Burning Mind Review - Turok #1

TUROK #1

PUBLISHER: DYNAMITE

WRITER: RON MARZ

ARIST: ROBERTO CASTRO

COLORS: SALVATORE AIALA

LETTER: A DIFFERENT WORLD STUDIOS’ TROY PETERI

Thank You, Ron Marz, Roberto Castro and team.

I am a big Turok, Son of Stone fan. Not just going back to the original Valiant Comics, but going all the way back to the original Gold Key Series my father got me into through back issues when I was young (early 80’s).



I say Thank You for these simple facts:

1. Turok is finally set in his proper time.

2. Even though we only get a glimpse of Honkers – this first issue feels like the Turok of old.

3. With all the different incarnations of Turok in the 21st Century, I feel this is the best since the early Valiant run. Even if it is only the first issue.

Across the board I find this issue to be strong, well-written, well-paced and excellently drawn.

In this issue we are dropped right into the middle of Andar, Turok’s brother, in custody of US Soldiers – whose Captain is Hell-Bent on capturing Turok. So much so that he proclaims that he would follow them to the “Gates of Hell.” (Careful there.)

It is Turok’s rescue of Andar and their fleeing from the soldiers that leads to them discover a portal – a doorway to The Lost Land (and HONKERS)!

This is an alternate take on the original origin – in which Turok and Andar stumbled across the Last Land while hunting.

This adds a new dimension to the Turok mythos – perhaps. Now Turok and Andar have an enemy from their own world to deal with, bringing added danger to the Lost Land and honkers they will eventually have conflict with.

A very pleasing first issue that does its jobs – reintroduces a familiar set of characters and premise, with a new twist and sets the stage for what is to come.

Ron Marz’s script is strong and set things up nicely.

Roberto Castro’s art is excellent as always, bolstered by stronger color from Salvatore Aiala.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
This feels like the Turok I once fell in love with, and haven’t seen in a long time.

RATING: 8.5

Required reading for Turok Fans.

Everyone else, check it out too.