The year is wrapping up and Marvel has released another Timeless #1 teasing what’s to come in the year ahead. Between those teases is a story focused on Kang and a “missing moment” in time that he is unable to access. And, since it’s the one thing he can’t have, he must have it.
Written by Jed Mackay, Timeless #1 is another intriguing issue whose real worth is how much it pays off in the future. Last year’s issue is generally forgettable in its story and it’s one tease, the return of Miracleman, took much of the year to come to fruition. 2022’s Timeless #1 differs a little from last year. Here, we get a new nemesis for Kang, someone else who also wants the “missing moment” and has put together a team of superheroes to help get it. This mysterious character, Myrddin, has a greater plan and teases more characters that will come into play. The storyline will also continue in whatever Avengers series is to come after Jason Aaron’s run ends. It would seem like Loki of the past, Kang will be the impetus for this next team’s formation. But, how long and generally how it’ll all play out. Last year’s issue felt like a teaser catalogue wrapped up in a story while this year’s feels more of a story.
The art by Greg Land, Jay Liesten, Patch Zircher, and Salvador Larroca is solid with Kang being ripped through time at which point we’re teased what’s to come. New characters have a cool style about them delivering a weird mix of more modern characters and those of 90s Marvel. But, most importantly, Kang is the focus and it’s his struggles visually which pop. You get the sense this is truly a battle he’s having an issue with, both weakened, tired, angry, and desperate. The colors by Frank D’Armata pop, working in Kang’s purples and pinks as if both can easily fit anywhere. Ariana Maher‘s lettering adds to the drama and time displacement with a style and placement that helps with Kang’s flow through history.
Timeless #1 is an interesting issue. It feels like an improvement on last year’s version but in the end, how things play out from here will really be how it’s all judged. Is this the start of something greater or just a fancy catalogue of what’s to come? Only time will tell.
Story: Jed MacKay Art: Greg Land, Jay Liesten, Patch Zircher, Salvador Larroca
Color: Frank D’Armata Letterer: Ariana Maher
Story: 7.95 Art: 8.4 Overall: 7.95 Recommendation: Read
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle