ADVANCED REVIEW: A Thing Called Truth #1: Fast-Paced Ethics

From the first page, A Thing Called Truth is trepid, frantic, punchy and approaches its characters and storyline with a constant sense of urgency, always backed up by art that grabs you by the neck and pulls you in in the story. The pages and story unfold without effort, as we view Magdalene’s medical investigation and feel her character grow through each monologue, interaction, conflict.

And, even if this first issue works mostly as set up, the character work Iolanda Zanfardino puts here is as compelling as the background conflict of capitalism devouring ethical medical work and turning it into monstrous profit. Magdalene’s divorce, her unfair treatment by the company, even her getting drunk, all answer to a specific character that you can’t help but love in her flaws. When we’re finally introduced, in a very chaotic way, to the road trip, the anticipation that has been built makes the incognita of this new character delightful. Always highlighted by Elisa Romboli’s dynamic, strong lines, hilarious art, and vibrant, effulgent colors, this introduction promises so much. This issue feels short, fast, sudden, but in the best of ways a frenetic road trip can feel that way too, to the point I can guarantee you that, if you like comics that grab you by the neck and put emotions right in front of you, this one will enchant you and leave you intrigued, wanting more.