There are some fantastic stories about time travel out there. It feels like it’s rare to get one that really sticks out as original. Time Before Time #1 is one of those original concepts. The future seems to be complete shit. Individuals pay a group called the Syndicate to take them back in time to a better life. But, with stories involving the mob you know things are going to go sideways and expectedly they do.

Declan Shalvey and Rory McConville deliver a hell of a start with Time Before Time #1. The series is great at the small details that really make it stand out. The concept of the series alone makes it interesting but it’s those details that make it fantastic. It’s hard to list them all but the various characters that are taken back each present interesting perspectives that give you a better sense of what’s happening. It also delivers a better sense at how morally abhorrent it can be due to those that take advantage of the time travel.

Then, there’s some of the consequences of it all. The concept is that of smuggling through time travel and that can have a lot of hurdles to deal with. Some of those are presented and what is shown really feels creative and something new.

All of this is helped by the art of Joe Palmer. Palmer is joined by Chris O’Halloran on color and lettering by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. There’s a solid use of visuals to tell you a lot about the time period. Small details really add to the experience and storytelling, often being the key to really picking up on the issues of the time period. The technology looks a bit worn and used, a key plot point. It’s an example of “show” instead of “tell” and helps boost the issue when it comes up through the comic. There’s also a bit of a “comedic style” to it all. It keeps the debut issue from being a bit too serious and feels like it understands the concept overall has a bit of comedy to it. It’s ok to laugh.

Time Before Time #1 is a hell of a debut with a lot of detail helping to really make the story. There’s a solid concept here and the ending has me guessing as to where this is all going. Since it involves time travel, I have no idea where that might be. This is one to absolutely get so you can sit back and enjoy.

Story: Declan Shalvey, Rory McConville Art: Joe Palmer
Color: Chris O’Halloran Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – TFAW