REVIEW: ‘Gambit,’ Issue #1

Gambit #1 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Chris Claremont, art by Sid Kotian, colours by Espen Grundetjern, and letters by Clayton Cowles. Taking place between classic stories, Gambit adventures with a de-aged Storm. Ororo has a particular target in mind: The Shadow King.

Something that the editorial staff and writer do well with this issue is clarify when it is set. Taking place in a period of time which has only been glimpsed, this truly is uncharted territory. Legendary X-Men writer returns with a superb plot. At first, the issue sets up a status quo, giving context as to what the duo were getting up to in their adventures. The pace is slow as Remy teaches Ororo in the ways of being a thief. After the lengthy opening, the main threat is revealed. Even being in the vicinity of the villain fills me with dread, as it is a truly scary monster with so much potential for danger.

But then Gambit #1 takes the story somewhere else, that is really sudden. The disjointed nature of the change of direction is distracting but is more fitting for the thief’s aspect of the story. It leads to a really surprising yet fun final fight that really helps sow the seeds for events that happen years down the line. The initial storyline is not abandoned however, with an ending that is unexpected and satisfying. 

The book has a relatively small cast which allows for some powerful development for the main characters. What is lovely to see is Gambit’s protective and fatherly side, even for the children that aren’t his. He is tough on Ororo, teaching her how to be unseen and sneaky. But thee is also an understanding that she is frightened. His reputation among other thieves is humorous and leads to some great conversations with guest stars. The young Storm is also delightful to read. She is full of spark and defiant at all costs, showing the same traits of her adult self. This determination to defeat such an ominous figure demonstrates great bravery and a desire to write her own destiny. The dialogue between the two can be lengthy at times, but the shifting between languages and shared history makes it really interesting to read. The discussions about the young Storm and her future have extra weight added to them due to us knowing what is yet to come. But this past story also means that the sense of worry lessens. Their presence in the current timeline means their fate in this series is ultimately safe.

The art is fantastic. The designs for the characters are gorgeously reimagined from the glimpses shown in Uncanny X-Men #276, over 30 years after they were initially created. Gambit’s corny classic outfit returns, but it is the design of the de-aged Storm that is the most beautiful. Her youthful exuberance and exaggerated gesticulations are so fun. But when she is quiet and thoughtful, that notion that she is actually someone much older becomes clear. The Shadow King is horrifying, his presence seeming invasive to the comic. His twisted visage becomes more monstrous as the pages continue, and it often appears so alien to the style the rest of the comic sits in.

The colours are incredible. The contrast between light and darkness is pivotal as the tone of the comic alternates its tone as well. Some of the outfits are varied and detailed in their shades, with Gambit being especially intense. The implementation of this enveloping darkness that comes with the Shadow King is very creepy and deliberately overpowering. The lettering is absolutely fine for most of the issue. The one exception is a page where Storm and Gambit have an extremely long conversation on one page. The length and layout of the word balloons make it quite difficult to follow.

Gambit #1 is an untold story clarified. It is amazing that Claremont was brought back to tell a tale that possibly only he knew the true details of. And it could be possible that this history remained hidden in his own planning for decades. Whilst the characters’ futures can be read about in hundreds of comics that succeed when this one is set, that is not the point of this issue The relationship between the characters is being demonstrated, with the dynamic between Gambit and the young Storm being beautifully written and deeply investing. Perhaps the title is misleading, as the focus of the plot appears to be Ororo (which is not a complaint) instead of Gambit.

Gambit #1 is available where comics are sold.