Gambit: Wanted #1 kicked off the new mini-series by acclaimed X-Men writer, Chris Claremont. A revisit into Remy’s past, it explores the time period in New Orleans right before he joined the X-Men. The highlight of the issue is Gambit’s physical and philosophical battle against Bullseye, who is contracted to take down Gambit and his junior thief, Elodie.

The first thing that made the fight jump out to me was Bullseye countering Gambit’s signature playing cards. How so? The projectile master threw his own set to cancel out Remy’s kinetically charged ones.

Gambit ends up using his coat as a weapon, having it operate as a straight-jacket and tie up Bullseye. They’re two environmental-savvy fighters, showcased as Remy kicks the villain into the ocean. He has the clear underwater advantage due to his powers, but the thief can count himself lucky Bullseye wasn’t hiding a bobby pin or small projectile in his mouth. 

A very entertaining fight reaches its conclusion with Gambit as the winner. And here arrives a crossroads, having been dealt a rough hand. Should he deal with the weight of letting Bullseye die, or with the weight of whoever Bullseye kills afterwards?

Ultimately, Remy saves him. Because Ororo and the kids taught him life is precious. And to deny others a second chance to experience the precious things in life, would be wrong in the Cajun’s eyes.

After all, mutants are more apt than most to give second chances. Most of them give humans second chances everyday despite the countless wrongs they’ve suffered, hoping for a united world someday.

And by that logic, shouldn’t Bullseye at the very least be given one? Even if the consequences could weigh heavy on Remy’s conscience? 

Remy does save him and Bullseye immediately smiles a bloodthirsty & deranged expression. He had the same smile on before he donned the mask. He won’t change, this is who he is.

But that doesn’t change the fact that despite the consequences, Remy gave him a second chance to enable him to. 

Like he said in the chapter: “We do what we can…the best we can. An’ pray that’s enough.”

This was a strong start by iconic X-Men writer Claremont for the iconic X-Men hero Gambit. Banking on his recent popularity surge after Channing Tatum’s MCU portrayal and Marvel Rivals appearance, the mini-series dives into the psyche of Gambit while being sure to showcase his unique fighting abilities. 

Rating: 3.9/5