Review: Kicking Off The Final Arc In ‘Time Before Time’ #25
by Tom Smithyman
Overview
This long-running series kicks off its final story arc with a mystery as it starts the difficult tasks of tying up all the loose ends. The writing is strong, but much of the artwork lacks needed details to be effective.
Overall
8/10Time Before Time begins its final story arc with a mystery. A masked time-skipping vigilante is trying to ensure that the criminal organization Syndicate loses its war across the ages with the equally corrupt Union.
For an independent comic book series with no ties to other stories, Time has had a remarkable run. Part of the secret to its longevity is the variety of its storytelling. Each arc has its own distinct story – some much better than others – and most have had different artists. Between each arc is a standalone issue that tells a related story. None of the connects tales though, have dealt with a vigilante. Until now.
The good news for readers is that the vigilante’s identity is revealed by the end of the issue, with is written by Rory McConville and Declan Shalvey. The writing pair have quite a job ahead of them as they try to connect and then tie up all of the storylines. There’s Tatsuo, who after being left for dead finds himself working for the Syndicate. There’s Nadia and her sister Jettie, who just escaped from a technophobic city in the prehistoric past. Marston, the head of the Syndicate, is winning his war again the Union. And reader-favorite Kevin the foul-mouthed robot shows up mysteriously deactivated.
It’s a lot. But it’s good stuff and particularly gratifying for readers who have stuck with the story for the past several years. The downside is that the story is likely impenetrable for newer readers, though they can take advantage of the trade paperbacks to catch up. But McConville and Shalvey have never shied away from telling a complicated story. While it may not make sense at the time, it pays off in the long run.
Despite changing artists every few issues, the series has done a remarkable job of delivering a fairly consistent look and feel. That’s what makes the illustrations from Geoffo, the artist for this last arc, a tad disappointing. While the tone is similar – likely due to Chris O’Halloran’s colors – Geoffo’s simplistic facial expressions leave too much to the readers’ imagination.
There’s plenty to look forward to in the remaining few installments of Time Before Time. Some stronger visuals will make the ending even more impactful.
Time Before Time #25 is available for purchase today at your local shop.
