TUROK #3: Modern Woman

Turok #3 begins with a dark dressed, old western style mystery man gun slinging a T-Rex with a laser strong enough to instantly scorch the head of the monstrous dinosaur. This is one of a few examples that may keep the readers’ attention and interest to pick up the next issue. Ron Marz has creating a decent story taking a familiar leading hero and a sidekick with non-trust worthy alliances through dangerous activities. There is enough action and mystery, however, I hope to the adventure itself becomes stronger as the story continues into the next issues.

Marz takes some time in this issue for character development. Turok is a strong willed man that is willing to do whatever it takes to protect his little brother. I do feel that Captain Samuel Connors of the United States Army and his men are a bit out of character for being from 1873 time period. Comic books often promote educational tidbits and sets up the reader’s inspiration by using historical and current events of the world into its fictional world. Since Marz noted 1873, this would have been an important time to include that a group of Modoc warriors defeated the United Sates Army in the First Battle of the Stronghold, a part of the Modoc War. Connors and his men should not be so “easy” to set their differences aside. It is important to not water down human ignorance.

A modern woman saves the day and leads Turok and the others away from danger. Marz does a good job on this character. Sara Nathaniel, an anthropologist, a paleontologist to be more precise, whom has also mysteriously teleported to the Age of the Dinosaurs. Sarah’s skills have allowed her to survive this primal Earth. She opens up her home to the rival strangers in hopes that collectively learn from one another and find a way back to their appropriate time period.

Marz continues the story with a truly awesome intellectual connection between Turok and Sarah. This along with Connor’s stubbornness, they embark on a dangerous mission with Andar and what is left of the cavalry of the United States Army. This is where Marz improves on the “adventure” aspect of the story. After fighting some dinosaurs, this mix match of allies find what they have been searching. However, is it really what it appears to be? As Turok and the others stand their ground, the dark dressed, old western style mystery man appears and immediately kills two more of the cavalry men. Wait! There’s something happening… The mystery man in changing and seems to have a separate own agenda!

Roberto Castro’s artwork is not bad, but it is not great either. There are much good details in the action sequences. However, there are some areas that Turok and Andar face structure seems too feminine and smooth for their time. Sarah has been in this prehistoric land for a year and she’s still wearing the same clothes as she arrived? The dinosaurs are a big part of this story and they still don’t look great. The coloring and shading by Salvatore Aiala works well in each panel.