Villordsutch reviews the latest issue of IDW’s ‘Season 10’ of The X-Files…
“A new government conspiracy comes to light that involves weather control and alien invasion. But what role does the Deacon and the Acolytes play in these mechanations? And what happened to Scully’s missing child? Mystery upon mystery sets the stage for the next phase of Mulder and Scully’s lives! With variant cover by The Sharp Brothers that depicts Mulder and Scully in the style of Scooby Doo!“
For those that have been following the X-Files comics I’m sure that you’ll agree with me that Season 10 has been a fantastic re-launch of one of the greatest television programs of the 1990s, one that we all thought we’d seen the last of. When #1 arrived I had this feeling of embarrassment before I read it, now come #4 I’m overly excited when it drops onto my Nexus 7.
Written by Joe Harris and Chris Carter, the story hits the nail on the head of what made The X-Files exciting. I want to believe* that Chris Carter has a keen input in these stories and it isn’t just him turning up at Joe’s basement giving a quick look at the typed print on Joe’s desk, making sure the chain is still strong around his ankle and throwing under the table a Quorn Chicken Sandwich.
Even in this issue the mystery and thriller aspect is still as strong as it has been over the past few issues, though it did take a second read to be impressed by what I held on my tablet. I’d missed the story – I know it sounds ridiculous that I read a comic and failed to pick up on the story, but I did. All I caught on the initial read through was Mulder on a Quad-bike, Scully being driven and more Mulder quad-biking, leaving me a bit disappointed. I gave it a second chance as I’ve enjoyed the first three parts and with this second chance I picked up on it all. It’s there – just don’t tear through the issue or you’ll miss it.
I do have a concern however that we are now at part 4 of 5 and I am unsure whether any answers can be given to us without squashing them in so tight that issue 5 truly has no story; though considering what we are left with I can’t see that happening. Perhaps, like the series, the reveals will be teased out until the climax of Season 10. Who knows what we should except from Joe and Chris?
I’ve clear spent this review inflating the egos of both Joe and Chris and I think it is only decent of me to turn my attention to the artwork of Michael Walsh and Jordie Bellaire. Each show their talents perfectly; in this issue in particular it feels like the artists themselves are riding along with the power generated by the written material. I cannot fault it and I tip my hat to them both.
So to wrap up, this issue is one to get and take your time with. Do not rush ahead, read it at a pace it deserves and you’ll get a lot more out of it than I did on my first go. Also the Scooby Doo cover is fantastic.
*pun intended.
Villordsutch is married with kids and pets. He looks like a tubby Viking and enjoys science fiction. Follow him on Twitter.
Originally published September 19, 2013. Updated April 11, 2018.
