Gambit is one of the most belovedX-Menin the fandom, thanks in part to his undeniable cool factor and his wholly unique weapon of choice: playing cards charged with kinetic energy that explode when thrown. Now, this iconic weapon is receiving a HUGE upgrade, and we mean that quite literally.
By now, most DC and Marvel fans have heard about theupcomingBatman / Deadpoolcrossover, with both publishers releasing their own version and delivering two oversized issues. DC’s entry,DC / Marvel: Batman / Deadpool#1, arrives July 02, 2025, featuring creators like Joshua Williamson, Tom Taylor, Scott Snyder, G. Willow Wilson, Amanda Conner, and more.
Though its release is still months away, DC has already unveiled some standout crossover-themed variant covers; One of the most striking showsGambit commandeering an iconic Joker souvenir and transforming it into his latest weapon.
Gambit Repurposes Batman’s Giant Joker Card in Battle Against Robin
Main Cover by David Yardin forX-MEN ORIGINS: GAMBIT 1(2009) #1
Andy Kubert’s variant cover forDC / Marvel: Batman / Deadpool#1 shows Gambit and Robin facing off in the Batcave. It’s immediately clear that Gambit is using his surroundings to gain an edge, as he repurposes one of Batman’s most iconic trophies: the giant Joker card. The imagery perfectly captures Gambit’s clever resourcefulness and signature flair in combat.
Fans of the X-Men know Gambit’s playing cards are his trademark weapon and one of the most defining traits of his character. He charges them with kinetic energy using his mutant ability and throws them, creating explosive impacts. With Kubert’s variant cover, the gigantic Joker card becomes the ultimate upgrade to Gambit’s already iconic weapon, making it both clever and visually striking.
Given the monumental size of the Joker card, it’s clear this weapon would cause a massive and devastating explosion. Sadly, this concept only appears on a variant cover, meaning fans likely won’t see this Robin versus Gambit battle in the actual narrative. Still, imagining Gambit hurlingBatman’s oversized Joker cardat Robin is both a hilarious thought and an exciting“what if”scenario.
Okay, Let’s Be Honest. A Robin vs. Gambit Crossover Would Be Epic
Main Cover by Dan Mora forDC / Marvel: Batman / Deadpool#1 (2025)
WhileDC / Marvel: Batman / Deadpool#1has yet to hit shelves, this crossover special has already shown that the two comic juggernauts should consider doing more team-ups. The variant covers alone pitch some incredible narrative ideas, each of which would be amazing to see fully realized within the pages of an actual story rather than just as cover art.
For instance, Robin and Gambit battling in the Batcave would be beyond epic as a full story, especially since it raises the intriguing question of whether Gambit could truly defeat a teenager in tights. At the same time, universe-specific elements likeBatman’sJoker card trophy create fresh opportunities forGambit, adding exciting new twists to his powers and weaponry in this crossover setting.
DC / Marvel: Batman / Deadpool #1is available Aug 12, 2025, from DC Comics!
