I’m quite the X-Files fan. I refuse to call myself an X-Phile (that shit sounds stupid), but I have an X-Files tattoo, and a blog and self-appointed nickname based on Agent Mulder’s nickname from when he was in Quantico (Spooky Sean.com shameless plug). Naturally, when it was revealed Chris Carter would be “producing” a new “season” of The X-Files in comic format, I had mixed feelings. Anyone who’s seen I Want to Believe and the last two seasons of The X-Files can understand this apprehension. I want to believe it’s good, but is it?
The X-Files Season 10 #1 (IDW)
The X-Files Season 10 #1 has its story provided by Joe Harris and Chris Carter, was written by Joe Harris, and has art by Michael Walsh. I’m happy to report that it’s incredibly entertaining writing. Atmospheric, and it nails the tone and pacing of an episode of The X-Files. We get to see Mulder and Scully, living together in the present day as Mr. and Mrs. Blake now. Scully works as a doctor, and Mulder…well, presumably he’s trying to write a memoir. I assume unemployed? They are approached by their old boss when they were working in the FBI, Skinner, who is now Deputy Director Skinner instead of Assistant Director as he used to be. It seems someone hacked into the FBI’s network and acquired some personal data on former members of The X-Files.
The dialogue is spot on. Harris nails Mulder’s dry humor as well as Scully’s caring and skeptical nature. Skinner’s dialogue is just as good. It is a very faithful adaptation. The intro pages are even set up like an episode of The X-Files, complete with a scary intro and a cut to one of the agents (well, former agents now). And they even throw in the now iconic time stamp and location description in the font every X-Files fan has grown to love. Also, it has little nods for the fans, like this one:
After talking with Mulder.
The art is acceptable. I wasn’t blown away by it, but it’s far from bad. It accomplishes what it needs to. That said, it would have been nice to get an artist who was a bit more impressive.
8.0
- The writing is a seamless adaptation from the show.
- Has some creepy moments.
- Art is very so-so.
Is It Good?
It’s pretty good. It’s hard to say whether or not it’s good, as this is a set up issue. It does right by X-Files fans, but the art is nothing special, and the writing can only go so far if the art is only so-so. It’s a solid read, but time will tell if the series will be any good. Until next issue, Trust No One.
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