The X-Files: Season 11 #5 Review: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson's Mulder/Scully Seek Gibson

IDW Publishing continues its hot streak with The X-Files Season 11 #5. In the fifth issue, FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) find themselves in the clutches of "Gibson Praise" by writer Joe Harris and artist Matthew Dow Smith. 

In our MStars interview at Special Edition: NYC, Harris discusses how he comes up with a storyline, "We're trying to recreate that feeling where you would watch a season's worth of episodes and really look forward to the continuation of the mythology. But man, were those standalone episodes awesome with some creepy stuff going on! So I want to maintain that."

As we previously mentioned, Mulder continues to be running away from the law as a wanted fugitive. After being cleared from all charges, the government continues to keep a close eye on Scully, especially the all-powerful Gibson Praise. With Gibson controlling them like puppets, how long will it take before everyone becomes under his possession?

The fifth installment continues after the gripping finale of the Home Again, which featured the return of the incestuous Peacock family. Gibson manipulated Mulder and Scully to get what he wanted, which led to the raid of the Peacock barn. With Mulder back in custody, the captured fugitive now has to face trial. 

In the opening pages, writer Joe Harris managers to provide mystery and answers in Gibson Praise's flashback. As an adult, Gibson looks back at his childhood with such anger and sorrow. Later on, in the narrative, Harris makes you question whether or not Gibson is the true antagonist of the story, or he knows something our duo doesn't.  

Artist Matthew Dow Smith illustrates the flashbacks in black and white inks, allowing colorist Jordie Bellaire just to add a red tone. Notice how Smith uses wide shots at first and then tightens the lens as Mulder gets onto his plane ride. Smith evokes a claustrophobic vibe as the suspenseful action is drawn in extreme close-ups.  

RATING: MUST BUY

With The X-Files Revival so close to its 2016 premiere, readers should definitely pick up The X-Files: Season 11 #5.