By Larry Jorash — James Tynion IV has made his name through horror and superhero comics, but in Department of Truth #1, we see him venture into new territory with a noir fiction of sorts. The cover alone will warrant a second glance on shelves from everyone this week, and once the book is cracked, the art will show off mesmerizing design work. Blending hard truths from modern years and soft truths from the past, the story readers will find in this book is nothing if not unique. 

Artist Martin Simmonds’ work on this title fits the narration in beautiful symmetric fashion. There’s a mystery to every panel. The dark aesthetic leaves the reader uneasy while the vibrant colors make looking away nigh impossible. Letterer Aditya Bidikar’s font work just invites you to stay and relax as the real world around us fades away. This book is both wildly uncomfortable, and totally vulnerable and relaxed in tone all at once — and all the credit goes to the creative team for that. 

In recent years, new creator-owned and independent comics series dropping big excellent first issues has become a staple of the modern industry. It feels like every week readers are flooded with new choices, with original and innovative comics that work to break the stigma that the medium is only about superheroes, or may that dude with the Fawkes mask. As far as indie comics go relative to Department of Truth #1, this first issue stands out by making big statements on our modern cultural crises’ while also shaping it’s own fictional escapism. It’s a major feat, and it’s one fans of modern comics should all go out and buy.

Overall: An absolutely addicting narration with suspense at every turn. The final page will make you gasp. Writer James Tynion IV continues his rise as an original creator, and in Martin Simmonds he’s found a collaborator to match the big ideas in this book. 9.8/10

REVIEW: Department of Truth #1

Department of Truth #1
Writer: James Tynion IV
Artist: Martin Simmonds
Letterer: Aditya Bidikar
Publisher: Image Comics
Price: $3.99
Cole Turner has studied conspiracy theories all his life, but he isn’t prepared for what happens when he discovers that all of them are true, from the JFK assassination to flat Earth theory and reptilian shapeshifters. One organization has been covering them up for generations. What is the deep, dark secret behind the Department of Truth?Bestselling writer JAMES TYNION IV (Batman, Something is Killing the Children) debuts his first Image ONGOING SERIES alongside breakout artist MARTIN SIMMONDS (Dying is Easy)!
Buy It Digitally: Department of Truth #1

Read more great comic book reviews here!

Larry Jorash resides in Central Florida managing a comic book shop and coaching youth sports. In his spare time he enjoys watching ice hockey and reading. You will almost never find his hand vacant of coffee. Find him on twitter: (@theREALlarbear)