IDW continues its reverent treatment of The X-Files mythos with this five-issue limited series, Year Zero, a thrilling origin story that links unexplained mysteries nearly a century apart. After the FBI receives prophetic messages from a blue-collar worker in New Jersey via a mysterious ‘Mr. Zero,’ Agent Mulder is convinced it is the same ‘Mr. Xero’ that contacted a suburban housewife in the 1940s.

Writer Karl Kesel clearly enjoys the duel time periods, especially “the Russian red menace, atomic mutations, and flying saucers” of the 1940s “UFO Noir,” as he so eloquently put. While we don’t see little green men in this first book, he’s set the stage for time-spanning spookiness. An origin story also brings new characters. Kesel maintains Mulder’s dry humor and Scully’s skepticism, but aptly introduces a gritty Agent Bing Ellinson and an ambitious Millie Ohio.

Though I wasn’t a fan of artist Michael Walsh‘s work on Season 10, I have no complaints with the Year Zero illustration tag team Greg Scott and Vic Malhotra. In fact, in a genius division of duties, Scott has the present day storyline and Malhotra took the the 1940s panels which adds a truly unique touch to the issue. Hopefully they can keep that up the length of the series.

Executive produced by creator Chris Carter, this first issue is a great start to a promising series, one which will hopefully answer some of the series’ burning questions. After sweeping this year’s Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards with seven wins, IDW is clearly the publisher to beat.

Story: Karl Kesel Art: Greg Scott, Vic Malhotra
Story: 8 Art: 8 Overall: 8 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review