Gambit, known for his charm and reputation as a ladies’ man, has had a long list of romantic entanglements throughout his time in the Marvel universe. From fleeting encounters to intense relationships where he risks everything for love, Gambit’s journey through romance includes some of the most memorable figures, such as Rogue and Bella Donna. However, there remains a host of lesser-known love interests that deserve recognition, revealing the complexity and excitement of Gambit’s love life.
Gambit’s relationships showcase a spectrum of commitment that is both exhilarating and tumultuous. Fans often focus on his intense connection with Rogue; however, many other characters have captured his heart, each contributing to the thrilling narrative of his romantic escapades. This article will examine ten notable but often overlooked figures in Gambit’s love life.
10
Dr. Cecilia Reyes
Debuted in X-Men #65 by Scott Lobdell, Carlos Pacheco, Art Thibert, Liquid!, Christian Lichtner, Aron Lusen, and Richard Starkings
Dr. Cecilia Reyes, a talented physician from New York, has always dreamt of practicing medicine. Alongside her medical expertise, she possesses the unique ability to create a psioplasmic bio-field around herself. While working together in the Astonishing X-Men, she develops a romantic relationship with Gambit. Their partnership initially appears mismatched, as Reyes embodies intelligence and professionalism while Gambit grapples with his less honorable past as a thief. Nonetheless, both characters struggle with their roles as reluctant superheroes, drawing them closer.
9
Alexandra Davies
Debuted in Wolverine / Gambit: Victims #1 by Jeph Loeb, Tim Sale, Gregory Wright, Digital Chameleon, and Richard Starkings
Before joining the X-Men, Gambit’s path crossed with British police officer Alexandra Davies during a tense story arc involving the thief Yukio. After Davies frames Gambit for a theft to conceal her own, she collaborates with him to uncover the truth. Despite their chemistry, Alexandra ultimately rejects Gambit due to his criminal lifestyle. Tragically, her story ends when she is killed while investigating a conspiracy involving Wolverine.
8
Storm
Debuted in Giant-Size X-Men #1 by Len Wein, Dave Cockrum, Glynis Oliver, and John Costanza
The first X-Men member Gambit befriends is Storm, whom he aids in escaping from the Shadow King. Their bond evolves over multiple realities in the Exiles series, where each version of Gambit and Storm expresses timeless affection for one another. Some fans argue that their love story is even deeper than that of Gambit and Rogue, claiming they share a soulmate connection. In alternate timelines, they even have a daughter named Medea, who inherits her mother’s weather manipulation powers.
7
Frenzy
Frenzy, a mutant with formidable powers including super strength and agility, has a complicated relationship with Gambit. Initially introduced as a mercenary aligned with Magneto, she frequently finds herself in conflict with Gambit and the X-Men. Despite their adversarial interactions, there are underlying tensions in their dynamic that suggest a deeper emotional connection, marked by moments of mystery and mutual attraction.
6
To the river
Debuted in Gambit #1 by James Asmus, Clay Mann, Seth Mann, Rachelle Rosenberg, and Cory Petit
Gambit’s relationship with Joelle begins during his criminal escapades, where they assist each other during heists. Their dynamic leads them on various adventures—from their first encounter in a vault to breaking into a museum, uncovering their shared interests along the way. Unfortunately, Joelle’s character takes a dark turn when it’s revealed that she consumes a lethal chemical, intended to grant herself immortality, that ultimately leads to her demise.
5th
Moon
Debuted in Gambit #1 by Howard Mackie, Lee Weeks, Klaus Janson, Steve Buccellato, and Richard Starkings
Candra is a complex character, an immortal mutant and the founder of the Thieves and Assassins Guild. Her relationship with Gambit dates back to his past in Europe, where they shared a passionate affair without knowing her true nature as the Guild’s manipulator. Gambit’s eventual betrayal to save Bella Donna strained their connection, leading to Candra’s ultimate demise at the hands of Cyclops and Storm.
4
Lila Cheney
Debuted in New Mutants Annual #1 by Chris Claremont, Bob McLeod, Tom Palmer, and Bob Sharen
In the Age of Apocalypse storyline, Lila Cheney becomes Gambit’s romantic partner, showcasing a stark contrast to his history with Rogue. Their relationship is marked by dedicated loyalty, as Gambit joins forces with other mutant thieves to avert a catastrophic timeline. In a significant moment, he must make a harrowing choice: save Lila or sacrifice her to protect the universe. His decision to save Lila underscores the depth of their bond.
3
Beautiful Woman
Debuted in X-Men #8 by Scott Lobdell, Jim Lee, Art Thibert, Joe Rosas, and Tom Orzechowski
Bella Donna, the daughter of the leader of the Assassins’ Guild, has a deep-rooted connection with Gambit from their childhoods. Their love story begins with an arranged marriage designed to unite their conflicting guilds. However, their relationship becomes tumultuous after Gambit kills her brother in a duel, leading to his exile from New Orleans. Despite this, their paths continue to intersect, demonstrating that their bond can withstand significant challenges.
2
Genevieve Darceneaux
Debuted in X-Men #33 by Fabian Nicieza, Andy Kubert, Matt Ryan, Digital Chameleon, and Bill Oakley
Known for her infamy as a jewelry thief, Genevieve Darceneaux caught Gambit’s eye when he was tasked to retrieve the L’Etroile du Tricherie, a significant necklace. The two engage in a playful romance, but as Gambit navigates his guild initiation, distractions arise, leading to a dramatic twist. Ultimately, a confrontation with Sabretooth forces Gambit to prioritize family over the jewel, exemplifying the thrill and complexity of his romantic escapades.
1
Rogue
Debuted in The Avengers Annual #10 by Chris Claremont, Michael Golden, Josef Rubinstein, Dave Simons, Armando Gil, and Joe Rosen
The love story between Gambit and Rogue is iconic among Marvel fans. Their relationship is fraught with challenges, primarily due to Rogue’s fears of harming Gambit through her powers, compounded by Gambit’s elusive past. Despite numerous trials and separations, their connection remains strong, culminating in a marriage after facing their issues through couples therapy. Even post-marriage, their adventures continue as professional heroes, underscoring that while love may conquer challenges, the journey is ongoing.
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