In a mystery worthy of an X-File itself, the Topps “X-Files” comics series abruptly ended in September 1998 with Issue 41, in the wake of the popular feature film, as Topps closed the comics wing of the company. Even the editor wasn’t privy to this bombshell, as there’s no mention of it in the last issue’s letters […]
In 1997, “The X-Files” was at the height of its popularity, and excitement among the Topps “X-Files” Comics creators and fans is evidenced in the letters pages, which feature tidbits about awards, ratings and other accolades. With John Rozum’s stories, though, there’s a sense of playing it safe, as the series had long since decided to let […]
The first dozen issues of the Topps “X-Files” Comics featured Stefan Petrucha’s conspirators-within-the-conspiracy, the Aquarius group. But at the same time, the TV show’s mythology was becoming more complicated. Perhaps in response, the Topps writers – Petrucha in Issues 13-16, John Rozum in 17-19 and 22-24 and Kevin J. Anderson in 20-21 — decided to tone down […]
“The X-Files” has only produced six original novels and one short-story collection to date, but it has enjoyed a more robust life in the realm of comics, starting with a 41-issue (and plenty of specials) run with Topps Comics from 1995-98. At first blush, this is odd, because it seems like a show dependent on mood and […]
The “X-Files” six-book series wraps up with its best work, Ben Mezrich’s “Skin” (1999). It’s a much more layered novel than those from Charles Grant and Kevin J. Anderson, featuring a medical mystery right up Scully’s alley that morphs into a supernatural mystery right up Mulder’s alley. Both agents are in fine form, and “Skin” – like […]
Kevin J. Anderson’s trio of “X-Files” books ends on a weak note with “Antibodies” (1997). Despite having a core story that would make for a good monster-of-the-week episode, the narrative is thin, padded and sloppily structured. There’s enough decent stuff to make it worth reading for die-hard fans, but it’s clearly a step down from “Ground Zero” […]
Just as Kevin J. Anderson’s “Ground Zero” was a step up from Charles Grant’s books, Anderson’s “Ruins” (1996) is a step up from “Ground Zero.” Unlike his first book, I didn’t know precisely where the story was going this time around, and that made it a more enjoyable read. (Spoilers follow.)
Here are 10 random observations about one of the greatest comedic dramas – or dramatic comedies – of all time: “Groundhog Day” (1993). I’ll try to not make the list too repetitive.
After two mediocre novels from Charles Grant, the “X-Files” book series turns things around in a big way with “Ground Zero” (1995). Remarkably, this book is by Kevin J. Anderson, who around the same time was writing four “Star Wars” novels (the “Jedi Academy Trilogy” and “Darksaber”) that haven’t aged nearly as well. But for whatever reason, […]
Just as “The X-Files” took a couple seasons to figure out its identity, Charles Grant gets a better handle on the material in his second original novel, “Whirlwind” (1995). But while the book has fewer departures from the canon than were found in “Goblins,” it’s a weaker book overall. The New Mexico desert setting is evocative, and […]