So I have just finished Excalibur 18 and now there is no shadow of doubt left in my mind. Tini Howard can’t write Gambit.
His lack of panels have delayed this verdict. Now he is given a scene with Jamie and it’s just not good. It seems Tini is trying to write him as someone who has skills but he never displays them. There is no silver tongue, no strategy(for any encounter), no charm and no real intelligence. He is just at best reacting. If I was a character in Excalibur I would largely ignore Gambit. Because why not? He seems to have no skills outside of stealing the most unguarded items. No combat impact or no real presence. He is full of “I tried...”. What a waste of space.
The thing that makes it really out is the fact that Gambit now has had two relationships with young women that now define him outside of Rogue. Lil Storm and X-23. Thus is beggars belief that he would not have wanted to take Marrow under his wing as she struggled with her various issues. I could see the argument for him staying away due to guilt over the MM but at some point after being dumped in Antarctica and returning, I would have expected him to try and make amends or reach out to Marrow.
It's hard for me to listen to someone not in my position. A caterpillar can't relate to what an eagle envisions.
Didn't realize Gambit fans still read this. Dropped this around issue 6 or 7 I think. Don't even remember at this point. I have no desire to ever support Marvel comics again. The only Gambit I would be interested in at this point is one that gets a fresh start in the movies or a TV show.
It's hard for me to listen to someone not in my position. A caterpillar can't relate to what an eagle envisions.
Arguably there is also Jubilee.
While she is primarily remembered as being the young woman under Wolverine's wings, she has also been presented in a little sister role with Gambit too (including in their supporting roles for X-23 in her series). All part of his subconcious attitude towards younger woman, where he feels compelled to be a protector, brother or mentor, depending on their situation and abilities. I think X-men Origins: Gambit even had him reflect on it at the end when he encountered Storm.
Also chances are he will be a mentor for the black woman with similar powers (or tech immitating his powers) in COTA (though time will tell if that's the case or just misdirection).
While I loved Jubilee and Gambit in X-23 I can't remember any other time they interacted beyond blue team. Even back in Blue team I can't come up with any particular moments other then the basketball game.
One of the aspects of Gambit that enjoy is how well he works with female characters. It doesn't matter if they love or hate him. Beyond the guild he doesn't have many male friends. I would love for him and Bishop to be on a team again. There is much to mine there even going into taboo topics like Death and Bishops role in the Cable/Hope mess.
It certainly feels like he hardly has any major interactions or friendships with other male character on the teams he was on. Well besides Wolverine, but EVERYONE has been buddy with Wolverine at some point or another.
Perhaps it's because by the time he joined the X-men most of the male cast of the previous additions had some time to form friendships and comradery while he was more of an untrustworthy newcommer.
Especialy with Nightcrawler having switched to Excalibur some time before, as he and Remy could have found some common ground from shared elements in their past.
Weren't he and Bishop the only new male characters added to the team in the 80's?
I'm assuming you mean the 90's. We had Joseph and Maggot.
Back in blue he had Hank and Scott beyond Logan. Witch didn't set up any real relationships. Perhaps Hank more that he joked with Gambit. I'm really stuggeling to remember anything. Iceman a bit but more through the lense that he and Rogue are friends.
Should I reread Bishop&Gambit - sons of the atom? I can't remember if it was any good.