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EL DEPARTAMENTO DE LA VERDAD. LA CONSPIRACION COMPLETA: FICCIONES SALVAJES
THE X-FILES meets SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN and for fans of THE BLACK MONDAY MURDERS
"A wonderfully dizzy mixture of Men in Black, John Carpenter, Stephen King, The Matrix, and 1970s conspiracy thrillers."- Forbes
Some fictions manifest in reality as dangerous, half-formed things. The Department of Truth relies on hunters to track down and contain these wild tulpas before they become too real. In these case files from the Department of Truth Field Office, discover the truths, hoaxes, and lore of some of the most dangerous cryptids the rangers have ever catalogued.
Designed as in-world reports on beings like Mothman, Bigfoot, the Flatwoods Monster, and more, each entry features stunning art from some of the most renowned illustrators in comics, including James Stokoe, Bill Sienkiewicz, Yuko Shimuzu, Erica Henderson, DEPARTMENT OF TRUTH co-creator Martin Simmonds, and more.
This oversized, deluxe hardcover collects the breakout Bigfoot story arc of the original series, plus exclusive additional material from the acclaimed series by multiple Eisner Award-winning writer James Tynion IV (W0RLDTR33, The Nice House on the Lake) and acclaimed artist Martin Simmonds.
"A wonderfully dizzy mixture of Men in Black, John Carpenter, Stephen King, The Matrix, and 1970s conspiracy thrillers."- Forbes
Some fictions manifest in reality as dangerous, half-formed things. The Department of Truth relies on hunters to track down and contain these wild tulpas before they become too real. In these case files from the Department of Truth Field Office, discover the truths, hoaxes, and lore of some of the most dangerous cryptids the rangers have ever catalogued.
Designed as in-world reports on beings like Mothman, Bigfoot, the Flatwoods Monster, and more, each entry features stunning art from some of the most renowned illustrators in comics, including James Stokoe, Bill Sienkiewicz, Yuko Shimuzu, Erica Henderson, DEPARTMENT OF TRUTH co-creator Martin Simmonds, and more.
This oversized, deluxe hardcover collects the breakout Bigfoot story arc of the original series, plus exclusive additional material from the acclaimed series by multiple Eisner Award-winning writer James Tynion IV (W0RLDTR33, The Nice House on the Lake) and acclaimed artist Martin Simmonds.
- GenresComicsGraphic Novels
224 pages, Hardcover
Published December 5, 2024
9 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
James Tynion IV
1,665 books2,003 followersPrior to his first professional work, Tynion was a student of Scott Snyder's at Sarah Lawrence College. A few years later, he worked as for Vertigo as Fables editor Shelly Bond's intern. In late 2011, with DC deciding to give Batman (written by Snyder) a back up feature, Tynion was brought in by request of Snyder to script the back ups he had plotted. Tynion would later do the same with the Batman Annual #1, which was also co-plotted by Snyder. Beginning in September 2012, with DC's 0 issue month for the New 52, Tynion will be writing Talon, with art by Guillem March. In early 2013 it was announced that he'd take over writing duties for Red Hood and the Outlaws in April.
Tynion is also currently one of the writers in a rotating team in the weekly Batman Eternal series.
Tynion is also currently one of the writers in a rotating team in the weekly Batman Eternal series.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 26, 2024
3.5 stars.
March 19, 2025
I am very much enjoying the Department of Truth series, and being the completionist that I am, I decided to read this book as well. Rather than it continuing the narrative of the DoT novels, it is more of a compendium of all the different paranormal occurrences that actually exist within the USA. The book was very detailed and some of it was quite interesting, but ultimately it didn't add nearly any character to the DoT novels, and I am honestly surprised that they put so much time into this book. Who is the audience other than ultra hardcore fans?
November 7, 2024
11/5/2024 3.5 stars rounded up, and definitely not diverting enough for Election Night. Full review tk, hopefully tomorrow, at TheFrumiousConsortium.net.
11/7/2024 So I went into this book assuming it was a graphic novel, like the rest of the series. Readers, it is not! While it is 100% based on The Department Of Truth comic book series -- and there are two issues from the main series at the very end of this volume -- the bulk of this book is an illustrated primer to supernatural phenomena the world over. It does, however, mainly focus on America, as that's where the series' namesake department is located.
Roughly divided into three parts, the book covers first, intangibles such as ghosts; second, close encounters such as aliens, and third, the cryptids that make up the bulk of what the Department Of Truth deems the most dangerous Wild Fictions. These Wild Fictions are essentially the coalition of so much willpower and belief in a creature that the cryptid in question becomes not only real but deadly to those who cross its path (tho interestingly, the concept of the tulpa on which this is clearly based is only mentioned briefly and never actually explained in these pages.) The conceit is that cryptids are far more likely to manifest and pose a threat than the other categories because of humanity's often difficult relationship with the wild. The write-ups are written from the acerbic point of view of DoT agents who break down the history of each phenomenon, with a brief risk assessment and occasional redactions of material still too classified to share with the general public.
As a lifelong lover of the paranormal, I truly enjoyed learning more about the manifestations covered in this book, as well as the overarching theory this title has about them. But what really affected me the most and, indeed, provoked the most thought, was the actual graphic novel part of the book. It essentially pits three agents of the DoT -- two veterans and a rookie -- against someone who desperately wants to believe. The parts from the point of view of the DoT were your standard black ops government agency stuff, but woof, the parts from the Bigfoot believer! Have y'all ever read Ashley Stokes' Gigantic? You should: it's definitely the best thing on the psychology of cryptid hunters I've ever encountered. This book runs a close second tho, even as it made me desperately uncomfortable with its use of the word "wonder" to describe the hunter's determination to prove Bigfoot exists. There's so much explicable wonder in the world around us already that it seems heartbreaking that some will ruin their lives chasing things that don't exist. It's essentially another form of addiction, with similarly devastating consequences.
The art throughout is likewise spectacular, showcasing the work of over twenty different artists called upon to render the various phenomenon described in these pages. From the sublimely beautiful to the downright terrifying, these renditions are all brilliantly suited to their subjects, even as they run the gamut from cartoony to realistic to highly abstract.
This is a fantastic primer for those wanting to know more about the paranormal, albeit from a slightly skewed lens. In fairness, all lenses on the subject are likely somewhat skewed, given the subject's fantastic nature. This book likely has the best collection of illustrations you'll ever see on the subject tho. Don't let the cover scare you into thinking that the contents are relentlessly grimdark either: they truly cover a wide range of endlessly fascinating information and moods.
The Department of Truth: Wild Fictions by James Tynion IV & Martin Simmonds was published October 8 2024 by Image Comics and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
11/7/2024 So I went into this book assuming it was a graphic novel, like the rest of the series. Readers, it is not! While it is 100% based on The Department Of Truth comic book series -- and there are two issues from the main series at the very end of this volume -- the bulk of this book is an illustrated primer to supernatural phenomena the world over. It does, however, mainly focus on America, as that's where the series' namesake department is located.
Roughly divided into three parts, the book covers first, intangibles such as ghosts; second, close encounters such as aliens, and third, the cryptids that make up the bulk of what the Department Of Truth deems the most dangerous Wild Fictions. These Wild Fictions are essentially the coalition of so much willpower and belief in a creature that the cryptid in question becomes not only real but deadly to those who cross its path (tho interestingly, the concept of the tulpa on which this is clearly based is only mentioned briefly and never actually explained in these pages.) The conceit is that cryptids are far more likely to manifest and pose a threat than the other categories because of humanity's often difficult relationship with the wild. The write-ups are written from the acerbic point of view of DoT agents who break down the history of each phenomenon, with a brief risk assessment and occasional redactions of material still too classified to share with the general public.
As a lifelong lover of the paranormal, I truly enjoyed learning more about the manifestations covered in this book, as well as the overarching theory this title has about them. But what really affected me the most and, indeed, provoked the most thought, was the actual graphic novel part of the book. It essentially pits three agents of the DoT -- two veterans and a rookie -- against someone who desperately wants to believe. The parts from the point of view of the DoT were your standard black ops government agency stuff, but woof, the parts from the Bigfoot believer! Have y'all ever read Ashley Stokes' Gigantic? You should: it's definitely the best thing on the psychology of cryptid hunters I've ever encountered. This book runs a close second tho, even as it made me desperately uncomfortable with its use of the word "wonder" to describe the hunter's determination to prove Bigfoot exists. There's so much explicable wonder in the world around us already that it seems heartbreaking that some will ruin their lives chasing things that don't exist. It's essentially another form of addiction, with similarly devastating consequences.
The art throughout is likewise spectacular, showcasing the work of over twenty different artists called upon to render the various phenomenon described in these pages. From the sublimely beautiful to the downright terrifying, these renditions are all brilliantly suited to their subjects, even as they run the gamut from cartoony to realistic to highly abstract.
This is a fantastic primer for those wanting to know more about the paranormal, albeit from a slightly skewed lens. In fairness, all lenses on the subject are likely somewhat skewed, given the subject's fantastic nature. This book likely has the best collection of illustrations you'll ever see on the subject tho. Don't let the cover scare you into thinking that the contents are relentlessly grimdark either: they truly cover a wide range of endlessly fascinating information and moods.
The Department of Truth: Wild Fictions by James Tynion IV & Martin Simmonds was published October 8 2024 by Image Comics and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
April 8, 2025
I enjoyed this a lot for what it is. You definitely need to going into it that it’s not a continuation of the story. It’s more of our reference book for all the problems the department of truth finds themselves up against. Felt a tiny bit shortchanged as I didn’t need the issues of the book in here as I already own, and have read them. Feels especially glaring when there are omissions, like the Loch Ness monster, which they admittedly left out in the hopes of doing a sequel 3.5/5
September 15, 2025
An excellent collection of cryptids and urban legends. Hopefully they'll do another volume.
January 1, 2026
I dig anything that has to do with cryptids and conspiracy theories. Add in a well-written bestiary and classification system with incredible art and you have me sold.
June 20, 2025
Cuando vi el nombre de esta novela gráfica en mi enésima visita de turismo a cualesquiera tienda de cómics y rol por donde deambulaba, me quedé prendado, en el mejor y peor sentido. El Departamento de la Verdad, la organización, sus archivos y documentos (no confundir con la Fundación SCP, tú ya sabes). En este caso, desgranando las ficciones salvajes, lo que comúnmente se llaman leyendas, mitos o críptidos, más arcaicos que los modernos creepypastas, que heredan parte de su mitología y características, su fondo de miedo, su urbanismo y presencia tangible, la amenaza latente y esa sugestión profunda, mezclada con obsesión, que producen y contagian.
Este manual está escrito expresamente para los agentes de campo del Departamento, lo que nos convierte en espías, ojos indiscretos que desean adentrarse en lo secreto, lo oculto y lo prohibido. ¡Vamos!
Hay tres categorías bien definidas: clase 1, clase 2 y clase 3.
Para la primera clase se consideran manifestaciones con mínimo efecto físico para su entorno; hadas, posesiones, fantasmas, poltergeist, encantamientos… Incluye elementos como The Bloop, Bloody Mary o La Dama de Blanco.
La segunda clase se define como encuentros intensos con presencias abrumadoras de otro mundo, con factor de trauma y peligro para con los testigos; cuales alienígenas y sus ovnis, ángeles y entidades varias. Como posibilidades, los Niños de Ojos Negros, Krampus, Elvis o Monstruo de Flatwoods.
La clase tercera abarca criaturas vivientes no descubiertas existentes en espacios naturales, sean o no biológicamente plausibles, con efecto letal para los humanos y de máxima prioridad dentro del Departamento. Véase Mokele-Mbembe, Mothman, Caimanes de las Alcantarillas o El Yeti.
No se queda este tratado solo en la descripción, año de aparición, zona de influencia o casos de las entidades que estudia, sino que compara con otras de similar procedencia y ahonda en sus particularidades o en lo que podrían ser o hacer en un futuro. Además de contar cada cual con su espectacular ilustración de maestros y maestras dibujantes (sin duda, topos en el Departamento).
Además, al final del documento, se nos aporta una historia gráfica sobre varios agentes relevantes (ahora hablaremos sobre ellos) y una caza de BigFoot. Una historia de trama heredada, y que refleja a las claras lo que este volumen quiere expresar. Tremebundo.
Y cuando hablamos de agentes relevantes, debes saber que existen otras entregas, aunque no como esta. Existen hasta cuatro tomos publicados:
El Departamento de la Verdad. 1. El Fin del Mundo.
El Departamento de la Verdad 2. La Ciudad sobre la Colina.
El Departamento de la Verdad 3. Un País Libre.
El Departamento de la Verdad 4. El Ministerio de la Mentira.
Estos precedentes, con títulos preclaros, hablan de lo más privado del país de las barras y estrellas (ese asesinato en el que estás pensando, esos ovnis, todo ello…), que a todos influye, y por fin se desvelan esas verdades tapadas sobre lo más polémico, sobre esas intraguerras, sobre lo que sabe el gobierno y el ejército, y lo que tienen en su poder. Habla sobre maravillas y horrores. Aunque debo aclarar que no los he leído (aún, me haré con ellos), y que su composición es pura novela gráfica, no un manual de campo como el que estamos tratando. No dudo que merecen la pena.
Además de lo narrado, el formato es magnífico, el cuidado en el color, el tacto, el tipo de papel. Digno de lo que muestra.
Así que, antes de que tiren mi puerta abajo, pues ya oigo pasos en las escaleras y me siento vigilado desde días atrás, envío al líder del Yunque de Hefesto este ritual para que todas y todos puedan conocer lo intrínseco del Departamento de la Verdad, sus conspiraciones y sus ficciones salvajes.
No dejaré de investigar. No podrán conmigo. Prosigue mi ejemplo.
Suerte.
Pd: son estos descubrimientos y estos ratos los que valen cualquier precio.
Pd II: lo pongo aquí donde nadie mirará, solo tú. Ojo al concepto: si se convence a suficiente gente de que algo es real (algo falso, algo mitológico), podría convertirse en real… Eso pasa cuando las conspiraciones dejan de ser conspiraciones…
https://elyunquedehefesto.com/el-depa...
Este manual está escrito expresamente para los agentes de campo del Departamento, lo que nos convierte en espías, ojos indiscretos que desean adentrarse en lo secreto, lo oculto y lo prohibido. ¡Vamos!
Hay tres categorías bien definidas: clase 1, clase 2 y clase 3.
Para la primera clase se consideran manifestaciones con mínimo efecto físico para su entorno; hadas, posesiones, fantasmas, poltergeist, encantamientos… Incluye elementos como The Bloop, Bloody Mary o La Dama de Blanco.
La segunda clase se define como encuentros intensos con presencias abrumadoras de otro mundo, con factor de trauma y peligro para con los testigos; cuales alienígenas y sus ovnis, ángeles y entidades varias. Como posibilidades, los Niños de Ojos Negros, Krampus, Elvis o Monstruo de Flatwoods.
La clase tercera abarca criaturas vivientes no descubiertas existentes en espacios naturales, sean o no biológicamente plausibles, con efecto letal para los humanos y de máxima prioridad dentro del Departamento. Véase Mokele-Mbembe, Mothman, Caimanes de las Alcantarillas o El Yeti.
No se queda este tratado solo en la descripción, año de aparición, zona de influencia o casos de las entidades que estudia, sino que compara con otras de similar procedencia y ahonda en sus particularidades o en lo que podrían ser o hacer en un futuro. Además de contar cada cual con su espectacular ilustración de maestros y maestras dibujantes (sin duda, topos en el Departamento).
Además, al final del documento, se nos aporta una historia gráfica sobre varios agentes relevantes (ahora hablaremos sobre ellos) y una caza de BigFoot. Una historia de trama heredada, y que refleja a las claras lo que este volumen quiere expresar. Tremebundo.
Y cuando hablamos de agentes relevantes, debes saber que existen otras entregas, aunque no como esta. Existen hasta cuatro tomos publicados:
El Departamento de la Verdad. 1. El Fin del Mundo.
El Departamento de la Verdad 2. La Ciudad sobre la Colina.
El Departamento de la Verdad 3. Un País Libre.
El Departamento de la Verdad 4. El Ministerio de la Mentira.
Estos precedentes, con títulos preclaros, hablan de lo más privado del país de las barras y estrellas (ese asesinato en el que estás pensando, esos ovnis, todo ello…), que a todos influye, y por fin se desvelan esas verdades tapadas sobre lo más polémico, sobre esas intraguerras, sobre lo que sabe el gobierno y el ejército, y lo que tienen en su poder. Habla sobre maravillas y horrores. Aunque debo aclarar que no los he leído (aún, me haré con ellos), y que su composición es pura novela gráfica, no un manual de campo como el que estamos tratando. No dudo que merecen la pena.
Además de lo narrado, el formato es magnífico, el cuidado en el color, el tacto, el tipo de papel. Digno de lo que muestra.
Así que, antes de que tiren mi puerta abajo, pues ya oigo pasos en las escaleras y me siento vigilado desde días atrás, envío al líder del Yunque de Hefesto este ritual para que todas y todos puedan conocer lo intrínseco del Departamento de la Verdad, sus conspiraciones y sus ficciones salvajes.
No dejaré de investigar. No podrán conmigo. Prosigue mi ejemplo.
Suerte.
Pd: son estos descubrimientos y estos ratos los que valen cualquier precio.
Pd II: lo pongo aquí donde nadie mirará, solo tú. Ojo al concepto: si se convence a suficiente gente de que algo es real (algo falso, algo mitológico), podría convertirse en real… Eso pasa cuando las conspiraciones dejan de ser conspiraciones…
https://elyunquedehefesto.com/el-depa...
November 15, 2024
Sorry but this is not a comic. It is just text with the comic story being available already in the omnibus part.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews