The X-Files                       
                     Comic Book Issue #7

                                    Review by Nicole Sallade

The X-Files Comic Book
Issue #7: Trepanning Opera
Writer: Stefan Petrucha
Artist: Charles Adlard
Cover Artist: Mirian Kim
Publisher: Topps Comics, July 1995

This is the latest installment in the extremely popular and often-sold-out "X-Files" comix series.  In "Trepanning Opera," Mulder and Scully become involved in a series of murders involving trepanation when a letter addressed to Mulder himself is found on the latest victim's body in Miami.  Trepanation is the drilling of a hole in between the eyebrows, usually to expose the "third eye."  

"Trepanning Opera" is definitely one of the better "X-Files" comix to be released thus far.  It's one of those stories that not only leaves you rather confused, but totally questioning the nature of reality as well.  Stefan Petrucha's story-line is brilliant, as usual, but even more so here as he combines the relatively obscure practice of trepanation, psychic ability and a multi-twist/reality-bending ending.  As for Charles Adlard's art, I'll admit that Mulder doesn't look exactly  like David Duchovny, but the Skinner presented is definitely Mitch Pileggi's mirror-image.  It works perfectly with the writing, and the "dizzying" pages at the end are definitely worth a look.  Yet again, Mirian Kim presents us with a beautiful cover.  Look for a "misplaced" eye in the upper-left-hand corner.

All in all, yet another great case to be filed away in the FBI's basement.  Even if you're not all that into "X-Files," this is still a great comic book series.  "Trepanning Opera" can be understood and admired, even if you don't have a clue as to who those Mulder and Scully characters are. 

Review by Nicole Sallade 
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