Given the name, I really wanted to hate this series. However, the second volume is better than the first and I need to admit it isn’t a bad story for children. While nothing stands out as incredible, anyone who has thought about giving the series another chance should definitely do so.

All of this volume is framed by Slipstream’s narration, which is sparse enough that it does not interfere with the story. Given that it provides a theme and organization to the volume, this is overall a good element. The only downside is that sometimes sentences are strung out over too many action panels and feel disjointed unless read individually.

This volume contains far more super-deformed art than the previous, particularly out of proportion eyes. Individuals will probably be divided between thinking it is hilarious and stupid, but I found it to be a bit much. Even Tak gets smile-eyes at one point. More action is to be had this time around and it remains solidly done.

One of the weakest points of the series has been the feud between Wormhole and Mother Mass, which basically pits two stereotypes against one another in a heavy-handed manner. Readers will be glad to know they make a truce and this element will likely decrease. Filling the gap, Laurel makes some incredibly stupid mistakes. I suppose this can be forgiven due to her age. At least the inventors featured in the plot are smart enough to figure out issues that seem to confuse others.

For the most part this volume doesn’t take advantage of younger readers’ less-critical natures. I found its handling of time travel very disappointing, however. Obviously this is an unscientific issue, but the important part is to pick a logical theory and be consistent. Previously things were tolerable because it seemed that the flies didn’t impact the primary time stream, but now we have them discovering the actions of their future selves and going back in time to interfere with other events (whereas they can’t seem to do so whenever Darchon captures a scientist). Furthermore, why doesn’t this interference change future events? You can’t take out Benjamin Franklin without messing with American history.

Spiritual issues continue to be low key but in a generally moral framework. I have no problem with this, except for the matter concerning the submersible. Laurel objects rather strongly to the flies harming turtles, yet it doesn’t seem so big an issue that the inventors plan to kill dozens of British soldiers. Her ethic seems solidly Christian, but against that background it feels strange indeed.

Will each volume of the series continue to improve as the second did? One can certainly hope. In any case, Time Flyz appears to be living up to and thankfully well past its name.