You never know what our next group review will be and sure it’s mostly first issues, but a TV tie-in? Who saw that coming. The X-Files’ return has been a strange one. That last movie didn’t do the fans any favors and so a comic book continuation left a bunch of people scratching their head. Well we’re going to see how this first issued fared as the writers/reviews of Comic Bastards give their thoughts than a score of: Buy, Borrow or Pass First here’s what the issue is about! For years they investigated the paranormal, pursued the 'monsters of the week,' and sought the truth behind extraterrestrial activity, along with the grand conspiracy surrounding it rooted deep within their own government. But when AGENTS MULDER and SCULLY reunite for a new, ongoing series that ushers THE X-FILES into a new era of technological paranoia, multinational concerns and otherworldly threats, it'll take more than a desire 'to believe' to make it out alive. The X-Files: Season 10 also sees creator Chris Carter return to the fold as Executive Producer!
Eric: Buy
I was skeptical when I heard this book was coming. Mainly because I love X-Files when the TV show originally released, but it left a bad taste in my mouth when it ended. I was surprised when it captured my attention again. We have all the old characters here Scully, Mulder and Skinner. I like how they didn’t throw every ones favorite characters all at once and kept in simple and focused mainly on Scully. It also progresses where it left off without a huge back story. The story had enough mystery and intrigue to keep you hooked. It was like watching the first fifteen minutes of the show and now I’m waiting to come back from commercial. The art wasn’t gripping but it worked enough.
This book gave me but I hope it doesn’t let me down in a few issues. This book is a good start and has enough intrigue to keep it going. It also opens up many stories now that Mulder and Scully are not fully tied to just the FBI. Pick it up if you’re willing to give X-Files a chance again.
Carl: Borrow
Joe Harris writes the story with Chris Carter, and Michael Walsh pencils. X-Files fans, rejoice! You now have on-going stories of your favorite two agents searching for the truth out there. Apparently, the truth comes in the form of eight variant covers. Ouch, that hurts the old wallet if you are a die-hard collector. Bigfoot-sized hyper-capitalism aside, the comic book does deliver on the continuing story of Mulder and Scully. Heck, the comic dubs the series as “Season 10,” so you know that you are getting a direct continuation of the show. I’m not sure if I caught any references to the events of the two movies, but that might not be a bad thing.
Shrouded strangers hunt agent-turned-author Mulder, agent-turned-physician-in-hiding Scully, and still agent Skinner. Walsh’s artwork captures the agents with decided skill. I appreciated how well the characters looked like their real-life counterparts as opposed to the artistic deviations done in other IDW comics like Doctor Who.
I wish I could speak up to the story and provide some enthusiasm with the comic. Unfortunately, there’s little there that fans haven’t seen. Scully gets left in peril with Mulder on the way to save her. This is the same old song again. No “WTF” moments or amazing call backs to some of the best episodes in the series.
I am holding out hope because I am a fan of the X-Files. The best deliberation I could offer is that this isn’t a bad start to a series reuniting me with old friends; this is merely a slow start to something I hope will pick up.
Sergio: Buy
As a kid the X-Files scared the shit out of me... As a 23-year-old adult who has to deal with real life horrors as part of my job, the X-Files STILL scares the shit out of me. Although I couldn't tell you any particular episodes that made my childhood imagination run wild, I can say that reading the first issue of "Season Ten" has struck up an interest in going back and watching the entire series. The great thing about this new series is that it could work as it’s on standalone series that has no attachment to the X-Files franchise and it would still be awesome. With that being said this book is pretty much for anyone who was a fan of the show or those of you like me who just like a great sci-fi comic.
Michael Walsh's art is a bit dull for this kind of story, but only because it’s connected to the franchise. It’s a bit too pulpy and not realistic enough for something based off the TV show. Other than that the art is okay, no other complaints, but let’s face it, if you're buying this book it’s for the wicked story that’s going to keep you up at night and not for amazing artwork. The book does a great job of setting up what should be a long running series and I can’t wait to follow along.
Dustin: Buy
I’m giving this issue a “buy” because I know that this series is going to pick up and that this had to be the hardest issue to write/create. Think about it; the story had to remind people of the status quo of the universe, reintroduce the characters, introduce their new lives and set up the next thrilling story arc. To be very honest, I really had no idea what the fuck was going on until Skinner arrived. Until then I was just treading water trying to figure out which way was land.
It’s not that the writing is bad. Joe Harris does what he can with what he has to work with. It’s that the damn TV show and second movie left the series is a terrible state. I watched a lot of X-Files as a teen and even dug the mediocre first film, but then everything after that ruin the show. The charm of theX-Files at the time was that the audience knew everything was real, but the proof didn’t show it. Let’s just say that Harris did a fantastic job of picking up where things left off on the show and not making want to put the book down (which is the equivalent of changing the channel).
After reading the Comeback, there is no way I wouldn’t like Michael Walsh’s art on this project. He’s half of the reason I checked it out. His re-teaming with Jordie Bellaire on colors is the perfect look and style for the series. I’m looking forward to what he does with the series.
It’s a start. Like I said it’s rough and I wouldn’t even say that it’s for die-hard fans. I actually don’t think it’s for them at all. Though it may follow the same characters, this is a different X-Files and I personally that’s what will make this an interesting series to follow.
Score: 3 Buys and a Borrow
Story: Joe Harris with Chris Carter Writer: Joe Harris Artist: Michael Walsh Colorist: Jordie Bellaire Publisher: IDW Publishing Price: $3.99 Release Date: 6/19/13