Burning House Interview

ROGUE & GAMBIT: BURNING HOUSE INTERVIEWS
INTERVIEW WITH ISABELLE BUTLER: ARTIST

JS: PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR SPECULATIVE WORK.
IB: Hello, my name is Isabelle Butler! I am currently a college student looking to receive a degree in Studio Art. I was commissioned to do an art piece of Rogue and Gambit for Rogue and Gambit: Burning House. I portrayed their fiery passion and love for each other, knowing I wanted to draw something where the viewer could feel the intensity and the warmth radiating from the piece itself. Important to me was including eye contact between the characters, to exhibit the intimacy between them.

JS: WHAT IS IT ABOUT ROGUE AND GAMBIT THAT SPEAKS TO YOU? CAN YOU REMEMBER THE MOMENT WHEN YOU FELT THAT FIRST CONNECTION?
IB: Rogue and Gambit speak to me on an emotional level. I first felt that connection when rewatching the finale of the original series last year. Gambit was struggling with his own self-worth and Rogue with a sense of belonging. I felt these challenges were a powerful reflection of common experiences, widely shared by many.

JS: WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE ERA FOR THE DUO?
IB: My absolute favorite era for them was during Mr. and Mrs. X! The audience was given an intimate view into their married life, romance, and their battles/missions. Reading these comics also began my obsession with drawing more “Romy” fan art, which I am incredibly thankful for. I have been able to exhibit my artwork and be a part of such a wonderful community!

JS: WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT POINT OF DEVELOPMENT FOR EACH CHARACTER SINCE THEY FIRST APPEARED?
IB: A significant point of development, in my opinion, for these two characters was during the Rogue and Gambit (2018) series; it solidified their romantic feelings for each other after their tumultuous relationship that had been going on for a lengthy period. It was satisfying to see them confront their feelings for each other and emerge stronger from adversity.

JS: WHAT’S BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE OF WORKING ON ‘BURNING HOUSE’ BEEN LIKE FOR YOU?
IB: Being a part of Rogue and Gambit: Burning House has been one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I am truly humbled by the opportunity to have my artwork considered for this project. It has been an absolute honor working with the incredibly talented creators, who have dedicated themselves to this book! Truly, I cannot express my gratitude towards the team for the opportunity to share our love for these characters with this project.

JS: IF YOU WERE IN CHARGE OF MARVEL, WHAT’S THE FIRST THING YOU’D DO WITH THESE CHARACTERS?
IB: If I were in charge of Marvel, I would absolutely make it my mission to create a Rogue and Gambit animated spin-off series! I believe would be a dream come true for Rogue/Gambit fans!

Interview conducted by James Silvester