We’ve seen countless stories dabble in time travel, but Image Comics’ newest release Time Before time #1 puts a unique spin on the genre. Imagine if you had the opportunity to just up and move to a different time period. In the year 2140, a crime organization called The Syndicate can make that a reality for the right price. But when longtime Syndicate workers Tatsuo and Oscar plan to steal one of their boss’s time machines, well that’s when things get really interesting. Time Before Time #1 is a tantalizing look at the gift and curse that time presents to us.
I think it goes without saying that Declan Shalvey and Rory Mcconville couldn’t have written a more relevant and personable story than Time Before Time right now. In the midst of an ongoing pandemic where countless people have been faced with financial hardships, loss, and goals that have gone up in smoke, time traveling somewhere else doesn’t seem like a bad idea. But besides the plot device of time, what makes this book worth checking out is our main protagonist Tatsuo. Tatsuo is an everyday fella who starts to see the repetitive stresses of work and begins to question his life choices. As you continue to dive deeper into the storytelling, you feel for the situations that Tatsuo and his friend Oscar are hit with like whether or not to steal a time machine.
As far as the imagery goes, Joe Palmer never ceases to amaze with his gritty yet hard-hitting panel work. His composition, panel counts, transitions — you name it, they’re always on point. Palmer is able to take us back and forth through time without missing a step. He’s also good with creating a distinctive array of character designs that fit the story well. You may also want to check out another Image book he did called Write it in Blood.
Time Before Time #1 is packed without a lot of memorable moments. The writing and art are solid all around. The book’s climax will definitely have you on the edge of your seat. Do yourself a favor and grab yourself a copy today.
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