Charlie Adlard — The Truth is…

X-Files #12, Topps Comics, January 1996

Sometimes, you like a page… just because.

Because of the theme? Because of the composition? Because of the way the artist uses design to contrast light and darkness? Because you have a special fondness for the comic book series? All of that? Something completely different?

I think this X-files page appeals to me for all of the reasons above and more. Obviously not what collectors typically think of when they think of a cool splash page. (Among its many quirks, you can’t see the characters’ faces.) But for me, something about this just works.

I’ve always loved science fiction and unexplained phenomena and the X-Files was a great combination of the two   And I consider myself fortunate to have published the franchise twice: Once at Topps Comics during the show’s first-run heyday, and then 20 years later at IDW Publishing, where I remain convinced that our comics drove the renewed interest in the franchise.

The truth about Charlie Adlard? Charlie helped make the Walking Dead into one of the most important comics of the last 20 years. And Walking Dead, in turn, helped Charlie achieve the star status he deserves as a brilliant artist and storyteller. And I couldn’t be more pleased (and not at all surprised) about his success.