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Jun
18
2013

S10 News & Interview & Thoughts

D-Day minus 1.

Writer Joe Harris and Agent Skulder have compiled a list of release parties for the X-Files Season 10 comics and of writer/artist appearances in conventions, expos, etc (for Joe Harris, for Michael Walsh). Of course, they’re all in the USA/Canada!…

Probably more coming. Any fan-organized?

Writer Joe Harris has also teased that there’s going to be a commentary track (audio?) accompanying #1 to be released on Friday June 21 on Comic Book Resources. From his twitter (June 18): “Just completed the “Commentary Track” to “The X-Files: Season 10” #1 — look for it on @CBR this friday, after the book is released.”

On May 31, BleedingCool reported that X-Files Season 10 #1 was number 14 in its TOP 25 ADVANCE REORDER COMICS/GRAPHIC NOVELS/TPs, which it establishes every month. BleedingCool also reports on real sales (in the USA only most likely) every Wednesday/Thursday after the releases, so soon we should have an idea for the sales for #1.

S10#1 extract

S10#1 extract

Finally, Bloody-disgusting posted another interview with writer Joe Harris! The interview also includes a preview of the comic, with an additional page compared to yesterday’s 7-page preview (there’s not going to be a lot left exclusive for the comic!).

Bloody-disgusting: Fans have been demanding more X-Files for years. How does it feel to be part of the team that gets to bring it back? How did you get involved?

Joe Harris: It’s an honor, to say the least. And it’s at least a little bit scary, you know? But mostly it’s exciting as I’m a fan too! I got involved when IDW asked if I had any thoughts on how to do this, and I did. Many of them.

BD: What can we expect from season 10?

JH: A re-establishment of the paradigm that first pulled you in way back when, with Agents Mulder and Scully working “The X-Files” for an FBI they’re not entirely sure they can trust, but with a sense of responsibility and calling that won’t allow them to look, or stay away any longer.

BD: I’m sure you’ve been asked a lot, but are Mulder and Scully involved romantically?

JH: Well, they have been. I think that much is clear. Whether they continue to remains to be seen…

BD: How is working with Chris Carter on the book? How involved is he in the process?

JH: It was a thrill to first learn he was reading my stuff and reacting positively to it, as you might imagine. Chris reads my outlines and scripts and offers his thoughts and advice both specific and general.

BD: You mentioned in an interview with CBR that you’ve been a big fan since the series started. What’s it like to work on such a beloved series? Do you feel a lot of pressure?

JH: I think you nailed it in the question. It’s a thrill, but not without its pressures. I’m having a good time though.

BD: So much has been done with X-Files in the TV series and the films. How are you putting a fresh spin on it?

JH: Well, we’re bringing it up to date a bit and reimagining some of the classic paradigms and concepts for this new, 2013 era. The technology and the threats are more modern. Your government is still rife with inequities, secrets and conspiratorial elements and actors. Good thing it’s also going to have Agents dedicated to rooting those out.

BD: It’s also a franchise that hasn’t been explored for over a decade (excluding the last film). How are you planning to bring Mulder and Scully into the modern age?

JH: I think they’d prefer to stay retired, but circumstances are going to drag them back into the fight, and fast. In doing so, they’re going to have to pick up some loose ends and encounter some new ones they didn’t realize existed.

BD: The TV series was so great because it always showed both sides of the story using Mulder’s beliefs and Scully’s skepticism. How do you strike that balance? Does it come naturally?

JH: The old paradigm of Mulder’s almost desperate need to believe, and Scully’s skepticism, is going to return. But they’re battle-tested now. The lines are a bit grayer. I don’t think anyone could go through what they’ve been through and not be, at least on some levels, both a believer and a skeptic. Watching that line flutter between them is going to be a fun point of tension and exploration, at least for me.

BD: Do you have some favorite episodes that you’ll be drawing from?

JH: Absolutely! I don’t want to call out the specific “Monster of the Week” episodes as to avoid spoilers for upcoming issues not yet announced… but, with regard to the “Mytharc” episodes that inform at least some aspects of the opening story arc, “Believers,” as well as future storylines exploring the extraterrestrial threat and the still-simmering conspiracy within our government and our population that surrounds it, I’m drawing on episodes like “The Erlenmeyer Flask,” “Talitha Cumi” and “Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man” along with many others.

BD: Will your main focus be on aliens, or are you guys venturing into more aspects of the paranormal?

JH: Both. I think the show worked best when it peppered in the monsters and let you breathe a bit before diving back into the serialized alien colonization mystery, all the while building the characters, introducing new allies and enemies, and laying the groundwork for the next step forward in the grand, unraveling reveal. I’d like to reestablish that dynamic. I’m hopeful that’s what we’re doing right off the bat.

BD: Thanks so much, we are all excited about the series!

Interesting to see that Chris Carter has made no effort to market this yet, and behind Joe Harris’ kind words one can tell that Carter’s involvement has actually been minimal and that Joe Harris really put a lot of effort in this. That could mean that Carter has definitely moved on and passed the torch, or it could mean he might get involved at a later stage when he decides the time is ripe for a conclusion to the mytharc, in film form or in comic form.

In his interviews, you can tell that Harris is a real fan of the TV series from back when it was on the air and that he didn’t become a fan on command suddenly when IDW hired him to do the comics — which is something positive for Season 10. He’s also a big fan of the mythology, which can only make him more likable to EatTheCorn, and has mentioned the modern (2013) threats the stories could address. However, there are legitimate concerns over the direction the Season 10 will take, not only with regards to mythology plot threads that were left hanging (William) or considered shut (the Lone Gunmen, the CSM), but also in terms of how the characters are dealt with. Can Mulder and Scully return to being investigative agents for the FBI and do monster-of-the-week type casework after all they’ve been through? A “consulting” status for them, or a “coaching” status for a next generation of investigators, within the FBI or independently, is probably more appropriate given their experience.

From all we’ve seen, from the alternate covers to the promise of the return of mytharc or MOTW characters, Season 10 centers a lot around the nostalgia that has developed over the show. Whether it manages to be its own thing and be a sequel worth our interest story-wise, i.e. not just a sequel just to know “what happens next”, remains to be seen.

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Jun
17
2013

Where to find the comics + Joe Harris interview

D-Day minus 2!

X-Files News has posted a round-up of links and material on the X-Files comics coming out tomorrow. In particular, there’s a section on where to find the comics:

If you’re wondering where to pick up a copy of Issue #1, there are several possibilties. Cover Variant A, Variant B, and the Subscription Variant are going to be the easier ones to find. The IDW store ships to the U.S. and internationally. There are also other online retailers that will be selling them like Midtown Comics or mycomicshop.com. In the UK, Forbidden Planet has them for sale. You can also find your local comic shop and see if they’ll be selling the series. If you’re located in another country (or even if you’re not), shop around, both online and locally, to find the best place to buy Season 10. In addition, some retailers have an option that will let you subscribe to the series, so check that out as well. Finally, there is the digital option. IDW does publish digitally, with a variety of options to chose from. ComiXology is another great option that works really well.

The Retailer Exclusive variants are, as you would expect, only available from one retailer. The Tooms Snakeman cover will be available at Third Eye Comics, the Noir Detective one can be bought from Hastings, and the Dynamic Forces variant can be found here.

To get your hands on the Retailer Incentive variant, you have to find a retailer who is selling it. Dynamic Forces and Midtown Comics have the issue, but you can also look for others who are carrying it. If using Midtown Comics, they currently have a deal for 20% off your first order using their app.

After you’ve got yourself set up with Issue #1, it will only be a month until Issue #2 hits the stands. You should be able to stick with whatever option you initially chose; however, you may have to find future retailer incentive and exclusive variants somewhere else. Again, just shop around online and locally to find what works best for you. Scully taught us all how to use Google in I Want to Believe, so put those skills to good use.

This complements Joe Harris’ recent guide on how to get them.

To complete that good summary, the best way to buy them (at least if you’re not into hunting the hard-to-find covers) is thinking ahead and locating a local comic shop and ordering them. Pre-orders are usually done three months in advance (that’s why we already have a description of #4) but can be adjusted close to the release date. For those outside of large buying centers like the USA or the UK, it depends on how often your comic shop gets shipments from USA/UK or from a larger national comic book shop. If it’s weekly, you might get them as fast as June 19 or June 20. If it’s monthly, it will most likely be June 27 or a bit later.

Also, Joe Harris confirms he is a big X-Files and X-Files mythology fan in an interview with the New York Post:

The comic will take place after ‘I Want to Believe,’ is that correct? At the end of that film, it looked like Mulder and Scully were in for an extended tropical vacation. Will they come back and work for the FBI? Or are they independently back on weird cases? Harris: Yep! To be most accurate, I’d say it takes place in the “present day,” which is certainly post-movie number two. We pick up with former Agents Mulder and Scully living in anonymity, under assumed identities. But things get weird pretty much right away. And as for whether or not they’ll be back at the FBI, that’s a turning point I can’t divulge at this moment.

Will these all be new, standalone cases, or will the old mythology surface?

Oh, it’s going to be a mix of both in what I’d consider to be the classic “X-Files” tradition. Our opening story arc, “Believers,” touches on the original, extraterrestrial conspiracy “Mytharc” and lets us hit the ground running. After that, we’ve got some classic “Monster of the Week” type stories lined up, including some direct sequels to a few fan-favorite episodes. Then it’s back to the mythology, building upon what we think we know, etc.

The way the show resolved the alien invasion/black oil plot seemed . . . abrupt. Can the comic provide any more closure to long-time fans?

Closure? This is “The X-Files,” man. We don’t close anything . . . we unspool and open new doors, twists and questions. But there are plans for many of the elements you identify. I’m a fan of the mythology going back to the beginning and through the end. It’s all factoring in to the plans going forward.

What will Chris Carter’s involvement be? Has he already been suggesting plots or even offering dialogue?

Chris has been reading my outlines and scripts, offering notes and advice and tweaking some of the story elements to steer us away from where he didn’t want us to tread. But he’s been very supportive, and even his limited advice and input is invaluable when you consider the connection he must have and feel to these characters, his babies. That he’s been so kind and has had such encouraging things to say regarding where we’re going with this series has been very flattering, humbling and cool.

Besides Mulder and Scully, any other returning characters from the original series?

Oh yes. Off the bat, we’re bringing back FBI Deputy Director (a new title for him), Walter Skinner right away. And you’ve likely seen The Lone Gunmen and The Cigarette Smoking Man pictured on the covers for both issues No. 2 and No. 3 of the series.

But that’s just the beginning. I’ve got plans or ideas, to some degree of fulfillment or another, to bring back a lot more of the old allies, enemies, and those you never could quite peg along that scale.

Another thing I’m really excited about is the direct sequels to classic episodes we’re going to do. After our initial story arc, “Believers” is done, issue No. 6 is going to bring back a very belovedly reviled monster from the past. And the reunions and revisitations will continue through year one and into the next, I can promise you that.

So the Smoking Man didn’t die in the TV series finale?

I can neither confirm nor deny either fate for the Smoking Man at this time. All is not what it seems. Sometimes it’s much more.

What are you favorite episodes of “The X-Files”? Any you went back and watched before starting the new book?

I have many faves, dating back to the brilliant pilot episode and other first season eps, through the early years, toward the middle when the mainstream audience was really starting to pay attention while that first movie was prepped, and beyond.

I actually did go back, in preparation for writing this series, and re-watched the entire “Mytharc” story line from pilot to the series-ending Season 9 finale, “The Truth.”

I’ve also gone back, hunting and pecking through the classic in-between “Monster of the Week” installments and am still doing so. The library is pretty vast!

But when asked, at least these days, I always point to the Season 3 finale, “Talitha Cumi” as my favorite. So many amazing things happen in that episode! You’ve got Smoking Man and Mulder’s Mother, in which Smokey lets us know they had an affair in the past with a line of dialogue that will make you smile, and make your skin crawl, all at once. It’s got alien weaponry, it’s got the alien healer, Jeremiah Smith being interrogated by the Syndicate. And it’s got my favorite moment, again, at least for right now, in all of X-Filia at the end when Mulder and the mysterious informant Stephen Williams played, known only as “X,” get into a huge, brutal fistfight in the FBI parking garage.

X wants what Mulder has found over the course of the episode, but Mulder knows his informant can’t be fully trusted and refuses to give it to him. These two men proceed to beat the living piss out of one another and it only ends when both draw guns and have to back away slowly, battered and broken but locked in a standoff neither can crack.

I love X. LOVE X.

And that’s all the Season 10 marketing fever for now.

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Jun
17
2013

PREVIEWSworld: Joe Harris & Michael Walsh interview

D-2!

PREVIEWSworld interviewed Season 10 writer Joe Harris and artist Michael Walsh. Reproduced below:

PREVIEWSworld: The X-Files Season 10 #1 kicks off an ongoing series that picks up where the TV show left off. How much of the previous 9 seasons were you both familiar with, or did it involve all-night Roku-streaming or DVD-watching marathons to get up to speed? Did you approach doing this series first as fans, or as creators?

Joe Harris: I’m a huge fan of the original series and watched just about every episode during the first run. Many lonely teenage Friday nights during those early seasons for me.  Once IDW reached out to me about potentially taking on this series, though, I did go back and re-watch a lot of episodes.  I really approached this gig as both a fan and a creator, honestly.  I kind of feverishly pecked out an outline and pitch for the first couple of years, really detailing an opening arc that would re-establish what The X-Files fans refer to as the “mytharc” — the overarching storyline involving extra-terrestrials and the conspiracy within the government to cover up their existence, the collaboration of certain powerful figures seeking to influence and steer things along, Mulder’s quest to discover the truth, Scully’s ordeal as both an abductee and miracle mother, and all that stuff.  I watched that all again, from beginning to end.  And I’m always going back and checking out some of my favorite “Monster of the Week” episodes as we’re going to be doing some direct sequels to some of those.

Michael Walsh: When the show originally aired, I was pretty young, and it was a show that I wanted to watch but my parents wouldn’t let me. So I had to sneak out of my room and watch it while they weren’t paying attention. Then I would have fantastic nightmares, especially about the gargoyle episode. When I was offered the gig by IDW, I was ecstatic. It gave me a reason to go back and rewatch everything from the beginning.

PREVIEWSworld: The X-Files creator, Chris Carter, is the Executive Producer for this series. So with the big guy in the captain’s chair, did that make working on this comic a different creative experience than your previous comic projects? Were there more approvals and reviews needed? Did that make things more challenging?

Joe Harris: I don’t know if it’s any more of a lift than getting to execute what you might have previously gotten approval to do on a superhero book for a major publisher these days.  But sure, there are some challenges.  I’ve been lucky as IDW really digs what I’ve been doing and have been very excited and supportive of my plans.

FOX dug my ideas too, and Chris Carter has been really helpful with his comments and generous with his time.  He appreciated my take on things and paid me some very nice compliments after reading what I’d come up with.  He knows I have a very deep respect for this series, his work, the fans of the show and the characters.  So it’s challenging, balancing it all, sure.  But I’m too excited for that to be a problem.

Michael Walsh: The last book that I worked on was creator-owned so there wasn’t really any kind of editorial involvement. It is quite different, but it’s a welcome change. I feel like I’m outputting the best work of my career, and the whole team is really dedicated to making this book a success in every way.

PREVIEWSworld: So Agents Mulder and Scully are back, and that means there is a good amount of history to balance in how the characters “click,” meaning how their chemistry affects the stories. Joe, as the writer of your own creator-owned series Great Pacific, how would you describe the responsibilities you incur with such a project like The X-Files? As this is ultimately Chris Carter’s baby, how do you work through the responsibilities and expectations of being a surrogate parent to The X-Files in order to give birth to a new IDW series?

Joe Harris: The difference between writing a creator-owned series like Great Pacific and a licensed book like The X-Files, obviously, is that I’m inheriting something established here.  We all know what Agents Mulder and Scully are supposed to look like and sound like, what they value, and what they might or might not do given our experiences watching them over these many years.  I’ve had the good, fun fortune to write so many iconic characters with complex continuities and relationships and chemistries over the years. Ultimately, this is a work-for-hire project like any other gig in comics.  It’s my job to make sure these recognizable characters ring true.

PREVIEWSworld: There’s always room for growth. Always time to make a list of do’s and don’ts. Did any of that play into your planning for this series in regards to previous works? Meaning, did any of you read through previous Topps comics and think, “Hey, this was good. This worked.” or “Ah, no, we won’t be doing that”? Was any of that involved in prepping for this new gig? Or is it just the two of you in the cockpit flying solo?

Joe Harris:  I’ve read some of the original comics, way back when.  But I didn’t put a premium on looking back to those for inspiration, honestly.  We’re doing canonical stuff in The X-Files Season 10, so juggling the continuity of the series, movies and spin-offs is hard enough.  And I think Michael and I want to forge our take on this material, and establish our own rhythm and methodology for how we tell these stories.

Michael Walsh: Yeah, I definitely checked out what I could find of the original comics as I am a big fan of Adlard’s work, especially what he has done with The Walking Dead. With that said, I didn’t actually reference any of the art he used. My main goal with this project is to capture what defines these characters while still maintaining my own artistic style and decision making.

PREVIEWSworld: If people want to keep up with your progress on this book, where could they find information online? Any Facebook or Twitter addresses you could give out to the fans?

Joe Harris: I’m always updating my site at www.joeharris.net, and I’ve cornered the “joeharris” screen name market on both Facebook and Twitter.

Michael Walsh: My twitter handle is @mister_walsh. You can find most of my artwork on my tumblr which I update regularly at www.misterwalsh.tumblr.com.

“I kind of feverishly pecked out an outline and pitch for the first couple of years, really detailing an opening arc that would re-establish what The X-Files fans refer to as the “mytharc”” : interesting! There is no particular limit to how many issues Season 10 would run, it wouldn’t necessarily switch to Season 11 after 12 issues (for comparison, Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 8 lasted 40 issues). However, IDW seems to go at it with a long-term view!

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Jun
16
2013

Season 10 #1 7-page preview!

Comic Book Resources has released a full 7-page preview of the first issue, which is coming out in barely 3 days! Discover the beginning of Season 10 below with the 3-page teaser!

S10#1 cover interior

S10#1 cover interior

S10#1 p1

S10#1 p1

S10#1 p2

S10#1 p2

S10#1 p3

S10#1 p3

…the rest over at CBR — which is, well, some serious spoiler material (it’s been a while this term hasn’t been used for the X-Files!).

 

 

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Jun
15
2013

Season 10: Interviews and Odds & Ends

A round-up of interviews and non-artwork material related to the Season 10 comics that have surfaced up till now.

On the menu:

  • Joe Harris seminal interview
  • Chris Ryall – Joe Harris – Chris Carter meeting
  • Chris Ryall teasing
  • Carlos Valenzuela interview
  • Joe Harris podcast
  • Joint Joe Harris & Michael Walsh interview
  • Frank Spotnitz’s reaction
  • Joe Harris’ guide on buying XF comics

Click below for the lengthy entry:

Mar-03-2013
Comic Book Resources
ECCC EXCLUSIVE: Joe Harris Explores IDW’s “X-Files: Season 10”

Last month, IDW Publishing announced its plans for an ongoing series based on “The X-Files,” one of the biggest sci-fi televisions eries of all time, airing for 9 seasons and inspiring two feature-length films starring David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson as paranormal investigators working for the FBI.

Today at Emerald City Comic Con, IDW announced writer Joe Harris and artist Michael Walsh as the creative team responsible for the further adventures of agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. Beyond that, Harris told CBR News that original “X-Files” creator Chris Carter is executive producing the new title — subtitled “Season 10” — saying Carter is “personally reading outlines and scripts, providing feedback and suggestions.”

Harris, who recently launched “Great Pacific,” a creator-owned series released through Image Comics, spoke exclusively with Comic Book Resources about “X-Files: Season 10,” teasing the title’s debut story arcs, revealing the status of Scully and Mulder’s relationship as the series opens and more.

CBR News: First off, Joe, what’s your history with “The X-Files” and how did you come to be involved in this iteration of the franchise?

Joe Harris: I’ve been a fan since the show was buried deep on the Friday night network schedule of my lonely teenage ’90s life. Honestly, I can’t think of many characters or comics properties I could be more excited to write.

IDW asked me if I was a fan, and I jumped like little else can probably get me to in this industry. I’m writing the series, ongoing and for as long as they’ll have me!

And all the art we’ve been looking at has been spectacular. In particular, Michael [Walsh] should bring some grit and mood to this series that really pushes the darkness and paranoia.

What can fans expect to see in the first arc of “The X-Files: Season 10?”

It picks up some time after the last movie and re-introduces Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, along with plenty of the supporting cast of characters everyone remembers and would expect to see. I don’t want to give away too much, but I can tell you it opens with a pretty deadly mystery that’s connected to the now-shuttered “X-Files” division at the FBI and what appears to be an effort by some pretty dangerous folks to eliminate the personnel associated with them.

We’re going to re-establish the mythology, the ever-elusive but tireless quest to discover “the Truth,” while conspiratorial elements work against our heroes from both within the government, as well as outside of it, and we’re going to dig into plenty of paranormal threats including some that just might be of the extraterrestrial variety.

We’re going to try and usher “The X-Files” into a new age. We’ve got WikiLeaks, now. Drone warfare, the Patriot Act and challenges related to the government and influence from outside forces, corporations and lobby groups. America has challenges, problems both new and old, related to how it functions, as well as just who it really functions for. I think the “X-Files” mythos will fit nicely into these chaotic, interconnected times.

What’s the status quo between Agents Mulder and Scully as the series starts? Will you be exploring their personal (and sometimes romantic) relationship?

Let me just start by saying, I adore Mulder and Scully’s relationship. From when Agent Dana Scully first walked into Fox Mulder’s basement office in the series pilot and confronted this seemingly desperate believer with her almost unbreakable skepticism, it just worked. It evolved over time. Respect and reverence grew between them, and, with what they’ve been through together, how could they not have grown even closer?

They’re together in this series. They’re an item. But it’s not nearly that simple, or easy, and there are extenuating circumstances related to who they are and what they’ve been through, both together and apart, that will really test them.

In the show’s finale, it was revealed that civilization would come to an end after a massive alien invasion in 2012. Since “The X-Files: Season 10” debuts in 2013, how quickly do you plan on addressing that issue in the comic?

You’re going to have to wait and see on that score — sorry!

This isn’t your first foray into ‘creepy’ story-telling. You’ve done work for “BPRD,” “Vampirella” and even “Creepy,” itself. What attracts you to these types of stories?

Well, horror and horror movies, along with science fiction, have always been a big part of my life and ambitions. The possibilities attract me. The chance to evoke and illuminate real-world issues, challenges themes and concerns through that speculative fiction prism is a big draw. Almost as much as the chance to pull off big sci-fi concepts and creepy, as you say, storytelling.

My “X-Files” stories are a mix of both horror and sci-fi. There were some moments in that show that just made your skin crawl. I really, really want to try and replicate that experience as best I can.

This series is being billed as “Season 10” of the show. Have you had access to any notes or musings from “The X-Files” creator Chris Carter, like how Joss Whedon oversees the “Buffy” comics, or is this series entirely independent from the original show’s creative team?

I actually just spoke with Chris Carter today! Made my morning. And he’s agreed to executive produce the comic.

When you say Chris Carter is “executive producing” the comic, what exactly does that mean? 

Chris is personally reading outlines and scripts, and providing feedback and suggestions.

What are some of your favorite “X-Files” episodes?

Wow, I can rattle off a bunch — “The Erlenmeyer Flask,” “Ascension,” “The Host,” “Paperclip,” “Piper Maru,” “Musings of a Cigarette Smoking Man,” “Tunguska,” “Josie Chung’s From Outer Space,” “Drive,” “Pusher,” just about anything Vince Gilligan wrote starring The Lone Gunmen. And really, all of those great season-ending cliffhangers that Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz pulled off which really amped up the conspiracy and elevated the whole mythology to another level.

But I think my favorite episode from way back is the Season Three finale, “Talitha Cumi,” in which Mulder and X — my favorite character back then played by Stephen Williams — beat the living crap out of one another in a parking garage after Mulder discovers an alien weapon artifact, but refuses to hand it over to his informant, who had expected to get it from him. It ends with them pulling guns on one another, “Mexican standoff”-style, and the paranoia and tension was just oozing out of the show at that point.

Will you be picking up any plot threads from the original series or either of the two movies?

Well, maybe — just maybe.

In all seriousness, there’s lots to Mulder and Scully’s experiences we’re going to pick up on, sure. Lots of old relationships and unfinished business to delve into and use as a starting point. That goes for both their personal lives, and the overarching “mytharc” that defined the series.

Another thing I plan on doing every now and again is creating what amounts to a sequel for some classic standalone “Monster of the Week” stories. We’ve already got one of these in the works and, I do suspect, it’s going to get some people excited when they hear about it.

How long will ‘Season 10’ last? How many seasons are planned at the moment?

I’m not certain, to be honest with you. At this point, we’re an ongoing series with some big, mythology-building and steeped arcs that will be interspersed with some standalone stories and smaller arcs.

So we’ll see, I guess. But we’ve got plenty of big-ass cliffhangers and “holy crap” moments lined up that go for that same season-ending magic I absolutely revered.

“The X-Files: Season 10” #1 by Joe Harris and Michael Walsh hits shelves this June from IDW Publishing.

From Michael Walsh’ twitter (Mar-08-2013): “Me, X-Files creator Chris Carter & @joeharris after a successful “X-Files: Season 10″ plotting session this morning”

Michael Walsh, Chris Carter, Joe Harris

Michael Walsh, Chris Carter, Joe Harris

Mar-30-2013
ComicBook
WonderCon: X-Files Comic Will Be Stories that “Matter” to Fans

At WonderCon earlier today, IDW Publishing’s Chris Ryall revealed a handful of details about their upcoming series, The X-Files Season Ten. The comic, announced earlier this month, will include the involvement of series creator Chris Carter in the first ongoing comic book series since the long-running Fox drama ended.

“At the last point where people saw these characters, these comics will pick up beyond that,” Ryall told fans, suggesting that the recent feature film The X-Files: I Want to Believe, will still count. “We’re telling stories that extend the characters forward,” not telling stories that don’t “matter.”

“At that point, they couldn’t necessarily tell stories that advance the plotlines the way we can,” Ryall said of the previously-published X-Files comics by Topps comics and WildStorm, which IDW intends to republish in new collected editions. “There’s something about doing comics where the show has already ended. We can tell stories that matter. It’s very exciting to us.”

The solicitation for the comic describes it as follows:

In the opening story arc, “Believers,” readers will catch up with Dana Scully and Fox Mulder, living normal lives together under secret identities. However, a visit from an old friend threatens to rip them from suburban anonymity, as they learn that someone is preying upon everyone involved in the X-files. Prepare to revisit familiar faces—some very unexpected, threats old and new, and an intriguing mystery designed to return the beloved franchise to its former glory!

May-01-2013
X-Files News
XFN Exclusive: Interview with Carlos Valenzuela

X-Files News had the pleasure to talk to Carlos Valenzuela, one of the artists comissioned to draw the newest installment of The X-Files comic books.

Valenzuela, a professional illustrator and comic book artist from Chile, has worked for several companies in the entertainment industry, like Fantasy Flight Games, Pyranha Bytes, SQP Publishing, Under The Floorboards, Ballistic Publishing, IDW Ltd, just to name a few.

XFN: How did you get into the business of illustrating?

“I always wanted to enter the world of illustration. My artistic influences are mainly from classic illustrators like Frazetta, Corben, Wrightson, Moebius, Elvgren, etc. and thanks to some online communities like DeviantArt or CGSociety I was able to show my first works. Also, I work for a couple of years being represented by an US agency. With them I did almost illustration work, from book covers, card games, to posters and comic book covers.

Right now, I work mainly as an illustrator, but with some comic book works from time to time, like the upcoming Mars Attacks story from IDW.”

XFN: You mentioned in a past interview that you’re a horror fan. You also seem to have drawn a lot of Marvel characters. What are your influences and how do they transfer into your work?

“I grew up watching horror and sci-fi movies, and thanks to my older brothers that collected several superhero comic books, I spent a long time reading (and copying) the covers from Hulk, Iron-Man, Batman, etc.”

“As I mentioned before, my main artistic influences coming from illustrators and artists from the 50’s and 70’s, as well as my favorites movies are from that period (the classics are still unbeatables). So as you might guess, I’m a bit of an old fashion artist,” he laughs.

XFN: What is your ultimate dream franchise that you’d love to illustrate for?

“Well, I’m a huge Star Wars fan, so I would love to illustrate anything that happened in that galaxy far far away. Everytime that I have some time to do something just for me, I put my hands on those classic characters.”

XFN: Everyone has seen your artwork for the new comics and can’t wait to see more. So what can you tell us about your involvement in the new X-Files project?

“At this moment I can tell is like a dream come true. Is a very strange and funny feeling to become an official X-Files artist being a big fan also. This is the first time that I work with a franchise so huge and with a really big fanbase, so the excitement is equal big as my responsibility. Each time that I show any preview or little advances I feel so many eyes watching, but gladly people and specially X-philes seems to be enjoying what I’ve done so far,” he hopes.

“Also I would like add that besides the covers for the comic book from IDW, at this moment I’m preparing, along with the great people of Under The Floorboards, another X-Files print to be presented at this year London ComiCon. The print that we did last year was a big success, becoming some kind of cult piece for X-Files fans, and also was the work that produced that I landed at IDW as a cover artist. So X-philes, stay tuned for this!”

XFN: We read that you were an X-Files fan before this project. Can you tell us how you got into the show originally and what it’s like as a fan to be creating new X-Files material?

“The show started airing here in Chile almost at same time than US, so I became addicted almost immediately! I’m always being intrigued and fascinated by UFOs, extraterrestrial life, conspiracies, strange creatures, monsters, crime thrillers… and The X-Files has all that ingredients, and much more. I felt that Mulder’s crusade represented us all in one way or another.”

XFN: Favorite episode? Character? Guest star? Monster of the Week or Mythology?

Several indeed, but to name just a few: “Home”, “Our Town”, “The Host”, “Post-Modern Prometheus”, “Duane Barry’”, “Agua Mala”, can I continue?” he laughs. I must say that Monster of the Week are my favorites, but I enjoyed as well the Mytharc storyline.

XFN: Mulder and Scully are iconic characters, even for those who’ve never seen the show. How do you go about bringing them to life while still maintaining your own artistic style?

“That’s a good question. One of the things that intimidated me when I started with this job was exactly that thing. Both of them (as well as the other characters from the show) are truly icons. I think that IDW and FOX liked the way that I approach to them, trying to keep the likenesses as much I can, but bringing my ‘classic/noir/vintage’ vision as well. And being myself a big fan, I always try to see the work from that point of view, and trying to maintain the overall atmosphere of the show.”

XFN: When it comes to X-Files comics, many artists have come before you. Do you look to past artists for inspiration or do you prefer to keep your work separate from that influence?

“I try to avoid as much as I can to watch anything that has been previously done. I want to keep things fresh, but as I said before, being faithful to the spirit of the show.”

XFN: What do you want X-Files fans to take away from these new comics? Anything you’d like to tease for the fans, or will the Truth remain out there?

“Well, I don’t have permission to reveal much information besides the previews and sneak peeks that I’ve shown already. Since I started working on this job that I have the very strange feeling that my phone line and internet connection has been hacked, and also a very suspicious black van is parked in front of my building since the first cover… uh oh there’s someone’s at my door!”

The XFN Quick Six

Favorite Food: Spaghetti
Favorite Word: Awesome
Favorite X-Files line: Mulder: “Scully, I was like you once. I didn’t know who to trust. Then I chose another path, another life…another fate” [from episode ‘The Sixth Extinction, part 2, season 7]
Your guilty pleasure: Learned to make sushi and eat until almost explode
Dream job: Bartender in the Mos Eisley cantina
I wish I had invented… the human teleportation machine

Thanks so much to Carlos for sharing this insight into his work and his excitement for The X-Files comics. You can check out more of his artwork on his DeviantArt page and continue to follow his work through his website. Remember, the new stories hit the stands starting in June, so make sure to get yours from your favorite supplier.

May-05-2013
The Patrick Philiips Show
Joe Harris – ‘THE X-FILES: SEASON 10′ Writer

THE X-FILES: SEASON 10 Writer Joe Harris joins me to chat about the new comic book series, what we can expect for Mulder and Scully, and what it’s like working alongside creator Chris Carter.

May-10-2013
GeekMom
Interview With X-Files Season 10 Joe Harris and Michael Walsh

In March, IDW announced that The X-Files would be returning with a tenth season in comic book form. Almost immediately, fans began speculating about what stories this new season would include; when would the stories be set? Would the show’s incredibly complex mythology be continued? Would “baby” William be involved? I spoke to series writer Joe Harris and illustrator Michael Walsh about some of their plans for Season 10, and the difficulties of bringing such an iconic, cult show back for a new season after more than ten years off air.

What made you both decide to become involved with the new The X-Files series?

JH: IDW had asked me if I was interested and, in a span of about three seconds, the question registered, sank in and motivated my “hell yes!” reply. I’m a huge fan from way back at the beginning and the opportunity to write these beloved characters, and contribute to one of the greatest mythologies in television and science fiction history, was too great to let pass.

Michael Walsh: When IDW asked me about working on The X-Files I was ecstatic. I had been coming off of a Crime/Sci-Fi comic and was really in love with the idea of drawing something with some horror themes and supernatural elements. Not only that but I loved the show as a kid and it gave me the excuse to go back and watch it from the very beginning. It was an instant “Yes, when can I start?”

When Chris Carter came on-board as an Executive Producer/Consultant did you have to change any of your planned stories/arcs as they didn’t fit in with the plot of a hypothetical third film?

JH: When my editors first told me about Chris Carter’s involvement I was both thrilled and, I think you can probably imagine, intimidated as hell. It all came about so quickly, and organically though. He had read the story outline I’d put together, along with my script for the first issue, and was so complimentary and supportive it’s almost embarrassing. He also had some notes and wisdom to impart, as well as some great advice. His coming on board did help to refocus the original scope of our opening story arc and I feel like we’re really fortunate for his coming in and offering what he’s been able to impart.

How many comics are you planning for the first run/season?

JH: That’s a good question. Honestly, I’m not certain. As of now, we’ve got an opening five-issue arc that re-establishes everything. The characters, the mythology, the conspiracy, everything. Then we’ve got a bunch of shorter stories, two-parters, and single issue standalones that will harken back to the “Monster of the Week” formula and, in some cases, be direct sequels to some of my favorite old episodes. New monsters and paranormal stuff as well as some returning characters and creatures. After that, I’ve got another big storyline lined up that further builds on the “Mytharc,” the alien colonists out to retake the earth, Mulder and Scully’s connection and role within it all, and conspiracies both old and new related to it all.

Whether or not we rebrand ourselves as “Season 11″ after that, or at some other point, remains to be seen. But the series will be published monthly for the foreseeable future, regardless.

There are a couple of other TV shows that have continued on as comics. Have you looked to those for any lessons, i.e., things to do or not to do in a comic extension of a TV series?

JH: Well, there’s been a lot of this sort of thing getting done right lately in comics. From Buffy, including Angel at IDW, to the more recent Star Trek and Doctor Who books, the appetite for a continuation of these stories starring the characters the fans don’t want to say goodbye forever to doesn’t seem to let up.

With The X-Files, I really want to give the fans what they want while maintaining some of the mystique and coyness that kept us coming back season after season. It’s really its own thing, so it’s hard to gauge. I mean, we’re going to nail the likenesses and, I’d like to think–or, at least, I hope–the voices of the characters. We’re going to be presenting what I hope feels like the next chapter in a long narrative we’ve been following for many years now, as well as something I hope really harkens back to the vintage energy and paranoia and sense of “holy s*** did you see that!” that used to really permeate the series.

MW: I’ve definitely been skimming through comics that have been adapted from television and film. It’s interesting to see how different artists depict characters that have already been portrayed by iconic actors in other media. Mostly I’ve been trying to grasp when artists are really nailing likenesses and when the drawings are becoming too stiff or referenced, then applying those ideas and methods to my own work.

Will each comic be an episode in its own right as most of the original ones were, or will one case run across multiple issues as in the 30 Days of Night series?

JH: It depends. Like I said earlier, the first storyline will span five issues. I think the next story after that is slated to be a two-part story to be followed by a couple of single-issue, standalone tales. Before we gear up for another big “event” storyline that will run five issues, all over again.

Have you taken any cues from previous The X-Files comic runs in illustrating the new series or did you want to take the look in a completely new direction?

MW: I briefly took a look through the The X-Files/30 Days of Night crossover as well as what I could find of the Charlie Adlard illustrated Topps stuff. That said it was more out of curiosity than a desire to emulate what had been done before. I’m starting fresh, stylistically speaking, when approaching The X-Files comics. If you’re familiar with my work you will see a lot of the same approaches in terms of rendering and framing that I’ve used before on other work but I’ve taken a lot of cues from the actual show in terms of pacing, lighting and acting.

A lot of fans were upset that Agent Doggett and Agent Reyes did not appear in the second The X-Files film, will we get to see them in the comics at all? Are they still with the FBI?

JH: Yes. And yes. :)

All the characters are now much older than they were during the show, has that influenced the stories you wanted to tell or the illustration style at all? How much freedom were you given in creating the current “look” of the characters?

JH: I’ll let Michael speak to the specifics regarding the “look” of the characters, but I can tell you, from my end, it’s a balancing act. The short answer is, yes, of course, the stories are affected by these characters’ experiences, along with the audience’s. We call the series “Season 10″ right from the get go, so we’ve got a little baggage to sift through. A lot of triumph and tragedy and unresolved stuff. But we want to make it feel fresh too. We want to make a satisfying read for people who’ve followed Mulder and Scully’s journey all this way, as well as do something fresh and new and now.

MW: Since the story is canonical with what has been established in the show, these characters aren’t the spry young Mulder and Scully from the first few seasons. This is how they might appear had they filmed another season directly after the second film. I’ve slightly modernized them and designed some plain-clothes looks for the characters based on their already established style. That said, when designing the look of the characters I played it really close to the show and really tried to capture what makes them so iconic. So far I think I’m having the most fun with Skinner.

The biggest question in the fan community is about William, will his story be addressed in any way?

JH: Baby William Scully–who, I guess, wouldn’t really be a baby anymore–will figure prominently.

You’ve said that issue one begins with Mulder & Scully living “normal lives together under secret identities.” How will that be set up as we left them back from exile at the end of the second film?

JH: We’re going to hit the ground running a little ways after the bikinis and boats glimpse of their “happily ever after” post-credits moment at the end of the second movie, if that’s what you’re referring to. Some time has passed.

That said… we may go back and fill in some blanks in some instances, or we might leave things mysterious and full of questions in others. I have plans to include some “untold” moments in The X-Files chronology, going back to the early days of the show, to just after the end of that second movie.

Can you give us any indication of how far after the second film issue one is set?

JH: Some time has passed. One thing I really dug about the second film is that the creators let the characters live and age, and Mulder and Scully have been out of the game for a little while. The break is kind of integral to the genesis of the new comics series.

The Lone Gunmen appear on the cover of Issue #2, can you give us any clues about how they will be involved considering they were killed off in Season 9?

JH: Well, they did die “off camera” so I’d like to think the opportunity to bring them back in some way shape or form was always there. So far as what they’re up to, or how they figure into our story, I can’t give away too many details. They’ve been through some stuff and experienced some more. But, suffice to say, they’re going to play a familiar role.

You’ve also said that an iconic villain from the show will be making a return, what was it like to continue that character’s story and to illustrate them in comic form?

JH: We’re bringing back a bunch of folks: allies, enemies, and shady characters who aren’t quite one or the other too. That’s been the candy so far, for me. When it comes to the icons, be it the Lone Gunmen or some of our other, yet-to-be-revealed returning champions, I feel so giddy to be doing this, yet, sometimes anyway, so intimidated! It’s a tremendous amount of fun bringing back this character or that one and I feel a lot of pressure to get it right. In some cases we’re really presenting the next chapter in their chronology, or even filling in some past blanks that shed new light on who they are or why they do they things they do. In short, I’m honored, and psyched, and at least a little scared.

What prompted you to choose that character to bring back? Was it someone whose story you didn’t feel had been completed on the show?

JH: I had a wishlist I wanted to tackle with regard to which characters I wanted to bring back. In the case of folks we haven’t seen in a while, or whom we’ve been led to believe might have met their demise, I made sure I had a good reason why or how, and I presented my ideas to the publisher, as well as to Chris.

We’ll be introducing some new characters too, but I know who, as a fan, I’d want to see if I were just reading this series. So I let that sensibility guide me.

Regardless of what approach you take it is unlikely that you will please all of the The X-Files fan base. Are you prepared for the criticism you will likely face from some people?

JH: Hey, writing comics isn’t for the faint of heart. If you’re going to step into the arena, you need to be prepared to fend off a few slings and arrows. I’m hardly inexperienced when it comes to criticism. That said, I respect fandom deeply. I only get to write this series because the studio and the publisher are betting on a reservoir of support and appetite for the further adventures of Agents Mulder and Scully and their long and winding journey down the rabbit hole. And I’m here to serve that want and fill that need.

MW: As an artist you receive criticism all the time, It’s something every professional artist understands. Knowing when to learn from it and when it put it aside is an ability that comes with time. I’m really trying to capture the feeling of the show and service the fans while still maintaining my own established style and artistic sensibilities, it’s a balancing act that I hope long time The X-Files fans can appreciate.

Many thanks to John at IDW for setting up this interview, to Joe and Michael for their time and to the X-Philes at Idealists Haven for providing some excellent questions.

May-13-2013
Big Light (Frank Spotnitz’s blog)
“X-Files” Season 10

Hi Frank,

There’s been a lot of buzz lately about the official, in-continuity X-Files: Season 10 comic book being executive produced by Chris Carter and published by IDW Publishing including the return of several important franchise characters!

With all the buzz about this new comic book series, I was wondering whether you are going to be involved at all. Any possibility of you guest writing an issue or an arc (Monster of the Week or Mythology) within Season 10?

All the best,

Justin

New York City

P.S. A gallery of the variant covers for the premiere issue are showcased on the IDW tumblr?

Justin, never say never, but I have no plans to contribute to the series at the moment. I’m excited to read them, though!

June-04-2013
Joe Harris
I Want To Know How To Believe: The Non-Comics Reading “X-Files” Fan’s Guide to Buying New “X-Files” Comics

Hey guys!  Since IDW announced that I’d be writing the new, monthly THE X-FILES: SEASON 10 comics series (working with artist, Michael Walsh and colorist, Jordie Bellaire) back in March, I’ve gotten the not-too-subtle impression that there are lots and lots of “X-Philes” out there who are absolutely, passionately, ravenously excited to follow the new adventures of Mulder and Scully… but might not really know the ins and outs of the comics marketplace, culture, etc. – So I wanted to help ease this transition, if I could, and put together a sort of “cheat sheet” for the otherwise comics shop-challenged… as well as see if I couldn’t help swell the crossover ranks a bit and bring a few more of you into our merry fold.

[read the rest on his site]

That’s all for now!

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Jun
15
2013

Season 10: Various Artwork

A round-up of various artwork y Michael Walsh from season 10 that has found its way on the internet, mainly via his instagram/twitter!

From the CBR interview (Mar-03-2013):

Michael Walsh sample art

Michael Walsh sample art

From Michael Walsh’s instagram (Apr-07-2013): “Inkin’ Fox M.”

Michael Walsh art

Michael Walsh art

From Denton J. Tipton twitter (Apr-26-2013):

Michael Walsh art
Michael Walsh art

(more…)

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