The Department of Truth #36 Comic Cover Ben Templesmith Image ComicsThe Department of Truth #36 is officially set to enter a savage new era as Eisner Award-nominated artist Ben Templesmith joins the creative team for a highly anticipated guest arc. Announced today by Image Comics, this collaboration brings one of the most distinctive visual voices in horror—the man behind 30 Days of Night and Fell—into the conspiracy-laden world of James Tynion IV and Martin Simmonds. Scheduled for release on March 25, 2026, this issue marks a significant milestone that has been “millions of years in the making.”
The elite creative roster for this expansion includes:
- Writer: James Tynion IV (Something is Killing the Children, W0rldtr33)
- Interior Artist: Ben Templesmith (30 Days of Night, Wormwood)
- Original Series Artist: Martin Simmonds
- Publisher: Image Comics
Series creator James Tynion IV expressed his long-standing desire to bring Templesmith onto the project, noting that he was one of the first artists the team dreamed of inviting back when the series launched. According to Tynion, Templesmith is a “natural fit” for the “messed-up little world” of the Department. Consequently, the transition into this new arc will not only explore the buried history of legacy families but also provide a primordial look at the origins of one of the series’ most dangerous figures.
The Evangelical Nightmares of The Department of Truth #36
What readers should prepare for in The Department of Truth #36 is a narrative that transports them back to the early 1990s—a time when cable TV was the undisputed king of information. However, beneath the static of the cathode-ray tubes, something ancient and hungry is watching. The story centers on Hunky, the reclusive son of the field office’s very first hunter, who appears to be the only person taking the threat of the “static” seriously.
The setting moves to a unique and unsettling location: an evangelical theme park nestled deep within the Florida Everglades. It is here that Hunky notices a brewing evil that threatens to spill over into the real world. This plotline is particularly significant for fans tracking new comics for their character development, as it promises to reveal the origins of Charity. Described as the deadliest new member of Lee’s crew, Charity’s history is intricately tied to the religious fervor and swampy shadows of the Florida landscape.
Diving into the Everglades Mystery
Visually, The Department of Truth #36 is expected to be a masterpiece of atmospheric dread. Ben Templesmith’s signature style—known for its haunting use of shadow, frantic line work, and surreal color palettes—is the perfect vehicle for a story involving ancient evils and “lots of dinosaurs.” For fans who spend their time tracking comic book covers, the issue offers a spectacular array of variants to choose from.
The cover program includes:
- Cover A: Martin Simmonds (Capturing the classic series aesthetic)
- Cover B: Ben Templesmith (A 1:10 copy incentive showcasing his unique interiors)
- Cover C: Chloe Brailsford (A 1:25 copy incentive)
- Cover D: Invincible Team-Up variant
The inclusion of dinosaurs in the Everglades theme park adds a layer of “truth-altering” madness that has become the hallmark of the series. As Hunky attempts to save the beautiful young Charity from the center of this primordial chaos, the reader is treated to a pensive exploration of how belief can manifest as a physical threat. It is a mathematical certainty that fans of high-concept thrillers will find this new arc to be an essential addition to their monthly pull list.
Furthermore, Templesmith himself has expressed his enthusiasm for the project, joking that he is “that child you shouldn’t give scissors to.” His “hellishly fun” approach to the established world of the Department ensures that the visuals will be just as unpredictable as the script. Transitioning from the noir-tinged mysteries of previous arcs to this monster-filled swamp trek highlights the incredible versatility of the franchise.
In conclusion, The Department of Truth #36 is a must-buy for any reader looking for a story that is as intellectually stimulating as it is visually arresting. By pairing the world-building genius of James Tynion IV with the legendary art of Ben Templesmith, Image Comics has guaranteed that the 2026 thriller landscape will be defined by this secret history. Whether you are following the tactical movements of the Department or the evangelical origins of Charity, this issue is a mandatory addition to your long box. Don’t miss this portal into the Florida static when it hits shops this March!
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