The drawing point for most superheroes is how they look. Whether they're decked out in black and light black or sporting shiny gold armor, most people see the character as a picture before they know them as a person. Figuratively, that is. This week's Z-Lister is an eye catcher with the moves to match. This is Kelsey Leigh Kirkland, former Captain Britain, current Lionheart.
Before we talk about Kelsey, it's crucial you know the lore of Captain Britain. While most may think the character is a simple rip-off of Captain America, the two characters could not be more different. Basically there exists an organization called "The Captain Britain Corps" that was founded by Sir James Braddock (a soldier from "Otherworld"), Merlyn (from Medieval fiction) and Roma (daughter of Merlyn). These three began the CBC as a police force throughout the multiverse. For every alternate Earth, there would be a Captain Britain who protects their home dimension from major threats. It's like the Green Lantern Corps, but more ambitious. The Captain Britain in the main Marvel Universe was a man named Brian Braddock who was raised by Sir James of Otherworld after the main universe version on James Braddock died in World War II. Sir James intentionally raised Brian to be a strong and morally upstanding man and after James died Brian was in an accident of his own. Like other Captains, Brian was visited by Merlyn after his "death" and was offered the chance to be his world's Captain Britain. When accepted, Brian was told to choose between the Amulet of Right or The Sword of Might. Brian chose the Amulet and became Captain Britain for many years, serving on the CBC, the Secret Avengers, Excalibur and many other teams. Eventually he settled down with the mutant Meggan and became ruler of Otherworld. This is when Kelsey came into the picture.
Created by Chuck Austin and Olivier Coipel in "Avengers #77" circa 2004, Kelsey was introduced as a British school teacher and single mother of two. Kelsey used to be married, but after her husband failed to protect her when their home was broken into and Kelsey was "violated" the marriage fell apart. While in America, Kelsey and her children found themselves in the middle of a battle between The Avengers and The Wrecking Crew. When she saw Captain America was down and unable to protect himself, Kelsey bravely grabbed Cap's shield to defend the hero. While Cap's shield could take the hit, Kelsey suffered serious injuries. While in the hospital, Kelsey awoke to find herself in Otherworld where she met Brian Braddock and Meggan. Brian saw her heroic sacrifice and offered her another chance to live as the new Captain Britain. When offered the choice of tool, Kesley chose the Sword of Might.
Quick explanation! Though their naming might suggest otherwise neither tool is necessarily better than the other. Both tools provide their user with super strength, super speed, enhanced durability, the power of flight, the ability to create shields or beams out of pure energy, enhanced reflexes and natural senses. The Amulet provides self-replenishment and the summoning of an energy-projecting staff that can also transform into a quarterstaff or a mace. While I could not find any abilities exclusive to the Sword, it is very possible the Sword makes the user far more ruthless and quicker to battle. This would makes sense given the "Right vs Might" analogy and the fact that Brian Braddock was a more diplomatic hero and he held the Amulet. Then again, given her background, Kelsey's savagery could easily be pent-up rage.
Sadly, Brian Braddock didn't fully explain the tools or the cost of the job before Kelsey chose her weapon. Kelsey may have come back to life as Captain Britain, but as a member of the CBC and a thought-to-be-dead-woman she was not allowed to reveal her revival to her children. After helping The Avengers defeat Morgan Le Fay, Kelsey joined the team and The Avengers even offered the Avengers Mansion as a temporary home to Kelsey's children. That way Kelsey could be an Avenger and keep the truth from her children, but still be close to them and be part of their lives.
After "Avengers Disassembled" she left the team and assumed the name Lionheart, now blaming Brian Braddock for not fully explaining the details of her role. Kelsey ended up being manipulated by Albion-not once, but twice-into helping the villain defeat Captain Britain (Brian) and his team Excalibur. It was only after the X-Men member Sage convinced her otherwise was Lionheart able to forgive Brian and help Excalibur defeat Albion. After these events, Brian and his team helped Kelsey get her life back together. Seeing as how Brian was once again Captain Britain, Kelsey was allowed to reveal her secret to her children. United with her children once again, Kelsey most likely returned to a normal life.
When I first learned the lore behind Captain Britain and all his fantastical adventures I was amazed that even after all these years Marvel still had some deep corners I hadn't explored yet. As if mutants, magicians, inhumans, and Gods weren't enough now there is an entire faction of British officers who protect every single dimension out there! It's pretty far out! But to see such a grounded and tragic character like Kelsey just get wrapped up in all that, to take this crazy job and it's even crazier requirements without any hesitation just to see her kids again is truly heart-warming. And heart-wrenching. Kelsey is the kind of character I think more people could like if they got to know her story, in a way you can see her situation and be like "Yeah, I'd do that too. Sure I'd be fighting dragons and surfing the cosmos for the rest of my life but at least I'd see my family again". I could go on about the CBC and it's history, but for now I'm just glad I got to learn about this character and pass that lesson on to you!
Thanks for reading! Cheers!
Created by Chuck Austin and Olivier Coipel in "Avengers #77" circa 2004, Kelsey was introduced as a British school teacher and single mother of two. Kelsey used to be married, but after her husband failed to protect her when their home was broken into and Kelsey was "violated" the marriage fell apart. While in America, Kelsey and her children found themselves in the middle of a battle between The Avengers and The Wrecking Crew. When she saw Captain America was down and unable to protect himself, Kelsey bravely grabbed Cap's shield to defend the hero. While Cap's shield could take the hit, Kelsey suffered serious injuries. While in the hospital, Kelsey awoke to find herself in Otherworld where she met Brian Braddock and Meggan. Brian saw her heroic sacrifice and offered her another chance to live as the new Captain Britain. When offered the choice of tool, Kesley chose the Sword of Might.
Quick explanation! Though their naming might suggest otherwise neither tool is necessarily better than the other. Both tools provide their user with super strength, super speed, enhanced durability, the power of flight, the ability to create shields or beams out of pure energy, enhanced reflexes and natural senses. The Amulet provides self-replenishment and the summoning of an energy-projecting staff that can also transform into a quarterstaff or a mace. While I could not find any abilities exclusive to the Sword, it is very possible the Sword makes the user far more ruthless and quicker to battle. This would makes sense given the "Right vs Might" analogy and the fact that Brian Braddock was a more diplomatic hero and he held the Amulet. Then again, given her background, Kelsey's savagery could easily be pent-up rage.
Sadly, Brian Braddock didn't fully explain the tools or the cost of the job before Kelsey chose her weapon. Kelsey may have come back to life as Captain Britain, but as a member of the CBC and a thought-to-be-dead-woman she was not allowed to reveal her revival to her children. After helping The Avengers defeat Morgan Le Fay, Kelsey joined the team and The Avengers even offered the Avengers Mansion as a temporary home to Kelsey's children. That way Kelsey could be an Avenger and keep the truth from her children, but still be close to them and be part of their lives.
After "Avengers Disassembled" she left the team and assumed the name Lionheart, now blaming Brian Braddock for not fully explaining the details of her role. Kelsey ended up being manipulated by Albion-not once, but twice-into helping the villain defeat Captain Britain (Brian) and his team Excalibur. It was only after the X-Men member Sage convinced her otherwise was Lionheart able to forgive Brian and help Excalibur defeat Albion. After these events, Brian and his team helped Kelsey get her life back together. Seeing as how Brian was once again Captain Britain, Kelsey was allowed to reveal her secret to her children. United with her children once again, Kelsey most likely returned to a normal life.
When I first learned the lore behind Captain Britain and all his fantastical adventures I was amazed that even after all these years Marvel still had some deep corners I hadn't explored yet. As if mutants, magicians, inhumans, and Gods weren't enough now there is an entire faction of British officers who protect every single dimension out there! It's pretty far out! But to see such a grounded and tragic character like Kelsey just get wrapped up in all that, to take this crazy job and it's even crazier requirements without any hesitation just to see her kids again is truly heart-warming. And heart-wrenching. Kelsey is the kind of character I think more people could like if they got to know her story, in a way you can see her situation and be like "Yeah, I'd do that too. Sure I'd be fighting dragons and surfing the cosmos for the rest of my life but at least I'd see my family again". I could go on about the CBC and it's history, but for now I'm just glad I got to learn about this character and pass that lesson on to you!
Thanks for reading! Cheers!
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