Comic Book Review: Turok #1
Since 1954, the mysterious dinosaur hunter has crossed many paths. From the realm of comics to even video games. Turok, the Dinosaur Hunter, has had a long life going on 60 plus years. Now, Dynamite Comics has brought the adventurer back to discover what has happened to the Lost Valley and why in Turok #1.
My first introduction to the character came in the form of video games, Turok: Dinosaur Hunter. A classic of the Nintendo 64 system, I’ve logged countless hours protecting the Lost Valley in the late 90s. In 2017, it’s great to see the character brought back to life in Dynamite’s latest iteration.
The story is crafted by Chuck Wendig. Some might know his work from Star Wars: Aftermath and Hyperion. In the first issue, we’re not introduced to an entire backstory for Turok. The reader begins in a prisoner caravan with the legendary dinosaur hunter being eyed by two other prisoners. We’re not at the beginning of his journey, but right in the middle. The story, in general, knows how to pace well. We get ample opportunity for character development, as well as action when needed.
Where this story placement works well in some aspects. It doesn’t in all. The reader is left with a few more holes in the story than normal. Chuck Wendig’s Turok utilizes many of the abilities and strengths that fans have come to associate with the hunter. Over all, Turok in this series is where the character has normally been in terms of his archetype. In one way or another, the man hunts.
The art by Alvaro Sarraseca, known for his work on Witchblade, shines through very well in this issue. Though let me side step to talk about the paneling. The panels don’t look like they flow well together at first glance. But once you begin to read the story, their set up allows the eyes to easily follow the dialogue without backtracking. Alvaro Sarraseca did a swell job here.
The detail on the characters tends to come out well with the exception of Pigblood. Pigblood just looks confusing compared with the amazing work done with Turok, Marak, and the Saurian Soldiers. I would have preferred that he was fleshed out about a bit more. Because when reading a comic and looking at the detail put into the other characters and environment Pigblood stands out for all the wrong reasons.
Finally one cannot talk about art without the color that brings it to life. In this issue, Triona Farrell illuminated the world with many colors. All of them do a fantastic job of setting the tone for the story as a whole. Each color has a purpose and is used to breathe life into the comic. As you read the story and look at the characters, the colors act like the glue that holds everything together. She really makes the world feel pre-historic.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for a fun story to jump into, Turok #1 is a great start. The story feels a little out of place, but the pacing is very well managed. The characters are done well, with the exception of Pigblood who drags on the eye. The panels are the highlight of this issue, very easy to read and follow. The colors bring it home by feeling both warm and pre-historic. So if you’re a fan of the character or just getting introduced to him. This issue is a good start.
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