The nightmare for Agents Mulder and Scully continues as the
threat increases substantially in this issue. 
Niles
and Jones have gone from making this feel like an X-files episode to feeling
more like an X-files movie. 

The layouts and the pacing take on more of a widescreen feel
in this issue.  Mandrake’s art seems to
be getting better and I like some of the huge establishing shots he
illustrates.  Plus, like I’ve mentioned
before, we don’t have a particular vampire character we’re following so
Mandrake takes the vampires we do see and seems to give us only teases of them.  Whether it’s in shadows or close-up shots, he
truly gives them a beast-like quality. 
This is a departure from the way Niles
has presented them in the past which was a mixture of the human and animalistic
traits.  But again, I think it’s the lack
of a main vampire character (so far) that drives this notion.

The characterization is still spot on as Mulder continues to
insert humor even in the most dire situation while Scully is ever the skeptic
as the unexplainable happens around her. 
They also get into a pretty intense action scene towards the end.  It’s not something I’m used to seeing with
them but the unexpectedness of it added to the suspense.

The story is still moving along nicely.  We didn’t learn as much as I would’ve liked
this issue but we traded that for a great action scene.  I think what made it more suspenseful is that
I’ve been wondering how Mulder and Scully will survive against such a dangerous
foe.  I got a taste of that here.

The series is continuing to be a great read each month.  I’m confident that the remaining issues will
be just as enjoyable.  Niles proves time and time again that he
knows how to write a good comic.  Now
with Adam Jones providing some insight, it appears the two work really well
together.  A solid read each month and
one that is worth checking out if you still haven’t.