*I was given an ARC of A Thing Called Truth in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Oni Press, Iolanda Zanfardino & Elisa Romboli for my copy of this graphic novel*
Synopsis:
Embark on a chaotic LGBTQ+ road trip adventure with a workaholic scientist and a fearless thrillseeker on a mission to honor the past and live in the present in Iolanda Zanfardino (Midnight Radio) and Elisa Romboli’s (Alice In Leatherland) creator-owned romantic comedy collaboration, A Thing Called Truth.
Dr. Magdalene Traumer, a brilliant scientist with the noble dream of saving the world, meets Dorian Wildfang, a free-spirited wanderer who fears nothing . . . except her own destiny. Together, they embark on a wild adventure across Europe, chasing a mission that proves that life is about the journey and not the destination. Along the way, these seemingly polar opposite companions find common ground on a journey that sparks an unexpected romance as they navigate the complexities of self-discovery and the challenges of a world on the brink of chaos.
Review:
A Thing Called Truth is an entertaining graphic novel with a fun plot around fulfilling life wishes and falling in love in the process.
I do think this a little longer than necessary but I did enjoy the relationship development between Mag and Dorian. I’d say the majority of A Thing Called Truth focuses on romance rather than the scientific plot the graphic novel starts with, but this isn’t a bad thing. I love an opposites attract romance and Mag and Dorian fit the bill perfectly.
I’m not entirely sure what the purpose of Mag being forcefully resigned and having her work destroyed was for. The political message of healthcare being too expensive is an important one to include but it didn’t feel necessary here. Especially when 90% of the graphic novel focuses on Mag and Dorian’s relationship rather than pushing the healthcare narrative.
I quite enjoyed the art style of A Thing Called Truth and the character designs in particular were a stand out. You go to a lot of interesting settings and each one is drawn wonderfully in great detail. I’m not usually a fan of overly detailed graphic novel pages, but it worked well for the chaotic nature of this story.
Considering this was quite a long graphic novel, I don’t really have much to comment on. Each chapter was fairly similar with Mag and Dorian fulfilling a task in a new city/country and you slowly get to watch Mag open up to Dorian.
I’d say this is a great read if you’re more into the romance side of the story. There’s a far bit of action, which is drawn well, but it’s definitely a sub-plot.
Check out Young Creative Press on all socials
You can also check out my StoryGraph here
Like this post? Why not read this one too: Book Review: Spectacular by Stephanie Garber