By Tim Stevens
Vampires seem to be moments away from decimating the X-Men and possibly the whole of San Francisco. Hope for victory remains, but lies a caper unlike any other. On August 25, the plan comes together as writer Chuck Kim and artist Chris Bachalo merge the heist and the supernatural in the one-shot X-MEN: CURSE OF THE MUTANTS - STORM & GAMBIT.
Besides their mutant abilities, both Storm and Gambit bring years of experience in the art of the thieving to the table. Beyond aiding them in their pilferage, this commonality also helps the teammates to understand one another and work together effectively.
"While Storm is usually fairly serious and regal character, she and Gambit share a background," reminds Kim. "I wanted to show that Gambit brings out that part of her, especially when it's just the two of them."
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| X-MEN: CURSE OF THE MUTANTS - STORM & GAMBIT #1 black and white preview art by Chris Bachalo |
That level of honesty and connection will be more important than ever for the weather-wielding X-Man as this mission requires her to confront past demons, like her near ascension to Queen of the Vampires at Dracula's side.
"I pitched Storm in the vampire storyline specifically because of her history with Dracula," Kim admits. "She's not scared-I mean, she is freakin' Storm, right? But she also knows that she's flying straight into a nest of vampires."
Gambit, on the other hand, has not tangled with the undead to the same extent as his teammate. Not to worry, asserts Kim.
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| X-MEN: CURSE OF THE MUTANTS - STORM & GAMBIT #1 black and white preview art by Chris Bachalo |
Chris Bachalo will bring Kim's script to life, a situation the writer could not be happier about.
"When I found out that Chris Bachalo was drawing my story, I was over the moon," he gushes. "His style is so detailed but still has a beautifully ethereal presence. The idea was to really bring Storm and Gambit into a completely alien environment-the vampire's island-in both look and feel and his style was perfect to do just that."
Beyond the beauty he put on the pages, Bachalo also served as inspiration for Kim during the writing process.
"Without ruining any surprises, he gave a suggestion which led to one of my favorite scenes in the story," the writer reveals.
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| X-MEN: CURSE OF THE MUTANTS - STORM & GAMBIT #1 black and white preview art by Chris Bachalo |
"Let's face it, ordinary humans, even with guns, aren't going to be any match against Storm, much less Storm and Gambit," he asserts. "But have them take on hundreds of vampires who have super strength, regeneration, and flight in the vampires' own home base? Suddenly the X-Men become the underdogs."
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This was my favorite spinoff in a long time- great one-shot, insane art, and I really enjoyed Storm and Gambit's dialogue and how much characterization Kim and Bachalo managed to squeeze into what could of been just a quickie tie-in. I'd love to see them take on the characters again :) Thanks Marvel and Co! Great job!!!!!
Yeah- I'll do anything to get my Gambit fix. Gambit & Storm had a really natural, fun-loving friendship in the 90s. Glad to see it being represented again
HUGE Gambit fan like everyone and i can't to get my hands on this one. Gambit and Storm as one awesome duo and i have to see how this one will turn out
Bring back Marrow and this would be perfect!
This is SO cool! I love Gambit and Storm and I think its about time they get a little bit of the spotlight for once.:)