Advance Review: Emotions Run Hot In ‘Time Before Time’ #24

Would you risk everything – even time itself – to go back into the past as saved a loved one?

That’s the easy choice facing Verna Grace in the most recent issue of Time Before Time. Early in this standalone chapter, Grace loses her wife and son to an auto accident. A grieving Grace learns about the Syndicate, a mob-life organization that shepherds people back in time to give them a chance a better life – for a hefty fee.

But even the Syndicate – which regular readers will know from the ongoing story – has rules about time travel. The key one is that you cannot travel close to your own time period for fear of disrupting time itself. Grace, though, couldn’t care less about the rules. She is governed by grief and the notion that she can change the past.

Writers Rory McConville and Declan Shalvey deliver the most emotionally charged story of the series in this issue. It reads like one of the best episodes of The Twilight Zone or some other sci-fi anthology series. The pair have dealt with loss and deadly diseases before, but this time it feels more personal. Anyone reading the story, whether or not they have read earlier issues, can relate.

Will Morris takes over artistic responsibilities for this issue, with series regular Chris O’Halloran on colors. Morris gives this installment a very different look from the previous chapters. That seems appropriate given the themes at play. O’Halloran adapts as well, giving readers more subdued tones and even cluing us with colors when time shifts.

This issue is supposed to serve as a buffer before the series’ final story arc kicks off next month. Instead, the creative team has hit new heights with what otherwise could have been a throwaway story.

Time Before Time #24 will be available for purchase on June 21, 2023.