Advance Review: The End Is Nearly Here In ‘Time Before Time’ #28

There is still one issue left in Time Before Time, but the creative team has already stuck the landing.

This entire final story arc, culminating with this issue, has been the strongest of the series. That’s a remarkable achievement for a title that has run well into the double digits.

Writers Rory McConville and Declan Shalvey tie up nearly every plot thread and reintroduce some characters who had been nearly forgotten – and they do it in a compelling way. The issue zips by a lightning speed, leaving you to wish there was more to come before next month’s finale.

The story has the dying time traveler Tatsuo and robot Kevin trying to save the life of their friend Nadia, who fell into a trap set by the mob-life Syndicate. Nadia, who believes Tatsuo to be dead and Kevin in another time, is shocked by the rescue attempt. That plot may sound simple, but it’s literally been years in the making and will excite readers who have kept up with the series since it debuted in 2021.

The writers effectively mix battle sequences with a series of flashbacks to keep readers turning pages with vigor. A new character first enters the battle, then through the time skips, we see why they are engaging the Syndicate

Artist Geoffo delivers here as well, giving vibrant energy to the rescue. He illustrates Kevin going into full Last Action Hero mode, striking down Syndicate soldiers with extreme prejudice. Even the book’s quieter moments have tension, thanks to Geoffo’s work.

Next month’s final issue will serve as an epilogue, of sorts, to this long-running independent series. Regardless of specially how the creative team chooses to close out the series, the ending has already been a memorable one.

Time Before Time #28 will be available for purchase on October 18, 2023.