GAMBIT: WANTED #3 – From the Other Side

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

Published by Marvel Comics

Catch up with Gambit: Wanted #2!

The Story

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

Matt – This run is proving to be more than just about Gambit himself, but about everything he embodies. Elodie is under attack by a possessed Gambit, and while this issue is from her perspective, it adds a ton of depth to Remy and who he is at his core. He is a teacher, a friend, and a protector, all of which she shows him whilst taking the fight to him. Issue 3 is everything I love about Gambit and more, as Suzerain is proving to be a tougher villain than I expected. It’s an issue that is full of surprises, and in the very middle, it’s why I love this character so much.

Megan – Gambit: Wanted #3 gives us the perspective of Elodie as Gambit is now under the influence of the powerful and mysterious Suzerain. Elodie is on the run as Gambit is hot on her trail looking to capture the young girl to take her back to Suzerain. It was refreshing to get this issue from Elodie’s perspective, to see all of this from her eyes. Elodie gives more explanation on the characters of the story and gives us a look at Remy while he’s under the spell of Suzerain. Gambit is a talented thief, and according to Elodie, his thievery doesn’t stop at inanimate objects, but people too. So, Elodie knows her time is limited.

In Gambit: Wanted #3, we see just how powerful Suzerain’s spell is. It’s powerful enough to take complete control over Gambit, who’s no slouch when it comes to power. Suzerain is diabolical and cunning and seems to be a few steps ahead of Elodie no matter what she chooses to do. In this issue, along with fighting for her life, Elodie learns different things about herself that could ultimately help her defeat Suzerain, that is, if Suzerain isn’t already a few steps ahead.

The Art

Matt – Gambit’s design in this issue will get you in the spirit of spooky season due to the bright purple spikes protruding from his face and the ghastly appearance as he and Elodie battle it out. Gill places the audience squarely in the middle of the action, and we feel as though we’re a part of the group of spectators watching Elodie fight for her friend. The colors remain some of my favorites, with their vibrancy as well as brighter tones mixed in with our characters’ features.

Megan – This issue is all gas and no breaks from beginning to end and the artists perfectly capture that energy. Robert Gill, Bryan Valenza, and Ariana Maher bring their talents to center stage and give us a front row seat into all the action of the comic. Robert Gill draws the fighting in a way that makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of the battle. The aerodynamics of Elodie and Gambit during the fights is featured heavily, showing how their talents brightly. The linework is nothing short of stunning. Each page is heavily detailed, leaving nothing to the imagination and giving you a full view of everything going on. Bryan Valenza leans into the warmer colors with Gambit’s spikes working as a great focal point. Ariana Maher captures the excitement and tension in the character’s voices while establishing the stable and calm inner dialogue of Elodie. Together, the artists made Elodie really shine in this issue and knocked the artwork out of the park.

Final Thoughts

Matt – 9/10. Gambit: Wanted #3 reminds the reader why we love the character of Gambit so much and what makes him great, while moving this story forward. Suzerain will not go down without a fight, and with the surprise reveal at the end of the issue, I cannot wait for what’s next.

Megan – 9/10. Gambit: Wanted gets more and more exciting with each issue that comes out. This issue had me on the edge of my seat the entire read! We saw some great fights and even stronger characters. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Gambit: Wanted!

Overall Grade – 9/10

The Nerd Initiative crew will be taking over NYCC so if you see us say hello! Let us know in the comments what you thought of Gambit: Wanted #3!