REVIEW: ‘Rogue & Gambit,’ Issue #1

Rogue & Gambit #1 is written by Stephanie Phillips, illustrated by Carlos Gomez, colored by David Curiel with Federico Blee, and lettered by VC’s Ariana Maher. It’s published by Marvel Comics. After years of back and forth, Rogue and Gambit finally married each other. But their duties protecting the mutant nation of Krakoa have kept them apart. And it’s Krakoa that brings them back together, as Destiny tasks them with protecting teleporter Manifold from an unknown threat. But what is this threat, and what does it have to do with supervillains mysteriously being abducted?

Rogue and Gambit are among the most popular X-Men due to the romantic tension they’ve shared for years, as well as being integral parts of X-Men: The Animated Series. And while they’ve had focus in the Age of Krakoa, this marks the first time that they’ve had a solo adventure to themselves in this era. Phillips has a good grip on the dynamic between the two, showcasing Rogue as the more level-headed one due to her experiences with the Avengers and X-Men while Gambit is more reckless due to his life as a thief. She also gets in some good laughs, especially where Destiny is concerned. The blind seer makes it very clear that she doesn’t approve of Gambit’s marriage to Rogue and doesn’t miss a chance to insult him. She literally calls him a joke at one point.

This is also a very pretty-looking book thanks to Gomez. He’s drawn the X-Men plenty of times before, but there’s something about this particular pairing of mutants that brings out his best. How good? There were literal pages that looked like they could have been set in an episode of X-Men: The Animated Series. It’s especially prominent given that the two are wearing their ’90s-era costumes. And the action is just as equally animated, especially during a sequence where Lady Deathstrike is liberated from a prison transport. Combined with the lush and vibrant colors from Curiel and Blee, this book is a visual feast for the eyes.

Finally, Maher delivers some great lettering work. Characters’ words grow smaller when they whisper, and larger when they’re yelling. But the funniest touch is Gambit’s speech balloons. The Ragin’ Cajun had put away more than a few beers, and as such, his word balloons are swirly and unfocused. His speech sounds like someone who is actually drunk, as he slurs his words. Even the data pages feel wonderfully chaotic, especially one that depicts a series of texts between Gambit and Rogue.

Rogue & Gambit #1 is a must-read for fans of the mutant couple. It’s action-packed, oddly romantic, and an easy entry into the world of Krakoa. If you want to see more, pick up this issue as well as future installments—it’s a surefire way to let Marvel know you want more of Rogue and Gambit in your lives.

Rogue & Gambit #1 is available wherever comics are sold.