Warning: Spoilers for Uncanny X-Men #5Gambit has just revealed a major mystical upgrade to his powers, and I’ve already defined him as my top choice for Marvel’s next Sorcerer Supreme. With the Eye of Agamotto in his possession, Remy LeBeau became a valuable asset to the X-Menand now, as a fan, I’m begging Marvel to promote him to Sorcerer Supreme now that his evolution into a magic user is in full swing.
Mysterious X-Men #5 – written by Gail Simone, with art by David Marquez – pits Gambit and the X-Men as they face off against Sarah Gaunt’s monstrous followers. The team initially puts up a good fight, but it doesn’t take long for them to become outnumbered and overwhelmed. As a last resort, after using his potential final words to profess his love for Rogue, Gambit wields the Eye of Agamotto and releases a massive wave of green energy.
Against all odds, Gambit survives what should have been a fatal explosion from the Eye of Agamottosolidifying him as a promising magician in Marvel lore and my ideal choice for Sorcerer Supreme.
I believe Gambit’s ability to wield the Eye of Agamotto proves he could be the Sorcerer Supreme
Mysterious X-Men #5 – Written by Gail Simone; Art by David Márquez; Color by Matt Wilson; Clayton Cowles lyrics
Gambit first received his Eye of Agamotto power-up in Mysterious X-Men #1. In this issue, he stole it from the dragon Sadurang using his usual smooth-talking tricks to his advantage. Since then, I have been eagerly waiting to see him harness it in battle. Gambit typically uses his classic cards in battle, so mixing things up with something more magical in nature is an intriguing prospect. He has used this before during his fight with the Outliers, but it was accidental. Operating magic at will requires greater mystical proficiency – which Gambit has just demonstrated he possesses.
What makes this feat stand out to me as something Marvel should expand on is, more than anything, the fact that Gambit lives to tell the tale afterwards; Gambit doesn’t just use the Eye of Agamotto alone; he also survives the big explosion. He clearly intended to sacrifice himself – a possible nod to his death in the X-Men ’97 animated series – but its durability exceeds its expectations in the end. Gambit’s ability to successfully use the Sorcerer Supreme’s ancient relic affirms my belief that he is the prime candidate to inherit the role, as other magic users have done before him.
The supreme mantle of Marvel’s sorcerer should be passed on to Gambit next
A surprising Sorcerer Supreme, but not the strangest
In Marvel lore, the title “Sorcerer Supreme” is bestowed on the master of the mystical arts tasked with defending the Earth from the supernatural. The first Sorcerer Supreme was Agamotto himself, the creator of the aptly named Eye of Agamotto, which Gambit possesses. Countless Sorcerer Supremes have continued Agamotto’s mission to ward off the forces of darkness with the help of magic, with Doctor Strange being the best known. Now that Gambit has discovered his own magical power, I am convinced that he has what it takes to join this exceptional lineup, even if it is an unlikely option.
The last Sorcerer Supreme in the Marvel canon is a much stranger selection than Gambit, and I think Remy LeBeau has a chance to dethrone him if he plays his cards right.
Gambit would stand out as Sorcerer Supreme, considering his troubled past as King of Thieves and history with the X-Men, but he’s far from the most unexpected character to be a candidate for the role. For example, the mutant Magik became the Sorcerer Supreme of the Limbo dimension in one timeline, and Loki Laufeyson’s stint in the position shows that tricksters like Gambit can handle it. In fact, the last Sorcerer Supreme in the Marvel canon is a much stranger selection than Gambit, and I think Remy LeBeau has a chance to dethrone him if he plays his cards right.
Gambit is the perfect choice to replace Doctor Doom as Sorcerer Supreme
If Doctor Doom can be the Sorcerer Supreme, so can the X-Men’s Gambit
Doctor Doom is the current Sorcerer Supreme, having gained the title at the end of the Blood Hunt event. When Earth was invaded by vampires, only Doom knew how to put an end to this supernatural threat, but he demanded the role of Sorcerer Supreme in exchange for his help. Doctor Strange complied, and now Doctor Doom has become the world’s greatest sorcerer. With Doom’s takeover of the Marvel Universe approaching, his tenure as Sorcerer Supreme will likely end when he is thwarted by the heroes, presenting an important opportunity for Gambit to replace him.
I believe the Marvel Universe would benefit from letting a fresh face take on the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme. Gambit’s explosive powers and mastery of the Eye of Agamotto showcase his immense mystical potential.
Once Doctor Doom is defeated, it’s easy to assume that Doctor Strange will return to his old role. However, I believe the Marvel Universe would benefit from letting a fresh face take on the mantle of the Sorcerer Supreme. Gambit’s explosive powers and mastery of the Eye of Agamotto showcase his immense mystical potential. He could take on the role by integrating his thief skills, forging his own rebellious path. Gambitof Newfound magical side is an exciting upgrade to your existing arsenal, and I hope this classic X-Men the hero can explore it further as the next Sorcerer Supreme.
Strange X-Men #5 is now available from Marvel Comics.