TUROK #5: Beginning of the End

This seems to be the end of Ron Marz’s run for Dynamite Entertainment’s Turok series. There are answers to the questions as Marz places the pieces to complete the puzzle. Turok #5 explains how the characters from different time, space, and reality collide in the same quantum realm. We learn that the Lost Valley is a dimension in the Multiverse only accessible through magical energy, mystical transportation using “The Stone”. Turok now understand the responsibility and will protect the power at all cost! Our hero has the full support of his brother, Andar, the woman, Captain Connors, and all the Turoks from different realities as they go battle with the hunter.

Marz performs wonders in character development. Turok and his brother, Andar, are noble savages. They are peaceful and charming, yet a strong warriors, kills only to eat or to defend the people around them. It was great how Marz gave mystery to the hunter and how Turok the dinosaur hunter became the prey. 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 is the admirable common sense that encourages others to face their fears, act with courage, but with the wisdom of lessons. I am most impressed with Captain Connors.

Marz nailed the character development of Captain Connors, utilizing references of how white men of his time with narrow mindedness about the woman’s place and the treatment of the red-men. Connors’ personal views began to change in Turok #5. Marz made it quite believable as Connors made agreed with a woman, but not to belittle his authority or his pride with his men. This is a huge step in the right direction for such a character of that time. I was speechless when Captain Connors stated; “We don’t leave men behind” and he was referring to Turok! It would be slightly interesting to know as Connors and his men are sent back to their original time; if Connors continues to question the behaviors associated with women and Native Americans. Can you imagine the possibility of Connors fell in love with a decedent of Turok? The mixing of fictional action stories with realism, a reason why comic books are important to continue.

Roberto Castro’s artwork is not bad, but it is not great either. There are many 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. Turok #5, I was confused if it was a raptor or a T-Rex about to eat Andar. The coloring and shading by Salvatore Aiala works well in each panel.

Just to get it out of the way; I am using cover B by Butch Guice and Dan Brown. Their vision gracefully outshines cover A by Rags Morales and Hailey Renee Brown. Cover A is just too unappealing with its cartoony art and coloring.

Overall, I really enjoyed Turok #5. We learn that Turok uses the power of “The Stone” to send everyone home, but realizes his responsibility and must stay in the Lost Valley for good. His loyal brother makes the decision to stay as well. Marz leaves an open ending for the classic dinosaur hunters of the past or maybe, just maybe a possibility to Turok’s return in a new ongoing series! Time will tell.