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stephen_arvidson's review against another edition
2.0
Recycling seems to be the name of the game for author Joe Harris and the rest of those behind this Season 10 continuation of The X-Files. As a long-time fan of the show, I had high hopes for this graphic revival, especially since the '90s comic series by Topps was outstanding in every respect. Unfortunately, the same thing cannot be said for this latest batch of X-Files comics, for which the notion of original stories and characters seems wholly outrageous.
As previously suggested, recycling is Harris' modus operandi and he goes to great lengths to resurrect tired plotlines—and not to mention EVERY character that’s been killed off in the course of the televised series. Either IDW was contractually obligated to squeeze every supporting character and classic story arc into this 25-issue title OR they don’t seem to realize that it's entirely possible to manufacture fresh stories as opposed to rehashing old tropes and dearly departed characters. Cancer Man, the Lone Gunmen, Krycek, Mr. X—these were exceptional characters who helped make the series successful in its heyday. There’s a reason, though, that Chris Carter & Co. thought it best to kill off those characters. The nihilism of bringing them back—especially in vague, outlandish ways—not only reduces the impact of their deaths but serves as an injustice to their memory. As sensational as many of the show’s story concepts were back then—like the Black Oil, the Flukeworm, or even the alien abductions at Skyland Mountain—seeing them reintroduced here reeks of flagrant fan service and does little to draw readers into the book.
IDW’s efforts to keep The X-Files alive after all these years is praiseworthy, yes, but it’s the gratuitous rehashing of well-trodden concepts that gives Season 10 a stale, unrefined taste. For those X-Philes in need of a Mulder and Scully fix, this book may help reduce your craving—that is, if you don’t mind seeing your favorite plots and characters beaten into the proverbial ground. And for those of you who believe these bygone characters and tired alien conspiracy storylines have outstayed their welcome, you'd do well to give this volume a wide birth.
As previously suggested, recycling is Harris' modus operandi and he goes to great lengths to resurrect tired plotlines—and not to mention EVERY character that’s been killed off in the course of the televised series. Either IDW was contractually obligated to squeeze every supporting character and classic story arc into this 25-issue title OR they don’t seem to realize that it's entirely possible to manufacture fresh stories as opposed to rehashing old tropes and dearly departed characters. Cancer Man, the Lone Gunmen, Krycek, Mr. X—these were exceptional characters who helped make the series successful in its heyday. There’s a reason, though, that Chris Carter & Co. thought it best to kill off those characters. The nihilism of bringing them back—especially in vague, outlandish ways—not only reduces the impact of their deaths but serves as an injustice to their memory. As sensational as many of the show’s story concepts were back then—like the Black Oil, the Flukeworm, or even the alien abductions at Skyland Mountain—seeing them reintroduced here reeks of flagrant fan service and does little to draw readers into the book.
IDW’s efforts to keep The X-Files alive after all these years is praiseworthy, yes, but it’s the gratuitous rehashing of well-trodden concepts that gives Season 10 a stale, unrefined taste. For those X-Philes in need of a Mulder and Scully fix, this book may help reduce your craving—that is, if you don’t mind seeing your favorite plots and characters beaten into the proverbial ground. And for those of you who believe these bygone characters and tired alien conspiracy storylines have outstayed their welcome, you'd do well to give this volume a wide birth.
jonwesleyhuff's review against another edition
3.0
Still solid. This time we get a single story again. The returning characters don't bother me as their return seems to be part of the point of the story. But, it would be nice to have some more fresh concepts. I like the new artist overall. Everyone was pretty recognizable. But, I will say sometimes the storytelling was muddled. I had no idea what was going on in the pages toward the end of the book.
phoebejeziel's review against another edition
4.0
More X-files fun! A whole bunch of faces that we thought were gone... BUT APPARENTLY NOT OMG.
This just gives me sooooo many theories for what they're going to be doing for the upcoming mini series ahhhh!!!!
Personally, the second volume so far has been the most creepy and well done, but still really enjoyed this one!
This just gives me sooooo many theories for what they're going to be doing for the upcoming mini series ahhhh!!!!
Personally, the second volume so far has been the most creepy and well done, but still really enjoyed this one!
timshel's review
Ugghhh. Put in comic form, The X-Files seems ridiculous. Are the episodes and movies really this outlandish? Hmmmppf. “Season 10, Volume 1” is a rushed story which contradicts previously established canon whenever convenient. Kind of like the show actually. Hmmmm... I think if I want to continue living in denial and actually enjoying the series, I'll need to avoid these comics.
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