REVIEW: 'A Thing Called Truth' #3 by Iolanda Zanfardino and Elisa Romboli

 


A THING CALLED TRUTH #3

Writer: Iolanda Zanfardino
Artist: Elisa Romboli
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: January 5, 2022
Cover Price: $3.99

Our two unlikely travel companions reach the first stop of their journey: the Eternal City. Following their guide, they embark on a riotous scavenger hunt for locations where famous movie scenes were filmed, only to find that the last item may not have the happy ending they anticipated.

Score:
★★★★☆ (4/5)

The unlikely pairing of the adventurous Dorian and the high-strung Dr. Mag have begun to settle in their roles on this unique road trip. The good Doc has come to realize how their differences complement one another and she's adjusting to her personality. Dorian is as gung-ho as ever as they reach Rome while teasing the Doc. Her goal to fulfill her dead brother's plans to see famous locales from the movies has reached some gorgeous sites. It's both awed Dr. Mag and taken her out of her comfort zone. 

Iolanda Zanfardino has formed quite a buddy road-trip comedy. This character-driven story brings two souls together at pivotal times in their lives. Underneath the polar opposite personas lies a need for connection. Each leaning on the other for support without saying it verbally. Amid the beauty and grandeur of Rome's fountains, the playful dip in the water, and awkward public singing, the two hold on to pain that rests just beneath the surface. In two separate scenes, there are moments of vulnerability and honesty. Dr. Mag reveals what caused the deterioration of her marriage and Dorian wonders if she can fulfill Faust's final wishes. It's the human drama that makes this comic so relatable and riveting. You don't need capes and monsters to make a comic interesting because life has enough drama to go around. 

Just like in 'Alice in Leatherland,' Elisa Romboli's invigorating art is so kinetic and expressive that every action is heightened and every emotion is outsized that it's impossible not to feel energized by it. Some of these funny and clever moments give way to quieter and more thoughtful scenes that feel more cinematic in their framing that take a solemn beat to digest. It's just great storytelling as the script and art work in tandem to find synchronicity.

'A Thing Called Truth' #3 continues a life-affirming road trip full of awkward moments, beautiful sights, and an unlikely friendship. Dr. Mag begins to open up to Dorian and get out of her comfort zone as the two grow closer in Rome. One of the few romantic comedies in comics, 'Truth' balances comedy with genuine emotion in a delightful buddy road trip that sparkles. 

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