Uncanny X-Men #266 CGC 9.8 WP SS Joe Rubenstein, Chris Claremont, 2nd appearance and first cover of Gambit (cert 8001)

Why it's Hot:

• 2nd appearance and first cover of Gambit
• 1st chronological appearance of Gambit in-story / in-continuity
• X-Men Annual #14 went on sale three weeks before this issue and is often considered the first cameo appearance of Gambit
• This would imply that his appearance is brief though he appears in 15 panels throughout X-Men Annual #14 with at least 10 instances of dialogue
• Uncanny X-Men #266 was written as if it were to be published prior to the annual, therefore #266 would be the first chronological appearance of Gambit in-story (or in-continuity)
• CGC, the grading certification company for comic books, recognizes Uncanny X-Men #266 as the first full appearance of Gambit
  

Synopsis:

THE DOOMSMITH SCENARIO! Professor X gathers his team of mutants to congratulate them on a successful battle. No sooner do the words leave his mouth, when several X-Men put in their two weeks' notice! Will the team stay together with the sudden absence of several members? And which will stay united for the cause of peaceful co-existence?