I Want to Believe: The Pop Artist Behind The X-Files’ Paranormal Poster
Brontë Mansfield
13

i. thoroughness and comprehension (+)

At first, I thought you were going to talk about the rampaging poster fan art that has resurged for the X-Files reboot (see: http://xfilesposterproject.tumblr.com/) but this was far more interesting, the headline threw me off, though I commend you for avoiding the “I want to believe” cliche for the header. This piece also leave me wanting for the actors’ feelings on the iconic images, though you mention Anderson’s donation, they (both?) have active social media that allows them to interact directly with fans. Screenshots of tweets are probably my most preferred way to quote someone, nowadays.

ii. creativity (+)

All of the media implementation in this piece is important for many reasons. 1. It entertains the audience, regardless of their relationship with the show. 2. It informs longtime fans of the show who didn’t know this iconic image has such an important art historical background. 3. It relies on the show’s own cult following online. That said, GIFs are just as deserving of attribution as photos, even more so, as someone took the time to screenshot all of that, so I’m glad you included them, even if they are from Fox. The links come in at perfect times and add authority (though too many can distract the reader.)

iii: use of platform (+)

Ok, I hate Doggett, BUT I love the last GIF. It’s a perfect way to sum up your analysis of this poster art. Though Facebook has become more accessible, GIF-wise, you have to have a site-hosted URL to post them (like Fox) and users can’t upload them like photos, so Medium is the perfect platform for this multi-media piece. Also, have you seen how many tattoos people have gotten of this infamous phrase? It might be worth another blog post.