Image Comics reviews 10/28/20 – Undiscovered Country #9, The Department of Truth #2

The Department of Truth #2

The Department of Truth is a wild book. It’s unlike anything else on the comic shelves and it’s only just begun to get started on its potential.

Writer James Tynion takes his story on shared beliefs creating reality a step further this issue with main character Cole reflecting on a traumatic childhood experience during the 80s. This was a time when satanic cults were the new fear, which created a collective reality that may not have ever been addressed by the department. With his new partner, Ruby, willing to indulge his curiosity and introduce him to other members of the department that might be able to answer his traumatic experience, Cole might learn a truth he doesn’t want to know.

Tynion already has established a clear voice with the characters just two issues in and the introduction of more eccentric department members only helps expand the degrees of uncertainty Cole experiences.

Martin Simonds’ art style is very fitting for this title. It kind of blends reality where it seems like Simonds is intentionally creating a dual image in one even during something as simple as Cole having breakfast with his husband and another face seems to be visible. It’s very abstract and works so well to make readers think twice about what exactly they’re taking in.

The Department of Truth is an incredibly rich, deep and thoughtful title and Tynion and Simonds are playing into all kinds of conspiracies to make for an comic I’m more and more excited about checking out each month.

Rating: 9 out of 10