The X-Files: Case Files—Florida Man #1 Review

The X-Files: Case Files—Florida Man #1

Writer: Delilah S. Dawson
Artist: Marco Castiello
Penciler: Elena Casagrande
Colorist: Arianna Florean
Inker: Silvia Califano
Letterer: Shawn Lee
Publisher: IDW

Review by Anelise Farris

IDW is celebrating the 25^th anniversary of The X-Files by launching a new series. Thank you IDW! The X-Files: Case Files—Florida Man #1 is the first of The X-Files: Case Files, and of course it is set in Florida, that lovely land of weirdness (I can say this as someone born in Florida).

In this first issue, it’s August 2017, and Scully and Mulder travel to Ocala, Florida, to investigate a series of strange crimes (of which there is no shortage of in Florida). In typical X-Files fashion, Scully is trying to maintain an objective perspective, while Mulder is powered by his humorous curiosity. As The X-Files: Case Files—Florida Man #1 progresses, things get a whole lot stranger when they discover an alligator-worshiping cult.

The creative team here is brilliant. Mulder and Scully are written so well. I found myself smiling throughout the whole issue at the banter between these two beloved characters. From Scully telling Mulder he has a case of Yankee Flu to Mulder asking for bath salts at Gator World, it is non-stop fun. I’ve read my fair share of X-Files comics, each with their own very unique aesthetic, but the art here is quite possibly my favorite yet. Although it is heavy with thick lines, it is anything but stiff, and it has this pop-art vibe without needing all of the bright colors. The artists manage to balance that beautiful line between minimalism and high detail.

Verdict: Buy it.

The X-Files: Case Files—Florida Man #1 is a thoroughly enjoyable read from start to finish. The writing demonstrates such love for these characters, and the art is perfectly suited to the story this team is telling. Ever wanted to see how Mulder would cope (or not cope) with August in Florida? Here’s your chance!