The X-Files: Season 10 #2
Written By: Joe Harris Art By: Michael WalshThe X-Files: Season 10 #2 is a wonderfully paced story that doesn’t suffocate readers with mystery. There’s lots of intrigue in this comic, but by keeping it contained to the sole conflict of the Acolytes, Harris leaves lots of room to breathe for the pulp, noir, comedy and sci-fi to ensue.
The cold open is used in this series to mimic the television counterpart, but uses FBI Agents as the victims, making the threat more personal. The opening with John Doggett successfully makes the reader care about the character, just in time for him to be strangling. My only problem with the scene is the execution of the strangling itself. For a supernatural threat, the actual attack on-panel is too showy.
By keeping the conflict contained to the Acolytes, Harris can tackle their danger from various angles; the baby, their powers and connection to Wyoming. Harris doesn’t ignore past continuity, with both Mulder and Scully directly referencing other big bads from the series.
With each unanswered question, supporting characters are brought in, like Skinner and the Lone Gunmen, all of whom are instigators for sharp comedic quips from Mulder.
Michael Walsh creates stone-faced FBI agents, with sarcasm that is made exponentially more comedic juxtaposed with the brooding tone. The pulpiness is supported by colourist Jordie Bellaire, who balances, in one scene, various shades of grey as Mulder and Skinner converse, which creates added suspense and a sense of danger with his subdued colours.
The X-Files: Season 10 #2 continues to honour the series that has come before it, pairing a smart, focused script, with suitably evocative art.
