Chrononauts: A Riotous, Time-Bending Joyride Through History
A High-Speed, Time-Twisting Adventure That Redefines Sci-Fi Fun
If you’ve ever fantasized about using time travel for whirlwind adventures rather than broody existential dilemmas, Chrononauts is the comic you didn’t know you needed. Created by the powerhouse duo of Mark Millar (Kick-Ass, Kingsman) and Sean Gordon Murphy (Batman: White Knight), this 2015 release from Image Comics’ Millarworld imprint throws caution (and logic) to the wind in favor of pure, unadulterated spectacle. Think Bill & Ted meets Back to the Future, but with more jet fighters in ancient wars and rockstar-level historical rewrites.
But don’t let the wild premise fool you—there’s some genuine emotional weight buried under the chaos. Let’s break down what makes Chrononauts such a compulsively readable sci-fi ride.
A Refreshingly Irreverent Approach to Time Travel
Time travel fiction often falls into one of two camps: meticulous, brainy explorations of cause and effect (Primer, Dark), or nostalgia-driven romps (Doctor Who, Quantum Leap). Chrononauts carves out its own niche with a "What if we actually had fun?" approach.
The story follows Corbin Quinn and Danny Reilly, two brilliant (and slightly reckless) scientists who perfect time travel—only to immediately misuse it for personal gain. Instead of safeguarding timelines or preventing the apocalypse, they stage historical crossovers like they’re curating the ultimate theme park. One moment they’re ruling over civilizations; the next, they’re basking in their celebrity status across multiple eras.
It’s clear from the start that Millar isn’t interested in keeping things grounded or scientifically sound. There’s no grueling explanation of paradoxes or butterfly effects. Instead, the stakes are personal—the friendship between Quinn and Reilly, and the mounting consequences of their romps across time. The result is a fast-paced saga that doesn’t slow down to ask, "Should we?" because of course they shouldn't.
A Blockbuster in Comic Form
Sean Gordon Murphy’s artwork doesn’t just capture the frenetic energy of Millar’s script—it amplifies it. His unique style, honed in projects like Punk Rock Jesus and Tokyo Ghost, makes every page feel cinematic, as if he’s storyboarding a summer blockbuster in comic form.
Here’s what makes his illustrations stand out:
Dynamic Paneling – Murphy’s page layouts bend and stretch time just like the story itself. Some sequences explode across two-page splashes, while others unfold in quick, jagged cuts that mimic an action film's rhythm.
Historical Mashups – Ever wanted to see samurai piloting fighter jets? How about medieval knights wielding machine guns? Murphy gleefully breaks historical rules to craft battle scenes that feel both absurd and epic.
Emotional Storytelling – Amid the whirlwind, Murphy uses quiet, dialogue-free panels to convey deeper moments. One particularly evocative scene features Quinn staring at his late father’s watch—a rare pause that hits harder because of the madness surrounding it.
Matt Hollingsworth’s colors bring a retro-futuristic palette to the table, blending vibrant digital effects with a muted, almost vintage sci-fi aesthetic. Chris Eliopoulos' lettering keeps everything legible without detracting from the explosive visuals, ensuring that the dialogue and action flow seamlessly.
The Heart Beneath the Chaos
At its core, Chrononauts isn’t just about reckless time-hopping. Beneath the outrageous antics, there's a more personal journey—specifically, Quinn’s struggle with grief. His father’s death looms over him, quietly influencing his need to leave a permanent mark on history. While the story’s manic energy sometimes overshadows these quieter moments, when they do land, they carry real emotional weight.
This tonal shift towards the end of the series divided some readers. The transition from outlandish adventure to introspective drama isn’t exactly smooth, and it can feel like a gear shift that grinds instead of glides. Still, it speaks to Millar’s attempt at making Chrononauts more than just a shallow spectacle.
Cultural Footprint: A Comic Tailor-Made for Hollywood
If Chrononauts feels like a movie waiting to happen, that’s because it pretty much was. Universal Pictures snatched up the film rights before the first issue even hit shelves—proof of how easily Millar crafts big-screen-ready stories.
Beyond its Hollywood potential, the comic had ripple effects within the genre:
Reviving Sci-Fi Escapism – So much modern time-travel fiction leans into heavy philosophical questions (The Peripheral, Tenet). Chrononauts went the opposite direction, reminding readers that the genre can still be a riotous thrill ride.
Elevating Sean Gordon Murphy – Murphy was already respected, but Chrononauts cemented his reputation as one of comics’ most dynamic artists. His later work on Batman: White Knight owes some of its blockbuster momentum to the skills he honed here.
Expanding the Millarworld Brand – Following Chrononauts, Millar continued growing his universe of creator-owned works, leading to sequels (Chrononauts: Futureshock) and bigger crossover events (Big Game).
Final Verdict: Worth Your Time (and Timeline Tampering)
Chrononauts isn’t a cerebral time-travel story, and it never pretends to be. It doesn’t agonize over paradoxes or attempt to reinvent the sci-fi wheel. Instead, it delivers the same kind of adrenaline-pumping fun that made Indiana Jones and The Fast and the Furious mainstream sensations.
Pros:
✅ Hilariously self-aware, embracing wish-fulfillment rather than brooding moral dilemmas
✅ Stunning, hyper-kinetic visuals from Sean Gordon Murphy
✅ A bromance that keeps the story anchored amid the chaos
Cons:
❌ Abrupt tonal shift in the final act
❌ Side characters feel underdeveloped compared to the leads
Should you read it? If you love comics that lean hard into popcorn entertainment, absolutely. Chrononauts is the kind of comic that makes you wonder: if you cracked time travel, would you really just want to tinker in lab coats? Or would you take history for a joyride?
One thing’s for sure—Quinn and Reilly made their choice. And it’s a blast watching the fallout.