In the early 2010s, there was a significant increase in The X-Files content. Even before the 2016 revival, FBI Special Agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) embarked on numerous thrilling adventures in comic books published by WildStorm or IDW that further enriched the iconic ’90s duo. Often, these new cases would either thrust the agents into new horrors or force them to confront old enemies once more, but in one instance in 2010, The X-Files crossed over with an unexpected horror comic franchise that had made waves on the big screen several years earlier: 30 Days of Night.

‘The X-Files’ Crossed Over With ’30 Days of Night’ in a Comic Book

Although Josh Harnett‘s 30 Days of Night is an exceptional piece of filmmaking that deserves more recognition, it originated as an IDW comic book in 2003 by writer Steve Niles (who, ironically, initially intended it to be a feature film). From there, the comic miniseries spawned several sequels and by the time the six-issue The X-Files/30 Days of Night miniseries was released, it was well-established as a leader in the horror comic genre. Predating IDW’s groundbreaking Joe Harris-penned X-Files continuation comics by just a few years, this IDW/WildStorm collaboration was co-written by Niles and Tool guitarist Adam Jones and illustrated by legendary DC Comics artist Tom Mandrake. What’s particularly remarkable about this six-part series is that it’s accessible to both X-Files fans and 30 Days of Night enthusiasts alike — and can even be enjoyed by those who have no connection to either franchise.

If you are familiar with the 30 Days of Night comics, you can probably anticipate some plot points. As Mulder and Scully journey north to the desolate, snowy expanses of northern Alaska, they discover a trail of decapitated bodies leading to a horde of the undead. Since this is primarily framed as an X-Files story, we follow the FBI duo as Scully attempts to find any possible shred of evidence to refute Mulder’s theories that he is living in a real-life Dracula movie. However, 30 Days of Night is nothing like Dracula, and the typical vampire elements will not suffice in this frozen hellscape trapped in a month of darkness. From terrifying vampire children to centuries-old sea captains tormented by their existence as undead beings, Mulder and Scully are haunted by the possibility that the wasteland of Wainright, Alaska cannot truly be subdued.

Mandrake’s artwork is certainly a highlight here, but it’s Niles and Jones’ construction of this X-Files-sized mystery (which mimics the beats of an actual monster-of-the-week episode quite well) that truly seals the deal. What’s particularly intriguing here is the worldbuilding that the writers incorporate into this quick six-part tale. From historical flashbacks and opposing federal agents to Russian involvement and the townsfolk of Wainright, everything is well-balanced in this horror story that fans of either franchise will appreciate. Indeed, the wintery wonderland that is northern Alaska has untapped narrative potential, and while the 30 Days of Night franchise has spent decades exploring that region, this X-Files deviation offers a refreshing perspective. As we await director Sinners‘ take on The X-Files, which hopefully features vampires, this comic book miniseries serves as an excellent pastime.

Mulder and Scully Have Battled Vampires Before ‘The X-Files’ Crossed Over With ’30 Days of Night’

Interestingly enough, longtime X-Files fans know that this isn’t the first time that Mulder and Scully have pursued vampires. The first instance occurred in Season 2’s “3,” when Mulder investigated a series of ritualistic murders in Los Angeles alone. Much like the 30 Days of Night crossover, these homicides involve a cult of vampires — one of whom Mulder becomes romantically involved with. As the first episode without Scully, it’s darker than typical X-Files fare but remains an intriguing exploration of vampirism. The second instance reunited the agents for Season 5’s “Bad Blood.” A fan-favorite episode written by Vince Gilligan, this takes a much more comedic approach to vampires. In this episode, Mulder and Scully travel to Chaney, Texas to investigate a possible vampire attack — one that proves far stranger than either anticipated.

The conclusion of The X-Files/30 Days of Night, leads directly into the broader 30 Days of Night saga as the remaining vampires head towards Barrow — where the events from both the original comic book (and its 2007 film adaptation) unfold. For fans seeking another horror experience within the universe created by Niles, this could serve as an ideal entry point. Filled with captivating characters and an expansive vampire conspiracy, fans may quickly feel at home.

The X-Files is available for streaming on Hulu in the U.S.