At last - a week when the number of X-books is down to sensible levels.  And by "sensible levels" I mean "three."  Of course, the only reason it's down so low is because there's a fifth week event on, and not much else is shipping.  But it's a respite from the deluge, if nothing else.

Speaking of the deluge, the completely superfluous Gambit series continues.  Last month, I sat down to write the review, couldn't remember a single thing that had happened in the book, and had to read it again.  This month, exactly the same thing.  Not a good sign.

And it's the same problem - the reason I can't remember anything that happened is because there's virtually nothing to remember.  Six-part opening storylines in Marvel titles tend to be painfully overextended, and thank god we seem to be moving away from them.  But even by the glacial standards of recent years, this is a bad one.

Once again, there's a lot of wandering around New Orleans being introduced to supporting characters.  Last issue, Gambit was hired to steal some playing cards.  This issue, he gets a local hacker to provide him with the security details, and does a favour for her in return - one that seems to have no bearing at all on the rest of the plot, but helpfully kills half an issue.  There's some vaguely ominous stuff about demons, and on the last page, somebody finally gets around to explaining why anyone would want the cards in the first place.

It would be going too far to say that the book has no direction.  Gambit does at least have a clear goal - steal the cards and give them to Lili - and he's taking steps to achieve them.  But by god, it's taking its time to get there.  We're two issues in, and we've had about enough plot to fill three quarters of issue #1.  This is far, far too slow. 

Gambit is meant to be a fun, lively character.  This book should have energy - where is it?

Rating: C

back | continue