Rogue & Gambit
{{Short description|Marvel comic book series}}
{{Distinguish|Mr. & Mrs. X{{!}}Mr. & Mrs. X: Gambit and Rogue Forever}}
{{Infobox comic book title
| image = Rogue and Gambit.jpg
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption = Rogue & Gambit #1. Art by Kris Anka.
| schedule = Monthly
| format =
| limited = Y
| ongoing =
| 1shot =
| genre =
|Superhero = y
| publisher = Marvel Comics
| date =(vol. 1)
January 2018 – May 2018
(vol. 2)
March 2023 – July 2023
| startmo =
| startyr =
| endmo =
| endyr =
| issues = (vol. 1 & 2): 5
| main_char_team = Rogue & Gambit
| issn =
| writers = (vol. 1)
Kelly Thompson
(vol. 2)
Stephanie Phillips
| artists =
| pencillers = (vol. 1)
Pere Perez
(vol. 2)
Carlos Gomez
| inkers =
| letterers =
| colorists = (vol. 1)
Frank D’Armata
(vol. 2)
David Curiel
| editors = (vol. 1)
Darren Shan
(vol. 2)
Sarah Brunstad
| creative_team_month =
| creative_team_year =
| creators =
| CEheader =
| TPB = Ring of Fire
| ISBN = 978-1302911607
| subcat =
| altcat =
| sort =
| addpubcat# =
| nonUS =
|TPB1=Power Play|ISBN1=978-1302948061}}
Rogue & Gambit is an American comic book limited series published by Marvel Comics in two volumes. The first volume, created by writer Kelly Thompson and artist Pere Pérez, a five issues released from January to May 2018. In this series, Rogue and Gambit reignite their relationship while investigating the mysterious disappearance of mutants at a vacation resort. This volume draws inspiration from the 90s X-Men comics, particularly in its portrayal of the characters' failed dates.
It was announced at New York Comic Con in October 2017, marking the first miniseries featuring the couple together, despite their previous individual stories. The first issue was released on January 3, 2018. Later, X-Men Gold #30, also written by Thompson, showcased the marriage of Rogue and Gambit, leading to the spin-off series Mr. & Mrs. X.
The second volume, released between May and September 2023, is written by Stephanie Phillips and illustrated by Carlos Gómez. This installment follows Rogue and Gambit as they navigate their complex relationship amid challenges on Krakoa, with Destiny foreseeing a threat that requires Rogue's help, ultimately putting their love and duties to the test.
Publication history
Rogue and Gambit are one of the most popular couples in the X-Men franchise.(January 4, 2018), "[https://www.cbr.com/rogue-gambit-1-review-2018/ Rogue & Gambit #1 Review: Fan-Favorite X-Couple Reunited]," CBR. Retrieved May 8, 2018 Their relationship started in 1990, shortly after Gambit was introduced in comic books, and was a strong aspect of the X-Men TV series. Both characters come from the Southern United States and speak in over-the-top accents and slang.{{cite web |url= https://nerdist.com/x-men-rogue-gambit-marvel-comics-series/|title= X-Men Power Couple Rogue & Gambit Get Their Own Series At Last|author= Eric Diaz|date= October 4, 2017|publisher= Nerdist|access-date=May 6, 2018}}
The series was first announced in October 2017 at the New York Comic Con. Although both characters had previously been featured in self-titled comic series individually, this is the first miniseries starring them together.{{cite web |url= https://www.cbr.com/gambit-rogue-marvel-comics/|title= Gambit & Rogue Land New Marvel Series|author= Kevin Melrose|date= October 4, 2017|publisher= CBR|access-date=May 6, 2018}} The five-issue limited series was written by Kelly Thompson with art by Pere Perez and covers by Kris Anka. Thompson considers herself a "little bit of an expert" on Rogue and Gambit and relied on editor Darren Shan to tell her when her writing was too steep in old continuity for newer readers to follow.Richards, Dave (January 3, 2018), "[https://www.cbr.com/rogue-and-gambit-interview-kelly-thompson/2/ How Rogue & Gambit Will Confront Their Pasts & Future Together page 2]," Comic Book Resources. Retrieved May 9, 2018 Her primary influence for the series came from issues 4, 8, and 45 of the 1990s comic book X-Men showing failed dates between the characters.Marnell, Blair (February 1, 2018), "[http://www.syfy.com/syfywire/exclusive-preview-kelly-thompson-sends-rogue-and-gambit-into-couples-therapy Exclusive Preview: Kelly Thompson Sends Rogue And Gambit Into Couples Therapy]," Syfy Wire. Retrieved May 9, 2018
The first issue was released on January 3, 2018.{{cite web |url= https://www.cbr.com/marvel-legion-rogue-gambit-creative-teams/|title= Marvel's Legion, Rogue & Gambit Creative Teams Revealed|author= Stephen Gerding|date= October 6, 2017|publisher= CBR|access-date=May 6, 2018}} Comic shops ordered about 38,600 copies.Miller, John Jackson, "[http://www.comichron.com/monthlycomicssales/2018/2018-01.html January 2018 Comic Book Sales to Comics Shops]," Comichron. Retrieved May 9, 2018 By issue 3, orders had fallen to about 18,500.Miller, John Jackson, "[http://www.comichron.com/monthlycomicssales/2018/2018-03.html March 2018 Comic Book Sales to Comics Shops]," Comichron. Retrieved May 9, 2018 In a pre-release interview, Thompson hoped sales and fan response would be strong enough to warrant an ongoing series starring the characters. A softcover collection of the series is scheduled for release in June 2018 with the subtitle "Ring of Fire".(March 21, 2018), "[https://www.newsarama.com/39134-marvel-comics-june-2018-solicitations.html Marvel Comics June 2018 Solicitations]," Newsarama. Retrieved May 8, 2018
X-Men Gold #30, also by Thompson, was released some months later. It was advertised as a comic featuring the marriage of Kitty Pryde and Colossus, but it featured the marriage of Rogue and Gambit instead. This led to a new comic book starred by the duo, Mr. & Mrs. X.{{cite web |url= https://www.cbr.com/mr-mrs-x-x-men-gold-wedding/|title= Mr. & Mrs. X Series Launches Out of X-Men Gold's Wedding|author= Justin Carter|date= June 19, 2018|publisher= CBR|access-date=June 21, 2018}}
Plot summary
When the X-Men suspect foul play at a vacation resort, former romantic partners Rogue and Gambit infiltrate the resort by pretending to be a couple needing marriage counseling. They discover the resort is managed by the villain Lavish, who is taking mutant visitors captive and replacing them with robot duplicates. Rogue and Gambit destroy all the robots and free the captive people. During this mission, Rogue and Gambit become a couple again.
Critical reception
= Volume 1 – 2018 =
The series has received mostly positive reviews, with critics praising its character focus, humor, and emotional depth. In Issue 1, IGN rated it 9.0, commending the lively tone and the blend of humor with romantic tension, emphasizing Thompson's strong grasp of the characters’ history.{{Cite web |last=Schedeen |first=Jesse |last2=Marnell |first2=Blair |date=2018-01-04 |title=Comic Book Reviews for January 3, 2018 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/01/04/comic-book-reviews-for-january-3-2018?abthid=5a4e48d7e86850b50b000012&page=2 |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=IGN |language=en}} Bleeding Cool gave it an 8.5, highlighting its warmth and wit, and suggested that Thompson could excel in writing a broader X-Men series.{{Cite web |last=Comments |first=Joe Glass {{!}} |date=2017-12-09 |title=Rogue & Gambit #1 Review: Romance, Banter, and Superheroics! |url=https://bleedingcool.com/comics/rogue-gambit-1-review-classic-couple/ |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=bleedingcool.com |language=en}} Another review from Bleeding Cool, which gave it a lower rating of 6.0, pointed out that while fans of the couple might enjoy it, those unfamiliar with them might not be convinced.{{Cite web |last=Comments |first=Joshua Davison {{!}} |date=2018-01-04 |title=Rogue and Gambit #1 Review: Gambit Needs to Chill a Bit |url=https://bleedingcool.com/comics/rogue-and-gambit-1-review/ |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=bleedingcool.com |language=en}} CBR found some of his characters to be stiff and sexless.(January 4, 2018), "[https://www.cbr.com/rogue-gambit-1-review-2018/ Rogue & Gambit #1 Review: Fan-Favorite X-Couple Reunited]," CBR. Retrieved May 8, 2018 This opinion is in contrast with Thompson, who said she was "surprised" by how sexy the artwork was.Richards, Dave (January 3, 2018), "[https://www.cbr.com/rogue-and-gambit-interview-kelly-thompson/3/ How Rogue & Gambit Will Confront Their Pasts & Future Together page 3]," Comic Book Resources. Retrieved May 9, 2018
Issue 2 maintained the positive momentum, with IGN again giving it a 9.0. While acknowledging the light story, they appreciated the deeper connection developing between the characters.{{Cite web |last=Schedeen |first=Jesse |last2=Marnell |first2=Blair |date=2018-02-08 |title=Comic Book Reviews for February 7, 2018 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/02/08/comic-book-reviews-for-february-7-2018?abthid=5a7c6a215b17b74d0c0000d4&page=2 |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=IGN |language=en}} ComicBook.com rated it 6.0, noting that while the humor was enjoyable, the mission primarily served as an excuse to bring the characters together.{{Cite web |title=Comic Book Reviews for This Week: 2/7/2018 |url=https://comicbook.com/comics/news/comic-book-reviews-for-this-week-2-7-2018/ |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=Comics |language=en}}
Issue 3 saw ComicBook.com rate it 8.0, emphasizing the strong partnership between Rogue and Gambit and praising the vibrant artwork that enhanced the storytelling.{{Cite web |title=Comic Book Reviews for This Week: 3/7/2018 |url=https://comicbook.com/comics/news/comic-book-reviews-march-7th/ |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=Comics |language=en}} Issue 4 also received an 8.0 from ComicBook.com, recognized for its heartbreaking examination of the couple’s struggles, which reinforced the series' emotional depth.{{Cite web |title=Comic Book Reviews for This Week: 4/4/2018 |url=https://comicbook.com/dc/news/comic-book-reviews-april-4/ |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=DC |language=en}} The final installment, Issue 5, garnered high praise with a perfect 10 from ComicBook.com, described as a fitting conclusion that celebrates the couple’s journey and growth.{{Cite web |title=Comic Book Reviews for This Week: 5/2/2018 |url=https://comicbook.com/comics/news/comic-book-reviews-may-2/ |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=Comics |language=en}}
= Volume 2 – 2023 =
The review for Rogue & Gambit Volume 2 from ComicBook.com present a mixed reception of the series. The first issue attempts to rejuvenate the characters of Rogue and Gambit. The artwork was noted for being energetic and fitting within Marvel's style, yet the story lacks depth, leaving readers questioning the future of the characters’ dynamic.{{Cite web |title=Comic Book Reviews for This Week: 3/1/2023 |url=https://comicbook.com/comics/news/new-comic-reviews-dc-marvel-image-march-1-2023/ |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=Comics |language=en}} The second issue attempts to highlight tension between the couple but fails to clarify their relationship status, resulting in a disjointed narrative and a rating of 2.5 out of 5.{{Cite web |date=2023-04-05 |title=Rogue & Gambit #2 Review - "Throw It, Girl" - Comic Book Revolution |url=https://www.comicbookrevolution.com/rogue-gambit-2-throw-it-girl-review/ |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=www.comicbookrevolution.com |language=en}} The third and fourth issues offer standard superhero action and cater to die-hard fans, both earning ratings of 6 out of 10 but lacking originality.{{Cite web |title=Comic Book Reviews for This Week: 5/10/2023 |url=https://comicbook.com/comics/news/new-comic-reviews-dc-marvel-image-may-10-2023/ |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=Comics |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Comic Book Reviews for This Week: 6/14/2023 |url=https://comicbook.com/comics/news/new-comic-reviews-dc-marvel-image-june-14-2023/ |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=Comics |language=en}} The final issue has some notable moments, particularly with Destiny, but follows a predictable narrative.{{Cite web |title=Comic Book Reviews for This Week: 7/12/2023 |url=https://comicbook.com/comics/news/new-comic-reviews-dc-marvel-image-july-12-2023/ |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=Comics |language=en}}
Collected editions
| class="wikitable" | |||
| Title | Material collected
!Pages | Publication date | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rogue & Gambit: Ring of Fire
| Rogue & Gambit Vol. 1 #1–5 |112 | July 2018 | {{ISBNT|978 1302911607}} | |||
| Rogue & Gambit: Power Play
|Rogue & Gambit Vol. 2 #1–5 |136 |January 2023 |{{ISBNT|978-1302948061}} |