GAMBIT #1 – A Cold Welcome Home

Creative Team – Chris Claremont, Robert Gill, Bryan Valenza, VC’s Ariana Maher

Published by Marvel Comics

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Story

This review is brought to you by Nerd Initiative’s Megan and Matt!

Megan – Finally, we get a Gambit run! After all the excitement of everything that’s come out in the From the Ashes era, Gambit has been along for the ride every step of the way. And now, we get to focus on him and his story.

In Gambit #1, we are taken back in time to when a young Ororo Munroe and Gambit were thick as thieves. Ororo was a part of the X-Men and asked Gambit to join along with her. Unfortunately, Gambit wasn’t into the idea, so he left back home to New Orleans. While there, he gets word that his sister, Elodie, is in trouble. Taking action, Gambit does the right thing and goes to save her, but that makes him a target of someone who will pay anything to have him captured. Unfortunately for Gambit, they hire someone who will stop at nothing until he gets what he wants.

Matt – I can say I never really have had one mutant or X-Men character that I have loved; however, Claremont may have helped me find that in Gambit. Seeing him look after Ororo, and not only that, but all of the kids in New Orleans, shows his true character. He is the big brother and the protector; it has always been in his DNA. Diving into his past and the various ways Gambit has lived off the streets through gambling or other means is beautiful and highlights that not every hero has a glorious past. Some unexpected characters show up in this, and the way Gambit takes the fight to them is nothing short of incredible!

The Art

Megan – The artwork is wonderfully handled by Robert Gill, Bryan Valenza, and Ariana Maher. Gambit #1 has the vibes of the New Orleans life that Gambit lives, and Gill perfectly captured that. Showing the parties in the streets of the city, the different masks and looks of the characters, and the energy of the linework, you can feel yourself getting lost in the energy of New Orleans. Valenza handles the colors and leans into the warmer colors, which sets the tone of the story really well. Ariana Maher captures the voice of Gambit perfectly, and along with some great uses of sound effects, creates a great flow of dialogue throughout the comic.

Matt – Gill, Valenza, and Maher make this issue an artistic feast for our eyes. Taking place during Mardi Gras, mainly in New Orleans, there is a lot of culture shown throughout the panels. We get to see the parade and the parties and then even get the sense of grime that lines the streets there as well. It’s what makes New Orleans special and gives it personality, which the team captures perfectly. Maher gives Gambit an almost somber or gravelly voice with the lettering as he narrates the issue. The final page and the look in the eyes of a certain character pierce straight into our souls, and I truly am beyond excited for this mash-up of action and abilities.

Final Thoughts

Megan – 10/10. Gambit is one of my all-time favorite mutants, and I’ll take whatever I can get of him. That said, Chris Claremont gives a great story, taking us back in time in Gambit’s life. The artwork was fantastic, putting you in the New Orleans headspace. All in all, X-cellent work all around!

Matt -10/10 easily. I am completely sold on this run from the jump. The way the team brings so much culture and personality to the setting in New Orleans and takes us into Gambit’s past was excellent. The art and letters are vibrant and the action is smooth and this is shaping up to be a stacked deck of a run!

Overall Grade – 10/10

Let us know in the comments what you thought of Gambit #1!