From acclaimed writer Stephanie Williams (Nubia & The Amazons, Moon Girl and Devil Wreck and Roll, The Raven Boys graphic novel adaptation) and rising comic artist Asiah Fulmore ( Princess Of Gemworld and The Brave and The Bold) comes a thrilling new limited series about family, identity, and the dangerous allure of who we used to be. A retired time thief risks everything to steal a vintage gaming console for her son, accidentally reawakening dangerous forces that could collapse all realities, forcing her to confront her past to save her family's future.
Once upon a time, Savannah and Marcus were the most skilled temporal thieves in the business, slipping through history to acquire rare artifacts. That was before they settled down, had a son, and built a quiet life together. Ten years later, as their son Harper celebrates his birthday, Savannah questions whether suburban bliss is enough. When Harper's disappointment over a replica gaming console triggers memories of her former life, Savannah makes a decision that could jeopardize everything she and Marcus have built. Against her husband's knowledge and her best friend's warnings, Savannah steps back into the portal for "one last job" - a simple mission to retrieve an original gaming console from the past. But nothing stays simple for long in a business where time is money.
I really wanted to love this book. The premise is so promising, and the creative team behind it have the bonafides to back it up well. But unfortunately, it didn't quite stick the landing.
Tbh, the first 2 Chapters/Issues in this graphic novel are great. Legit 5 star reads for me. I was loving Savannah and Marcus; their chemistry, their clear love and support of each other, and being there for their son. The worldbuilding at that point was engrossing and engaging. And Savannah was a relatable character; who doesn't understand missing some of the more exciting days of their youth before settling down?
However, by about midway through Chapter/Issue 3, it was like someone hit warpspeed on the plot and what character arches had been established so far. I really think this book could have benefited from being a bit longer/having a few more issues in the initial comic run. Then the second half of this book wouldn't have felt like a rushed info dump centering around a macguffin and the story would have been given space to breathe.
Positives in the book are the diverse representation throughout and the artwork. I really liked Asiah Fulmore's illustrations from start to finish. Even when the story was lacking, her artwork gave vibrant life to the characters and world.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios for access to this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios for a digital copy of this graphic novel in exchange for my review!
This was a fun and short read. I really enjoyed the art, and it was easy to get sucked into the story. What happens when a mother who used to be a famous time thief goes back for one last heist?
I thought the premise was interesting, and I was invested in the main family. I felt like a lot was lacking in the background. How does the time travel work? What are the regulations on it typically? What do the bad guys get out of the timeline convergence? I just did not really understand the motivations for anyone except the main character. Also, the ending felt a bit too easy, like there was not enough of a sacrifice for to solve what was supposed to be an absolutely massive problem. The art was good and the story had potential but overall, I was interested in a bit more background.
“Temporal” by Stephanie Williams is a time-jumping heist graphic novel. Well, it also solves global warming, but that isn’t the point. The point is, when you jump time to steal stuff, what could go wrong? Actually, quite a bit.
This becomes a family adventure. There is a moment or two of language that would probably keep it from younger audiences, but other than that, it is literally fun for the whole family.
The artwork is absolutely gorgeous. The story is not only fun, but is really good. It’s adventurous and heartwarming at the same time.
Stephanie Williams, you have a new fan. More of this, please!
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
This feels more like the outline of a story than an actual story. Too much is left out. It's about these time travelling thieves who have retired and started a family. Then half way through they used to work for this global organization and they are also being hunted by a government organization. Then at one point the moon has something to with alternate Earths. None of it makes any kind of sense. Plus, this is set 45 years in the future which apparently looks just like now with the exact same level of technology. It just feels like there wasn't a lot of thought put into this.
Stunning. This is the type of sci-fi I crave. Time travel, portals, consequences, this had it all! I was immediately invested in Savannah's story and thrilled by the pacing. This collects Temporal issues #1-5 and did not disappoint! The art style was absolutely incredible and I loved the expressions and emotions the illustrator was able to achieve.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mad Cave for the Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review!