James Tynion IV has a real knack for crafting tales that fit right into my wheelhouse and this goes for The Department of Truth where we explore what happens when truth becomes stranger than fiction.

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?

James Tynion IV masterfully taps into my fascination with conspiracies, weaving them into a plot that feels both fresh and eerily plausible. Something I feel only Tynion can accomplish. The writer’s storytelling shines through in The Department of Truth giving weight and depth to each conspiracy examined throughout the first volume.

Tynion lays down an impression foundation from which Martin Simmonds‘ artwork is allowed to breathe chaotic life into. Simmonds’ illustrations are deliberately messy yet strikingly evocative—strikingly encapsulating the underlying chaos inherent in uncovering uncomfortable truths. While the art style is not for me, it complements Tynion’s story beautifully by capturing both the confusion and clarity experienced by the characters.

One cannot read The Department of Truth without comparing the story to classics that came before it such as The X-Files. While there are differences between them, The Department of Truth tackles the “monster of the week” with a longer story thread being told side-by-side style that was widely successful in the Fox television series. Tynion puts a modern touch on his tale which gives it a current edge and feel that makes it appealing to young and old audiences.

The Department of Truth Vol. 1 is a creative story brining conspiracy theories under a new light. The thought-provoking tale by writer James Tynion IV and artist Martin Simmonds, plus letterer Aditya Bidikar, was an immersive experience from start to finish. The stories don’t end with volume one as things get even more weird moving into the second, third and fourth volumes.

The Department of Truth Vol. 1 is available at bookstores and local comic shops everywhere from Image Comics..