Era #6, Part 15: Gambit Limited Series

Grade: D

We learned a little about Gambit's mysterious past in the X-Men / Ghost Rider crossover Brood Trouble in the Big Easy (Era #6, Part 04). In his first limited series, we get more insight into the X-Man's estranged relationship with his family in the Thieve's Guild and his wife's family in the Assassin's Guild. This four part arc takes place in the middle of Era #6, Part 14 between Uncanny X-Men #304 and X-Men (v2) #25 and introduces a new cast of supporting characters and another X-Ternal, Candra.

I liked the story a little less than I did the first time we traveled to the Big Easy. It is unoriginal, confusing, and uninteresting. Fortunately, Becca loved it, so I gave her all four issues to keep. I am glad she enjoys them.

[2-Stars] 1 - "Tithing" Henri LeBeau infiltrates the X-Mansion to ask for help from his brother, Gambit. Guild thieves are being killed as they prepare for "The Tithing". It is an ancient ceremony in which they receive the gift of immortal life from a benefactress through an agent calling himself the Tithe Collector. Julien Boudreaux is Gambit's brother-in-law and believed died. He is very much alive and killing thieves including Henri. Rogue joins Gambit for a trip to the Big Easy.

[2-Stars] 2 - "Honor Amongst Thieves" When Gambit and Rogue reach New Orleans, they hit the Assassin's Guild for answers and learn that Bella Donna is still alive. The defeated assassins watch the two X-Men take Gambit's comatose wife to a safer location. Gambit realizes that the Tithe Collector's gift to the Thieve's Guild, the Elixir of Life, is her only hope to be revived. He must travel to Paris to find the Candra, an X-Ternal with ties to Gideon and the Guilds' benefactress. Meanwhile, Julien visits the Assassin's Guild also after the Elixir of Life.

[2-Stars] 3 - "The Benefactress" Gambit's search for Candra in Paris is successful. She has a romantic past with the Cajun thief that ended badly, so she is not inclined to give him any of the Elixir of Life. Rogue stays in New Orleans to care for Bella Donna with Tante Mattie.

[2-Stars] 4 - "Thief of Time" Gambit and Julien have a final showdown at the Church of the Lost Thieves in New Orleans. Gambit wants the Elixir of Life to save Bella Donna, and Julien needs it to save himself. The Elixir gave Julien additional life, but it also made him visually hideous and addicted to the gift. The Thieve's Guild and the Assassin's Guild confront Candra about their long-standing pact.