Image Comics' A Thing Called Truth #1
- WRITER
- Iolanda Zanfardino
- Artist
- Elisa Romboli
- Letterer
- Iolanda Zanfardino
- Cover Artist
- Elisa Romboli
- Publisher
- Image Comics
- Price
- 3.99
- Release Date
- 2021-11-03
- Colorist
- Elisa Romboli
Iolanda Zanfardino is quickly becoming one of the most prolific comic writers. Since 2019, she has released Midnight Radio with Oni Press, Alice in Leatherland, and Hecate's Will with Black Mask Studios. This November, she'll be releasing the first issue of yet another series illustrated by Elisa Romboli (Alice in Leatherland). Their new comic A Thing Called Truth #1, published by Image Comics, introduces a lovable cast of characters and an intriguing story.
A Thing Called Truth #1 follows an obsessive and brilliant scientist named Magdalene Träumer, who has spent years of her life working on a medical product. Her blind pursuit has cost her her marriage and her social life, but it is worth it to her because she believes she can save people's lives all over the world. So, it's easy to understand why she's so upset when she finds herself locked out of her laboratory when she shows up for work one morning. After being forced out by her unsavory boss, Magdalene's life is turned upside down.
Zanfardino has created an infinitely likable character in Magdalene. Her passion is infectious and her outrage is cathartic. Magdalene's stubborn determination to help people is a force of pure optimism that is brilliantly juxtaposed with a cynical view of the healthcare industry. Without even revealing the nature of Magdalene's invention, Zanfardino establishes a conflict that is personal for the protagonist but also feels urgent and poignant. The struggle of the iconoclastic inventor against a tyrannical profit-driven corporation is as old as time. Magdalene is the spitting image of the archetypal underdog, but her personal struggles and charming personality help her maintain her individuality. By the end of the first issue, the audience will be committed to the story even though much of it is still shrouded in a great deal of mystery.
Romboli's character design perfectly suits the hero Zanfardino has written. In Romboli's talented hands, even Magdalene's hair is emotive. Throughout the highs and lows of this first issue, Romboli's characters are overflowing with personality. Even the smallest details and the most subtle motions serve to characterize Magdalene. While this first issue isn't especially action-packed, there are a few key scenes that prove that Romboli will be more than capable of drawing some thrilling sequences, and even the quiet moments when Magdalene is at home alone, convey palpable energy that makes for a fun, enticing read.
The last scene in A Thing Called Truth #1 introduces a character who seems destined to take Magdalene out of her comfort zone and into a thrilling adventure. Zanfardino's writing is fast-paced, mysterious, and charming. And, Elisa Romboli's art brings the story's compelling heroine to life in every panel. It is hard to predict where this series is going, but the stage is set for an excellent character-driven story.