A new and jaw-dropping Gambit cosplay just seriously raised the bar for the fandom. Since his introduction 35 years ago, Gambit has become one of the most popular of the X-Men, and has appeared in various spin-off media as well. Gambit is a favorite of cosplayers, but a new cosplay photo shoot absolutely blows the lid off everything that has come before.

Gambit was created by Chris Claremont and Jim Lee.

In the Marvel Subreddit, cosplayer AShogunNamedBlue unveiled his awesome Gambit cosplay. Consisting of just one photo for the time being, AShogunNamedBlue is dressed up in Gambit’s classic duds, consisting of a bodysuit and a trenchcoat. While the costume itself is comics’ accurate and impressive, what separates this particular cosplay from the rest is that AShogunNamedBlue has added effects. He has nailed Gambit’s glowing red eyes, as well as the character’s love of playing cards. Gambit’s playing cards float in front of him, as if he is shuffling the deck, looking for a card to use as a weapon.

Gambit is One of the Most Popular X-Men , and For Good Reason

Gambit Has Been Essential In X-Men Spinoff Media

Gambit is an icon of the X-Men franchise, and his character’s progression through the Marvel Universe has given him this status. Originally introduced as one of the many “mysterious loners” that were popular in the X-Men’s world, Gambit would eventually be revealed as a caring and loyal man, as well as a devoted husband to Rogue. While it has not been easy for Gambit in his life, and there have been stumbles along the way, he has nevertheless proved himself worthy of the title of “hero.” His energy-based powers make him an asset to the X-Men.

Gambit’s popularity has ensured that he has appeared in spin-off media based on the X-Men, which have introduced him to mainstream audiences.

Gambit’s popularity has ensured that he has appeared in spin-off media based on the X-Men, which have introduced him to mainstream audiences. A mere two years after his debut, Gambit appeared in The X-Men cartoon that aired from 1992 to 1997, and was central to its revival last year. He appeared in other X-Men cartoons, and was slated to receive his own feature film, starring Channing Tatum. While the sale of Fox to Disney scuttled these plans, Tatum still returned as the character in last year’s Deadpool and Wolverine. His appearance was so well-received he is returning for Avengers: Doomsday.

Gambit Is a Favorite Among Cosplayers As Well

AShogunNamedBlue's Gambit Cosplay Outdoes Everyone Else

Gambit’s popularity among both comic fans and mainstream audiences has ensured he is a favorite of cosplayers as well. It is not hard to find fans dressed up as Gambit at comic conventions, and Instagram, Reddit and other sources are flush with cosplay based on him. Gambit’s costume is rather simple, and can be recreated with a trenchcoat. Faithful cosplayers take it a step further by duplicating Gambit’s signature bodysuit, and adding playing cards and a staff for good measure.

And AShoguNamed Blue has raised the bar considerably for future Gambit cosplayers. While most cosplayers faithfully recreate Gambit’s look, such as his coat, bodysuit, staff or playing cards, AShoGun has one-upped them all by using digital effects to take his shoot up a notch. The glowing eyes are a nice touch, and even add an eerie atmosphere to the shoot. The playing cards add even more flair, especially since they are glowing, meaning Gambit might be ready to unleash his powers. AShogunNamedBlue revealed even more photos were on the way, all sure to be awesome.

Source: Reddit