What do you think?
Rate this book
The X-Files Season 10 #1
The X-Files: Season 10, Volume 1
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.
Collects issues 1-5.
Collects issues 1-5.
124 pages, Hardcover
First published December 17, 2013
22 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Joe Harris
435 books105 followersJOE HARRIS is the co-creator and writer of original comics and graphic novels such as the Image Comics rock ‘n’ roll thrill ride, Rockstars, and the environmental sci-fi epics, Great Pacific and Snowfall; along with the supernatural thrillers, Ghost Projekt and Spontaneous, and the children’s fantasy, Wars In Toyland, for Oni Press. In 2013, Joe began a long stint writing the officially-licensed continuation of the paranormal investigations of Agents Mulder and Scully in The X-Files comics at IDW to the enjoyment of fans around the world. The X-Files: Cold Cases—the best-selling audio dramatization of Joe’s comics scripts featuring the voices of David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson and the entire original X-Files cast—and the follow-up, The X-Files: Stolen Lives were released by Audible beginning in 2017.
As a young creator at Marvel Comics, Joe launched the cult-classic Spider-Man spinoff, Slingers and the Bishop: The Last X-Man series. He has written for just about all major comics publishers including DC Comics, Marvel, Image, IDW, Dark Horse, Valiant, BOOM! and others.
A horror screenwriter and filmmaker, Harris conceived and co-wrote Darkness Falls for Sony Pictures—after his short film, Tooth Fairy was acquired by Revolution Studios and he was hired to develop it into a feature—along with the politically farcical slasher movie, The Tripper for FOX. In 2018, he co-wrote the live-action web series, Ninjak vs. the Valiant Universe for Valiant Entertainment.
His latest project is Surviving Nuclear Attack, a paranoid sci-fi thriller, set to launch in 2019 as part of John Carpenter’s Tales of Science Fiction from Storm King Comics.
As a young creator at Marvel Comics, Joe launched the cult-classic Spider-Man spinoff, Slingers and the Bishop: The Last X-Man series. He has written for just about all major comics publishers including DC Comics, Marvel, Image, IDW, Dark Horse, Valiant, BOOM! and others.
A horror screenwriter and filmmaker, Harris conceived and co-wrote Darkness Falls for Sony Pictures—after his short film, Tooth Fairy was acquired by Revolution Studios and he was hired to develop it into a feature—along with the politically farcical slasher movie, The Tripper for FOX. In 2018, he co-wrote the live-action web series, Ninjak vs. the Valiant Universe for Valiant Entertainment.
His latest project is Surviving Nuclear Attack, a paranoid sci-fi thriller, set to launch in 2019 as part of John Carpenter’s Tales of Science Fiction from Storm King Comics.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
August 9, 2020
I would only recommend this to hard core fans of the show. Even with a very good understanding of the show, I was lost at times. Especially with these alien hybrids who acted more like a cult wearing cloaks and ritual knives. I'm still puzzled how that part fit in (I get the alien hybrid part obviously, just not why they acted like a satanic cult.) The art did a good job of capturing the likenesses of the actors, but not so great a job of always displaying what was happening.
January 2, 2021
This premiere volume, collecting the first five issues of The X-Files: Season 10, is set roughly a decade after the series ended. Former FBI agents Mulder and Scully are living a quiet existence together—that is, until Deputy Director Skinner shows up with a new threat. Scully soon finds that she has a personal stake in the case when it appears that the child she secretly put up for adoption may be in danger.
Much as I appreciate Joe Harris' attempts to bring back beloved characters who perished in the course of the TV show (i.e. Cancer Man, the Lone Gunmen), I'm more bothered that Chris Carter, who lent a contributing hand to these comics, would allow The X-Files to take on the same nihilistic practices so often found in superhero comics and video games. Bringing classic characters back from the dead not only subverts the drama of their deaths but also weakens the impact of any future character deaths because anyone who follows the series knows they'll just be resurrected at a later time. Nevertheless, Season 10 makes clear bids toward legitimacy and relevance with its opening myth-arc, of an ascendant cabal bent on hastening the alien re-population of Earth, and Harris seems bent on assuring readers that this isn't a disposable media tie-in.
The mismatched art styles and varied depictions of Mulder, Scully, and other classic X-Files characters are somewhat jarring, though not as problematic as it is in Volume 2 or the stultifyingly awful one-shot, The X-Files: Conspiracy. If you're looking for better comic stories featuring Agents Mulder and Scully, I strongly recommend the Topps Comics adaptations from the mid-1990s (which is now being reprinted under The X-Files: Classics; the artwork found in those issues is both superior and consistent.
Much as I appreciate Joe Harris' attempts to bring back beloved characters who perished in the course of the TV show (i.e. Cancer Man, the Lone Gunmen), I'm more bothered that Chris Carter, who lent a contributing hand to these comics, would allow The X-Files to take on the same nihilistic practices so often found in superhero comics and video games. Bringing classic characters back from the dead not only subverts the drama of their deaths but also weakens the impact of any future character deaths because anyone who follows the series knows they'll just be resurrected at a later time. Nevertheless, Season 10 makes clear bids toward legitimacy and relevance with its opening myth-arc, of an ascendant cabal bent on hastening the alien re-population of Earth, and Harris seems bent on assuring readers that this isn't a disposable media tie-in.
The mismatched art styles and varied depictions of Mulder, Scully, and other classic X-Files characters are somewhat jarring, though not as problematic as it is in Volume 2 or the stultifyingly awful one-shot, The X-Files: Conspiracy. If you're looking for better comic stories featuring Agents Mulder and Scully, I strongly recommend the Topps Comics adaptations from the mid-1990s (which is now being reprinted under The X-Files: Classics; the artwork found in those issues is both superior and consistent.
January 3, 2016
A continuation of the television series and a prequel to the six episode event that is soon to be released. In this collection, Scully and Fox are hiding out when they get a visit from Skinner. Scully's son is in danger and next thing you know Scully and Fox are in the middle of it once again.
This was a nice collection and it did remind me of the television series. This collection is definitely geared toward the serious fans as casual fans would probably consider this a muddled mess. In typical X-Files fashion it brings up more questions than answers. I thought the portrayal of the two main characters were good but could have been better. This holds true with the artwork. And that was my feeling throughout this volume. It was good but could have been better.
If you are a serious fan of the show this collection will be enjoyable. This reintroduces us to our two favorite FBI agents as well as other characters from the show. There were some nice callbacks to the television episodes and I will continue with this "season" to see where it is heading.
This was a nice collection and it did remind me of the television series. This collection is definitely geared toward the serious fans as casual fans would probably consider this a muddled mess. In typical X-Files fashion it brings up more questions than answers. I thought the portrayal of the two main characters were good but could have been better. This holds true with the artwork. And that was my feeling throughout this volume. It was good but could have been better.
If you are a serious fan of the show this collection will be enjoyable. This reintroduces us to our two favorite FBI agents as well as other characters from the show. There were some nice callbacks to the television episodes and I will continue with this "season" to see where it is heading.
November 14, 2013
Following the success of several Whedon-verse series continuing their run in the pages of comics (Buffy, Angel and Firefly), it was probably only a matter of time until other comic publishers looked to other niche genre series from the same era. And with The X-Files celebrating its twentieth anniversary this fall, the time is ripe for special agents Mulder and Scully to return.
And so it is that we have the first collection of the new tenth season of The X-Files. The first five issues of the series is called "Believers" and it faces the unenviable task of trying to pick up the pieces of mythology from the final few years of the show and try to weave them into some type of coherent narrative.
Whether or not you think this collection succeeds probably depends on how you feel about the final years of the series. If, you're like me, and you felt the series limped to its finish line and overstayed its welcome once David Duchovny decided to pursue a movie career, odds are you won't exactly love the story presented here. If you were one of the die-hard X-Philes who found yourself yearning for more, even once the series killed off most of the interesting supporting cast in the final season, odds are you will probably eat this up with a spoon.
I'll admit I fall into the first camp and that my approach to this book wasn't helped by the fact that while convalescing from a broken toe, I took the chance to catch up a bit on The X-Files' fourth season. And while season four is when the wheels started to come off the wagon a bit in terms of the mythology, it was still at a time when the series was close to the top of its game and delivering consistently enjoyable, spooky and compelling installments.
"Believers" picks up the story after the last movie and feels almost like a two-part season premiere for the show. It's heavily mythology driven, focusing a great deal on William and his role in the overall alien arc. The storyline also does a lot of heavy lifting to bring back certain characters to the printed page -- characters who were led to believe were dead. Some of the explanations for how they survived I can buy, while others strained my willing suspension of disbelief.
Artwise, the comic is hit or miss. The characters are easy enough to identify, but they aren't rendered even close to photo-realistic. In fact, I'd have to say the art is one of the biggest distractions from this collection.
I will admit that after these five issues worked so hard to get Mulder and Scully back with the old gang, I'm curious to see if season ten will be all mythology or if we might get a monster of the week story or two tossed in there as well. If I get a chance I may sample again, but I'm not going to actively seek out future entries from season ten.
In the interest of full disclosure, I will say that I got a digital copy of this collection from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
And so it is that we have the first collection of the new tenth season of The X-Files. The first five issues of the series is called "Believers" and it faces the unenviable task of trying to pick up the pieces of mythology from the final few years of the show and try to weave them into some type of coherent narrative.
Whether or not you think this collection succeeds probably depends on how you feel about the final years of the series. If, you're like me, and you felt the series limped to its finish line and overstayed its welcome once David Duchovny decided to pursue a movie career, odds are you won't exactly love the story presented here. If you were one of the die-hard X-Philes who found yourself yearning for more, even once the series killed off most of the interesting supporting cast in the final season, odds are you will probably eat this up with a spoon.
I'll admit I fall into the first camp and that my approach to this book wasn't helped by the fact that while convalescing from a broken toe, I took the chance to catch up a bit on The X-Files' fourth season. And while season four is when the wheels started to come off the wagon a bit in terms of the mythology, it was still at a time when the series was close to the top of its game and delivering consistently enjoyable, spooky and compelling installments.
"Believers" picks up the story after the last movie and feels almost like a two-part season premiere for the show. It's heavily mythology driven, focusing a great deal on William and his role in the overall alien arc. The storyline also does a lot of heavy lifting to bring back certain characters to the printed page -- characters who were led to believe were dead. Some of the explanations for how they survived I can buy, while others strained my willing suspension of disbelief.
Artwise, the comic is hit or miss. The characters are easy enough to identify, but they aren't rendered even close to photo-realistic. In fact, I'd have to say the art is one of the biggest distractions from this collection.
I will admit that after these five issues worked so hard to get Mulder and Scully back with the old gang, I'm curious to see if season ten will be all mythology or if we might get a monster of the week story or two tossed in there as well. If I get a chance I may sample again, but I'm not going to actively seek out future entries from season ten.
In the interest of full disclosure, I will say that I got a digital copy of this collection from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2013
arc provided by IDW Publishing through netgalley
Okay, I know I totally signed up for this once I downloaded it from Netgalley, but I spent the whole story going, "I DID NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS!" because OH MY GOD.
We all have our favourite X Files episodes, you know, the creepiest ones, like Home - with the amputee mother kept under a bed who kept popping out babies conceived by boinking her own deformed sons. I remember closing the shutters that night and screaming my lungs out because my cat was innocently (if cats can ever be innocent...) sitting on the windowsill. That was 17 years ago and it still freaks me out.
This volume was very much like one of those creepy episodes.
It tricks you: Mulder and Scully are living together under false identities, everything is happy and normal then BAM! - CREEPY CHILD! HORRIFYING SHAPE SHIFTERS! SOMEONE IS OUT TO GET SCULLY'S BABY!
Listen, I was freaking out reading this, I read it all in an hour, tops, I couldn't stop scrolling to find out what came next. I'll tell you what came next: pure AWESOMENESS. It really was like one of those X Files episodes that haunt you for years to come.
So as soon as you can, GO READ IT!
I'll just be here, languishing until the next one comes out.
April 2, 2014
The X-Files: Season 10, Vol. 1 is a graphic novel 10th season of the television series (which had a less than interesting 9th season). Favorite characters are back (even ones thought completely gone). The graphic novel feels like a complete episode. For fans of the show, like me, it's a welcome return.
This story takes place about 10 years after the series ended. Scully and Mulder have retired from the FBI, but Agent Skinner shows up with a new threat. It seems that the child Dana Scully secretly put up for adoption is in danger. Although that storyline gets a little muddled, there are enough interesting and familiar plot developments to keep the ardent fans happy. There is even the mysterious appearance of a particular smoking man.
I liked the art and story and look forward to more stories in this series. Welcome back Scully and Mulder. I've missed you.
I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
This story takes place about 10 years after the series ended. Scully and Mulder have retired from the FBI, but Agent Skinner shows up with a new threat. It seems that the child Dana Scully secretly put up for adoption is in danger. Although that storyline gets a little muddled, there are enough interesting and familiar plot developments to keep the ardent fans happy. There is even the mysterious appearance of a particular smoking man.
I liked the art and story and look forward to more stories in this series. Welcome back Scully and Mulder. I've missed you.
I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
July 18, 2015
Yes! This comic series picks up where the TV series left off. Mulder and Scully have been living together away from the FBI, but when a group of aliens attempt to locate Scully's half-alien baby (or something like that), they are drawn back into the X-Files. The new agents make an appearance as well as The Lone Gunmen (another YES! Turns out they are alive after all! I always liked the characters, and didn't mind this bit of "retconning" one bit!)
Overall a nice, creepy story to kick off the "next season" of the X-Files. As the story arc ends, we find Mulder and Scully back on the job.
Overall I enjoyed this, and it was a good way to continue the TV series. Chris Carter was a co-writer on the series, so I assume this would be what he considered an "official" Season 10. If you are a fan of the X-Files TV Show, then you need to pick this up whether you are a graphic novel fan or not.
Overall a nice, creepy story to kick off the "next season" of the X-Files. As the story arc ends, we find Mulder and Scully back on the job.
Overall I enjoyed this, and it was a good way to continue the TV series. Chris Carter was a co-writer on the series, so I assume this would be what he considered an "official" Season 10. If you are a fan of the X-Files TV Show, then you need to pick this up whether you are a graphic novel fan or not.
March 20, 2015
Nobody wants to see glossy, beautiful drawings of Mulder and Scully more than I do. And I'm always up for plotlines that involve the massive caldera underneath Yellowstone. And this book really, truly smells amazing.
But this book is total nonsense.
But this book is total nonsense.
May 19, 2014
I remember, when I was 10 or maybe 11, that my best friends used to get grounded for bad grades, breaking sewing machines or sneaking into the local mosque to swap the morning prayer tape for a Michael Jackson mixtape (true story). I used to get punished for staying up late at night on school nights to watch The X-Files. The subtleties of the show used to go straight over my head but the "monster of the week" concept was so utterly fascinating, I was willing to risk my monthly allowance to have my mind blown. Years later, and after numerous marathon viewings, I am still an "X-Phile". When I heard that a comic book continuation of the series (and movies) was happening, I was over the moon.
The show ended very poorly and the second movie was rather underwhelming, but Season 10 was an opportunity to start fresh after eleven years of absence of mythology developments.
This first volume is overall satisfying. Chris Carter and new author Joe Harris (Batman: The Dark Knight, Firestorm: The Nuclear Men, Bishop: The Last X-Man ...) start off season 10 with a story arc that might ring a few bells - The "Acolytes", a new group of "ascendant hybrids", aims to bring about the alien re-population of the earth. They seem to be chasing William (Scully's (and Mulder's) son) who appears to be their "Chosen One".
The first volume is action-packed, suspenseful and humorous. The most legendary characters of the mythos make appearances (anyone familiar with the show knows that death means nothing in this Universe) and the book ends with an interesting cliffhanger. However, the feeling of deja vu is just too strong, so far. The first 5 issues just aren't enough to form an opinion on this tenth season.
The show ended very poorly and the second movie was rather underwhelming, but Season 10 was an opportunity to start fresh after eleven years of absence of mythology developments.
This first volume is overall satisfying. Chris Carter and new author Joe Harris (Batman: The Dark Knight, Firestorm: The Nuclear Men, Bishop: The Last X-Man ...) start off season 10 with a story arc that might ring a few bells - The "Acolytes", a new group of "ascendant hybrids", aims to bring about the alien re-population of the earth. They seem to be chasing William (Scully's (and Mulder's) son) who appears to be their "Chosen One".
The first volume is action-packed, suspenseful and humorous. The most legendary characters of the mythos make appearances (anyone familiar with the show knows that death means nothing in this Universe) and the book ends with an interesting cliffhanger. However, the feeling of deja vu is just too strong, so far. The first 5 issues just aren't enough to form an opinion on this tenth season.
June 28, 2015
The X-files is a cult classic and was and still is one of the most iconic television shows ever broadcast. So obviously, like many other popular shows, it didn't end when it stopped airing.
It's my absolute all time favorite show and I've been meaning to get my hands on these comics sooner or later.
I really enjoyed the story, we revisit the mythology and we get to see old favorites.
The BEST thing about the X-files is the conspiracy theories and the aliens (which is why, in my opinion, the second film didn't work) and we get all of that in season 10.
It was definitely enjoyable and they start to build on the story with the aliens and William (which is something I've always wanted) but I felt it was too short and we didn't get in depth with the story like we did on the show.
It's understandable, but comparing the comic to the show well.... The show is on a whole 'nother level, you know?
Regardless, really enjoyed this one. A LOT of action and craziness in true X-files fashion and I can't wait to continue on.
Also... I AM SUPER EXCITED TO THE REBOOT AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's my absolute all time favorite show and I've been meaning to get my hands on these comics sooner or later.
I really enjoyed the story, we revisit the mythology and we get to see old favorites.
The BEST thing about the X-files is the conspiracy theories and the aliens (which is why, in my opinion, the second film didn't work) and we get all of that in season 10.
It was definitely enjoyable and they start to build on the story with the aliens and William (which is something I've always wanted) but I felt it was too short and we didn't get in depth with the story like we did on the show.
It's understandable, but comparing the comic to the show well.... The show is on a whole 'nother level, you know?
Regardless, really enjoyed this one. A LOT of action and craziness in true X-files fashion and I can't wait to continue on.
Also... I AM SUPER EXCITED TO THE REBOOT AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 31, 2013
This is absolutely fantastic! As a major X-Files fan (fantastic!) I adored this beginning of Season 10. The tv show ran for 9 seasons ending in 2002 and chronologically this first volume of season 10 takes place 10 years later picking up with a plausible storyline. I'm not going to give any details but everything comes together to continue the main plot of the series with the aliens and conspiracy themes. Great joy also as so many familiar faces return to the pages and people who were supposedly "dead" are back in action. I can't hold my tongue on one as it is so exciting. SPOlLER ALERT. We are presented with return of duh duh duh .... The Lone Gunmen. Yipee. Love, love, loved this book.
April 13, 2019
Reencontrarse con Mulder y Scully para mi siempre es una experiencia más que feliz. En este caso particularmente, porque este Season 10 fue la única esperanza de seguir teniendo nuevas historias después de que la serie hubiera terminado (en aquel momento era impensado que fuera a haber una nueva película y nuevos capítulos). El volumen 1 recoge los 5 primeros cómics de Season 10 y todos conjuntos forman el capítulo Believers. Muy fiel a la línea de los capítulos mitológicos, continuando la historia coherentemente desde donde se quedó en televisión (¡salvo por el hecho de traer de vuelta varios personajes muertos!) y planteando el retorno de nuestros agentes favoritos al FBI. Ya empecé a leer el volumen 2.
August 16, 2015
In the wake of the revival coming next year (and in the midst of a re-watch of the series) I thought it'd be fun to pick this up and give it a go. It's a quick read. I think I might have finished in an hour and some change? But I enjoyed it overall. The "voices" of the characters are pretty in tact, though I think Scully could be beefed up a bit in that area. But that might be partly because we don't get to see much of her sense of humor here, yet. And that's partly to do with what's happening in the story, I imagine. I've got the other volume released and definitely plan to keep going.
January 19, 2016
Well written, atmospheric X-Files tale that successfully evokes the characters on the printed page. Fans will not be disappointed. Potential readers unfamiliar with the mythos or the show itself who might want to give the X-Files a try ahead of the returning series would be much better served watching the actual series from the start. As a long time fan of the show I appreciated the quick pace of this arc which doesn't waste time trying to indoctrinate new fans. As a result, the nuances will be lost on you if you're unfamiliar with the characters, but if you are, it's a treat.
February 21, 2016
It's impressive how close to the show this trade was, however, the atmospherics just weren't there. Dialogue, check. The cast, check. The Chris Carter sense of foreboding and paranoia...not there. Still though, this was highly entertaining and I'll probably return at some point down the road.
February 18, 2016
So I'm not a huge fan of the comic book genre or graphic novels for the most part and there are aspects of the series that are "too comic booky" as Carter explained it. But it's still fun to have The X-Files in pretty much any format. I liked it.
July 17, 2015
Sooo...
WOW! That was fun and I've just got to get the scratch together to buy the rest of the series, as I now have more questions than I had before.
WOW! That was fun and I've just got to get the scratch together to buy the rest of the series, as I now have more questions than I had before.
October 18, 2015
Ooh, I am so excited for the second volume of this! Any new X-Files story is a good one! :)
I love that they brought back Doggett and Reyes!
I love that they brought back Doggett and Reyes!
November 30, 2015
This is probably only for hardcore X-Files devotees.
January 15, 2016
Actual rating: 3.5
May 29, 2019
As you probably know, the original X-Files run that ended with season nine in 2002, had one of the most unsatisfying endings ever. Even though it's hard to imagine nineties without FBI agents Mulder and Scully, pretty much everything in their show ended in the most pathetic you can ever imagine. Years later, Chris Carter and Co would try to resurrect the show. Which will only lead in even bigger fiasco. This comic is something that happened after the final season of the original run and the actual season ten that happened years later.
As you may probably guess, it's an attempt to continue the original show and improve what was ruined in its last seasons. Hybrid clones, The Lone Gunmen, the story of what happened with Fox and Dana after the events of the original show (this comic completely ignores I Want To Believe movie)... that's pretty much it.
Unfortunately, as usual with The X-Files, even though it begins somewhat promising, it ends with yet another "we have no idea what to do with our characters, so, let's just waste everybody's time" mess. And it feels bad. I mean, the original show had a lot of such stuff as is. And at the point when show has ended, everybody had enough of it. Everybody wanted one thing - a proper explanation and some good writing with no loose ends. Unfortunately, that's exactly what this issue can't offer. It resurrects the old loose ends and sometimes it sounds like a good idea (take The Lone Gunmen, for example, the guys sure deserved better). Unfortunately, it looks like this comic also has no idea what to do with all that and ends up being our typical X-Files mess. There's still hope, but all in all, it doesn't feel right. I mean, when you pay for something called "Season Ten", you expect the real deal. Something that season nine of the original show was unable to offer. But nope, it's just more of the same. With pretty bad artwork that makes the entire thing feel homemade.
As you may probably guess, it's an attempt to continue the original show and improve what was ruined in its last seasons. Hybrid clones, The Lone Gunmen, the story of what happened with Fox and Dana after the events of the original show (this comic completely ignores I Want To Believe movie)... that's pretty much it.
Unfortunately, as usual with The X-Files, even though it begins somewhat promising, it ends with yet another "we have no idea what to do with our characters, so, let's just waste everybody's time" mess. And it feels bad. I mean, the original show had a lot of such stuff as is. And at the point when show has ended, everybody had enough of it. Everybody wanted one thing - a proper explanation and some good writing with no loose ends. Unfortunately, that's exactly what this issue can't offer. It resurrects the old loose ends and sometimes it sounds like a good idea (take The Lone Gunmen, for example, the guys sure deserved better). Unfortunately, it looks like this comic also has no idea what to do with all that and ends up being our typical X-Files mess. There's still hope, but all in all, it doesn't feel right. I mean, when you pay for something called "Season Ten", you expect the real deal. Something that season nine of the original show was unable to offer. But nope, it's just more of the same. With pretty bad artwork that makes the entire thing feel homemade.
April 22, 2023
X-Files Season 10 Volume 1 marks the beginning of the engaging Season 10 comics series, featuring the first five captivating issues. In Spotsylvania County, Virginia, Mulder and Scully lead undercover lives as "The Blakes." Now working as a doctor, Scully treats a young patient named Emily Van De Kamp. At the same time, Deputy Director Skinner, formerly Assistant Director, comes to inform the duo of a security breach at the FBI involving the X-Files and medical records of its agents.
Scully's concern for her child's safety and Mulder's silent disapproval set the stage for an intense adventure. Enter The Acolytes, a mysterious group with possible supernatural abilities and an obsession with William. With Scully now missing, the stakes are higher than ever.
Simultaneously, Agent John Doggett investigates threats against a controversial oil pipeline in Wyoming. At the same time, Agent Monica Reyes seeks to protect William's family.
Though the show's 10th and 11th seasons have since been released, this 2023 review reflects the excitement of seeing Mulder and Scully reunited in this comic format. While the characters spend much of the volume apart, this separation aligns with the show's myth arc. Those seeking a resolution for William's story will not find it here. Still, the comic does reintroduce beloved characters from the show, aiding Mulder in his search for Scully.
This volume offers a largely self-contained narrative yet leaves several intriguing story threads unresolved. Fortunately, new readers can follow these threads as they continue and conclude in subsequent volumes. The enigmatic identity of the "big bad" looms large in the Season 10 comics, providing a thrilling twist that will leave readers eager for more—rest assured, no spoilers here.
Scully's concern for her child's safety and Mulder's silent disapproval set the stage for an intense adventure. Enter The Acolytes, a mysterious group with possible supernatural abilities and an obsession with William. With Scully now missing, the stakes are higher than ever.
Simultaneously, Agent John Doggett investigates threats against a controversial oil pipeline in Wyoming. At the same time, Agent Monica Reyes seeks to protect William's family.
Though the show's 10th and 11th seasons have since been released, this 2023 review reflects the excitement of seeing Mulder and Scully reunited in this comic format. While the characters spend much of the volume apart, this separation aligns with the show's myth arc. Those seeking a resolution for William's story will not find it here. Still, the comic does reintroduce beloved characters from the show, aiding Mulder in his search for Scully.
This volume offers a largely self-contained narrative yet leaves several intriguing story threads unresolved. Fortunately, new readers can follow these threads as they continue and conclude in subsequent volumes. The enigmatic identity of the "big bad" looms large in the Season 10 comics, providing a thrilling twist that will leave readers eager for more—rest assured, no spoilers here.
January 13, 2019
I remember being a bit confused at the direction the mythology was taking in season 10 but just being so happy to see Mulder and Scully again that it didn't matter that the return of The X-Files was kind of an uneven and not altogether satisfying thing.
Executive produced and overseen somewhat by Chris Carter, the writing chores for the new series were given to Joe Harris who worked off of ideas from the creator himself. To be fair, I like a lot of what Joe Harris does with the story and characters but the first six issues do have some pretty clunky moments, especially where cross-cutting between the characters' parallel storylines derails the momentum of the scenes particularly when they are paired with cryptic dialogue.
The art by Michael Walsh is good and I like his work here. It actually reminds me a little of when Charlie 'Walking Dead' Adlard did the Topps series with Stefan Petrucha (such a great comic) but it is also a little inconsistent and doesn't always make the best use of the mood and atmosphere that an X-Files story needs. Walsh is also pretty light on backgrounds and his shot selection can be a bit bland. Still, when he is 'on' the book looks great and I feel like I'm back in front of my TV on Sunday night watching the next chapter of my favourite show unfold.
Ultimately, not my favourite of the new X-Files comics but it is entertaining and the start of something bigger and cooler down the road. The mythology, as always, is convoluted and vague and doesn't reveal or give you much to go on. Not sure how new readers will react to season 10 but older fans will feel on familiar ground.
The truth is out there.
Executive produced and overseen somewhat by Chris Carter, the writing chores for the new series were given to Joe Harris who worked off of ideas from the creator himself. To be fair, I like a lot of what Joe Harris does with the story and characters but the first six issues do have some pretty clunky moments, especially where cross-cutting between the characters' parallel storylines derails the momentum of the scenes particularly when they are paired with cryptic dialogue.
The art by Michael Walsh is good and I like his work here. It actually reminds me a little of when Charlie 'Walking Dead' Adlard did the Topps series with Stefan Petrucha (such a great comic) but it is also a little inconsistent and doesn't always make the best use of the mood and atmosphere that an X-Files story needs. Walsh is also pretty light on backgrounds and his shot selection can be a bit bland. Still, when he is 'on' the book looks great and I feel like I'm back in front of my TV on Sunday night watching the next chapter of my favourite show unfold.
Ultimately, not my favourite of the new X-Files comics but it is entertaining and the start of something bigger and cooler down the road. The mythology, as always, is convoluted and vague and doesn't reveal or give you much to go on. Not sure how new readers will react to season 10 but older fans will feel on familiar ground.
The truth is out there.
October 15, 2018
One of the biggest criticisms I, and seemingly a lot of people have about the American comics industry is that death never seems permanent. And it doesn't even take two full "chapters" (issues) here, before characters whose deaths were moving, emotional experiences in the show, are alive and well again. As is always the case, it cheapens the whole experience--here though, it seems a bit more galling, since it's going against what was established in the source material.
Aside from this issue, the rest of the story is kind of a mess. Familiar faces from the show appear, sometimes just for the sake of fanservice, major plot points (like the non-deaths) are hand-waved away, and even basic physics seems malleable, if it's convenient for the plot (you can't spray magnetite out of a hose, like it's a liquid).
I wanted to like this, because in theory, a comic book interpretation of The X-Files could carry on indefinitely, heedless of any change in the age or interest level of the actors from the show. But this isn't a good start; the magic of the show (even by the standards of the later episodes) just isn't there.
The art style is simplistic--a lot of flat shading, and heavy use of shadows. I didn't mind it, but it didn't exactly wow me either, and I could see some people being turned off by the lack of detail and depth. Sadly, I found it to be one of the least-objectionable parts of this graphic novel.
I wanted to believe, but I was really let down.
Aside from this issue, the rest of the story is kind of a mess. Familiar faces from the show appear, sometimes just for the sake of fanservice, major plot points (like the non-deaths) are hand-waved away, and even basic physics seems malleable, if it's convenient for the plot (you can't spray magnetite out of a hose, like it's a liquid).
I wanted to like this, because in theory, a comic book interpretation of The X-Files could carry on indefinitely, heedless of any change in the age or interest level of the actors from the show. But this isn't a good start; the magic of the show (even by the standards of the later episodes) just isn't there.
The art style is simplistic--a lot of flat shading, and heavy use of shadows. I didn't mind it, but it didn't exactly wow me either, and I could see some people being turned off by the lack of detail and depth. Sadly, I found it to be one of the least-objectionable parts of this graphic novel.
I wanted to believe, but I was really let down.
November 3, 2017
This book continues from the last continuous season of the X-Files, which I haven't actually seen all the way through. I gather that Mulder and Scully have left the FBI, and are a couple. Of course, having since seen the revival on Fox, I'm not sure how much this is an alternate take. It seems likely, anyway. Regardless, just taking this as it is as a possible continuation of the show, I liked it fairly well. The art was kind of simple and chunky, but did a good job of capturing likenesses, so that I was able to tell who every character was at all times. I did find it a bit off-putting how often Scully cried, because that just wasn't something she did in the show very often. I also don't remember their antagonists being quite so open in the past, though again, I missed the last season or two, so perhaps that changed. Overall, this was a solid effort, so I might check out more.
November 23, 2018
My knowledge of the x-files is pretty sporadic, but I love the characters so I decided to give this comic a try. First off, the art is fantastic. Licensed comics are rarely so good. It was very similar to Chris Samnee, one of my favorite artists. Plus with really decent likenesses of the actors. Plus coloring by one of all-time favorites; Jordie Bellaire! That being said, the plot was mostly boring. It had the correct structure as an episode of the show... but with much less tension for some reason. I honestly think I would prefer stories that weren't so focused on the shows uberplot, this artist doing more monster of the week stuff with better mystery plotting and timing would be great. If this art team continues I'll probably check out more of the series, but keeping appropriate expectations.
March 2, 2017
This was such a fun and quick read. To clarify, this edition was in French, and I have to say reading French graphic novels/comic books does WONDERS for your reading comprehension! I'm currently in the middle of season 3 of The X Files, so it was really fun to read about Mulder and Scully in a different medium. This comic book gives off the same vibe as the show does, which is how you know it's good. In addition to this, there are so many art styles in this--there's the classic "comic book" drawing style, but dividing the chapters are more realistic drawings of all the characters.
Ultimately, it's a fun throwback to the show, and it's a good vocabulary builder for foreign language learners!
Ultimately, it's a fun throwback to the show, and it's a good vocabulary builder for foreign language learners!
June 13, 2020
Having recently completed watching the last two seasons of the show, I thought that it would be fun to check out these alternate Season 10 stories that were written before the show came back.
These stories end up being all “Mythology” episodes which, unfortunately mean that they’re a mess. Much like the later seasons of the show (including seasons 10 and 11), the mythology just gets in its own way and becomes incessantly messy. There is still some stuff to like but ultimately it’s a bit disappointing and I do wish that they would have found a way to focus instead on more Monster of the Week style stories.
These stories end up being all “Mythology” episodes which, unfortunately mean that they’re a mess. Much like the later seasons of the show (including seasons 10 and 11), the mythology just gets in its own way and becomes incessantly messy. There is still some stuff to like but ultimately it’s a bit disappointing and I do wish that they would have found a way to focus instead on more Monster of the Week style stories.
November 10, 2019
I enjoyed this so much, the writing and art were fantastic! Brought me right back to the series. I listened to Cold Cases and Stolen Lives on audio a while back and if I remember correctly, it is the same story line. I loved those stories. So happy to be reading it in this form. I am continuing with the rest of the volumes now. I met Joe Harris at NYCC this year and bought some art prints from the comics and some rare scripts. Great guy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews