Acclaimed authorBrandon Sandersonhas explained what makes theX-Men’sGambitsuch an underrated hero. For 35 years, Gambit has been one of the X-Men’s most popular and enigmatic members, and has evolved from the “mysterious loner’ archetype into a fun-loving, devoted husband.Gambit’s powers are also undeniably cool, andNew York Timesbest-selling author Brandon Sanderson feels they make the X-Man one of comic’s most underrated characters.
In a video posted toBrandon Sanderson’s YouTube page, the author sits down with Wren Weichman ofCorridor Crewto discuss their favorite superpowers. Sanderson kicked off the conversation by stating that Gambit had a “top five” superpower. Sanderson feels that certain creators have utilized it more creatively than others, and that Gambit’s powers represent a kind of distillation of the Silver Age ethos. Elaborating further, Sanderson stated that by the Silver Age, heroes came with more specialized, defined powers than their Golden Age counterparts. Silver Age creators, according to Sanderson, used this to create more compelling characters.
Gambit’s Powers Make Him a Massive Asset to the X-Men
Sanderson’s assessment ofGambit and his powers is spot-on: they are some of the unique in comics. The X-Men are particularly noted for characters with odd (but still cool) powers, such as Multiple Man’s ability to create duplicates of himself, or Forge’s “machinesmith” skills. Such powers and abilities can potentially stretch creators’ imaginations, a fact Sanderson acknowledges in the video. Sanderson revealed theX-Mencartoon of the 1990s was his introduction to the character, but felt it never used Gambit’s abilities in a creative or appropriate fashion.
Gambit’s powers have helped make him one of the most popular members of the X-Men. Gambit’s ability to “charge” up inanimate objects and turn them into weapons gives him an unlimited supply of ammunition to use against foes. While Sanderson is correct that theX-Mencartoons usually just had Gambit use playing cards, the comics have shown a number of unique uses for his powers. Sanderson and Weichman joked about potentially silly uses for Gambit’s powers as well, such as charging up a walking stick and acting like a wizard. Gambit’s powers make for cool visuals as well.
Gambit’s evolution since his debut in 1990 has been one of the most gratifying to watch in the entire Marvel Universe, and the way he uses his powers reflects that.
Gambit’s evolution since his debut in 1990 has been one of the most gratifying to watch in the entire Marvel Universe, and the way he uses his powers reflects that. In Gambit’s first few years, he used his trademark playing cards as weapons. These “charged-up” cards were highly effective as weapons. These cards were light and easy to throw, especially for someone with Gambit’s training. This grew old, however, and later writers and artists began looking for more creative, fun ways to showcase Gambit’s power set. Mutants with energy-manipulation powers are common, but Gambit stands above the rest.
The MCU Will Hopefully Show Creative Uses for Gambit’s Powers
Channing Tatum’s Gambit will return forAvengers: Doomsday.
Gambit’s powers, when coupled with his charming and affable personality, have made him a true asset to theX-Men, justifyingBrandon Sanderson’spraise. While Gambit is powerful and cool, he still manages to fly under the mainstream’s radar, but that is poised to change now that the character has made his MCU debut, played by Channing Tatum. Gambit was one ofDeadpool and Wolverine’sbreakout characters. WhileGambitonly used playing cards in the film, it was still a cool showcase for his powers, and fans can hope he uses them more creatively in future MCU appearances.
