Temporal #1 by Mad Cave Studios: A Bold New Time-Travel Adventure from Stephanie Williams

In the ever-expanding world of indie comics, few publishers have been on a hotter streak than Mad Cave. Their latest release, Temporal, written by Stephanie Williams with art by Asiah Fulmore, colors by DJ Chavis, and lettering by Becca Carey, is a sharp, heartfelt blend of sci-fi thrills and personal storytelling that deserves a spot on every comic fan’s radar.

Edited by James B. Emmitt, Temporal #1 delivers a grounded and refreshing approach to time travel fiction—mixing the adventure of Indiana Jones with the emotional weight of Back to the Future.

A Story That Bends Time—and the Heart

The story follows Savannah Green, a retired time-traveler once part of a shadowy organization tasked with stealing historical artifacts from the past. Think less “timeline police” and more “chronological treasure hunters.” After years of thrill-seeking adventures, Savannah has settled into family life with her husband and son, leaving the dangers of time travel behind.

But fulfillment doesn’t always come easy. When her son’s birthday wish for an authentic retro gaming console—known as a Minimax—goes unmet, Savannah’s longing for her past life resurfaces. Feeling unfulfilled and nostalgic for the adrenaline of her old missions, she makes a choice that pulls her back into the world she thought she’d left behind.

Time Travel with Purpose and Personality

Temporal thrives because it never lets its time-travel premise overshadow its human core. Williams crafts Savannah’s journey with nuance and authenticity, exploring the emotional tension between motherhood, identity, and personal purpose.

For all the high-concept sci-fi energy, Temporal is a story about what happens when the life that once defined you is gone—and what it means to find yourself again.

Unlike many time-travel stories that get tangled in paradoxes, Williams keeps things focused. The plot moves efficiently, with minimal jumping between timelines. It’s streamlined storytelling that makes for a brisk, engaging read while leaving room for intrigue in future issues.

Authentic Representation Done Right

One of the standout aspects of Temporal #1 is its authentic portrayal of Black characters and culture. From Savannah’s bonnet to her husband’s durag, the visual storytelling and dialogue feel genuine rather than performative.

It’s clear that Williams—known for her work on Nubia: Queen of the Amazons and other celebrated runs—infuses the book with lived experience and cultural awareness. The conversations between family members feel natural, layered, and relatable. It’s representation handled with care, giving Temporal a level of realism often missing in mainstream comics.

Visuals That Match the Momentum

Artist Asiah Fulmore and colorist DJ Chavis bring this world to life with energy and precision. The art balances kinetic action with intimate domestic moments, while Chavez’s colors add depth and atmosphere that perfectly fit the story’s tone.

Together, the visuals complement Williams’ writing, creating a book that feels cinematic and grounded at the same time.

Why You Should Read Temporal

If you’re a fan of time-travel adventures that blend family drama, identity, and sci-fi intrigue, Temporal is a must-read. It’s accessible enough for newcomers, yet layered enough to keep long-time fans invested.

You can grab the physical issue at your local comic shop or read it digitally on GlobalComix, which features titles from publishers like Mad Cave, IDW, Image, and even Marvel. Supporting indie books like Temporal ensures fresh voices like Stephanie Williams continue to shape the future of comics.

Final Thoughts

Temporal #1 is a strong debut issue that proves once again why Stephanie Williams is one of the most important voices in modern comics. It’s exciting, heartfelt, and authentic—a blend of adventure and personal storytelling that’s as timeless as the concept of time travel itself.

So, is Temporal worth your money? Absolutely.
Go pick it up, support indie storytelling, and keep an eye on where this series goes next—you won’t want to miss it.