“The Department of Truth” #4 variant cover (2020) by Tradd Moore, after “The First Tribute to Columbus” by José Garnelo y Alda (1892) and “Fireside Angel” by Max Ernst (1937). “The Department of Truth” is by James Tynion IV and Martin Simmonds.
Drawing from two historical paintings, Tradd Moore’s scene of the first encounter between Europeans and indigenous Lucayans, includes “the woman in red” as well as a massive thought-form emanating from the Christian cross. This serves to instantly extend the historical reach of Tynion’s lore about the exchange and dominance of ideas, while being in-itself, a commentary about the inherent malicious nature of religious colonialism being a mode of fascism. More than merely an homage to how the artistic form of surrealism confronts fascism, Moore employs his distinct style, presenting a brilliant, memorable, and stunning work of art. Appearing to the public as a variant cover for “The Department of Truth
, a new graphic novel inspired by “The Count of Monte Cristo” from publisher Humanoids. We talk Ibrahim’s artistic process, Monte Cristo, the modern relevance of “revenge fantasy,” Ibrahim’s hobby customizing miniatures, and much more.