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The X-Files: Year Zero #1-5
Секретные материалы: Нулевой год
Тайна происхождения отдела секретных материалов раскрыта!
Когда синий воротничок из Нью-Джерси передает ФБР пророческие сообщения загадочного «мистера Зеро», Малдер становится уверен, что в деле замешана та же сущность из другого мира, что связывалась с ФБР через домохозяйку из пригорода в 1940-х. Некий «мистер Зэро» с подозрительно похожим именем указал ФБР на множество необычных дел, которые впоследствии привели к образованию «секретных материалов»!
Когда синий воротничок из Нью-Джерси передает ФБР пророческие сообщения загадочного «мистера Зеро», Малдер становится уверен, что в деле замешана та же сущность из другого мира, что связывалась с ФБР через домохозяйку из пригорода в 1940-х. Некий «мистер Зэро» с подозрительно похожим именем указал ФБР на множество необычных дел, которые впоследствии привели к образованию «секретных материалов»!
128 pages, Paperback
First published March 17, 2015
16 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Karl Kesel
1,068 books42 followersKarl Kesel (Victor, New York) is an American comics writer and inker whose works have primarily been under contract for DC Comics. He is a member of Periscope Studio. In 2017, he started Panic Button Press with Tom Grummett to publish the creator-owned graphic novel Section Zero.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
January 11, 2018
WOW, That was so much fun..
A Special episode mixing Aliens, Werewolves, Seers, even fairies...mixing our beloved Mulder and Scully in 2016 with the creators of The X-Files in 1946.
I dreaded reading comics for The X-Files..,for me I felt the comics of it that started since late 90s is just a "sophisticated" fan fiction.
But this one really captured the spirit of the episode with 5 breaks, real cliffhangers.
Everytime a layer revealed of the current time line story and the amazingly written 40s agents.. and how the X-Files started..
Since I read that the flashback is back to 1946 ,Roswell came to my mind..it's just one year later..
And Karl Kesel really connect everything very well , his drawing also amazing in many parts he captured the face of Mulder and Scully very well.
I now wish he had more X-Files comics , sadly the original Year Zero is not his I noticed when I saw the old covers at the end of this volume.
Anyway I must look for more Mulder and Scully , till they make more episodes...
Mohammed Arabey
From 17 March 2016
To 24 March 2016
A Special episode mixing Aliens, Werewolves, Seers, even fairies...mixing our beloved Mulder and Scully in 2016 with the creators of The X-Files in 1946.
I dreaded reading comics for The X-Files..,for me I felt the comics of it that started since late 90s is just a "sophisticated" fan fiction.
But this one really captured the spirit of the episode with 5 breaks, real cliffhangers.
Everytime a layer revealed of the current time line story and the amazingly written 40s agents.. and how the X-Files started..
Since I read that the flashback is back to 1946 ,Roswell came to my mind..it's just one year later..
And Karl Kesel really connect everything very well , his drawing also amazing in many parts he captured the face of Mulder and Scully very well.
I now wish he had more X-Files comics , sadly the original Year Zero is not his I noticed when I saw the old covers at the end of this volume.
Anyway I must look for more Mulder and Scully , till they make more episodes...
Mohammed Arabey
From 17 March 2016
To 24 March 2016
December 10, 2015
A case in the present that includes prophetic messages convinces Mulder that the entity behind them is the same entity that contacted a suburban housewife in 1946.
It was quite nice reading an X-files graphic novel, made me wanna see the show again. The story was ok, but I wasn't overjoyed with the art. I mean the present time was ok, Mulder and Scully looked like they should look, but the art from the 1940's was quite bad in my opinion.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
It was quite nice reading an X-files graphic novel, made me wanna see the show again. The story was ok, but I wasn't overjoyed with the art. I mean the present time was ok, Mulder and Scully looked like they should look, but the art from the 1940's was quite bad in my opinion.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
October 5, 2015
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Not much to say about this one. It felt like a typical X-Files episode, but not much story about Fox and Mulder. Instead this was a look back at the very first team investigating the strange and unusual. That first investigation tied closely to a current one, but there were several twists that were in no way shocking or surprising. This might have been an episode written but never filmed. Recommended only for hard-core X-Files fans.
Not much to say about this one. It felt like a typical X-Files episode, but not much story about Fox and Mulder. Instead this was a look back at the very first team investigating the strange and unusual. That first investigation tied closely to a current one, but there were several twists that were in no way shocking or surprising. This might have been an episode written but never filmed. Recommended only for hard-core X-Files fans.
March 13, 2015
3.5*
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Mulder and Scully are investigating a case and realise that it draws parallels with another case from the 1940's. They begin to receive mysterious messages and learn of Mr Zero who also appears to be involved in the 1940's investigation.
This was a fairly enjoyable read, the story didn't grab me at first but got much better midway when all the pieces of the puzzle started coming together. I also liked how this explained why the files are called the X-Files.
The art wasn't a style that I particularly loved, there was nothing really wrong with it but for my personal tastes I've enjoyed other styles more.
A good read but not quite to my taste.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Mulder and Scully are investigating a case and realise that it draws parallels with another case from the 1940's. They begin to receive mysterious messages and learn of Mr Zero who also appears to be involved in the 1940's investigation.
This was a fairly enjoyable read, the story didn't grab me at first but got much better midway when all the pieces of the puzzle started coming together. I also liked how this explained why the files are called the X-Files.
The art wasn't a style that I particularly loved, there was nothing really wrong with it but for my personal tastes I've enjoyed other styles more.
A good read but not quite to my taste.
December 23, 2014
Somehow I managed to be an X-Phile for 10+ years without ever picking up and X-Files comic book. I’m glad to have started with Year Zero, because it's an excellent story which deals with the origins of the X-Files. At first this made me wary - don’t most fans pick up X-Files comics because they miss Mulder and Scully? Why would we want to read a book that spends only half of its time with our favorite FBI agents, and half of its time with a 1940s duo named Ellison and Ohio?
Well, because Ellison and Ohio kick ass! They’re fascinating characters, and this version of the formation of the X-Files is far more interesting than what the actual show dished out. Year Zero is a wonderfully entertaining comic, recommended for serious X-Philes and for casual fans alike.
Thank you to NetGalley and Diamond Book Distributors for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Well, because Ellison and Ohio kick ass! They’re fascinating characters, and this version of the formation of the X-Files is far more interesting than what the actual show dished out. Year Zero is a wonderfully entertaining comic, recommended for serious X-Philes and for casual fans alike.
Thank you to NetGalley and Diamond Book Distributors for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
May 4, 2015
YEAR ZERO ist ein absolut überzeugendes X-FILES Comic, an dem sogar Comic-Muffel und X-Files-Ignoranten ihre Freude haben dürften.
Die Story-Arc, die sich über fünf Hefte erstreckt, schlägt eine Brücke zwischen dem ersten X-Akten-Fall im Jahr 1946 und der heutigen Zeit. Ein mysteriöser Mister Zero (oder richtiger Xero) gibt dem FBI Hinweise auf unerklärliche Fälle, was zur Gründung der X-Files führt. Insofern ist Vorwissen nicht erforderlich und der Band eignet sich auch für Einsteiger hervorragend, die nicht einmal die Fernsehserie gesehen haben müssen.
Erwähnenswert ist auch, dass das erste X-Files-Team nicht minder charismatisch und sympathisch ist als Scully und Mulder und das FBI mit Milly Ohio erstmals eine Frau als Ermittlerin einsetzt (die sich noch nicht Agentin nennen darf).
Die Handlung ist komplex, aber spannend und Mulders knochentrockener Humor herzerfrischend. Und natürlich gibt es etliche popkulturelle Anspielungen:
("Although it is damn fine coffee, as a friend of mine in the Pacific Northwest would say")
Die Zeichnungen sind überzeugend, dazu kommt das besondere Schmankerl, dass die Handlung in den 40er Jahren angelehnt an den Stil der Golden Age Comics gezeichnet ist.
(Damals...)
(...und heute)
(Scullys Vorgängerin Milly trägt übrigens durchweg Handschuhe, ohne das darauf eingegangen wird, warum. Das läßt mich hoffen, dass es irgendwann ein Wiedersehen mit dem tollen ersten Team geben wird)
Fazit: stellare 5 Sterne und die Hoffnung, dass Karl Kesel nicht das letzte Mal die Story geliefert hat!
Die Story-Arc, die sich über fünf Hefte erstreckt, schlägt eine Brücke zwischen dem ersten X-Akten-Fall im Jahr 1946 und der heutigen Zeit. Ein mysteriöser Mister Zero (oder richtiger Xero) gibt dem FBI Hinweise auf unerklärliche Fälle, was zur Gründung der X-Files führt. Insofern ist Vorwissen nicht erforderlich und der Band eignet sich auch für Einsteiger hervorragend, die nicht einmal die Fernsehserie gesehen haben müssen.
Erwähnenswert ist auch, dass das erste X-Files-Team nicht minder charismatisch und sympathisch ist als Scully und Mulder und das FBI mit Milly Ohio erstmals eine Frau als Ermittlerin einsetzt (die sich noch nicht Agentin nennen darf).
Die Handlung ist komplex, aber spannend und Mulders knochentrockener Humor herzerfrischend. Und natürlich gibt es etliche popkulturelle Anspielungen:
("Although it is damn fine coffee, as a friend of mine in the Pacific Northwest would say")
Die Zeichnungen sind überzeugend, dazu kommt das besondere Schmankerl, dass die Handlung in den 40er Jahren angelehnt an den Stil der Golden Age Comics gezeichnet ist.
(Damals...)
(...und heute)
(Scullys Vorgängerin Milly trägt übrigens durchweg Handschuhe, ohne das darauf eingegangen wird, warum. Das läßt mich hoffen, dass es irgendwann ein Wiedersehen mit dem tollen ersten Team geben wird)
Fazit: stellare 5 Sterne und die Hoffnung, dass Karl Kesel nicht das letzte Mal die Story geliefert hat!
January 23, 2015
Between Kumail Nanjiani's The X-Files Files and news that Fox is getting ready to re-open The X-Files, my interest in one of my favorite shows has been renewed. I've read a couple of the season ten installments of this new comic series and felt they were hit or miss. So I approached this collection of the five-issue series focusing on the establishment of the famous X-Files with an open mind.
As Mulder and Scully look into a case in the current time-line, we're given flashes back to the beginnings of the case and the two FBI agents assigned to investigate it. It's a fairly entertaining, well told little story that checks a lot of boxes for continuity fan and is full of Easter eggs for long-time obsessive fans of the show. But if you're not a huge fan or dropped out around the time Mulder left the show, you'll still be able to jump into this one and enjoy what's going on here (unlike some of the stories from year 10 that require you to be more than passingly familiar with the mythology from the later seasons of the show).
Of the recent X-Files comics, I have to admit this is my favorite of the bunch, simply because it's a stand alone story. I'm not sure I'd necessarily pick up a whole series of stories set in the early days of the X-Files but I'd be interested enough to read one or two more stories featuring these new characters.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received a digital ARC of this collection from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
As Mulder and Scully look into a case in the current time-line, we're given flashes back to the beginnings of the case and the two FBI agents assigned to investigate it. It's a fairly entertaining, well told little story that checks a lot of boxes for continuity fan and is full of Easter eggs for long-time obsessive fans of the show. But if you're not a huge fan or dropped out around the time Mulder left the show, you'll still be able to jump into this one and enjoy what's going on here (unlike some of the stories from year 10 that require you to be more than passingly familiar with the mythology from the later seasons of the show).
Of the recent X-Files comics, I have to admit this is my favorite of the bunch, simply because it's a stand alone story. I'm not sure I'd necessarily pick up a whole series of stories set in the early days of the X-Files but I'd be interested enough to read one or two more stories featuring these new characters.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received a digital ARC of this collection from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2017
Agent Mulder and Scully are back and in comic form.
Ummm. David Duchovny in comic form.... ugh yes, please!
The story is a typical X-Files mashup. Takes something from the now and links it with an incredible tale from 1946. Mr. X(Z)ero makes quite a few appearances that leaves his mark on the lives and files of everyone involved.
How the X-Files began and turned into what they are now is incredibly fascinating. And you just crave more with a better story.
The story was good just not as crazy as I was hoping. I needed more Alien life or wicked human changing creatures.
At times the characters looked too much alike and that became confusing to differentiate from. Was it past or present? Was it Mulder or Scully? Who knows? Use your best judgement.
It was a good story just needed alittle more steam and a more intriguing catch.
Ummm. David Duchovny in comic form.... ugh yes, please!
The story is a typical X-Files mashup. Takes something from the now and links it with an incredible tale from 1946. Mr. X(Z)ero makes quite a few appearances that leaves his mark on the lives and files of everyone involved.
How the X-Files began and turned into what they are now is incredibly fascinating. And you just crave more with a better story.
The story was good just not as crazy as I was hoping. I needed more Alien life or wicked human changing creatures.
At times the characters looked too much alike and that became confusing to differentiate from. Was it past or present? Was it Mulder or Scully? Who knows? Use your best judgement.
It was a good story just needed alittle more steam and a more intriguing catch.
April 22, 2015
With all the hype about The X-Files returning to TV, graphic novels, well, I suppose anything to do with this show should be popular.
I remember I watched The X-Files on the night it premiered and thought, this can't last, it's too astonishingly awesome. I'm thankful to be wrong. It did last and it was that stunningly, astonishingly, amazingly awesome, well, on and off, it certainly had it's roller coaster moments and that's reflected even in this graphic novel. It has great visuals, drama, dash of humour, and of course, the creep factor.
If you're a diehard fan you'll probably enjoy this, but it didn't sweep me off my feet.
I remember I watched The X-Files on the night it premiered and thought, this can't last, it's too astonishingly awesome. I'm thankful to be wrong. It did last and it was that stunningly, astonishingly, amazingly awesome, well, on and off, it certainly had it's roller coaster moments and that's reflected even in this graphic novel. It has great visuals, drama, dash of humour, and of course, the creep factor.
If you're a diehard fan you'll probably enjoy this, but it didn't sweep me off my feet.
July 17, 2015
Interesting volume that is basically the origin of the X-Files. You get to see how the X-Files division was originally formed back in the 1940s, as well as where the name "X-Files" comes from. (It's not what you think.)
Overall a good story with decent art. A little confusing at times, but that seems to be par for the course with the X-Files comics. Theres a time traveling alien with powers, a manitou, and other strange things going on.
This is one most X-Files fans should read since it's an origin story with new background information.
Overall a good story with decent art. A little confusing at times, but that seems to be par for the course with the X-Files comics. Theres a time traveling alien with powers, a manitou, and other strange things going on.
This is one most X-Files fans should read since it's an origin story with new background information.
July 17, 2019
First of all, it isn't really that bad. Karl Kesel's biggest achievement here is that he did make it feel like The X-Files episode. No, seriously, this one would make a pretty solid episode of the original show. There's only one problem with that. That problem is... as a TV episode it won't make a freakin' sense.
See, the original X-Files canon was already screwed up and full of holes. And when IDW started their thing, they didn't expect the show to return. Like... at all. So, they started to make their own version of Season 10. In comic book format. Obviously, when the original show got real tenth season, it was nothing like that (still trying to unsee all that John Connor nonsense, by the way). So, where does that place the IDW version? Obviously in the non-canon category. The one nobody really cares about. Let's be honest, most of us rarely bother with all those non-canon things. I mean, if it isn't the real deal... why bother? And the worst thing is - that's exactly what this comic is based on. The IDW version of Season 10.
In other words, if you'll read it without reading IDW's Season 10 before, you'll be like "say wha-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a..." For example, The Lone Gunmen are alive here and helping Fox all over again. Why? How? Well, go and read Season 10. The idea of which was arguably better than the real deal, but still... let's just say that the comic version of Season 10 can't be called a good reading. And obviously, this comic was influenced by its lore at least a little.
Another bad thing here is that this comic tries to play with The X-Files main story (AKA Mythology) a bit too much. Without any real purpose. Like I've said, we had way too many holes in the real deal. There was just no need to make things even more complicated without a good reason behind that. And this comic? It doesn't really have a reason. It's just that - something that feels like a random and generic X-File. Nothing special, nothing unique, nothing especially interesting. Just one of those TV episodes you probably won't even remember after some time. One of those that are kind of fun to watch as long as you have enough Cheetos and Mountain Dew, but... you know how it is.
So, yeah... here we are. A nice, but generic X-File, heavily ruined by the attempts to play with canon and also by IDW's attempts to continue the story before the real comeback. If you're going to read this, read IDW's version of Season 10 first. But honestly, as long as you're not a die hard X-Files fanatic, you may as well just ignore it. After all, the times when we were always ready for some generic spooky tales are long gone and modern entertainment needs to offer something unique to get our attentions. Clearly, this comic has nothing like that.
See, the original X-Files canon was already screwed up and full of holes. And when IDW started their thing, they didn't expect the show to return. Like... at all. So, they started to make their own version of Season 10. In comic book format. Obviously, when the original show got real tenth season, it was nothing like that (still trying to unsee all that John Connor nonsense, by the way). So, where does that place the IDW version? Obviously in the non-canon category. The one nobody really cares about. Let's be honest, most of us rarely bother with all those non-canon things. I mean, if it isn't the real deal... why bother? And the worst thing is - that's exactly what this comic is based on. The IDW version of Season 10.
In other words, if you'll read it without reading IDW's Season 10 before, you'll be like "say wha-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a..." For example, The Lone Gunmen are alive here and helping Fox all over again. Why? How? Well, go and read Season 10. The idea of which was arguably better than the real deal, but still... let's just say that the comic version of Season 10 can't be called a good reading. And obviously, this comic was influenced by its lore at least a little.
Another bad thing here is that this comic tries to play with The X-Files main story (AKA Mythology) a bit too much. Without any real purpose. Like I've said, we had way too many holes in the real deal. There was just no need to make things even more complicated without a good reason behind that. And this comic? It doesn't really have a reason. It's just that - something that feels like a random and generic X-File. Nothing special, nothing unique, nothing especially interesting. Just one of those TV episodes you probably won't even remember after some time. One of those that are kind of fun to watch as long as you have enough Cheetos and Mountain Dew, but... you know how it is.
So, yeah... here we are. A nice, but generic X-File, heavily ruined by the attempts to play with canon and also by IDW's attempts to continue the story before the real comeback. If you're going to read this, read IDW's version of Season 10 first. But honestly, as long as you're not a die hard X-Files fanatic, you may as well just ignore it. After all, the times when we were always ready for some generic spooky tales are long gone and modern entertainment needs to offer something unique to get our attentions. Clearly, this comic has nothing like that.
October 8, 2020
X-Files: Year Zero by Vic Malhotra is part of the continuing adventures of Agents Mulder and Scully. I remember when Sunday evenings were a time to look forward to. I never missed an episode of the X-Files, even the reruns. It is also the only series I own all the DVDs.
I usually don’t read graphic novels, but seeing it was the X-Files I decided to give it a read. Mulder and Scully remain true to character. Mulder is pushing the boundaries of what is believable and Scully remains his reality check. It is nice to see both have made the transition into the twenty-first-century technology. The old brick phones have been replaced with current technology, and the characters, though the magic of the printed word, have not aged.
There is a parallel story that runs and converges with Mulder and Scully’s story. It also involves a male special agent and a female “special employee” (since women could not be agents) in 1946. There are similarities and cross similarities between the pairs of agents that were fun to discover. The Mr. Zero/Xero character is the keystone tying together the two plots.
The story is very well done and the artwork was particularly interesting. The artwork for the present is standard fare, but the artwork for the part of the story that takes place in the 1940s is very different It actually looks like it was pulled for a 1940s comic book. A very nice touch and tribute to the past. The difference also helps separate the stories. I am sure some die hard fans can nitpick points to no end here, but for the X-Files was fun and escapism. I had no problems following along with the story or with any new or different explanations in the X-Files mythology. I loved the X-Files and Year Zero fell right into place with me. It was like seeing an old friend again.
I usually don’t read graphic novels, but seeing it was the X-Files I decided to give it a read. Mulder and Scully remain true to character. Mulder is pushing the boundaries of what is believable and Scully remains his reality check. It is nice to see both have made the transition into the twenty-first-century technology. The old brick phones have been replaced with current technology, and the characters, though the magic of the printed word, have not aged.
There is a parallel story that runs and converges with Mulder and Scully’s story. It also involves a male special agent and a female “special employee” (since women could not be agents) in 1946. There are similarities and cross similarities between the pairs of agents that were fun to discover. The Mr. Zero/Xero character is the keystone tying together the two plots.
The story is very well done and the artwork was particularly interesting. The artwork for the present is standard fare, but the artwork for the part of the story that takes place in the 1940s is very different It actually looks like it was pulled for a 1940s comic book. A very nice touch and tribute to the past. The difference also helps separate the stories. I am sure some die hard fans can nitpick points to no end here, but for the X-Files was fun and escapism. I had no problems following along with the story or with any new or different explanations in the X-Files mythology. I loved the X-Files and Year Zero fell right into place with me. It was like seeing an old friend again.
August 20, 2018
This book has so much potential but it just doesn't quite deliver. It starts off feeling just like an episode from the tv series, but somewhere it goes off the rails and just loses its way.
There's some really awkward moments in it that don't seem to translate well that might've been better on screen.
The moments where Mr. Xero is shown and he scowls at people with a horrific monster-like look and the person's response is kind of like, "Hi Bob, sorry didn't see you come in!" It's like what the f**k? If some dude crawls through my window looking like a vampire I'm gonna fry that dude!!!
The art in it is really good and the dialogue between Scully and Mulder is straight out of the tv show. The rest is problematic and hard to get behind, even the main story is a bit outlandish for an X-Files episode.
There's some really awkward moments in it that don't seem to translate well that might've been better on screen.
The moments where Mr. Xero is shown and he scowls at people with a horrific monster-like look and the person's response is kind of like, "Hi Bob, sorry didn't see you come in!" It's like what the f**k? If some dude crawls through my window looking like a vampire I'm gonna fry that dude!!!
The art in it is really good and the dialogue between Scully and Mulder is straight out of the tv show. The rest is problematic and hard to get behind, even the main story is a bit outlandish for an X-Files episode.
November 24, 2025
Gotta be honest, I wasn’t sold on his at first but I stuck with it and was really glad I did! A cleverly-written plot involving the same case in both the modern day and at the inception of the X-Files allows us to enjoy Mulder and Scully, as well as explore the history of the "department." The artwork varies between the two time periods, but I think it works pretty well for both, with a gritty style for the contemporary part and a slightly more cartoonish look for the 40s investigation. And a stand-alone "monster-of-the-week" werewolf plot thrown in halfway through makes it feel very much like its own little series!
November 22, 2017
Really good! I picked up Scully’s X-Files Origins book, but am worried it’s not good, so I wanted to whet my appetite with some X-Files comics :-) Great plot, exciting cliffhangers, and the flip back in time to 1946 was really enjoyable! Def worth the read. I love that my library does hoopla! So many great comics available!
July 24, 2018
Kinda weird graphic novel follows Mulder & Scully in the "present" and a couple of enterprising FBI agents in the 1940s as they work the same case, a mystery revolving around a mysterious psychic named Mr. Zero (or perhaps Mr. Xero). The two time-period hook is interesting, but nothing here is particularly well executed.
April 16, 2021
Сюжет - перероблена старенька казочка, поділена на два часових періода. Нічого в лор не додає (а якщо ви знаєте, чим закінчився серіал, то ця історія навіть бііііісить), нових персонажів розкриває дуже слабенько, і навіть в плані екшену чи графіки зірок не хапає, хоча в коміксі можна було б розвернутися так, як хочеться.
Дуже традиційні Малдер і Скаллі, яким немає тут чого робити.
Дуже традиційні Малдер і Скаллі, яким немає тут чого робити.
July 6, 2021
The good thing about comics is that they take an already 'out there' premise like the X-Files, and push it further.
This was a good one, investigating the origins of the department that became the FBI's X-Files.
This was a good one, investigating the origins of the department that became the FBI's X-Files.
October 27, 2017
Gets a bump up in the rating because of that sweet Twin Peaks callback.
December 21, 2017
It was fun! Not the best X-Files story I've ever read, but I'd still recommend it.
December 25, 2017
A decent X-files yarn. I am sad it wasn’t an actual episode. It was well-done.
March 25, 2018
Fun read that makes me want to go back and watch more classic X-files. I hope this isn’t the last we see of Agent Ellison or Ohio.
April 7, 2018
This one is probably a 3.5 or 3.75 star read. The art was lovely and the story engaging but it fell a little flat in some areas.
July 26, 2022
I like anything X-Files.
Thank you!
Thank you!
July 10, 2023
Среднее произведение. История не зацепила. Сама вселенная очень даже нравится
September 21, 2024
Nails the tones and pace of the series perfectly.
December 13, 2014
The Best X-Files Graphic Novel Yet
I've read a few of the X-Files graphic novels, ("X-Files Season 10, Volumes 1,2,3, etc."), and they're fun and sort of a nice treat if you're suffering X-Files withdrawal, but this new book is a big step up. You have a single story told along two time lines - one involves Mulder and Scully in the present and one involves an FBI team working in 1946.
Mulder and Scully are in top form. The dialogue is snappy and clever, with dry and deadpan highlights. In this outing the characters feel particularly true to the originals, rather than just imitations. The drawing more consistently looks like Duchovny and Anderson, which adds a lot to the reader's satisfaction.
But here's the best part - the story set in 1946 is a hoot. It involves atomic secrets, shape-shifting, and lots of other folderol that is X-Files worthy and keeps the story perking along. There are wheels within wheels and it all comes together and makes sense, in that special X-Files way, by the end. But the special treat is the two new characters. This is another male/female team. The guy is Bing Ellinson, a handsome old-fashioned fast-with-his-fists wiseguy. The woman is a recently discharged member of the Women's Army Corps who wants to be the FBI's first female agent, and who wangles a one-time assignment as a special agent because of her connection to a critical witness. This character, Humility Ohio, is smart, tough, sexy and as hard-boiled and smart mouth as Bing. The upshot is you get a crackling Tracy/Hepburn act in the 1946 story that is mirrored in the modern version when the action switches to Mulder and Scully. It's very entertaining, and the author has fun drawing subtle parallels between the two sets of characters. (Actually, a quick glance at the cover will illustrate what I'm driving at.) A token of this puckish approach is that the 1946 era episodes are drawn in an appropriate golden age style.
As to the story, while chasing a black leopard that may be a shape-shifter, Agents Mulder and Scully receive a tip from a “Mr. Zero”. Mulder checks the very first X-File, which involved animals attacks, and tips from a mysterious “Mr. Xero” in 1946. This sets up the parallel time-lines for the two stories. There are twists and turns and the story is appropriately X-Filey., with Mr. Xero and Mr. Zero appearing from time to time and taunting the agents. This volume collects the five individual comics in the series, so the story arc is complete in this book, (although sequels are clearly being promised).
The upshot is that this is a fresh, clever and reasonably "authentic" addition to the X-Files canon, and a pleasant surprise. I usually just take these books as I find them and then move on, but I'm honestly looking forward to the next installment of this series. (Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book. )
I've read a few of the X-Files graphic novels, ("X-Files Season 10, Volumes 1,2,3, etc."), and they're fun and sort of a nice treat if you're suffering X-Files withdrawal, but this new book is a big step up. You have a single story told along two time lines - one involves Mulder and Scully in the present and one involves an FBI team working in 1946.
Mulder and Scully are in top form. The dialogue is snappy and clever, with dry and deadpan highlights. In this outing the characters feel particularly true to the originals, rather than just imitations. The drawing more consistently looks like Duchovny and Anderson, which adds a lot to the reader's satisfaction.
But here's the best part - the story set in 1946 is a hoot. It involves atomic secrets, shape-shifting, and lots of other folderol that is X-Files worthy and keeps the story perking along. There are wheels within wheels and it all comes together and makes sense, in that special X-Files way, by the end. But the special treat is the two new characters. This is another male/female team. The guy is Bing Ellinson, a handsome old-fashioned fast-with-his-fists wiseguy. The woman is a recently discharged member of the Women's Army Corps who wants to be the FBI's first female agent, and who wangles a one-time assignment as a special agent because of her connection to a critical witness. This character, Humility Ohio, is smart, tough, sexy and as hard-boiled and smart mouth as Bing. The upshot is you get a crackling Tracy/Hepburn act in the 1946 story that is mirrored in the modern version when the action switches to Mulder and Scully. It's very entertaining, and the author has fun drawing subtle parallels between the two sets of characters. (Actually, a quick glance at the cover will illustrate what I'm driving at.) A token of this puckish approach is that the 1946 era episodes are drawn in an appropriate golden age style.
As to the story, while chasing a black leopard that may be a shape-shifter, Agents Mulder and Scully receive a tip from a “Mr. Zero”. Mulder checks the very first X-File, which involved animals attacks, and tips from a mysterious “Mr. Xero” in 1946. This sets up the parallel time-lines for the two stories. There are twists and turns and the story is appropriately X-Filey., with Mr. Xero and Mr. Zero appearing from time to time and taunting the agents. This volume collects the five individual comics in the series, so the story arc is complete in this book, (although sequels are clearly being promised).
The upshot is that this is a fresh, clever and reasonably "authentic" addition to the X-Files canon, and a pleasant surprise. I usually just take these books as I find them and then move on, but I'm honestly looking forward to the next installment of this series. (Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book. )
December 15, 2014
Note: I received this early edition ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
When a blue-collar worker from New Jersey passes prophetic messages to the FBI from a mysterious “Mr. Zero,” Mulder is convinced it is the same otherworldly entity that contacted the FBI through a suburban housewife in the 1940s. This similarly named “Mr. Xero” pointed the FBI toward many unusual cases, leading to the establishment of “the X-Files”! (description taken from goodreads)
Year Zero adds a lot to the X-FIles canon (including how the X-Files began) and provides many references to past events and characters. Mulder and Scully were absolutely in character and there was a lot of the fun banter that made the tv show amazing. That’s something that seems to be missing in much of the extended universe.
The case itself was entertaining and it brings back memories of some of my favorite episodes from the show. It also twists and turns just enough to keep it interesting. I read the whole thing in one sitting actually.
The characters that were introduced in this volume were well written, but the ones that excited me the most were Bing Ellinson and Humility Ohio. They’re kind of like a 40s version of Mulder and Scully and it’s kind of amazing. I have a slight feeling we will be seeing them again soon.
The art work absolutely heightened a lot of the similarities and differences between the past and present cases while also being aesthetically pleasing. The style isn’t my all time favorite, but it was still enjoyable.
P.S. Be on the look out for a lovely reference to Twin Peaks
When a blue-collar worker from New Jersey passes prophetic messages to the FBI from a mysterious “Mr. Zero,” Mulder is convinced it is the same otherworldly entity that contacted the FBI through a suburban housewife in the 1940s. This similarly named “Mr. Xero” pointed the FBI toward many unusual cases, leading to the establishment of “the X-Files”! (description taken from goodreads)
Year Zero adds a lot to the X-FIles canon (including how the X-Files began) and provides many references to past events and characters. Mulder and Scully were absolutely in character and there was a lot of the fun banter that made the tv show amazing. That’s something that seems to be missing in much of the extended universe.
The case itself was entertaining and it brings back memories of some of my favorite episodes from the show. It also twists and turns just enough to keep it interesting. I read the whole thing in one sitting actually.
The characters that were introduced in this volume were well written, but the ones that excited me the most were Bing Ellinson and Humility Ohio. They’re kind of like a 40s version of Mulder and Scully and it’s kind of amazing. I have a slight feeling we will be seeing them again soon.
The art work absolutely heightened a lot of the similarities and differences between the past and present cases while also being aesthetically pleasing. The style isn’t my all time favorite, but it was still enjoyable.
P.S. Be on the look out for a lovely reference to Twin Peaks
March 7, 2015
'The X-Files: Year Zero' tells another story of Scully and Mulder, but more of a story of their predecessors from the 1940s. I liked it, but there have been better recent X-Files stories.
The present day story takes place in the New Jersey barrens. An animal control officer seems to be capable of giving prophetic messages. Mulder and Scully investigate and learn of a mysterious Mr. Zero. We also move back to the 1940s and meet special agent Bing Ellinson and his new assistant Millie Ohio. At this point in history, there are no female agents, but Millie proves to be equal to the task at hand. Before long, they run into a strange man named Mr. Xero who seems to be intertwined with a woman. Are they the same strange man? Why is he so interested in these two people?
Like I said, I liked the story. I liked the earlier story, and how the art changed to look like art from old comic books. It just felt like one of those middle of the road X-Files episodes I used to sit through to get to the good ones (like 'Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose' or 'War of the Coprophages'). It is good to have new stories with these characters.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, IDW Publishing, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
The present day story takes place in the New Jersey barrens. An animal control officer seems to be capable of giving prophetic messages. Mulder and Scully investigate and learn of a mysterious Mr. Zero. We also move back to the 1940s and meet special agent Bing Ellinson and his new assistant Millie Ohio. At this point in history, there are no female agents, but Millie proves to be equal to the task at hand. Before long, they run into a strange man named Mr. Xero who seems to be intertwined with a woman. Are they the same strange man? Why is he so interested in these two people?
Like I said, I liked the story. I liked the earlier story, and how the art changed to look like art from old comic books. It just felt like one of those middle of the road X-Files episodes I used to sit through to get to the good ones (like 'Clyde Bruckman's Final Repose' or 'War of the Coprophages'). It is good to have new stories with these characters.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, IDW Publishing, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
December 24, 2014
Thanks to NetGalley for my advanced copy!
I have always loved watching X-Files and when I saw this comic, I knew I had to read it!
This book contains a set of 5 consecutive comic series. Agent Mulder and Agent Scully are back and are receiving a string of messages from a common man which turn out to be predictions on the future. They start investigating and it leads them to the very first X-Files case. They are linked and Scully and Mulder need to find out the connection to understand and solve not one but both the cases!
The plot is interesting, a typical X-Files case. It consists of two stories, one in 1947 and the other set in the present day New Jersey. Needless to say, two set of agents investigate. The graphics/art is your standard comic with some really good images. Kudos to Vic!
For an X-files fan, this book was like watching an exciting episode with a warm reminiscence!
I have always loved watching X-Files and when I saw this comic, I knew I had to read it!
This book contains a set of 5 consecutive comic series. Agent Mulder and Agent Scully are back and are receiving a string of messages from a common man which turn out to be predictions on the future. They start investigating and it leads them to the very first X-Files case. They are linked and Scully and Mulder need to find out the connection to understand and solve not one but both the cases!
The plot is interesting, a typical X-Files case. It consists of two stories, one in 1947 and the other set in the present day New Jersey. Needless to say, two set of agents investigate. The graphics/art is your standard comic with some really good images. Kudos to Vic!
For an X-files fan, this book was like watching an exciting episode with a warm reminiscence!
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