Rogue & Gambit: Ring of Fire

Rogue & Gambit (Collected Editions) #1

by Kelly Thompson, Pere Pérez (Artist)

Everybody's favorite X-couple is reunited! And boy, are they not happy about that... Kitty Pryde must send Rogue and Gambit on an undercover mission to find a group of kidnapped mutants. What they discover on this mission will shock them. But will it also bring them closer together...? It's a high-stakes adventure caper that only the two hottest X-Men can deliver!
COLLECTING: ROGUE & GAMBIT 1-5

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Marvel, X Men, Superheroes, Romance, Comic Book

112 pages, Paperback

First published July 17, 2018

About the author

KELLY THOMPSON has a degree in Sequential Art from The Savannah College of Art & Design. Her love of comics and superheroes have compelled her since she first discovered them as a teenager. Currently living in Portland, Oregon with her boyfriend and the two brilliant cats that run their lives, you can find Kelly all over the Internet where she is generally well liked, except where she's detested.

Kelly has published two novels - THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE KING (2012) and STORYKILLER (2014) and the graphic novel HEART IN A BOX from Dark Horse Comics (2015). She's currently writing ROGUE & GAMBIT, HAWKEYE, and PHASMA for Marvel Comics and GHOSTBUSTERS for IDW. Other major credits include: A-Force, Captain Marvel & The Carol Corps, Jem and The Holograms, Misfits, Power Rangers Pink, and the creator-owned mini-series Mega Princess.

Kelly's ambitions are eclipsed only by her desire to exist entirely in pajamas. Fortunately pajamas and writers go hand in hand (most of the time). Please buy all her stuff so that she can buy (and wear) more pajamas.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is really a fun and cute romance-y sort of comic for fans of Rogue & Gambit's on-again/off-again relationship.



The villain is fairly stupid and her motivations are extremely murky, but if you know that going into this one it may not be so bad. Think of Ring of Fire as more of a rom-com(ic) and less of an action comic, I guess. But for what it is, I thought it was adorable.



So, due to convenient plot stuff, Rogue and Gambit get sent on a mission to pose as a couple seeking relationship therapy on this island full of suspicious goings-on.



If you think this is the sort of story that has these two snipping at each other while secretly pining for the other's affection, then you've kinda hit the nail on the head. If that's not your bag, skip this one. I'm a sucker for that sort of stuff, though.
Recommended for fans of the kissy-face stories.

[Khurram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok I admit it I am biased. Gambit is my favorite X-MAN. The noticed the spark between him and Rogue from the first episode of the 90s X-MEN cartoon series. Getting into the comics seeing all the history between the two of them made me want them to be together even more. Now with so many of my childhood/comic book couples broken up nostalgia get the better of me with these two.

Romeo and Juilet have nothing on these two. With all their ups and downs, the perfect mission come up where these two can do some good as well as work out some of their issues. Some physical therapy as well. The art work is ok to good and the story is good, you would not mind a few more fights and if this was anyone else (with the exception of Peter and Mary Jane Watson), I probably would have given this 4 stars but is it Rogue and Gambit this is a must have for any fan of these two. There is a cover of each issue cover and a variant version but there is no cover gallery at the end. A good comics that gets an extra star for my biased opinion and nostalgic mood.

[Baba · Rating 3 out of 5]

20. Years. Too. Late.

Very well told, in regards to their relationship and looking back at it, but WTF... SPOILER ALERT... Why the frakk has Rogue got to apologise for their failure for that big fallout in the past?... that's BS. That's Marvel caving into the fan boys who massively sided with genocide accomplice Gambit at the time. In Antartica Gambit was revealed to have led the Marauders to the massacre of 100s of mutants. A massacre. Not sure why Rogue is apologising for that or for being unable to open up... childhood trauma with her power anybody? The Rogue that evolved from the Uncanny Avengers seems to have disappeared? BUT it did capture 1990s Rogue & Gambit perfectly... shame its 2019. 6 out of 12.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised how much I liked this. Gambit and Rogue have been on the outs for years, to the point where I quit giving a crap about the two of them getting together. Rogue even recently made out with Deadpool in Uncanny Avengers, so I expected this to feel very forced. But Kelly Thompson did a very good job of revisiting key moments of their past and having them work through their issues. It was actually pretty great seeing them revisit key moments from their time in the Uncanny X-Men, the first time they met (on Muir Island), the first time they had sex (in Antarctica), at the wedding of Cyclops and Phoenix. Pere Perez's art has a very classic feel to it. All in all, a pleasant surprise.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

ROGUE AND GAMBIT GO TO COUPLES THERAPY THAT IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW OH MY GOSH I GOT INTO THE X-MEN IN THE 1990's ENTIRELY BECAUSE OF THEM AND THE SATURDAY MORNING CARTOON THIS IS EVERYTHING I EVER WANTED.

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rogue is my absolute favourite character so of course I went into this extremely biased! I loved it, especially the flashbacks and references to so many of the traumatic and often bizzare things she and Gambit have being through. They are a couple with deep trust issues and this really explores them.

[Molly™☺ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice trip down Rogue x Gambit memory lane that successfully showcases their relationship in a romcom-esque form. The chemistry simply oozes off the page with witty banter and visual attraction. Unfortunately, the plot and villain leave plenty to be desired, but the dynamic between the titular two provides enough substance to maintain reader engagement.

[Subham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good book and I loved it omg.

I have fond memories of it reading as it was coming out and man again reading it was a delight. The story is simple, Rogue ad Gambit go to an island which seems to be be trapping mutants and so they have to act as a married couple and all that and when past problems surface and tensions arise again, plus all of their past incarnations becomes real, what will they do to get out of it? Will flames be lit again? And the debut of a new enemy in "Lavish".

Its a fun story and really will be lovely to you as a long time reader of these character and feels like a natural progression and what follows here is awesome and I loved every moment of it, be it the call out to past continuity or the big tension between them or how Gambit is heads-over-hill in love with her and Rogue being overpowered by the end which was a fitting ending. The villain is mostly a plot device but still gets good moments but its the story of them falling in love again which made me love the whole god damn thing!! I highly recommend it!

[johnny ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

the only valid cishet couple.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An overall quick, refreshing story that examines Rogue and Gambit's tumultuous past with a surprise ending. I'm a sucker for any romance story, so count me in.

[Lorellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I will frustrate you, I will anger you, I will absolutely turn you on, mon coeur, but I'm the kind of man who won't leave. Even when it hurts".

Fast paced, beautifully illustrated, wildly romantic. Definitely recommend this quick shot of X-Men.

[fer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nunca vi tanto tesao num quadrinho da marvel KKKKKKKKK

Fiquei meio obcecada com eles dps de assistir xmen 97 *musiquinha im just a girl de fundo*

[Amanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so maybe I'm biased. I already fell in love with kelly Thomson's writing after her Hawkeye run. I already love rogue. And I already love when super heros get to be super while dealing with mundane every day stuff like relationship troubles. But maybe, none of that would matter cause this is a freaking great book!

Relationships in comics aren't usually explored in this amount of detail. 5 whole issues dedicated to a couple attending a therapy retreat is not common marvel canon. But I absolutely loved getting to know these characters and how they work together. Their emotions about themselves and who they are as both individuals and as a pair were truly heartwarming and relatable. It's so refreshing to actually be rooting for a couple and to know why more than the writer put them next to each other and therefore they should love each other.

In addition to all the romance and dare I say super sexy tension between rogue and gambit there is a lot of fun action. I always get excited when a bad guy is perfectly tailored to the super hero fighting them. Rogue is the only one who can take the emotional and mental hits in this unique situation. Rogue is the star here and gambit loves her for it. He is never intimidated by her and is fully supportive of her ideas and actions and she is able to lean on him when she gets overwhelmed. This is a couple I can't wait to see more of.

[Lenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her review, Anne calls this miniseries a rom-com(ic) and she couldn't be more spot on. Even though the plot and villain only serve to get Rogue and Gambit focused on their relationship, it's a charming and genuine exploration of two people who love each other, but have a lot of history, their own issues, and don't fully realize how much they've hurt, but also how much they mean, to each other. The "couples retreat paradise" is of course a front for something more shady, but it's also a setup for Rogue and Gambit to work through their issues and confront their past selves, literally. It's rather thin at times, but on the whole, it works.

This is a must for Rogue and Gambit fans - I've had a soft spot for them since the animated series, and I heard their voices from the show the entire time. Thompson has a lock on their individual voices and witty banter together, and it's a delight. (And Gambit's French pet names for Rogue are adorable.) The story draws on a few moments from past comics I hadn't read, but it's still easy enough to enjoy. (I'm now using this handy guide to go back and read some of those comics - and yep, those outfits were all real.) Thompson beautifully balances the amusement of Remy and Rogue in therapy, and a thoroughly contrived villain, with a genuine and thoughtful arc as they learn to become more vulnerable and understand one another.

Kris Anka is one of my favorite comic book artists and he just does magic with these covers. The man draws romantic stuff like no one else. I mean LOOK AT THIS. MAGIC. CHERE.


(note: I think #5 on the right is an homage to X-Men #24 by Andy Kubert!)

When Anka's online store is up again this year I hope "Rogue and Gambit wallpaper" is a purchasable item. But I don't mean to detract from Pere Perez's work which is also gorgeous, beautifully capturing Rogue and Gambit's chemistry (Thompson lets Perez's art speak for itself in several spreads, wordless moments of their past and romantic scenes, and it's gorgeous), and he nails the fight scenes with tons of past Rogues and Gambits. D'Amarta does a lovely job with the colors between therapy, paradise and evil lab.

All around this is a fun and easy book about two characters I love and who love each other, and looking forward to more in Thompson's Mr. & Mrs. X.

[These Violent Delights (Robin) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Expectations Going In: High
Level of Enjoyment: Favorite
Able to Connect With the Characters? Yes
Did I Like the Romance? Hell Yes! Rogue and Gambit are one of my all time favorite couples.
Will I Be Continuing the Series? Yes!

What I Liked:
*Rogue (she is a Queen!)
*Gambit


What I Didn't Like:
*Can't think of anything at the moment

Would I Recommend?Yes

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was pretty cool. I liked how since Rogue and Gambit have this complicated relationship, Kitty Pryde sends them undercover to a couples retreat to investigate some strange happenings there. The villain was kind of lame but it was cool seeing Remy and Rogue work thru their history and save the day at the same time.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why is everything I read by this author just meh?

[Renata · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Read as single issues)
omg, so fun and charming, love these dirtbags

[Chris Lemmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rogue and Gambit are sent on a mission that only they of all the X-Men are equipped for- couples therapy. But the creepy island that the resort is based on isn't quite all it seems, and soon they're losing their memories, and their powers. Can the starcrossed lovers sort through their sordid past in order to save each other, and themselves?

I really really really wanted to give this five stars, I did. But there's just one thing that stops it being perfect.

Kelly Thompson's dialogue is absolutely top notch. There IS a lot of it, but it's never to the point of talking around in circles; every exchange either pushes the story forward, or helps Rogue and Gambit come to terms with what they've been through. Plus some of it's very funny, because even when they're fighting the pair can't stop flirting. I also appreciate that neither characters' accent is too heavy, which can sometimes be the case.

I don't know a huge amount of X-Men history, but I expect there are a lot of nods to the long and winding relationship that these two have had. Thompson handles it well to the point where even if you don't know the specifics, you can see how much these two love each other, and how much it hurts them both as well.

The issue unfortunately is the villain. Their motivation is extremely murky, and their plan feels half-baked and incomplete. It's mostly just a vehicle to put Rogue and Gambit through their paces which is fine, but they need to have some kind of substance to them otherwise they're just a strawman (which is literally the case as well). That's what drops the final star, unfortunately.

On art is Pere Perez, who keeps on impressing me every time I see his work. Some of the double page spreads are gorgeous, and I really enjoy how both he and colourist Frank D'Armata are able to adjust their style for the flashbacks so that they seem visually distinct without bringing in a new artist.

Fans of Rogue & Gambit are in for a treat here, and even those with only a passing acquaintance with them like myself will thoroughly enjoy what Kelly Thompson puts them through. It's a shame that their foil isn't quite as well developed as their relationship.

[Will Robinson Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feels like the X-men of old. This book really took me back to when I was a young buck growing up in the late 80s and early 9os. When Fox Kids had the most amazing kids cartoon shows. Shows like Batman the Animated series, Spider-man, Dragon Ball Z and of course "X-men". X-men without a doubt got me into comics. One of the key elements that make the X-men tick is the personal drama between many of the team members. At its core X-men scribes John Byrne & Chris Claremont created some well written soap opera drama between many of the X-men dating couples. One of my personal favorite couples has always been Rogue & Gambit. The idea about a man and a woman loving each other so much but they could not physically touch always intrigue me. Throughout the years Rogue and Gambit's relationship has had many ups and downs. I mean they have been foes, friends , and lovers. I must admit I haven't read much of Kelly Thompson's Marvel writing so this probably my first book from her. Thompson writes Gambit and Rogue really well. She understands how Rogue and Gambit see one another. I really enjoyed the throwbacks to Rogue & Gambit's pivotal moments in Marvel comic history. The artwork and colors were okay as well. The story felt like an episode of the old animated series. I highly recommend X-men fans give this series a try.

[Nancy O'Toole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gambit and Rogue are a pair with a lot of emotional baggage, baggage that they will have to sort through when their latest mission places them undercover as a couple going through marital therapy! The pair will have to stay the course if they want to locate a group kidnapped mutants, but will they be able to stomach the truths that they unearth in the process?

I have a real weakness for superhero romances, so when I heard that Rogue and Gambit were going to have a graphic novel based around their relationship, I was intrigued. The result is just what I wanted, a story that takes a deep dive into a decades-old emotional bond between two loveable characters, while not skimping on the cool, show stopping action sequence at the end. I loved this book to itty bity pieces, and would highly recommend it.

[Sia 🦢✧.* · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was adorable

[Jesús · Rating 4 out of 5]

An action-romance mini-series by one of the rising stars of corporate comics, Kelly Thompson. I was a big fan of her Hawkeye and of her West Coast Avengers books, and this book stands tall right beside them.

While the villain herself is pretty forgettable, the setting and circumstances of Rogue and Gambit’s adventure work beautifully for the characters. It’s a book that’s also made better by having a firmly defined beginning, middle, and end. While Gambit’s double-entendres get old quickly, the chemistry between the two characters is as strong as it's ever been.

Most impressively of all, it’s a book that is unafraid to apply some stylistic, visual flourishes in service of strong storytelling. The first two pages, while not earth-shattering in terms of visual conventions, push the boundaries beyond what most corporate comics (DC, Marvel, Image, etc.) attempt. Elsewhere, we see other similar flourishes by Thompson and artist Pere Pérez. It’s that rare book that is sentimental without being schmaltzy and sincere without being overly serious.

Thompson is one of the few creators in corporate comics whose work I keep an eye out for, and it’s treasures like Rogue & Gambit that justify the extra attention. And for all of the accolades that Hickman’s new take on the X-Men has earned, I have to say that I ultimately enjoy Thompson’s take more.

[Philip · Rating 4 out of 5]

4ish stars.

A little convenient fixing 30+ years of sketchy relationship issues in one volume, especially when Rogue ends up taking ownership of way more of the baggage than she should. But I’m here for it. Love these two and love the writing. Gotta check out more Kelly Thompson. It’s too bad I didn’t love the art.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always been a sucker for Rogue and Gambit. This was just straight up fun. Hopefully, there will be more in the future.

Content warning: some language and sex, though you don't really see anything.

[Morgan Le Fay ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mini series fully dedicated to Rogue and Gambit, capturing all their critical relationship moments by dropping them at a therapy resort for couples (on an undercover mission, but the feelings are all real).

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has kickstarted my deep and undying love for Rogue and Gambit. I need to consume every piece of media they’re in, right now.

[☮ morgan ☮ · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was everything <3

[Kenali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rogue has been my favorite superhero since I was a kid. After all the x-men movies did to Rogue's story and character I have been very bitter about the x-men stories but this one was so good! I loved it! I need more of these two. They have so much chemistry and such a complex history.

[Sara-Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had me kicking my feet and giggling like a fool. It’s more character-focused than action-focused, which will always be my preference, but still has a satisfying amount of face punching. Will not be updating goodreads every reread like I usually do because it’s no one’s business but my own if I read this comic four more times this month.