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Gambit (comic book)

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Gambit
Cover of Gambit (Vol.1) #1 (December 1993), art by Lee Weeks.
Publication information
ScheduleMonthly
FormatVol. 1-2
Limited series
Vol. 3-5
Ongoing series
Vol. 6
Limited series
GenreSuperhero
Publication dateDecember 1993 – January 2023
No. of issuesVol. 1 & 2: 4
Vol. 3: 26 (two Annuals)
Vol. 4: 12
Vol. 5: 17
Vol. 6: 5
Creative team
Written by
List
Penciller
List
Inker
List

Gambit is a series of comic books published by Marvel Comics from 1993 to 2023. It was created by writer Fabian Nicieza and artist Steve Skroce, starring the X-Men character Remy LeBeau / Gambit.

Publication history

[edit]

Gambit (collected as X-Men: Gambit) lasted 25 issues, one special, and two annuals (for a total of 28), cover-dated from February 1999 to February 2001.[1] Initially simply written by Fabian Nicieza and drawn by Steve Skroce, following Gambit and Courier, Skroce would receive a co-plotter credit midway through the series,[2] while the final (epilogue) issue would be plotted by Scott Lobdell, scripted by Joe Pruett, and drawn by Georges Jeanty.[3] The 2001 miniseries Gambit & Bishop: Sons of the Atom was advertised as a direct continuation of Gambit at the conclusion of its final issue,[4] while Courier would return in the 2024 Fall of X series Cable (again written by Fabian Nicieza and drawn by Scot Eaton), still stuck with the body of a girl, only able to transform into the forms of other women.[5]

Characters

[edit]
  • Remy LeBeau / Gambit – a card-wielding mutant who was adopted by the Thieves Guild, able to create, control, and manipulate kinetic energy.
  • Jacob "Jake" Gavin Jr. / Courier – a shapeshifter able to detach and remotely move his own body parts,[6] who is trapped in the body of a woman by Mister Sinister after he steals his powers,[7] going by the alias Jacqueline ("Jackie").[8]
  • Sun / The New Son – an evil version of Gambit from an alternate reality where he was never joined the Thieves Guild.
  • Anna-Marie / Rogue – the power-and-lifeforce-absorbing adoptive daughter of Mystique and Gambit's love interest.
  • Ororo Monroe / Storm – a thunder and lightning-controlling mutant goddess and Gambit's former friend.

Reception

[edit]

Critical reception

[edit]

Gambit Vol. 2 – 1998

[edit]

The series received generally positive reviews from comic critics. AIPT Comics rated the series 7.0/10, calling it "a slow read to be sure [but the] verbose writing style aside, there are some fascinating tidbits about Gambit".[8] Slings & Arrows lauded Nicieza's "verbose form of writing" and Skroce's art as "better than what's perceived as Marvel's 1990s look",[2] complimenting Georges Jeanty for "pull[ing] out all the stops for the art" following Stroke's departure, concluding to call the plot "over-extended, but tie[d] together well".[3]

Gambit Vol. 5 – 2012

[edit]

Gambit Vol. 5 received largely critical reviews, with some commendation for specific aspects. In the first issue, Joey Esposito from IGN rated it 5.5, criticizing its fundamental flaws and lack of cohesive art and characterization, while expressing hope for improvement in future issues.[9] Kelly Thompson at CBR gave the debut a 5.0, noting some potential but ultimately recommending readers skip it until the creative team could deliver better work.[10]

By Gambit #2, Jesse Schedeen of IGN rated it 6.0, appreciating Clay Mann's art during heist scenes but criticizing the coloring choices.[11] However, his score dropped to 6.2 for Gambit #4, where he expressed disappointment over the story's lack of direction and the underdevelopment of Gambit's partner, Joelle.[12] Thompson scored it 4.0, pointing out technical art issues and the challenges posed by a large, inconsistent artistic team.[13]

In Gambit #11, Ryan K. Lindsay of CBR rated the issue 6.0, praising the quality of dialogue and action but noting that the narrative suffered from excessive dialogue and pacing issues.[14] Thompson returned for Gambit #12, again scoring it low at 4.0 due to inconsistent artwork and difficulty connecting with Joelle's character.[15]

Finally, in Gambit #17, Thompson expressed her overall disappointment, rating it 4.0 and lamenting the creative team’s failure to provide a clear direction for Gambit’s character, leaving readers questioning his heroism . Overall, while some issues received praise for particular elements, the series was marred by significant criticisms, leading to a predominantly negative reception.[16]

Gambit Vol. 6 – 2022

[edit]

Gambit Vol. 6 received a mixed reception from critics. The series began with a lukewarm start, with Logan Moore from ComicBook.com giving the first two issues a 6.0 rating, criticizing the lack of direction and the awkward dynamic between Gambit and a young Storm, though he praised the artwork by Sid Kotian.[17][18] By issue #3, the series showed improvement, with Moore noting it as the best installment so far.[19] Issue #4 earned the highest score of 9.0, as the story began to hit its stride and deliver more engaging content.[20] However, the final issue, Gambit #5, dropped back to a 6.0, as the conclusion felt underwhelming despite the series' earlier progress.[21]

Sales

[edit]
Issue Title Publication date Estimated sales (first month)
#1 "The Man of Steal" December 23, 1998 117,437, ranked 5th in North America[22]
#2 "Stormbringers" January 27, 1999 86,130, ranked 10th in North America[23]
#3 "Monsters Like Us" February 24, 1999 66,559, ranked 17th in North America[24]
#4 "Old Wounds, Fresh Blood" March 24, 1999 63,525, ranked 18th in North America[25]
#5 "Of Mice and Men" April 28, 1999 59,689, ranked 22nd in North America[26]
#6 "Muddy Waters" May 26, 1999 54,004, ranked 31st in North America[27]
#7 "Dirty Troughs" June 23, 1999 51,939, ranked 29th in North America[28]
#8 "Destined to Repeat It" July 28, 1999 49,286, ranked 44th in North America[29]
#9 "To Thine Own Self Be True" August 25, 1999 46,399, ranked 36th in North America[30]
#10 "Waiting for the Princess" September 22, 1999 43,235, ranked 47th in North America[31]
#11 "The Hamster Run" October 27, 1999 44,251, ranked 42nd in North America[32]
#12 "The Sunset Dawn (Book 1): The Time Trap" December 1, 1999 41,480, ranked 43rd in North America[33]
#13 "The Sunset Dawn (Book 2): The Black Womb" January 5, 2000 43,326, ranked 35th in North America[34]
#14 "The Sunset Dawn (Book 3): Tomorrow Starts Today" January 26, 2000 38,978, ranked 44th in North America[35]
#15 "Folding City" February 23, 2000 36,734, ranked 44th in North America[36]
#16 "The More Things Change" March 22, 2000 43,376, ranked 29th in North America[37]
#17 "Assassination Game", Part 1 of 3: "The Pin Cushion" April 26, 2000 36,946, ranked 53rd in North America[38]
#18 "Assassination Game", Part 2 of 3: "Working the Treadmill" May 31, 2000 37,126, ranked 59th in North America[39]
#19 "Assassination Game", Part 3 of 3: "Beasts of Burden" June 28, 2000 38,160, ranked 49th in North America[40]
#20 "In Dreams" July 26, 2000 37,543, ranked 49th in North America[41]
#21 "A Sheep in Wolves' Clothes" August 23, 2000 35,155, ranked 49th in North America[42]
#22 "Follow the Leader" September 27, 2000 35,364, ranked 54th in North America[43]
#23 "Shell Game" October 25, 2000 36,605, ranked 49th in North America[44]
#24 "Sunrise, Sunset" November 22, 2000 35,351, ranked 60th in North America[45]
#25 "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" December 28, 2000 35,361, ranked 53rd in North America[46]

Annuals

[edit]
Issue Title Cover date Release date Estimated sales (first month)
Gambit 1999 #1 "With or Without You" September 1999 July 21, 1999 38,434, ranked 72nd in NA[29]
Gambit 2000 #1 "Endgame?" October 2000 August 16, 2000 29,119, ranked 75th in

Collected editions

[edit]
Title Material collected Publication date ISBN
Volume 1
X-Men: Gambit Classic, Vol. 1 The Uncanny X-Men #265–267 and Gambit #1–4 May 2009 978-0785137290
X-Men: Gambit & Rogue Gambit (1993) #1–4 and Rogue (1995) #1–4 October 2016 978-1302902483
Volume 2
X-Men: Gambit Classic, Vol. 2 Gambit (1997) #1–4 and Rogue (1995) #1–4 February 2013 978-0785167907
Volume 3
X-Men: Gambit – The Complete Collection, Vol. 1 Gambit (vol. 3) #1–11, #1/2, Annual '99, Marvel Authentix: Gambit #1, material from X-Men Unlimited #18 March 2016 978-0785196853
X-Men: Gambit – The Complete Collection, Vol. 2 Gambit (vol. 3) #12–25, Annual 2000 December 2018 978-1302913755
Volume 4
Astonishing X-Men: Gambit, Vol. 1 – House of Cards Gambit (vol. 4) #1–6 March 2005 978-0785115229
Astonishing X-Men: Gambit, Vol. 2 – Hath No Fury Gambit (vol. 4) #7–12 September 2005 978-0785117476
Gambit: Thieves' World – Complete Collection Gambit (vol. 4) #1–12, X-Men Unlimited vol. 2 #3 March 2019 978-1302916053
Volume 5
Gambit: Once a Thief Gambit (vol. 5) #1–7 April 2013 978-0785165477
Gambit: Tombstone Blues Gambit (vol. 5) #8–12 July 2013 978-0785165484
Gambit: King of Thieves Gambit (vol. 5) #13–17 December 2013 978-0785184133
Gambit: King of Thieves – Complete Collection Gambit (vol. 5) #1–17, material from A+X #3 May 2019 978-1302917784
Volume 6
Gambit: Thick as Thieves Gambit (vol. 6) #1–5 March 2023 978-1302932190
Origin story
X-Men Origins: Gambit X-Men Origins: Gambit #1, Uncanny X-Men #266–267, X-Men (vol. 2) #33, Gambit (vol. 3) #25, Nation X #2 September 2016 978-1302902476

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Fabian Nicieza (March 8, 2016). "Gambit (1998–2001)". Marvel.com. Retrieved March 8, 2016.
  2. ^ a b Ian Keogh (March 8, 2016). "Review: X-Men: Gambit – The Complete Collection, Volume 1". Slings & Arrows. Retrieved March 8, 2016.
  3. ^ a b Ian Keogh (December 24, 2018). "Review: X-Men: Gambit – The Complete Collection, Volume 2". Slings & Arrows. Retrieved December 24, 2018.
  4. ^ Lobdell, Scott; Pruett, Joe; Jeanty, Georges. Gambit #25 "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" (December 2000). Marvel Comics.
  5. ^ Alex Zalben (January 15, 2024). "Marvel Preview: Cable #1". Comic Book Club Live. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
  6. ^ Helmy Herlambang (June 15, 2021). "Besides Loki, These 5 Marvel Superheroes Also Have Unclear Genders". Kincir. Retrieved June 15, 2021.
  7. ^ Ian Goodwillie (November 12, 2019). "X-Men: 10 Times Mutants Stole Powers". CBR. Retrieved November 12, 2019.
  8. ^ a b David Brooke (December 11, 2018). "Retro Recap: 'X-Men: Gambit Complete Vol. 2' — What you need to know". AIPT Comics. Retrieved December 11, 2018.
  9. ^ Esposito, Joey (2012-08-07). "Gambit #1 Review". IGN. Retrieved 2024-10-07.
  10. ^ Thompson, Kelly (2012-08-07). "Gambit #1". CBR. Retrieved 2024-10-07.
  11. ^ Schedeen, Jesse (2012-08-30). "Gambit #2 Review". IGN. Retrieved 2024-10-07.
  12. ^ Schedeen, Jesse (2012-10-25). "Gambit #4 Review". IGN. Retrieved 2024-10-07.
  13. ^ Thompson, Kelly (2012-10-29). "Gambit #4". CBR. Retrieved 2024-10-07.
  14. ^ Lindsay, Ryan K. (2013-04-26). "Gambit #11". CBR. Retrieved 2024-10-07.
  15. ^ Thompson, Kelly (2013-05-16). "Gambit #12". CBR. Retrieved 2024-10-07.
  16. ^ Thompson, Kelly (2013-09-26). "Gambit #17". CBR. Retrieved 2024-10-07.
  17. ^ "Comic Book Reviews for This Week: 7/27/2022". Comics. Retrieved 2024-10-07.
  18. ^ "Comic Book Reviews for This Week: 8/31/2022". Comics. Retrieved 2024-10-07.
  19. ^ "Comic Book Reviews for This Week: 9/28/2022". Comics. Retrieved 2024-10-07.
  20. ^ "Comic Book Reviews for This Week: 10/12/2022". Comics. Retrieved 2024-10-07.
  21. ^ "Comic Book Reviews for This Week: 11/16/2022". Comics. Retrieved 2024-10-07.
  22. ^ "December 1998 Comic Book Sales Figures". Comichron.
  23. ^ "January 1999 Comic Book Sales Figures". Comichron.
  24. ^ "February 1999 Comic Book Sales Figures". Comichron.
  25. ^ "March 1999 Comic Book Sales Figures". Comichron.
  26. ^ "April 1999 Comic Book Sales Figures". Comichron.
  27. ^ "May 1999 Comic Book Sales Figures". Comichron.
  28. ^ "June 1999 Comic Book Sales Figures". Comichron.
  29. ^ a b "July 1999 Comic Book Sales Figures". Comichron.
  30. ^ "August 1999 Comic Book Sales Figures". Comichron.
  31. ^ "September 1999 Comic Book Sales Figures". Comichron.
  32. ^ "October 1999 Comic Book Sales Figures". Comichron.
  33. ^ "November 1999 Comic Book Sales Figures". Comichron.
  34. ^ "December 1999 Comic Book Sales Figures". Comichron.
  35. ^ "January 2000 Comic Book Sales Figures". Comichron.
  36. ^ "February 2000 Comic Book SalesFigures". Comichron.
  37. ^ "March 2000 Comic Book Sales Figures". Comichron.
  38. ^ "April 2000 Comic Book Sales Figures". Comichron.
  39. ^ "May 2000 Comic Book Sales Figures". Comichron.
  40. ^ "June 2000 Comic Book Sales Figures". Comichron.
  41. ^ "July 2000 Comic Book Sales Figures". Comichron.
  42. ^ "August 2000 Comic Book Sales Figures". Comichron.
  43. ^ "September 2000 Comic Book Sales Figures". Comichron.
  44. ^ "October 2000 Comic Book Sales Figures". Comichron.
  45. ^ "November 2000 Comic Book Sales Figures". Comichron.
  46. ^ "December 2000 Comic Book Sales Figures". Comichron.
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