Image Comics reviews 4/28/21 – Bitter Root #12, Department of Truth #8

The Department of Truth #8

This issue felt a little weird in that it didn’t feel like enough of an advancement of earlier issues. It’s almost like Department of Truth is settling into a comfortable niche that seems too routine for a title that’s been based on upending expectations.

Cole Turner is rightfully questioning if he’s on the right side of the war as an agent of the Department even as Lee Harvey Oswald continues plotting further. Lee calls in his fixer agent to meet up with Cole and Ruby as they unravel more secrets. Writer James Tynion IV isn’t shaking up enough and the formula is starting to become too predictable.

Ruby and Cole are interesting characters, but debunking lies introduced in this issue doesn’t feel like the most exciting approach. Tynion does introduce a new character that seems to be the kind of subtle antagonist to make things uncomfortable for Cole and Ruby at least.

Martin Simmonds’ art remains this strangely intoxicating blend that captivates as it disorients. That’s becoming the big lure of the book even as Tynion’s many mysteries feel stretched out or paced at a far slower level. Simmonds’ style feeds in to that constant sense of uneasiness Tynion still creates so naturally.

Department of Truth has hit a bit of a wall plot wise, but Simmonds’ art makes the issue as haunting as it’s always been. Hopefully kicking off a new arc slowed Tynion down somewhat from significantly advancing the story and it’s gets smoother from here.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Photo Credit: Image Comics