The X-Files: Season 10 #3
Written By: Joe Harris Art By: Michael WalshWith the threat of the Acolytes fully revealed last issue, subtlety goes out the window in The X-Files: Season 10 #3. The action-oriented issue maintains its thrills with the speedy pacing, but doesn’t have the same quieter, endearing quirks of the previous issues.
A lot of The X-Files charm comes from the underlying uneasiness that maintains through its episodes, even through to the conclusion. Issue 3 plays more like a delivery on the threat, and boasts the damage they’re capable of, in favour of more intrigue.
The issue introduces more characters from the X-Files lore, with Mulder’s Dad, “The Smoking Man.” His appearance comes out of left field, but his mysterious cool-factor excuses some of the “that came out of nowhere” feeling. If any supporting characters stick around for the long haul, The Smoking Man is my vote, as his presence is creepy, and breaches the personal side of Fox Mulder.
Walsh’s artwork is consistent with previous issues, keeping with the suspenseful, mysterious tone that is sometimes absent in the script. The sequencing and framing of panels is superb, especially in the Diner scene between Mulder and The Smoking Man. With the focus on coffee and cigarettes, the conversation between the two men has a cool Resevoir Dogs vibe.
While it lacks the unsettling smaller moments of previous issues, The X-Files: Season 10 #3 is the loudest installment thus far, with plenty of action to join the instances of terror.
