Era #7, Part 15: Rogue Limited Series

Grade: C

We first learned of the arranged marriage between Gambit and Belladonna that was suppose to united the warring Assassins and Thieves Guilds. Gambit did not hold up his part of the bargain and eventually ended up with the X-Men (after befriending fellow thief, Storm back in Era #5, Part 08: Uncanny X-Men #265-269). It turns out Belladonna didn't actually die during their battle with the Brood, and Gambit needed the Elixer of Life to save her. This, of course, completely destroyed the tenuous truce between the Guilds (all part of Era #6, Part 15: Gambit Limited Series). During that adventure, Rogue accidentally touched Belladonna and learned about the assassin's secret love for Gambit. Embarrassed and enraged, Belladonna is now in a position to get her revenge.

While this is a sequel to the 1993 Gambit Limited Series, the story is really about Rogue. Her power robbed the life of her first love preventing her from ever forming romantic relationships again. Now that Gambit is in her life and making attempts to be with her, she needs to face what happened and hopefully move on. I made the mistake of assuming that this limited series is stand-alone, but it actually sets the stage for both Rogue and Gambit during Legion Quest (and beyond).

[3-Stars] 1 - "An Affair to Remember" Rogue takes a break from the X-Men to make her annual visit to Mississippi. She secretly visits Cody, the first boy she ever kissed. Her mutant power manifested with that kiss leaving Cody in a a coma. Meanwhile, the Assassins Guild mourns the death of their leader, and now that Belladonna leads them, she plans to use her newfound position to get revenge.

[3-Stars] 2 - "Choices" Belladonna have taken Cody to lure Rogue to New Orleans. Tante Mattie sends a message to Rogue promising to protect Cody if Rogue finds helps Gambit. The Cajun thief traveled to Louisiana to help Rogue, but the Assassin's Guild found him first. Meanwhile, Candra is back and persuades Belladonna recreate their pact.

[3-Stars] 3 - "The Gauntlet" Both Rogue and Gambit make their way to New Orleans despite attacks continued from the Assassin's Guild and warning from the Thieve's Guild.

[3-Stars] 4 - "Back to Life!" Candra pits Rogue against Belladonna. Rogue fights to save Cody and Tante Mattie while Belladonna fights to prevent Candra from destroying the Assassin's Guild and reestablish their pact.