- Writer: James Tynion IV
- Artist: Martin Simmonds
- Letterer: Aditya Bidikar
- Designer: Dylan Todd
- Editor: Steve Foxe
Thanks to Image Comics for the review copy!
THE DEPARTMENT OF TRUTH is one of those big concept conspiracy mind-benders that makes your head hurt … in a good way. Using an interrogation room conversation as a frame, this book tells the the story of Cole, whose recent activities have him questioning his sanity. What follows is so bizarre, you may start to question yours … again, in a good way.
The impressionistic art style employs washed out colors, which meshes perfectly with the Cole’s narration. The images are hazy and often exaggerated, so you are never 100% clear about what is happening. Is the uncertainty because the events are so bizarre or because Cole is an unreliable narrator? The entire book feels a little like a dream, or perhaps a hazy memory. This issue also uses a unique speech bubble technique, with angular bubbles and varying text sizes.
While the book largely avoids graphic violence or curse words, this is definitely a mature book based on its theme. For example, the initial pages feature an interview of a suspect in the JFK assassination. People with sensitivities about that tragic moment in history may not enjoy it being used as a jumping off point for a comic series. For anyone else, first issue The Department of Truth features the kind of big, original ideas that promises great things to come.
Be sure to check out James Tynion IV’s chat on the weekly Talkin’ Con A Cup O’ Tea with An Englishman In San Diego where he discusses a lot of his work including this title.
THE DEPARTMENT OF TRUTH #1 is set for release this Wednesday (September 30th).
Check back in a few weeks for my thoughts on the second issue of this series.
Are you going to pick up this title? Want to talk to me about it? Feel free to chat with me on Twitter or leave a comment below!
