The Department of Truth #1
| Writer | James Tynion IV |
| Artist | Martin Simmonds |
| Cover Price | $3.99 |
SERIES PREMIERE! 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)!
CRITIC REVIEWS Back to Top
-
10
AIPT - David Brooke
Aug 24, 2020The Department of Truth #1 is as savvy as it is suspenseful, spine-tingling in an unnerving way, and a rare read that feels brand new once you put it down. This book is perfect for the super well-read comics fan, or the sci-fi fanatic X-Files fan. Read Full Review
-
10
Monkeys Fighting Robots - Jake Palermo
Sep 05, 2020The Department of Truth #1 is the beginning of probably one of the most acclaimed series of the year. One that the reader will be compelled to look through again and again because one read through will never be enough. Read Full Review
-
10
You Don't Read Comics - Russ Bickerstaff
Sep 30, 2020The premise for The Department of Truth is so simple in its cleverness. The possibilities for fiction in a world of conspiracy at the heart of reality are endless. Tynion's idea is very appealing, but he's going to need an artist with Simmonds' exact aesthetic to bring it to the page in style as the series progresses. There are few other artists working today who could competently bring a drama like this to the page. Read Full Review
-
10
Horror DNA - James Ferguson
Oct 16, 2020The Department of Truth is made even scarier based on the events in the world today with stuff like Qanon brainwashing everyone's weird uncles and even some politicians. It hits almost too close to reality at times, but it's so worth the read. It helps that the final page is such a great cliffhanger that you'll be begging for more. Do not miss this comic. Read Full Review
-
10
DC Comics News - Derek McNeil
Dec 29, 2020The Department of Truth#1 is the ideal start to a new series. With this single issue Tynion has me hooked. This is the new X-Files for the 21st Century. Read Full Review
-
9.8
Comics Bookcase - Larry Jorash
Sep 30, 2020An 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 hes found a collaborator to match the big ideas in this book. Read Full Review
-
9.7
Major Spoilers - Robert Mammone
Oct 03, 2020A neat summary of the dead end America has blundered into in the last few years, THE DEPARTMENT OF TRUTH #1 is a clever blend of knowing writing, and some glorious artwork. Come for the conspiracy theories, and pray that the liars never win. Read Full Review
-
9.6
Monkeys Fighting Robots - Matthew Sardo
Aug 21, 2020THE DEPARTMENT OF TRUTH #1 will be in our conversation for 'Best Of 2020.' Read Full Review
-
9.5
Lyles Movie Files - Jeffrey Lyles
Sep 30, 2020The big payoff for the issue is a big spoiler, but it sets up a really exciting premise that sets the stage for another can't miss title from Image. Read Full Review
-
9.4
Comic Watch - Ross Hutchinson
Sep 02, 2020THE DEPARTMENT OF TRUTH#1 and #2 form a superbly crafted debut providing an entry point into a world of secrets and conspiracies whose central premise is cleverly illustrated through a series of twists of real world ideas and events, where up is down and down is up...a future classic in my opinion Read Full Review
-
9.3
The Brazen Bull - Dave Robbins
Sep 29, 2020Conspiracy theories abound, and maybe aren't so funny these days, but The Department of Truth is a solid reality bending thriller that charmingly twists the reader's mind. Read Full Review
-
9.2
The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally
Sep 30, 2020Martin Simmonds brings a unique visual style to this issue. Many of the pages are brilliantly composed and interesting. There are a couple of moments where the visuals could be distracting from what the story was trying to convey, but the tone of the art definitely draws in the reader. Read Full Review
-
9.0
Comics: The Gathering - Carlos R.
Sep 30, 2020If you’re a fan of horror or sci-fi then you’re in for quite a read. The ending to this issue definitely has me signed up for this series and I’m all for finding out how deep this rabbit hole goes. Read Full Review
-
9.0
Multiversity Comics - Gregory Ellner
Oct 01, 2020Between the twists and turns in the narrative and the intriguing art and lettering directions, "The Department of Truth" #1 just raises further questions and we wouldn't have it any other way. Read Full Review
-
8.5
Graphic Policy - Logan Dalton
Aug 28, 2020The Department of Truth #1 is an engaging debut issue with James Tynion tapping into the expansive worldbuilding of his previous titles like Memetic and its sequels while Martin Simmonds shows that painted art can have a few, new tricks up its sleeves in 2020. They also introduce some actually compelling mysteries and tap into our fearful zeitgeist where believers and spinners of harmful conspiracies have entirely too much power. Read Full Review
-
8.5
Sequential Planet - Marcus Orchard
Sep 26, 2020The Department of Truth is off to a fantastic start. It's timely, chilling, and absolutely intriguing. Tynion IV, Simmonds, and the rest of the creative team have a hit on their hands already. Read Full Review
-
8.4
Forces Of Geek - Lenny Schwartz
Sep 25, 2020Overall, though, this is an enjoyable book and much better than I was expecting. Read Full Review
-
8.0
Newsarama - C.K. Stewart
Sep 28, 2020If you like the X-Files or conspiracy-horror you'll most certainly enjoy The Department of Truth. It is without question a good debut, but in some ways the monsters here are very real already, and fully making that connection in future issues is what will make The Department of Truth a great series. Read Full Review
-
8.0
But Why Tho? - Charles Hartford
Sep 30, 2020When all is said and done, Department of Truth #1 isan interesting first issue. The big reveal at the end is a bit hard to wrap your brain around, but at the same time presents too much possibility not to follow up on. It is as interesting a premise, as it is a terrifying one. Read Full Review
-
8.0
ComicBook.com - Christian Hoffer
Oct 02, 2020After just one issue, it's hard to tell exactly what The Department of Truth is trying to say. It has picked a sadly relevant topic in our current moment, and it doesn't seem to be afraid to actually dig a bit instead of treating conspiracy theories as harmless fictional fodder. Read Full Review
-
8.0
Pastrami Nation - Nolan Smith
Oct 04, 2020Tynion has crafted a story full of intrigue and danger, with artwork that matches the mood perfectly. I love the guiding principle in this book, that belief by several individuals can change the world. It is scary yet intriguing. Simmonds artwork is scratchy and emotional, so fitting for a book of this nature. I loved the debut issue: The Department of Truth shines the light on the craziness of conspiracies, and by the end, you might believe as well. Read Full Review
-
6.0
Doom Rocket - Mickey Rivera
Oct 01, 2020The dangers and psychosis of conspiratorial thought are right there in the crosshairs of The Department of Truth, but I think it misses. (The bizarre twist at the end is off-beat enough to be intriguing.) The premise could speak volumes to the ways in which knowledge can be created and controlled by those in power to nefarious ends. The world we're all living in seems more and more like a conspiracy theory come true, so it's only fitting that Department of Truth should be right there to tighten our focus on it. Read Full Review
USER REVIEWS Back to Top
-
10
An interesting start and promising premise delving into conspiracy theories. Will eagerly be waiting for the second issue.
+ Like • Comment -
10
WOW
-
10
Love me a good conspiracy thriller/horror story. This comic delivers that in spades. Probably the best since Hickman's (sadly) unfinished Black Monday Murders. The art fits the paranoid feel for this story and I'm excited to see where Tynion takes this.
-
10
This Image's new book starts with a instigant plot and a breathtaking cliffhanger in the end of it. James Tynion definetly knows how to use mistery to keep the readers attached to the plot.
-
10
Super exciting series and resonates with a number of popular conspiracy theories. I can't wait for the next arc to be released! This series is destined to become a TV series and/or movie it's so good! ðŸ'¯ðŸ‘ðŸ‘
-
10
A flawlessly executed first issue that is suspenseful, creepy, and clever. And that last page, what a way to end an issue!
-
9.5
Amazing art.
-
9.5
Really amazingly well done story. Very excited for this
-
9.5
Intriguing premise, dynamic art. I cane into this first issue hesitant but after the big reveal towards the end of the book um definitely back for issue two. I read this online and immediately bought my copy afterwards.
-
9.0
Story 4.5/5 Art 4.5/5
-
9.0
That's petty Neil Gaiman. Unbelievably, after writing so many pieces of shit recently, JT4 begins to prove himself as a writer.
-
9.0
Pretty awesome start. It's a great idea, asking questions of truth or beliefs, which many people have about the world. Is science truth or belief? Is the earth flat? I like the idea that is presented in this issue. That if enough people can convince someone of a belief, then that belief will become reality, as it is shown in the main character's mind. I look forward to seeing more crazy mind trips like that sequence and figuring out the rest of the series. This is a good one people, pick this up
-
9.0
This reminds me a lot of Tom King's work, what with the mystery and conspiracy theory going on. This was an amazing debut. Tynion has really come into his superstar status working on DN Death Metal and Batman with DC, as well as his independent work, latest of which is the Department of Truth, which Tynion plays with the idea that every conspiracy theory had truth in it. Who shot JFK, Aliens, UFOs, Flat Earth, etc. Art by Simmons, oh my. His sketchy style of penciling together with inks makes it as if I am looking at the pages through a 1930's kinescope, very antique and mysterious, perfect for such a concept. The writing, crisp, quick, flows very well, expert lettering by Bidikar. A great debut by Tynion, hooked into the ideas being pl more
-
9.0
Better than his Batman.
-
9.0
Super cool premise with trippy art. Really looking forward to where this is going.
-
9.0
Excellent start for a series. Plot is mad as fuck, art is haunting, everything seems to be setting up the future while telling a compelling story in this single chapter. Godamn I was hooked on this!
-
8.5
Intriguing story for this first issue. I'm curious to see where Tynion takes it from here. The art by Martin Simmonds matches the theme of the book and it's glorious. Weird, edgy and scratchy, it reminds me of Bill Sienkiewicz's style.
-
8.5
Looks interesting.
-
8.5
Twisted but interesting, can't wait for #2
-
8.5
This is a very cool premise. I'm not a huge fan of the art style, though.
-
8.5
Highly interesting. Really cool visuals. My only gripe is they are toying with the id that these conspiracy truths are being manifested rather than just being the truth which is a little corny to me. If it wasnt for that I would have rated it higher.
-
8.0
Not bad, I'm curious!
-
8.0
Fascinating first issue.
-
8.0
I would say that the first 2/3 of this book is a book I wouldn't really care to read. It was just a by-the-numbers exploration into the most well-known conspiracies today. It wasn't poorly written or anything, but I could've gotten the same experience reading a forum post, you know? But then, when the tulpa reveal happens, I was completely sold. I'm such a big fan of that concept, it's always been cool to think about. And then the final reveal at the very end just hit so well for me, even though I should've seen it coming. And the art grew on me over time. I'll be honest, I drove myself a little crazy trying to figure out what the shapes in that first page were. And that turned me off to the art. But by the end, I think the style really wor more
-
8.0
I am definitely intrigued. Especially by that twist at the end!
-
6.5
That ending really won me over. I can't say I enjoyed anything before it too much, but it definitely sets up an interesting premise for future issues.
-
10
-
10
-
10
-
10
-
10
-
10
-
10
-
9.5
-
9.5
-
9.5
-
9.5
-
9.0
-
9.0
-
9.0
-
9.0
-
9.0
-
9.0
-
9.0
-
9.0
-
9.0
-
9.0
-
9.0
-
8.5
-
8.5
-
8.5
-
8.5
-
8.5
-
8.0
-
8.0
-
8.0
-
8.0
-
7.5
-
6.0
2025 In Review:
