Note: CHRONONAUTS #1 is on sale March 18, 2015 from Image Comics.
The Good
Stop me if you've heard this one. Two scientists discover a way to create a time machine and the unexpected happens once they fulfill their creation. We've seen many time travel stories before. What we haven't seen is a time travel story by Mark Millar and Sean Murphy. First of all, those two names alone are all you need to know to want to pick this book up. It just happens that this is a pretty incredible book as well.
In this world we're introduced to, the element of time travel seems a close possibility. Certain random events have pushed some scientists into pursuing the creation of an actual time machine. What Mark Millar does is surround the idea with characters you want to see more of. One of the big questions is, what would you do if you could time travel? The fact that this story addresses the concerns over dabbling around in time is a plus. Too many times we've seen characters simple jump around in time with no concerns over what their actions could do. Of course some curve balls will be thrown our way. Millar sets things up in a fantastic way that will leave you hanging onto the edge of your seat.
Sean Murphy is equally a superb storyteller. The way he carves out the looks for the characters mixed with an extremely healthy dose of background details makes you love the fact you're reading comics. Throw in the colors by Matt Hollingsworth and your eyes would be drooling if that were possible.
The Bad
Having time travel as a main focus could be a turn off for some. But it's clear there are so many possibilities with what is being set up here. The touch that Millar and Murphy add will wipe away any sour tastes in your mouth you might have with time travel stories.
The Verdict
This is a book you have to read. It's a book you're going to want to read. As soon as I read it, I had to stop everything to write up this review. Mark Millar knows how to craft a fine tale and does a great job in introducing and fleshing out the new characters you'll immediately fall for. The art by Sean Murphy will immediately knock your socks off. Matt Hollingsworth's colors are phenomenal. I pretty much never do this but as soon as I read this issue, I read it all over again. It might be a time travel story but the subtle touches in the story throughout makes you realize it's not the simple time travel story you may have seen before. The only problem you'll have with this book is trying to figure out how to fit it into your pull list. Be sure to let your comic shop know you're adding it.
It's a five out of five.
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