X-Men Unlocks Gambit’s New Magical Power, and It Gives Him Sorcerer Supreme Potential

Warning: Spoilers for Uncanny X-Men #5Gambit just unveiled a major mystical upgrade to his powers, and I’ve already locked him in as my top pick for Marvel’s next Sorcerer Supreme. With the Eye of Agamotto in his possession, Remy LeBeau has become a valuable asset to the X-Men, and 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.

Uncanny 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 isn’t long before they’re outnumbered and overpowered. As a last resort, after using his potential final words to profess his love for Rogue, Gambit wields the Eye of Agamotto and unleashes an enormous surge of green energy.

Against all odds, Gambit lives through what should have been a fatal explosion from the Eye of Agamotto, solidifying 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 Sorcerer Supreme

Uncanny X-Men #5 – Written By Gail Simone; Art By David Marquez; Color By Matt Wilson; Lettering By Clayton Cowles

Gambit first received his Eye of Agamotto power-up in Uncanny X-Men #1. In that issue, he stole it from the dragon Sadurang by using his usual smooth-talking trickery to his advantage. Since then, I’ve been waiting with bated breath to see him harness it in battle. Gambit typically uses his classic trading cards in battle, so mixing things up with something more magical in nature is an intriguing prospect. He’s used it before during his fight with the Outliers, but that was accidental. Operating magic at will requires a greater amount of mystical proficiency – which Gambit just demonstrated he has.

What makes this feat stand out to me as something Marvel should expand upon is, more than anything, the fact that Gambit lives to tell the tale afterward; Gambit not only uses the Eye of Agamotto on his own; he also survives the massive blast. He’d clearly intended to sacrifice himself – a possible nod to his death in the X-Men ’97 animated series – but his durability exceeds his expectations in the end. Gambit’s ability to successfully use the Sorcerer Supreme’s ancient relic affirms my belief that he’s a prime contender to inherit the role, like other magic users have before him.

Marvel’s Sorcerer Supreme Mantle Should Be Passed To Gambit Next

A Surprising Sorcerer Supreme, But Not The Strangest

In Marvel lore, the title of “Sorcerer Supreme” is granted to the master of the mystic arts who is tasked with defending Earth from the supernatural. The very first Sorcerer Supreme was Agamotto himself, the creator of the aptly named Eye of Agamotto, which Gambit holds. Countless Sorcerer Supremes have carried on Agamotto’s mission to fend off dark forces with the aid of magic, with Doctor Strange being the most well-known. Now that Gambit has uncovered his own magical power, I’m convinced he has what it takes to join this exceptional lineup, even if he is an unlikely option.

Gambit would stand out as Sorcerer Supreme, considering his scrappy background as the King of Thieves and history with the X-Men, but he’s far from the most unexpected character to be a candidate for the position. For instance, mutant Magik has become Sorcerer Supreme of the Limbo dimension in one timeline, and Loki Laufeyson’s stint in the position shows that tricksters like Gambit can manage it. In fact, the latest Sorcerer Supreme in Marvel canon is a far more outlandish selection than Gambit, and I think Remy LeBeau has a shot at dethroning him if he plays his cards right.

Gambit Is the Perfect Choice to Replace Doctor Doom As Sorcerer Supreme

If Doctor Doom Can Be Sorcerer Supreme, So Can X-Men’s Gambit

Doctor Doom is the current Sorcerer Supreme, having claimed the title at the end of the Blood Hunt event. When the Earth was overrun with vampires, only Doom knew how to end this otherworldly threat, but he demanded the role of Sorcerer Supreme in exchange for his assistance. Doctor Strange obliged, and now Doctor Doom has stepped up as the world’s greatest sorcerer. With Doom’s takeover of the Marvel Universe drawing near, his tenure as Sorcerer Supreme will most likely end once he’s thwarted by the heroes, presenting a key opportunity for Gambit to replace him.

Once Doctor Doom is defeated, it’s easy to assume that Doctor Strange will return to his former role. However, I believe the Marvel Universe would benefit from letting a fresh face take the Sorcerer Supreme mantle. Gambit’s explosive powers and mastery of the Eye of Agamotto showcase his immense mystic potential. He could make the role his own by integrating his thief skills, forging his own rebellious path. Gambit‘s newfound magical side is a thrilling upgrade to his existing arsenal, and I hope this classic X-Men hero gets to explore it further as the next Sorcerer Supreme.

Uncanny X-Men #5 is available now from Marvel Comics.