Bigger Than Capes

Writer and Letterer: Iolanda Zanfardino
Artist: Elisa Romboli
Publisher: Image/Shadowline

This issue begins with our unlikely duo arriving in Madrid, and also the first hotel Dorian’s ever stayed in. It’s a simple scene that immediately shows that the pair are finally getting along, clearly becoming better friends with every stop on their journey. It also shows the different backgrounds Mag and Dorian have come from.

The first of Dorian and Mag’s missions in Madrid calls for them to rain money down over the city, something they’re without the means to achieve…at least until a glorious case of instant karma between the pair and a homophobic older couple at a restaurant resolves their dilemma. I also feel like every mission the two complete this issue brings them closer together, and also tells us more about each of them as individuals.

Away from our protagonists we also check in with Mag’s former employer and husband – Doctor Hikmet – for the first time since the first issue. In this scene we see that someone else realises it doesn’t make sense for Mag to have “resigned” and then disappear without warning. It’s been a few issues but it feels like we’re revisiting what felt like a central plot in the series’ first issue.

There’s a good balance between Mag’s past and present here, as her ex begins to realise something suspicious has happened to her, and at the same time we see just how much she’s now embracing and enjoying her travels with Dorian.

Iolanda Zanfardino’s writing is really well balanced. It feels like every scene serves multiple purposes, from the opening panels in the hotel to the pages with Mag’s ex-husband. It’s just really well constructed and keeps the story, as well as Dorian and Mag’s relationship, moving forward while also giving us more information about the two protagonists past.

Equally, Elisa Romboli’s art is as great as ever, cartoonish when necessary but never failing to convey emotion. Her colouring also moves brilliantly between locations, always making a clear change in colour scheme to show changes in place and time. From comedy to budding romance, it’s all wonderfully depicted.

With each issue it’s harder to not repeat myself, A Thing Called Truth is a wonderful, enjoyable read and this is another great instalment. Zanfardino and Romboli create a believable story full of comedy, drama and the beginning of romance.