Equestrian Psylocke Barbie
I got the idea for this doll after I completed this drawing of the X-Men’s Psylocke riding her horse Imogen side saddle (but off-side because Betsy likes to keep things ~*challenging*~. (Quick note: I made all this up, including what she’d name her horse, for funsies ;))
This custom was no work at all because I simple redressed my OOAK Psylocke doll in — who else — English Barbie’s side saddle riding habit. (Even if she currently inhabits a Japanese body, Betsy is English born and bred.) In fact, my Betsy’s been going around saying, “Who’s the real English Barbie now?”
Shall we ride?
How Betsy looked as she was getting ready.
Like I said, this “OOAK” was way too easy and almost cheating, but I am really happy with it because it was a way to sort of bring my drawing “to life.” =)
Slice like a ninja, cut like a psychic blade
Tomorrow marks the 15th anniversary of the X-Men film U.S. premiere. Twenty years ago I got into the X-Men in a big way. So I’ve declared June, July, and August the Summer of X as I celebrate and enjoy being an X-Fan. I’m currently reading the very first issues of the comic with plans to dig out my collection for a re-read. I just finished viewing for the first time(s) the X-Men Japanese anime, Wolverine and the X-Men, and X-Men: Evolution Season 1. I’m in the middle of my umpteenth rewatch of the classic ’90s X-Men animated series. Tomorrow will begin a three-day movie marathon of X1, X2, and X3.
I’m also celebrating the X by making Barbies of my favorite X-(wo)Men. I started with Rogue. Now, Rogue’s my girl, but I’ve been a casual Psylocke fan since she was heavily featured in the 1991 title relaunch. Her powers are cool (psi-blade!); her story is tragic but crazy in a soap opera-y way; her purple hair and leotard-cum-ribbons costume are striking; she’s a telepathic ninja wielding katana/swords. ‘Nuff said.
I describe myself as a casual Psylocke fan only because at the point in the comics when I got into the X-Men, Betsy was hyper-sexualized. That’s a hazard for female characters, period. And the X-Women have it done to them in spades. It’s not easy as a female reader to trudge through that. But Psylocke’s portrayal was over the top, obviously fan service (or worse). So I kept the character at arm’s length, but still considered her one of the X-characters I liked.
And then I ran into a purple-haired Barbie…
I wanted her uniform to have that darker blue look it sometimes had, like in this Jim Lee drawing:
I also thought the darker color was better camouflage for a ninja. Didn’t want her too matchy either. So the gloves and boots match but the leotard is a different shade as well as the thigh and arm ribbons. I never had a problem with a ninja wearing such an outfit. I can imagine it really allows for maneuverability.
A lot of people seem to think Psylocke’s arm and thigh ribbons are “ridiculous.” They don’t bother me in the least. In fact I quite like them and think they are distinctive. Note that a similar design on the thighs is found in Cyclops’ X-costume (as well as the full team costumes that seem to be based on it).
Ms. Braddock, Ms. Braddock, let down your hair…
I decided to go with a more modest leotard for my Psylocke.
I love when my Barbies need swords — or in this case, katana.
For fun, I did her Crimson Dawn eye tattoo. While I liked the eye tattoos in the Age of Apocalypse storyline, I’ve always been ambivalent about Betsy’s.
Alternate version with pink sash.
When telepaths attack…
I have one more X-Lady in the works. Very much hope to finish her before my Summer of X gives way to autumn.
The Barbie Aisle 