A Thing Called Truth is a graphic novel written by Iolanda Zanfardino and illustrated by Elisa Romboli. It is due to be published in January 2026 by Oni Press. This review is intended to be free of spoilers for the book, but nobody’s perfect. A review copy of the book was provided by the publisher.
Blurb
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.
This beautiful volume collects all 10 chapters of the groundbreaking comics series A Thing Called Truth, including parts 6-10, previously only available through Kickstarter
Review
Iolanda Zanfardino and Elisa Romboli’s A Thing Called Truth is a graphic novel that thrives on chaos, charm, and vulnerability. It tells the story of Doctor Magdaelene Träumer, a brilliant scientist whose life has been consumed by her work. When her career collapses and she collides with a free‑spirited stranger, she’s pulled into a whirlwind road trip across Europe; a journey that becomes equal parts romantic comedy, identity crisis, and joyful rebellion.
What makes the book sing is its energy. The opening car chase sets the tone: this is a story that refuses to sit still. Zanfardino’s writing embraces unpredictability, while Romboli’s art amplifies it with vibrant colours and expressive character work. The chemistry between the leads feels genuine, their banter sharp but tender, and the romance unfolds with a warmth that sidesteps cliché. It’s a queer love story that celebrates difference, spontaneity, and the courage to step outside rigid systems.
Of course, the book isn’t flawless. Its episodic structure sometimes rushes through emotional beats, leaving certain moments underexplored. The blend of slapstick comedy, heartfelt romance, and social commentary doesn’t always mesh seamlessly, and there are stretches where the pacing wobbles. Yet even in those uneven moments, the sheer joy of the ride carries the reader forward.
Ultimately, A Thing Called Truth succeeds because it embraces its own messiness. It’s not a polished, perfectly structured narrative, but rather a vibrant, heartfelt adventure that celebrates queer love and the thrill of breaking free. For those of us who value energy, representation, and emotional resonance over tidy plotting, it’s a delightful read that leaves a lasting sense of warmth and freedom.
Rating: 4 / 5
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