‘The X-Files: Year Zero’ Collection Review

In The X-Files: Year Zero, IDW Publishing explores the origins of the paranormal investigators. Year Zero switches between the famous FBI agents Mulder and Scully and what we would consider their 1940s counterparts. Mulder and Scully are trying to track down a Mr. Xero in present day as Bing Ellinson and Millie Ohio are attempting to do the same in the ’40s.

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Karl Kessel, ol’ KK as they used to call him, weaves a fantastic tale in Zero Year. I’ve always been a fan of stories and mysteries that reach across the decades. Mulder and Scully being on the same track of the original X-File from 1946 makes for some interesting story telling. Kessel has Mulder and Scully’s voice down, but his real strength are the new characters he created: Ellinson and Ohio. After over a decade of seasons and movies, I’m more interested in these characters from the past. Maybe in the near future we’ll be seeing some more stories set in the late 1940s and 50s.

The art has a definite Alex Maleev feel to it. Or maybe Michael Lark. That’s totally a bonus. Maleev is one of my favorite artists of all time and for Gregg Scott and Vic Malhotra’s style to be in the same ball park has me wanting more. Seriously. Look at this art. Nice isn’t it? I especially love the use of shadows throughout the book. Dark and gritty. Just like my coffee. (I should really buy some new filters.)

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This is honestly a book you should pick up. Especially if you’re a fan of The X-Files. If you’re not, this is still a great collection to pick up. Who knows? Maybe you’ll read it and be like, “Damn, now I have to watch the show.” You will be better for it. I promise. Onward! To your local comic shop!

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