Polite Dissent

Of all the recent solo X-Men series, the one I least expected to enjoy was Gambit. Let’s face it: he’s been a horribly two-dimensional character ever since his first appearance. His other series have at best mildly diverting; at worst, a complete mess.

That’s why it came as a pleasant surprise that this latest series is so enjoyable. Writer John Layman made a wise choice in discarding all of the X-Men baggage. Only one other X-character has appeared in Gambit (the ubiquitous Wolverine), but that was in a situation designed entirely for humor.

This Gambit is a rogue (no pun intended), a charmer and an unrepentant thief. There are beautiful women, magicians, fortune tellers, backstabbing “friends” and betrayals galore… everything a good story needs. While the occult element seemed an awkward fit in Nightcrawler, it works perfectly in Gambit – but then the series does take place in New Orleans.

And did I mention Brother Voodoo? He’s already appeared in both storylines. In the first, he was merely a background character, but in the latest storyline he’s a full player (and with more power than I remember him having).