Comic Review Off! Gambit #1

Marvel is making it apparent that it's time to hit the reset button on some well deserving characters. They've also made it obvious that they don't want to reset these characters so much it will shoo away long time fans. Hawkeye #1 was the first example of the new direction Marvel NOW is taking, and hopefully how easy it will all be to digest. Gambit #1 is no exception.

Although Remy Lebeau has been appearing in X-men: Legacy, he has given up a lot of the spotlight lately. Needless to say, he needed a bit of attention, a little insight into his deep thoughts and dreams. Now, I've been a big fan of Gambit for many years, but have only recently truly learned who he really was. And one thing that can be hard for writers to accomplish is capturing the essence of a long beloved character. James Asmus, in my humble opinion, has done a exceptional job doing this.

Gambit #1 starts out with Remy in the shower. Settle down ladies, this is a pg rated comic. Yes, Remy is in the shower, but he's also spilling his guts to you, the reader. Telling us how he needed some time away from all the hustle and bustle of the X-men to rediscover his roots. Those specific of his many roots are the thieving roots he's so famous for. He admits he is a bit rusty when it comes to breaking in to peoples treasures, but the action that ensues really shows how skillful he still is. Along with his famous thievery skills, he also gets a chance to flaunt his lady-killing skills. We all know he's a lady charmer, and why should he stop now? There's something subtle the ladies love about Mr. Lebeau, and the art style really captures that side of him

The artwork is just great. Slick and clean, professional and beautiful, Clay Mann does an excellent job penciling in this book. From the action sequences to the facial expressions, all of the artists involved know how to communicate the feel of the story.

The only problem I had was with the main action scene in the comic, the one where Gambit is trying to do some robbing. Some of the panels, although well drawn, are a bit hard to follow from on to the next. I like to use my imagination a lot, but there were just some panels I wasn't sure exactly what was happening. But really, there wasn't a whole lot of those moments. And when they come right before the astounding cliff hanger of the final page, one quickly forgets the small flaws of the previous pages.

A really well done comic that stays true to the character, and shows just how much weight he has to hold down his own series. The cliffhanger at the end of every comic is an essential element to keep the readers coming back. The final panel that Asmus leaves us with is, in fact, exactly what the final cliffhanger should be. I will be returning to Gambit! 
Story: 8.5/10
Art 8/10