GAMBIT: WANTED #2 – In the Name of Love

Creative Team – Chris Claremont, Robert Gill, Bryan Valenza, Leinil Francis Yu, Romulo Fajardo Jr., VC’s Ariana Maher

Published by Marvel Comics

Catch up with Gambit: Wanted #1!

The Story

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

Matt – This run is highlighting how much of a big brother figure Gambit is to so many, and not just to those inside Xavier’s mansion. I absolutely love how fierce and determined he is, and one thing that Claremont is doing is showing off just how smart Remy is. His abilities are excellent, but it’s his wit and fighting knowledge that have stood out to me in this issue. We see him brought to his knees, and I am hooked as to what is happening with those from his past and how it all connects. Meanwhile, Bullseye may not even be the main villain, and yet the battle between him and Remy is a slugfest. Claremont has shown how terrifying Bullseye is and can be as a villain, bringing him toe to toe with an Omega-level mutant, even.

Megan – Gambit: Wanted #2 gives us a good look at the positive qualities Gambit has and puts them in full force. In the last issue, Gambit saved Bullseye from drowning because that’s just the kind of guy he is, and he comes to regret that decision very quickly. Bullseye, being the usual unhinged Bullseye, kidnaps one of Gambit’s kids with a smile on his face. Gambit knows that Bullseye isn’t one to reason with and means what he says, so the heat is on to find the missing kid, beat Bullseye down, and figure out who’s the one who paid Bullseye to take down Gambit in the first place?!

Something I absolutely love about this issue is that we get to see how much Gambit loves and what he’s willing to do for those he loves. Showing off his father energy that he has for these young kids, Gambit throws himself in the face of danger without hesitation to save any one of these children. Throughout the comic, we see so many different instances where Gambit will do absolutely anything for the ones he cares about, and I think that’s stronger than any mutant power.

The Art

Matt – There is so much beauty in the artwork, especially in the fighting style as Gambit and Bullseye slug it out in the streets. There are sequences where characters transition into vampire-like creatures, and the way the team colors their eyes or the design changes works well to bring the horror to the page. Another detail that pops out to me is how Gambit uses his jacket as a weapon. It’s something I haven’t seen nearly enough of, and the way they bring it to life in a useful way and are able to capture the way a jacket may flow when moving is perfection.

Megan – Goodness gracious, the artists came in and delivered hugely! There was so much to love about this issue’s art, but I have to say the main fight was nothing short of exhilarating. With the huge movements, the hard punches, and airborne fighting, you feel like you’re in the middle of the fight yourself. The linework is splendid, giving a big amount of detail to every panel. The coloring is excellent work as it has a great mixture of contrasting colors, making the fight scenes feel larger than life. The lettering really nailed the emotions of the comic perfectly! Together, the artists made this a really memorable issue.

Final Thoughts

Matt – 10/10. Gambit: Wanted #2 brings Gambit’s past back and intertwines it into a thrilling journey. There is no quit in Remy, and that’s what makes his character so incredible, and his ability to fight for those he loves proves why he is among the best of the X-Men. This shows Remy’s vulnerabilities like never before, and he is having to make the hardest decisions, even if it means sacrificing himself, and I am hooked until the end.

Megan – 9/10. Gambit: Wanted #2 takes the best qualities of Remy LeBeau and puts them on full display. The creative team did a spectacular job with this!

Overall Grade – 9.5/10

Let us know in the comments what you thought of Gambit: Wanted #2!