The X-Files: Origins

by Jody Houser, Matthew Dow Smith, Chris Fenoglio (Illustrator)

Before the FBI, before the X-Files, they were just two teenagers in search of the truth. On Martha’s Vineyard, a young Fox Mulder investigates something strange happening on the island, while in San Diego, 13-year-old Dana Scully looks into the shocking murder of her teacher. Two kids, two mysteries, one conspiracy that threatens the future of humanity.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Science Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Mystery, Young Adult, Ebooks

140 pages, Paperback

First published February 14, 2017

Reviews

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this little graphic novel, it’s a look into the children they were before FBI argents they become. It’s a good concept and entertaining and enjoyable.

[Chad · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Hardy Boys / Nancy Drew version of the X-Files. Fox and Dana investigate two different incidents 3 years apart when they were children. They are boring and hold zero relevancy until the very end. There's also no closure. You have to read volume 2 to get the other half of the story. The art is very cartoonish.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wer hätte gedacht, dass Dana und Fox schon als Kinder mysteriösen Regierungs(?)aktivitäten auf die Schliche gekommen sind? Und dass der Mord, den Dana aufzuklären versucht, mit den sonderbaren Entdeckungen verknüpft ist, die Fox schon ein paar Jahre früher gemacht hat?
Sympathisch erzählte X-Story, irgendwo zwischen Nancy Drew, Drei Fragezeichen und X-Files angesiedelt.

[Travis Duke · Rating 2 out of 5]

big x-files fan here and this just felt a little bland. Yes this is young Mulder and Scully but aside from few references theses kids could be anyone it doesn't feel very special to me. Both Mulder and Scully are trying to solve their own unique mystery that is sort of like an x-file at least for Mulder it seems so. The story and content feels geared for a younger audience but given how old x-files is (yes I know there are new episodes) I don't see a lot of kids picking this up. I would of liked to have seen a darker approach to the book but that's just me. The art is pretty basic nothing really good or bad. I don't see myself picking up any more in this series especially when there are best x-files graphic novels out there.

[Melissa White · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Letande D'Argon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one had a chance. Just because the idea about prequel that tells us stories of young Fox and Dana without making them actually meet each other was... kind of cute, really. And the artwork? It totally fits. It's easy to recognize David and Gillian here and the way they look as kids feels totally natural. Jody Houser also didn't forget to add some juicy details. For example, the chemistry between Dana and her dad feels perfect.

The problem is, she (Jody) didn't really know what to do with the idea. She created a pretty nice Nancy Drew / Hardy Boys-like setting, but... Well, even though this one is a very, very short comic, at the first half of it nothing happens. Absolutely, completely nothing. And the second one decided to go into Mythology thing (The X-Files main storyline). Huge mistake. Bringing the CSM alone was a terrible idea, but there's actually more.

See, the thing is - The X-Files main story suffered enough. It's so forced at times and it's so full of holes that honestly, even more holes is the last thing the readers need. Nancy Drew / Hardy Boys-like case with young Fox and Dana? Cute idea, but playing with Mythology just ruined it. Especially since Jody was unable to actually say something new here. Blah-blah-blah parents, blah-blah-blah conspiracy, blah-blah-blah Cigarette Smoking Man. What's the point?

As the result, this comic feels like one of those cartoon shows from the past. If you're old enough (and if you're interested in The X-Files, then you probably are), then you should remember that period when every time they were out of ideas, they started to reboot popular shows with the younger versions of characters. Like Tom & Jerry Kids, The Flintstone Kids and so on. Heck, they're still doing it! Pretty sure there was an Iron Man cartoon not so long ago... Anyway, this comic ends up exactly like that. It fails to become a thing on its own, but when it tries to play with with the source material, the only thing you want it to do is to stop.

[Cora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as single issues.
4.5 stars.
I really enjoyed reading both Mulder's and Scully's stories. I also love the way the issues were set out: one side being Scully and her individual story and the other side being Mulder and his individual story.
Anyway, I loved how both of their stories stuck to the original X-files format with Mulder's inquisitive side and wanting to know what happened to his sister and you see Mulder's character shape into who he is in the TV show. It's the same for Scully in the way that it shows why she was skeptical in season 1. Although I felt that the art was a little cartoonish.
I'm looking forward to reading The X-files origins novels.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! Yes! Yes! I love this, and I want the second volume like yesterday. As an X-Files fan, it's hard to go wrong with Mulder and Scully, but I enjoyed this more than I thought I might. Each character has a strong individual storyline, but long-time fans will really enjoy all the tie-ins to the mythology. It's a fun to consider Mulder and Scully's lives unknowingly intertwine long before they join forces in the 90s. My absolute favorite part of this volume is the last panels - Scully's diary narration questions God and the existence of a higher power as the artwork ends with Smoking Man pulling the strings in both kids' lives. Perfect!

[Quentin Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the last series of X-Files comics, this was like a breath of fresh air. The regular series was so convoluted it was refreshing to read something at least somewhat more straightforward. There are two stories here, one of Mulder as a teen and one of Scully around the same age. The stories have a Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew vibe to them and they do link together. The art is cartoony but first the stories very well. Some of the coincidences are a little improbable but this is the X-Files after all. If you are looking for a more YA type X-Files story that's a little easier to follow, this is it.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will not claim to be a super fan of X-files, I have watched episodes here and there and the movie and one of the two new seasons (I hadn't even realized when they had the most recent season on tv since it was hardly advertised!), but I was very excited when I found out about these graphic novels with them as teenagers!

This story takes places in 1974 for Fox Mulder and 1977 for Dana Scully as they begin there investigative careers with some strange occurrences going on. I think my favorite part of this graphic novel is the thousands of miles and years apart, I appreciate the ways that the stories are connected!

A fun read for super X-files fans and those that aren't necessarily!

[Derek · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a fan of The X-Files, I enjoyed this. It's definitely fun to imagine that this backstory is what got Mulder and Scully started on the path of FBI detective. The story itself, while interesting, didn't go very deep. There's quite a bit left unanswered but I think that's fitting of The X-Files. Also, everything in here seemed accurate from what I remember of the show.

Overall, this was an interesting story and I would certainly recommend it to someone who enjoys the show. (This is the first X-Files comic book I've read so I can't say how it compares to any others.)

[Ron Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a cute Scooby Doo-style kids adventure. But if you're a die-hard fan of The X-Files it's also entertaining because a lot of background information on Mulder and Scully comes to life. We see why Mulder is so wary of the government, Scully's faith at an early age and her relationship with her family.

[Maureen Agnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

The mystery was decent. Ended with a cliff hanger, but I do not know if a sequel is planned for this series, or it is leaving us in the dark like the tv series does (Update: There is a part 2!) The writing didn't hold my attention very well (I am kind of interested to see where the mystery goes, but I'm not running out to get the second part), but the coloring and drawings were enjoyable.

[Thomm Quackenbush · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fluffy. If you are a fan of the show -- and why would you be reading this if you are not? -- you will get much more from it. I was only a casual watcher, so I was confused what I was meant to think of the blonde girl(s?). Still, it fits continuity enough and was a quick read.

[Lanora TM · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it 3.5

[Mo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mulder as a kid in 1974 after his sister disappears & Scully at age 13 in 1977 San Diego.

Visually well done but the stories could have been tightened up a bit.

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a huge x-files fan and this is a must have in your collection, especially if you love graphic novels/comics.

[Max Washington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable! Quite moving in some sections. Very cool intrigue. Lovely artwork.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fun and the two stories overlapped well.

[Kaédeh (Kry) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been a while since I saw anything X-Files related, as soon as I saw this at my local library I just HAD to grab it.

Always love learning things from Mulder and Scully.

[Robert · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tying our leads together, even remotely, at a young age strains credulity.

[Kirsty · Rating 3 out of 5]

fun

[Kristen Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having not seen a lot of X-Files, I was interested to read this graphic novel. It takes place when the two main characters are kids and interact with their first otherworldy experiences. Really good start to a series.