Book Review: The X-Files 'Monsters of the Week'

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Written by: Avi Quijada | Editor-In-Chief

Category: Reviews

Published: October 08, 2018

• The X-Files
• Monsters of the Week

There’s always been a very succinct way that we as fans identify our favorite parts of The X-Files: whether it be Shippers or Noromos, or we use abbreviations like MSR, or DRR, and then Mythology and MOTW.

The latter is the center of the newest critical companion written by Zack Handlen and Todd VanDerWerff. Monsters of the Week presents itself as the most complete one, with a foreword by Chris Carter and interviews with Vince Gilligan, Howard Gordon, Darin Morgan, Robert Patrick, Mitch Pileggi, Frank Spotnitz and James Wong. This isn’t just a book about reviews, but it is one that is a very well placed balance of opinion and history.

We had the opportunity to speak with both Todd and Zack about their motivation for writing this collection of reviews.

Read more: Book Review: The X-Files 'Monsters of the Week'

Release & Giveaways: 'Monsters of the Week: The Complete Critical Companion to The X-Files'

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Written by: Roileigh Ollson | Managing Editor

Category: Latest News

Published: October 01, 2018

• The X-Files

If your X-Files collection could use a little more filling out, Abrams Books has just what you’ll need. On October 16th, the publishing company is set to release “Monsters of the Week: The Complete Critical Companion to The X-Files.” Here’s what you can expect:

"In 1993, FOX debuted a strange new television show called The X-Files. Little did anyone suspect that the series would become one of the network’s biggest hits—and change the landscape of television in the process. Now, on the occasion of the show’s 25th anniversary, TV critics Zack Handlen and Todd VanDerWerff unpack exactly what made this haunting show so groundbreaking. Witty and insightful reviews of every episode of the series, revised and updated from the authors’ popular A.V. Club recaps, leave no mystery unsolved and no monster unexplained. This crucial collection even includes exclusive interviews with some of the stars and screenwriters, as well as an original foreword by X-Files creator and showrunner Chris Carter. This complete critical companion is the book about The X-Files, the definitive guide whether you’re a lifelong viewer wanting to relive memories of watching the show when it first aired or a new fan uncovering the conspiracy for the first time."

XFN will be bringing you a full review of the book, but in the meantime, you can pre-order the book on Amazon. And for those who pre-order before the October 16th release, you can sign up to receive a free bookplate in the mail. Signed by Chris Carter and authors Zack Handlen and Todd VanDerWerff, the bookplate sticker can be placed in the front of your book. Simply fill out this form and upload a copy of your pre-order receipt to receive the bookplate.

XFN will also be giving away 3 copies of the book (including signed bookplate) to a few lucky Philes. To enter, you must submit a description of an ORIGINAL monster that could have been in The X-Files. Send a maximum of 250 words to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before 11:59pm PT on October 16th to enter. One entry per Phile.