Gambit #2: Exciting

So according to interviews with Asmus, he's really hoping to turn Gambit into a solo hero. Much like Wolverine and Deadpool have stepped out of their X-Men titles and become big names. The plan to do this was to introduce a new cast of characters.

Issue one we met a nemesis (Borya Cich) and a mysterious woman. Possible ally, rival and/or love interest We don't know, she's that mysterious!

Issue two, first page, we get to meet a friend of Remy's. A friend that's not connected to his past via the Guild (which has been done to death in past Gambit solo series) or the X-Men. This seems to be a purely thievery-esque contact and I love the addition. As Asmus said often, it adds to the Gambit mythos instead of rehashing the same old.

We still get little moments where we taste upon Gambit's spotty and shady past, remind readers that this is a man that's already been through quite a bit.

This issue is fantastic. Taking us deeper into the conflict and this new Gambit mythos Asmus is trying to create, while also touching upon the Prince of Thieves. For new readers this is probably an even better glance at who Remy was before the X-Men. For old time fans, these are cheeky little moments that remind us why we love the Ragin Cajun so much.

The picture above especially had me on the edge of my seat. (Spoilers by the way) Because I know the way these types of characters operate. What looks like a touching little back and forth of guilt, anguish, and empathy is really a plot. And seconds later this mysterious woman is shoving Remy off the roof... but not before he's pick pocketed what he wants.

It reminded me a bit of Gambit's first solo run where he kissed Candra to distract her while he stole what he wanted. While not as obvious and dramatic as all that, this subtle approach still does the exact same thing.

And of course Remy is still the charmer, even under pressure.Can't wait for the next issue!

Gambit #1 - Refreshing

Thanks to role playing and a dear friend of mine that writes him wonderfully, I have come to be a fan of Gambit. But any fan of the Cajun thief might pick up the recent couple of years of comics and find themselves disappointed.

He's not dating Rogue. No she's with Magneto.

He's not really dating. Period. Which seems kind of counter to his personality.

In fact he's a bit of a love sick puppy dog about Rogue.

Meanwhile, he's still got the Death persona and other than a fight with Captain America in AvX (which he lost) he hasn't gotten much chance to kick ass.

These fan concerns were apparently on James Asmus' mind when he wrote this 2012 Gambit series. I mean, what else could they have been thinking when this is the first page?

He not only wanted to give long time fans something to be excited about, but Asmus invites new readers into Gambit's head. The very first line (a joke about the pink Gambit costume) feels like an inside joke between writer and readers. And considering both Asmus and Clay Mann (penciler) immediately asked to change Gambit's costume when given this project, I wasn't surprised to have such a large nod to the old design.

Page one does a wonderful job of wrapping up the last couple of years of heavy Gambit disappointment where page two brings us Remy LeBeau, the thief. Which as much as this comic series is 'Gambit' I have a feeling we'll be seeing more 'Remy' than superhero Gambit. A relief to me since I tend to enjoy the Cajun closer to his roots.

That being said I did have one problem with the comic, though it didn't effect my overall love of the comic. Spoilers to those that don't want to know what happens deeper in the comic. Once Remy gets past security and actually gets about to choosing something to steal, everything felt a little sloppy to me. While I can buy that Remy wouldn't have in mind any particular thing to steal, it gives this sequence a rushed feeling. The item he does end up stealing (which appears to be the plot device for the entire series) doesn't look all that unusual. I can't tell why it caught Remy's attention. And it's hard to tell if the shock it gives Gambit is a security feature or the actual artifact.

Despite those confusing couple of panels, the over all feel of the comic was great. I laughed, I cheered, and more importantly I'm intrigued. For the first time in awhile I'm anticipating the next one. I want to know what happens next! Who is the mysterious tattooed woman? Where did the artifact come from? Is Remy going to be naked more often!?

Also, they better keep the coat. Do whatever you want to the outfit so long as Gambit keeps the trench coat.

Pick up this series. You don't need to be real knowledgeable about either Gambit or X-Men to enjoy the ride. Just have to have an appreciation for wit, sexy and exciting heists.

(Gambit #2 cover)
(Writer: James Asmus; Penciler: Clay Mann; Inker: Seth Mann; Colorist: Rachelle Rosenberg; Letterer: VC's Cory Petit)