
I have to admit, I fell off the new X-Files book after the first few issues, and I have not been following Conspiracy, the latest IDW crossover event. But when I see The Lone Gunmen on the cover of a comic book, I’m going to pick it up. Thankfully, the set up for Conspiracy is simple enough that this comic was able to stand on its own as an enjoyable team-up story.
The premise of this story is that the Lone Gunman (Byers, Frohike and Langly) have received information from the future that details a massive virus outbreak. The information also alluded to various urban legends like mutant turtles and sentient robots, so the Gunmen set out to find out the truth behind the urban legends and their connection to the impending virus outbreak. Thier investigation leads them to an encounter with Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, who themelves are investigating the transformer-napping of Ratchet. A classic team-up ensues.
Writer Paul Crilley does a great job of capturing the voices of The Lone Gunmen and the Transformers, particularly in the relationship that develops between Langly and Bumblebee, which provides all of the humor in the issue. The team of Dheera Verma (art) and Joana Mowry (colors) definitely lean toward the X-Files side of things, giving the book a dark and sometimes abstract look. However, I think that’s fitting given that the event is called Conspiracy.
The biggest mark against this issue is that there just isn't enough room to give all the characters and the story their due. I feel like two issues would have been a better approach with each of these side stories, as much of the story has to be dedicated to the characters getting to know one another. Still, it’s worth a read if you’re either an X-Files or a Transformers fan.
3 out of 5 Ninja Buddies