRY - AND ONE HELL OF A FIGHT! Britain has a new champion - but don't be mistaken, she's been here for years. Morgan Le Fay is back for vengeance, and Captain Britain is first on her list! But where one captain fails, another may suffice... and Peggy Carter's got a right hook that would inspire the devil herself. Magical mach...