The first trailer for X-Men ’97 ended with a dramatic shot featuring two popular X-Men. The agile Gambit jumped on the back of Wolverine, and charged his adamantium claws with explosive energy. While this was an impressive display, it prompted discussion as to whether it was possible by the rules of the comics. The debate continued even after context for the power stunt was added following the first episode’s premiere.
Gambit’s Powers Explained in X-Men ’97
Gambit’s Mutant power is deceptively complex, despite his seemingly simply making things explode with a touch in X-Men ’97. The technical explanation for his power is that Gambit converts the potential energy in an object into kinetic energy. Gambit can also accelerate the kinetic energy of objects already in motion. (This explains why he can throw his trademark playing cards so far.) Beyond that, Gambit can manipulate the kinetic energy of his own body, becoming faster and more agile than he already is as a master thief.
Traditionally, the only limit to Gambit’s power is that he can only charge inorganic materials. This was confirmed most famously during his fight with Captain America in Avengers vs. X-Men. There have been some exceptions to this, such as when he seemed to charge his own fists during a fight. However, this may have been a side-effect of his ability to manipulate his own kinetic energy. In either case, there still remains some question as to how Gambit could charge Wolverine’s claws in X-Men ’97 and why it wouldn’t make Wolverine explode.
Wolverine’s Claws in X-Men ’97 Explained
The nature of Wolverine’s adamantium claws has changed considerably over time. Originally, the claws were surgically installed when Wolverine was forced into the Weapon X program. However, the 2001 miniseries Origin gave Wolverine bone claws as a child, which were later said to be coated with adamantium by Weapon X.
It is unclear whether Wolverine’s claws are implants or bones coated with adamantium in X-Men ’97. However, it doesn’t really matter. In either case, Gambit would be able to charge the adamantium without fear of harming Wolverine, thanks to the Canadian hero’s healing factor.
How Can Gambit Only Charge Wolverine’s Claws?
Granting that Gambit is capable of charging the inorganic adamantium in Wolverine’s body, there is still another question to consider. Namely, how is it that Gambit only charges Wolverine’s claws rather than his entire adamantium skeleton? Thankfully, the diagrams of Wolverine’s body from the comics offer an explanation.
Whether his claws are bone or adamantium implants, multiple illustrated x-rays show that his claws do not connect to his skeleton. If that is the case, then Gambit wouldn’t have to worry about charging all the adamantium in Wolverine’s body by accident. He could safely charge Wolverine’s claws without issue.
Another explanation is that Gambit might not have had time to charge Wolverine’s entire body, even if he wished to do so. It has been shown in the comics that it takes time for Gambit to charge large objects and objects made of dense materials. Given the molecular density of adamantium, it’s likely Gambit could only charge Wolverine’s claws in the time given in X-Men ’97.
Why Do Gambit and Wolverine Combine Their Powers?
The X-Men have a tradition of power combos, combining their abilities in different ways. The most famous of these is the Fastball Special when a super-strong Mutant throws Wolverine into action. However, there is little obvious tactical advantage ot Gambit charging Wolverine’s claws. While it looks impressive, adamantium is one of the strongest substances in the Marvel universe. There is little Wolverine cannot take apart with his claws, given time.
However, a close examination of the full fight scene in the first episode of X-Men ’97 explains it all. When Wolverine charges Master Mold, he does not explode upon impact. Instead, he streaks past the giant Sentinel, slashing it and then causing its head to explode. This implies that Gambit was using his powers to enhance Wolverine’s speed rather than turn him into a living bomb.
The first two episodes of X-Men ’97 are now streaming on Disney Plus.
