Gambit, one of the X-men’s most well-known and beloved members, gets his due in this well-told and well-crafted origin tale.  Mike Carey, author, smartly focuses on a few salient eposides in Gambit’s life rather than belaboring one moment.  Carey weaves two great moments together, Gambit’s wedding and the first use of his powers.  Throughout each story, Gambit’s personality shines with an arrogant swagger and the tenderness of man who can’t resist the women.  Gambit and Mr. Sinister’s connection was brilliantly executed and could easily be a mini-series.  Carey’s strength with each vignette is ending with the reader wanting more.

The artistic team of David Yardin, Ibraim Roberson and Nathan Fairbairn hit this one out of the park.  The quality is on par with a flagship title rather than a one shot.  This book is beautifully penciled, inked and colored.  Sharp detailed lines are accented by dynamic colors and paneling.

This is what an X-Men Origin story should be.  I can only hope that future installments are this good.

4 out of 5