IDW; $3.99
Scully and Mulder have been sent to a small town in Florida to investigate some strange occurrences that are being blamed on drugs like bath salts. During their investigation they witness a bedraggled man attack a pregnant woman while raving about the Florida Man. After Scully shoots him to defend the woman, Mulder finds strange symbols have been branded on his chest.
X-Files Case Files Florida Man #2 (of 2) picks up with Mulder examining the symbols that look like hieroglyphics as Scully tries to save the pregnant woman. Of course, local law enforcement is predictably unhelpful so the pair split up to do some investigating. Mulder goes to check out the local trailer park where the town sheriff said the bath salts industry is thriving and Scully visits the church where the branded man had been seen before. One of them is definitely in danger – but which is about to meet the Florida Man?
The X-Files Case Files Florida Man two-issue miniseries was written by Delilah S. Dawson, who definitely gets the voices of Scully and Mulder right. The story is framed just like an early episode of the TV show down to the hostile local cops, foreboding small town mystery, and constant quips between the two agents. The only real downside for this story was that it was too short. There’s nice set up in the first issue but this one comes to an end too quickly, leaving unanswered questions and a somewhat rushed final act. Otherwise, it was really good.
Art duties were shared by Elena Casagrande on pencils, Silvia Califano on inks, and Arianna Florean on colors. Their work combines well with good style, expressive characters, and appropriate energy during the action panels.
-Amanda Sheriff