The news spread after Chris Carter, the mastermind behind the show, dropped Coogler’s name during an interview. The original series, which aired from 1993 to 2002 and included two feature films, was mainly focused on a cast of white characters. Carter said Coogler will have his eye on diversity, which should help the updated X-Files carve its own mark away from the first iteration.
When it comes to major studios here in the roaring 2020s, much can be said about originality or the lack thereof. Instead of breaking new ground, it’s safer to invest in an intellectual property with an established fan base. A bit boring? Sure, but we’re talking millions — and sometimes billions — of dollars at stake, it’s understandable that the executives are hesitant to gamble on an unproven franchise. Fans are accustomed to their childhood favorites being retooled for a modern audience. Sometimes it’s a full-scale reboot and other times it’s a continuation. In the end, nothing is sacred, not even The X-Files.
Regardless of your stance on an X-Files for a new generation, the attention should have buyers on the hunt for a handful of the show’s comics, beginning with these.
X-FILES #1
During the mid-1990s, Topps was looking to extend its influence past the trading cards market and into the world of comic books. The company didn’t have original properties and instead focused on adapting movies and shows. They found modest success with the Jurassic Park tie-ins and there was even a Bram Stoker’s Dracula comic from Topps. It wasn’t until 1994’s The X-Files #1 that Topps had its first bona fide hit, which was a surprise in an era when adaptations didn’t traditionally make for massive sales. However, The X-Files #1 sold out across the country and was a hot collectible in short order.
These days, you have to get into the highest of grades to see any eye-catching numbers. The last time a graded 9.8 sold online, it brought $120 in November 2022. A month prior, it had earned $156. With the possibility of a new X-Files on the way, it could push those values closer to $200.
X-FILES #1 NEWSSTAND
Being a ‘90s comic, there’s no shortage of variants for you to collect. Of course, there’s going to be a newsstand edition. These have become coveted possessions in the collecting world in recent years, and this is no exception. If you happen to have an X-Files #1 newsstand graded at a 9.8, you’ll be happy to hear that it averages $170. Where a direct edition 9.8 hasn’t sold since last year, a 9.8 newsstand earned $175 on March 28.
X-FILES #1 NUMBERED EDITION
Topps wasn’t above the ol’ marketing ploy, and they used a tired-and-true tactic here. To entice collectors, the company produced a line of 120k copies with a slightly varied cover. Each one was numbered, making it feel like a one-of-a-kind item. It hasn’t exactly resonated with the collecting community. The most recent 9.8 to sell online brought $65 last November.
I WANT TO BELIEVE…IN RYAN COOGLER
Why would Coogler get the nod? He may not have a history with horror and hardcore sci-fi, but the writer/director has an impressive resume that includes two of Marvel’s biggest films, Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. He’s a self-professed comic book and sci-fi fan, so he likely grew up watching the adventures of FBI special agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully.
While the show’s cult following is likely busy lighting up their torches and dusting off their pitchforks, Coogler could have something amazing planned, and he deserves a fair chance before anyone judges his work.
*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.
