Kronus the Traveler unmasks, and we meet his archenemy. Also, hints about Kronus’ true mission surface.
This is a comic book. I mean this really is a comic book. No talking heads. No deconstruction. No surreal metafiction. No useless padding. No. This is a comic book in its purest form. A fascinating superhero stars in The Traveler. The book functions on well-researched science fiction. The pace moves slickly. This is how the Flash’s rhythms used to be timed.
You may argue that The Traveler is old school. Somewhat, but The Traveler differs in certain respects. When contrasted against Silver and Bronze Age styled comic books, The Traveler lacks expository narration. Dialogue in past books could as well be cluttered with needless explanations. Any explanation given in The Traveler is important. It either defines Kronus’ power, or it drops a clue to the underlying mystery. Waid expects his smart audience to catch up and maintain that speed.
Whereas relationships in Silver Age comic books were often simple, sometimes quaint and frequently male chauvinistic, Waid imbues the cast’s interactions with a mature level of sophistication. The Traveler, however, is an all ages book. Perhaps Waid’s latest may go over the heads of really young kids, but adolescents up to adults will enjoy the book.
Artists Chad Hardin also attends the Old School. This translates into a beautiful aesthetic that frames realistic proportion, excellent scale, multiple angles that intensify the drama and slam-bang examples of bodies in dynamic action. Colorist Blond further cements the visual appeal with a bright array of hues and shades.
If you haven’t tried The Traveler, pick up any chapter. While the issues are connected, often by breathless cliffhangers, each one feels like a meaty standalone exploit.