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{{Short description|Fictional character}}
{{dablink|For the video game series see ]; for the cosmologist with this surname, see ].}}
{{other uses|Turok (disambiguation)}}
]
{{Infobox comics character <!--Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Comics-->
| character_name = Turok
| image = File:Turok comic first issue logo.png
| caption = Logo of the ''Turok'' comic series starting with the ] run
| publisher = ] through licensee ]
| debut = '']'' #596 (October/November 1954)
| creators =
| alter_ego =
| full_name =
| species = ]
| homeworld = ]
| alliances = <!-- optional -->
| partners = <!-- optional -->
| supports = <!-- optional -->
| aliases = <!-- optional -->
| powers =
* Olympic-level athlete
* Master archer, knife fighter, marksman, hunter, tracker, wilderness survivalist
| cat = super
| subcat =
| hero = y
| sortkey =
}}

'''Turok''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|t|ʊər|ɒ|k}}) is a fictional character who first appeared in ]s published by ] through licensee ]. He first appeared in '']'' #596 (October/November 1954).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Markstein |first1=Don |website=Don Markstein's Toonopedia |access-date=2 April 2020 |url=http://www.toonopedia.com/turok.htm |title=Turok, Son of Stone}}</ref> After a second ''Four Color'' appearance (#656, October 1955), the character graduated to his own title – '''''Turok, Son of Stone''''' (#3, March–May 1956) – published by both Dell and then ] from 1956 to 1982. Subsequently, he appeared in titles published by ], ] and ].

The character also inspired a popular ], starting with '']'', published by ] in 1997. Several sequels would be released in the following years for various gaming ].


'''Turok''' is a ] ] character initially in comics from ] published through licensee ]. He ] in '']'' #596 (1954), then graduated to his own title, ''Turok, Son of Stone''. ] and ] later published the character.
==Publishing history== ==Publishing history==
===Western Publishing=== ===Western Publishing===
]
The original comic was illustrated by ]. The writer-creator credit for the characters of Turok and Andar is disputed,<!--NOTE: The Toonopedia link CITED here says Matthew H. Murphy--> with historians citing ], ] and ] as the feature's earliest writers.


The original comic, titled ''Turok, Son of Stone'', was illustrated by Rex Maxon. The writer-creator credit for the characters of Turok and Andar is disputed,<!--NOTE: The Toonopedia link CITED here says Matthew H. Murphy--> with historians citing Matthew H. Murphy, ], and ] as the feature's earliest writers.
The Western Publishing version of Turok was a ] ] who, along with his brother Andar, became trapped in an isolated valley populated by ], which they called "honkers". The Du Bois stories involve Turok and Andar seeking a way out. Du Bois was influenced by his visits to ] ] and developed the "Lost Valley" from his visits to the area.{{Fact|date=November 2007}}


The Western Publishing version of Turok was a ] ] (identified as ] in the first issue, on page 21 and 32 of ''Dell Four Color'' #596) who, along with his brother, Andar, finds himself lost in an isolated valley populated by ]s. Turok refers to many of the prehistoric animals as "honkers" or by their most obvious characteristics (] are called "runners", ]s are called "flyers", ] are "screamers", ] are "sea demons", '']'' are "rammers", etc.). The Du Bois stories involve Turok and Andar seeking a way out of the valley. Du Bois was influenced by his visits to ] in ], and developed the "Lost Valley" from his visits to the area.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Fischer |first1=Stuart |title=Those Unforgettable Super-Heroes of Dell & Gold Key |journal=Alter Ego |issue=151 |page=64 |publisher=TwoMorrows Publishing |date=March 2018}}</ref>
After two appearances in ''Four Color'' #596 and #656, the title ran 27 issues (#3-29) from publisher ] (1956-62); then issues #30-125 (1962-80) from ]; and finally issues #126-130 (1981-82) back under the Whitman Comics imprint.


After two appearances in ''Four Color'' #596 and #656, the title ran 27 issues (#3–29) published by ] (1956–1962); then issues #30–125 (1962–1980) from ]; and finally issues #126–130 (1981–82) under Western's Whitman Comics imprint.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Schelly |first1=William |title=American Comic Book Chronicles: The 1950s |date=2013 |publisher=TwoMorrows |isbn=9781605490540 |page=162}}</ref>
The first Turok one-shot (''Four Color'' #596) was originally written by Du Bois as a "Young Hawk" story. "Young Hawk" was an earlier Native American comic book feature Du Bois created, which appeared in Dell's '']'' comic-book series.


The first Turok one-shot (''Four Color'' #596) was originally written by Du Bois as a ''Young Hawk'' story. ''Young Hawk'' was an earlier Native American comic book feature Du Bois created, which appeared in Dell's '']'' comic book series.
In "Gaylord Du Bois's Account Books Sorted by Title, transcribed by Randall Scott," on page 51 (which is in the Lone Ranger section), one entry reads, "Young Hawk Finds World Below. 16p. For Young Hawk one-shot, 1954. Sent November 22, 1953." The very first Turok story, in ''Four Color'' #596, is "Turok and the World Below," 16 pages. In the "Account Books", the entry after the next (from the one previously cited), also page 51, reads, "Young Hawk Conquers the Terrible Ones. 18p. For Young Hawk one-shot, 1954. Sent December 14, 1953." The second Turok story, in ''Four Color'' #596, is "Turok and the Terrible Ones," 18 pages. Young Hawk has transformed into Turok.


As late as issue #8 of ''Turok'', Du Bois's last scripts for the series, when the artists had long since established Turok as an adult, Du Bois continued to introduce the two Turok stories in that issue (as he had in previous issues) by describing Turok and Andar as "youths," more befitting Young Hawk than Turok (though Andar was depicted as a youth). The first story in that issue begins, "Turok and Andar, Indian youths, have found their way into a strange network of deep canyons in the Carlsbad area, where ancient forms of life still exist...They have found no way to get out." The second Turok story in that issue begins, "Trapped in a deep canyon in the Carlsbad area of New Mexico, Turok and Andar, two Indian youths, have met ancient forms of life which have disappeared from all other parts of the world." Although the artists had long since established Turok as an adult, Du Bois's last scripts for the series (''Turok'' #8) still introduced stories by describing Turok and Andar as "youths", more befitting Young Hawk than Turok (though Andar was depicted as a youth). The first story in that issue begins as "Turok and Andar, ] youths, have found their way into a strange network of deep canyons in the Carlsbad area, where ancient forms of life still exist&nbsp;... They have found no way to get out". The second story begins where "trapped in a deep canyon in the Carlsbad area of New Mexico, Turok and Andar, two Indian youths, have met ancient forms of life which have disappeared from all other parts of the world".


In Du Bois' last Turok story (issue #8, "Turok Seeks the Trail to Freedom", in which Turok encounters a herd of horses, which he calls "slim-legged creatures", having no word for them, as the horse had not yet been reintroduced to the Americas by the Spanish), Turok scales the cliffs, and escapes the Lost Valley. However, he returns for Andar, who was left behind after being injured. Soon, an avalanche permanently seals the way out and the series begins anew. ] began writing the Turok stories afterward.
As to whether Du Bois knew Turok was being presented as an adult: Du Bois wrote the stories well in advance of their being published, and he communicated with his Script Editor, not the artist. Du Bois said:{{Fact|date=November 2007}}
{{cquote|... first I describe the picture the artist is to draw, in detail, which includes color, action, expression, background, angle of view, etc. Then I write out the dialogue for balloons, and finally I write the caption or narrative line. I have nothing to do with choosing the artist, as he is chosen by the Art Editor. The artist is free to use or not to use my instructions for each panel. Sometimes he changes the picture I described, to suit his own idea or that of the Art Editor.}}


===Valiant Comics===
In issue #7, a third character, Ski-Yu, a pet wolf pup belonging to Turok, was introduced. He appeared in both the Turok stories in that issue, and both the Turok stories in the next issue.
].]]
In 1992, ] introduced a revamped Turok, debuting him in '']'' #12.<ref>{{cite journal |date=January 1993 |title= Top 10: December 1992 |journal=] |issue=17 |page=108 |publisher=]}}</ref> With this version, the concept and setting were altered. Turok and Andar were now 18th-century ]. The isolated valley became "the Lost Lands" – a land where ]s, ]s and ]s flourish and where "time has no meaning". A cosmic anomaly causes time in the Lost Lands to move in a self-contained loop (which means that while millions of years pass outside of it, inside it, time barely moves at all). "]", a line-wide Valiant Comics crossover storyline, altered the concept even further. The crossover's main villain, a psychotic superpowered being known as ], uses the Lost Lands as her base of operations. She outfits dinosaurs with intelligence-boosting implants, turning them into "bionisaurs".


In the aftermath of the final battle between Mothergod and the ] heroes, the Lost Lands begin to disappear. Turok and Andar are tossed into a ] future Earth, and a group of bionisaurs make it to Earth along with them. Following this, they become ruthless hunters trying to contend with the demons and aliens that exist in the future world, as well as various ]ian abominations and high-tech future warriors. Mothergod seizes power in this future and begins to rebuild her empire and attempts to hunt down and kill Turok and Andar.
In Du Bois' last Turok story (issue #8, "Turok Seeks the Trail to Freedom", in which Turok encounters a herd of horses, which he calls "slim-legged creatures," having no word for them, as the horse had not yet been introduced to the Americas by the Spanish), Turok scales the cliffs, and escapes the Lost Valley. He is out, but he returns for Andar, who was wounded. Then an avalanche permanently seals the way out, and the series begins anew. ] wrote the Turok stories afterward.


A new volume of Turok's own comic, ''Turok: Dinosaur Hunter'', was launched in 1993. Valiant published 53 issues before ] purchased the company, including ''Turok: Dinosaur Hunter'' #0–47, ''Original Turok: Son of Stone'' #1–2, ''Turok: Dinosaur Hunter Yearbook'' in 1994, and the two-issue miniseries ''Turok the Hunted'' in 1996. ''Turok: Dinosaur Hunter'' #1 was the sixth best-selling comic of the month of June, surpassed only by the first five installments of "]".<ref>{{cite news | date = June 1993 | title = Wizard Market Watch | work = ] | issue = #22 | pages = 134–5}}</ref>
===Valiant Comics===
When the character appeared in Valiant Comics, the concept and setting were altered slightly. Turok and Andar were now ] ]. The isolated valley became the ] - a cosmic anomaly where time moved in a self-contained loop (which meant that while millions of years passed outside of it, inside it, time barely moved at all). '']'', a line-wide Valiant Comics crossover, altered the concept even further. The crossover's main villain, a psychotic, super-powered being known as ] used the Lost Land as the base of operations. She outfitted the dinosaurs with intelligence-boosting implants, turning them into "bionisaurs". In the aftermath of the final battle between Mothergod and Valiant Universe heroes, the Lost Land began to disappear. Turok wound up tossed into the jungles of then present-day ]. Andar landed in parts unknown. Unfortunately for Turok, a group of bionisaurs made it to Earth along with him. Since then, he became a ruthless bionisaur hunter. Valiant published a total of 53 issues before Acclaim purchased them, including ''Turok: Dinosaur Hunter'' #0-47, ''Original Turok, Son of Stone'' #1 & 2, ''Turok Dinosaur Hunter Yearbook'' in 1994, and the two-issue mini-series ''Turok the Hunted'' in 1996.


===Acclaim Comics=== ===Acclaim Comics===
{{unreferenced section|date = July 2010}}
When Acclaim purchased Valiant and relaunched the ''Turok'' title, Turok changed yet again. This time, he was re-imagined by writer ] and artist ] as a young Native American boy from a long line of bionisaur hunters.
A new Turok series, titled simply ''Turok'', was published by Acclaim Comics in 1997 and 1998. In the revamped Acclaim Comics universe, Turok is not the character's name, but rather a title meaning "Son of Stone". The Turok must protect the barriers between this dimension and the others—the axis of all worlds being the Lost Lands, a place where creatures from across time and space had been dragged and where "time has no meaning". Joshua Fireseed, the latest Turok, must travel between alternate universes stopping those who would try to conquer the Lost Lands, and thus all of the multiverse with it.


===Dark Horse Comics===
It is explained that Turok, translates to "Son of Stone" and the previous Turok (from the Valiant comics) was named Tal'set. Though in this series he is not the last Turok, before the series main character, Joshua Fireseed.
A new Turok series, again titled ''Turok: Son of Stone'', was launched by Dark Horse Comics, under license by Classic Media in 2010. The title was written by former Valiant Comics writer ] and illustrated by Eduardo Francisco. This was one of a series of titles released by Dark Horse that year based on classic ] properties. The entire line, including Turok, was short-lived, with Turok lasting only four issues.<ref>{{cite web|last=Johnson|first=Rich|title=Solar, Magnus, Turok, Dark Horse's Gold Key Line To Be Cancelled| date= May 7, 2011 |url= http://www.bleedingcool.com/2011/05/07/solar-magnus-turok-dark-horses-gold-key-line-to-be-cancelled/|publisher= | website= BleedingCool|access-date= 7 May 2011}}</ref>

===Dynamite Comics===
] launched a new Turok comic series, titled ''Turok: Dinosaur Hunter'', as well as books based on other Gold Key Comics properties, as part of a licensing deal with ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Wilson |first=Matt D. |title=New Turok, Magnus, Solar And Doctor Spektor Comics Coming From Dynamite In 2014 |url=http://comicsalliance.com/turok-magnus-solar-doctor-spektor-comics-dynamite |publisher=ComicsAlliance |access-date=11 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014063200/http://comicsalliance.com/turok-magnus-solar-doctor-spektor-comics-dynamite/ |archive-date=2013-10-14 }}</ref> The creative team on the title was ] and Mirko Colak. This comics series was released in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|last=Gerding|first=Stephen.|title=EXCLUSIVE: Dynamite Debuts First 'Turok' Pages, New Variants|date=13 November 2013|url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=49111|publisher=Comic Book Resources|access-date=10 Dec 2013}}</ref> The series ended after 12 issues.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dynamite Turok: Dinosaur Hunter #12|url=http://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/viewProduct.html?PRO=C72513021358712011|website=Dynamite – The Official Site|access-date=20 December 2015}}</ref>

In 2016, Turok appeared in a five-issue miniseries called '']''. Written by ] and illustrated by Brent Peeples, the book starred heroes from multiple Gold Key Comics titles.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dynamite Gold Key Alliance #1 (of 5)|url=http://dynamite.com/htmlfiles/viewProduct.html?PRO=C72513024648601011|website=Dynamite – The Official Site|access-date=24 February 2016}}</ref>

Dynamite published a second Turok comic series titled ''Turok'', written by ] and illustrated by Álvaro Sarraseca, in 2017. It also featured backup stories starring fellow Gold Key character ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Dynamite Turok #1|url=https://dynamite.com/htmlfiles/viewProduct.html?PRO=C72513026075801011|website=Dynamite – The Official Site|access-date=25 November 2017}}</ref>


==Fictional character biography==<!--Much of the PH needs to be separated and brought to this FCB--> ==Fictional character biography==<!--Much of the PH needs to be separated and brought to this FCB-->
Turoks have included, in chronological order from earliest to most recent: Turoks have included, in chronological order from earliest to most recent:
* '''Turok''': Native American warrior trapped in the Lost Valley. Hero of the original comics, Dark Horse Comics series, Dynamite Entertainment series and animated film.
* '''Tal'Set''': Saquin warrior<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=19544 |title=Turok Evolution for Xbox |publisher=GameStop |access-date=2011-06-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101202025504/http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=19544 |archive-date=2010-12-02 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/135/135826p1.html |title=Turok Evolution – PlayStation 2 Preview at IGN |publisher=Ps2.ign.com |date=2002-01-23 |access-date=2011-06-16}}</ref> who became Turok in the 1800s and is the hero of '']'' and '']''.
* '''Carl Fireseed''', uncle of Joshua Fireseed, Turok from 1982 to 1997.<ref name="giantbomb1">{{cite web|url=http://www.giantbomb.com/joshua-fireseed/94-1114/ |title=Joshua Fireseed (video game character) |publisher=Giantbomb.com |access-date=2011-06-16}}</ref>
* '''Joshua Fireseed''', nephew of Carl Fireseed, Turok since 1997, hero of the Acclaim Comics and '']''.<ref name="giantbomb1"/>
* '''Danielle Fireseed''' and '''Joseph Fireseed''', younger sister and brother of Joshua Fireseed, heroes of '']''.
* '''Joseph Turok''', ]-] ] and hero of '']''.


==Collected editions==
* '''Turok, Son of Stone''', hero of the original comics
In 2009, ] started an archive series to reprint the original comics:
* '''Tal'Set''', hero of '']'' and '']''

* '''Carl Fireseed''', uncle of Joshua Fireseed, Turok from 1982 to 1997
*''Turok: Son of Stone Archives'':
* '''Joshua Fireseed''', nephew of Carl Fireseed, Turok since 1997, hero of '']''
**''Volume 1'' (collects ''Four Color Comics'' #596 and 656 and ''Turok'' #3–6, 224 pages, March 2009, {{ISBN|1-59582-155-4}})
* '''Danielle Fireseed''' and '''Joseph Fireseed''', younger sister and brother, respectively, of Joshua Fireseed, heroes of '']''
**''Volume 2'' (collects ''Turok'' #7–12, 224 pages, July 2009, {{ISBN|1-59582-275-5}})
* '''Joseph Turok''', hero of '']''
**''Volume 3'' (collects ''Turok'' #13–18, 224 pages, August 2009, {{ISBN|1-59582-281-X}})
**''Volume 4'' (collects ''Turok'' #19–24, 224 pages, November 2009, {{ISBN|1-59582-343-3}})
**''Volume 5'' (collects ''Turok'' #25–30, 224 pages, March 2010, {{ISBN|1-59582-442-1}})
**''Volume 6'' (collects ''Turok'' #31–35,37, 224 pages, July 2010, {{ISBN|1-59582-484-7}}) (#36 reprinted issue #14)
**''Volume 7'' (collects ''Turok'' #38–43, 216 pages, November 2010, {{ISBN|1-59582-565-7}})
**''Volume 8'' (collects ''Turok'' #44–50, 232 pages, April 2011, {{ISBN|1-59582-641-6}})
**''Volume 9'' (collects ''Turok'' #51–53, 55–56, 58–59, 232 pages, November 2010, {{ISBN|1-59582-789-7}}) (#54 reprinted issue #26 and #57 reprinted issue #17)
**''Volume 10'' (collects ''Turok'' #60–67, March 2012, {{ISBN|1-59582-861-3}})

===Additional collections===
*''Turok: Son of Stone'' (by ], 88 pages, September 3, 2008, {{ISBN|1-59582-201-1}})<ref> at DarkHorse.com</ref> Adaptation of the 2008 DVD film.
*''Turok: Son of Stone Volume 1: Aztlán'' (by ], Eduardo Francisco, and James Harren, 96 pages, December 21, 2011, {{ISBN|1-59582-690-4}})<ref> at DarkHorse.com</ref> Collects the four-issue 2010 Dark Horse Comics series.
*''Turok: Dinosaur Hunter Vol. 1: Conquest'' (by Greg Pak, Mirko Colak, and Cory Smith, 128 pages, September 9, 2014, {{ISBN|1606905201}})<ref> at Dynamite.com</ref> Collects issues #1–4 of the 2014 Dynamite Comics series.
*''Turok: Dinosaur Hunter Vol. 2: West'' (by Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa, 120 pages, April 22, 2015, {{ISBN|1606905988}})<ref> at Dynamite.com</ref> Collects issues #5–8 of the 2014 Dynamite Comics series.
*''Turok: Dinosaur Hunter Vol. 3: Raptor Forest'' (by Greg Pak, Paul Tobin, Lee Ferguson, Ruairi Coleman, Stephen Downey, and Felipe Cunha, 128 pages, August 12, 2015, {{ISBN|1606906933}})<ref> at Dynamite.com</ref> Collects issues #9–12 of the 2014 Dynamite Comics series.
*''Turok Vol. 1: Blood Hunt'' (by Chuck Wendig and Álvaro Sarraseca, 140 pages, May 16, 2018, {{ISBN|1524106526}}) <ref> at Dynamite.com</ref> Collects issues #1–5 of the 2017 Dynamite Comics series.


==In other media== ==In other media==

===Video games=== ===Video games===
{{main|Turok video games}} {{main|Turok (video game series)}}


The first ''Turok'' video game, titled '']'', was released in 1997 for the ] console. The game was followed by numerous sequels, released for ], ], ], ], ], and ]. The most recent game, titled simply '']'', was released in 2008 for ] and ]. The first ''Turok'' video game, titled '']'', was released in 1997 for the ] console. The game was followed by numerous sequels, released for ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and the ]. In 2008, the video game reboot '']'' was released for ], ] and ]. In 2024, a new game in the franchise titled "Turok: Origins" was announced for a 2025 release.


===Mobile games=== ===Mobile games===
The initial mobile game was developed by Disney's ] and released by ] in 2008. In it, Joseph Turok is a member of the Whiskey Company's elite squad. He Turok survives an airplane crash, and must fend off dinosaurs. The initial mobile game was developed by Disney's Living Mobile Studios and released by ] in 2008. In it, Joseph Turok is a member of the Whiskey Company's elite squad. Turok survives an airplane crash, and must fend off dinosaurs.


===Books=== ===Books===
After the success of the Turok video games, a series of Turok novels came out, dealing with the same storyline as the games. The first book was titled ''Way of the Warrior''. The second, ''Seeds of Evil'', was written by Michael Tetelbaum and concerned Turok's fight against the forces of Primagen, who plans to use the Energy Totems to destroy several realities. The third novel, by the same author, is ''Arena of Doom''. Turok's sister, Allison, and their friend Barry are threatened by the Campaigner, and Turok must fight in an arena. A fourth novel, ''Path Of Destruction'', was published in January 1999. After the success of the Turok video games, a series of non-canon Turok novels written by Michael Teitelbaum was released, dealing with the same storyline as the games. The first book was titled ''Way of the Warrior''. The second and third books, ''Seeds of Evil'' and ''Arena of Doom'', concerned Joshua Fireseed's fight against the Primagen and the Campaigner, respectively. A fourth novel, ''Path of Destruction'', was published in November 1998.


===Animated DVD=== ===Animated DVD===
In early 2008, a 70-minute animated DVD titled "Turok: Son of Stone" was released by ]. The screen story was written by Evan Baily and Tony Bedard, with a screenplay by Bedard. ] provides the voice of Turok, with ] as the voice of Catori (the wife of Turok's brother), ] as the villain Chichak, and ] as the voice of Sapinta. Curt Geda, ], and Frank Squillace each directed a third of the movie. Ex-Disney ('']'' & '']'') producer ] was the supervising director.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.toonzone.net/article.php?ID=20767|title=Press release announcing release date for Turok, Son of Stone direct-to-DVD animated movie}}</ref> A trailer has been released.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://youtube.com/watch?v=qwgP2KffT44|title=Turok: Son of Stone - Movie Trailer|accessdate=2008-01-10}}</ref> In early 2008, a 70-minute animated DVD titled '']'' was released by ]. The screen story was written by Evan Baily and Tony Bedard, with a screenplay by Bedard. In this version, Andar is Turok's nephew, not his brother. ] provides the voice of Turok, with ] as the voice of Catori (the wife of Turok's brother, Nashoba), ] as the villain Chichak, and ] as the voice of Sepinta. Curt Geda, Dan Riba, and Frank Squillace each directed a third of the movie. Ex-Disney ('']'' and '']'') producer ] was the supervising director.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0968765/|title=Turok: Son of Stone (Video 2008)|website=]}}</ref>

===Film===
Actor ], who had voiced the character in the animated film ''Turok: Son of Stone'', said he was involved in a planned Turok live-action film, and that the script was being written.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/06/10/exclusive-adam-beach-to-star-in-live-action-turok-movie/|title=Exclusive: Adam Beach To Star In Live Action Turok Movie|date=June 10, 2008|first=Shawn|last=Adler|publisher=]|access-date=2011-06-16|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907172214/http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2008/06/10/exclusive-adam-beach-to-star-in-live-action-turok-movie/|archive-date=September 7, 2015}}</ref> There has been no updates to this since 2008.


==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}
==References== ==References==
{{reflist|2}}
*
*


==External links== ==External links==
* at ]. from the original on September 9, 2015.
*
* at the International Catalogue of Superheroes
*
*{{gcdb|type=character|search=Turok|title=Turok}}
*
*{{comicbookdb|type=character|id=1351|title=Turok}}
* at The Comics Chronicles


{{Gold Key Comics}}
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{{Valiant}}

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Latest revision as of 10:03, 5 January 2025

Fictional character For other uses, see Turok (disambiguation). Comics character
Turok
Logo of the Turok comic series starting with the Valiant Comics run
Publication information
PublisherWestern Publishing through licensee Dell Comics
First appearanceFour Color Comics #596 (October/November 1954)
In-story information
SpeciesHuman
Place of originEarth
Abilities
  • Olympic-level athlete
  • Master archer, knife fighter, marksman, hunter, tracker, wilderness survivalist

Turok (/ˈtʊərɒk/) is a fictional character who first appeared in American comic books published by Western Publishing through licensee Dell Comics. He first appeared in Four Color Comics #596 (October/November 1954). After a second Four Color appearance (#656, October 1955), the character graduated to his own title – Turok, Son of Stone (#3, March–May 1956) – published by both Dell and then Gold Key Comics from 1956 to 1982. Subsequently, he appeared in titles published by Valiant Comics, Dark Horse Comics and Dynamite Comics.

The character also inspired a popular video game series, starting with Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, published by Acclaim Entertainment in 1997. Several sequels would be released in the following years for various gaming consoles.

Publishing history

Western Publishing

Turok: Son of Stone #93 (November 1974 cover) (copy of Dell #19 (March–May 1960))

The original comic, titled Turok, Son of Stone, was illustrated by Rex Maxon. The writer-creator credit for the characters of Turok and Andar is disputed, with historians citing Matthew H. Murphy, Gaylord Du Bois, and Paul S. Newman as the feature's earliest writers.

The Western Publishing version of Turok was a Pre-Columbian era Native American (identified as Mandan in the first issue, on page 21 and 32 of Dell Four Color #596) who, along with his brother, Andar, finds himself lost in an isolated valley populated by dinosaurs. Turok refers to many of the prehistoric animals as "honkers" or by their most obvious characteristics (tyrannosaurus are called "runners", pterosaurs are called "flyers", velociraptors are "screamers", plesiosaurs are "sea demons", Triceratops are "rammers", etc.). The Du Bois stories involve Turok and Andar seeking a way out of the valley. Du Bois was influenced by his visits to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, and developed the "Lost Valley" from his visits to the area.

After two appearances in Four Color #596 and #656, the title ran 27 issues (#3–29) published by Dell Comics (1956–1962); then issues #30–125 (1962–1980) from Gold Key Comics; and finally issues #126–130 (1981–82) under Western's Whitman Comics imprint.

The first Turok one-shot (Four Color #596) was originally written by Du Bois as a Young Hawk story. Young Hawk was an earlier Native American comic book feature Du Bois created, which appeared in Dell's The Lone Ranger comic book series.

Although the artists had long since established Turok as an adult, Du Bois's last scripts for the series (Turok #8) still introduced stories by describing Turok and Andar as "youths", more befitting Young Hawk than Turok (though Andar was depicted as a youth). The first story in that issue begins as "Turok and Andar, Indian youths, have found their way into a strange network of deep canyons in the Carlsbad area, where ancient forms of life still exist ... They have found no way to get out". The second story begins where "trapped in a deep canyon in the Carlsbad area of New Mexico, Turok and Andar, two Indian youths, have met ancient forms of life which have disappeared from all other parts of the world".

In Du Bois' last Turok story (issue #8, "Turok Seeks the Trail to Freedom", in which Turok encounters a herd of horses, which he calls "slim-legged creatures", having no word for them, as the horse had not yet been reintroduced to the Americas by the Spanish), Turok scales the cliffs, and escapes the Lost Valley. However, he returns for Andar, who was left behind after being injured. Soon, an avalanche permanently seals the way out and the series begins anew. Paul S. Newman began writing the Turok stories afterward.

Valiant Comics

Valiant's Turok: Dinosaur Hunter. Art by Bart Sears.

In 1992, Valiant Comics introduced a revamped Turok, debuting him in Magnus: Robot Fighter #12. With this version, the concept and setting were altered. Turok and Andar were now 18th-century Native Americans. The isolated valley became "the Lost Lands" – a land where demons, dinosaurs and aliens flourish and where "time has no meaning". A cosmic anomaly causes time in the Lost Lands to move in a self-contained loop (which means that while millions of years pass outside of it, inside it, time barely moves at all). "Unity", a line-wide Valiant Comics crossover storyline, altered the concept even further. The crossover's main villain, a psychotic superpowered being known as Mothergod, uses the Lost Lands as her base of operations. She outfits dinosaurs with intelligence-boosting implants, turning them into "bionisaurs".

In the aftermath of the final battle between Mothergod and the Valiant Universe heroes, the Lost Lands begin to disappear. Turok and Andar are tossed into a post-apocalyptic future Earth, and a group of bionisaurs make it to Earth along with them. Following this, they become ruthless hunters trying to contend with the demons and aliens that exist in the future world, as well as various Lovecraftian abominations and high-tech future warriors. Mothergod seizes power in this future and begins to rebuild her empire and attempts to hunt down and kill Turok and Andar.

A new volume of Turok's own comic, Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, was launched in 1993. Valiant published 53 issues before Acclaim purchased the company, including Turok: Dinosaur Hunter #0–47, Original Turok: Son of Stone #1–2, Turok: Dinosaur Hunter Yearbook in 1994, and the two-issue miniseries Turok the Hunted in 1996. Turok: Dinosaur Hunter #1 was the sixth best-selling comic of the month of June, surpassed only by the first five installments of "Reign of the Supermen!".

Acclaim Comics

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A new Turok series, titled simply Turok, was published by Acclaim Comics in 1997 and 1998. In the revamped Acclaim Comics universe, Turok is not the character's name, but rather a title meaning "Son of Stone". The Turok must protect the barriers between this dimension and the others—the axis of all worlds being the Lost Lands, a place where creatures from across time and space had been dragged and where "time has no meaning". Joshua Fireseed, the latest Turok, must travel between alternate universes stopping those who would try to conquer the Lost Lands, and thus all of the multiverse with it.

Dark Horse Comics

A new Turok series, again titled Turok: Son of Stone, was launched by Dark Horse Comics, under license by Classic Media in 2010. The title was written by former Valiant Comics writer Jim Shooter and illustrated by Eduardo Francisco. This was one of a series of titles released by Dark Horse that year based on classic Gold Key Comics properties. The entire line, including Turok, was short-lived, with Turok lasting only four issues.

Dynamite Comics

Dynamite Entertainment launched a new Turok comic series, titled Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, as well as books based on other Gold Key Comics properties, as part of a licensing deal with DreamWorks Classics. The creative team on the title was Greg Pak and Mirko Colak. This comics series was released in 2014. The series ended after 12 issues.

In 2016, Turok appeared in a five-issue miniseries called Gold Key: Alliance. Written by Phil Hester and illustrated by Brent Peeples, the book starred heroes from multiple Gold Key Comics titles.

Dynamite published a second Turok comic series titled Turok, written by Chuck Wendig and illustrated by Álvaro Sarraseca, in 2017. It also featured backup stories starring fellow Gold Key character Doctor Spektor.

Fictional character biography

Turoks have included, in chronological order from earliest to most recent:

  • Turok: Native American warrior trapped in the Lost Valley. Hero of the original comics, Dark Horse Comics series, Dynamite Entertainment series and animated film.
  • Tal'Set: Saquin warrior who became Turok in the 1800s and is the hero of Turok: Evolution and Turok: Dinosaur Hunter.
  • Carl Fireseed, uncle of Joshua Fireseed, Turok from 1982 to 1997.
  • Joshua Fireseed, nephew of Carl Fireseed, Turok since 1997, hero of the Acclaim Comics and Turok 2: Seeds of Evil.
  • Danielle Fireseed and Joseph Fireseed, younger sister and brother of Joshua Fireseed, heroes of Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion.
  • Joseph Turok, Half-Kiowa Space Marine and hero of Turok.

Collected editions

In 2009, Dark Horse Comics started an archive series to reprint the original comics:

  • Turok: Son of Stone Archives:
    • Volume 1 (collects Four Color Comics #596 and 656 and Turok #3–6, 224 pages, March 2009, ISBN 1-59582-155-4)
    • Volume 2 (collects Turok #7–12, 224 pages, July 2009, ISBN 1-59582-275-5)
    • Volume 3 (collects Turok #13–18, 224 pages, August 2009, ISBN 1-59582-281-X)
    • Volume 4 (collects Turok #19–24, 224 pages, November 2009, ISBN 1-59582-343-3)
    • Volume 5 (collects Turok #25–30, 224 pages, March 2010, ISBN 1-59582-442-1)
    • Volume 6 (collects Turok #31–35,37, 224 pages, July 2010, ISBN 1-59582-484-7) (#36 reprinted issue #14)
    • Volume 7 (collects Turok #38–43, 216 pages, November 2010, ISBN 1-59582-565-7)
    • Volume 8 (collects Turok #44–50, 232 pages, April 2011, ISBN 1-59582-641-6)
    • Volume 9 (collects Turok #51–53, 55–56, 58–59, 232 pages, November 2010, ISBN 1-59582-789-7) (#54 reprinted issue #26 and #57 reprinted issue #17)
    • Volume 10 (collects Turok #60–67, March 2012, ISBN 1-59582-861-3)

Additional collections

  • Turok: Son of Stone (by Tony Bedard, 88 pages, September 3, 2008, ISBN 1-59582-201-1) Adaptation of the 2008 DVD film.
  • Turok: Son of Stone Volume 1: Aztlán (by Jim Shooter, Eduardo Francisco, and James Harren, 96 pages, December 21, 2011, ISBN 1-59582-690-4) Collects the four-issue 2010 Dark Horse Comics series.
  • Turok: Dinosaur Hunter Vol. 1: Conquest (by Greg Pak, Mirko Colak, and Cory Smith, 128 pages, September 9, 2014, ISBN 1606905201) Collects issues #1–4 of the 2014 Dynamite Comics series.
  • Turok: Dinosaur Hunter Vol. 2: West (by Greg Pak and Takeshi Miyazawa, 120 pages, April 22, 2015, ISBN 1606905988) Collects issues #5–8 of the 2014 Dynamite Comics series.
  • Turok: Dinosaur Hunter Vol. 3: Raptor Forest (by Greg Pak, Paul Tobin, Lee Ferguson, Ruairi Coleman, Stephen Downey, and Felipe Cunha, 128 pages, August 12, 2015, ISBN 1606906933) Collects issues #9–12 of the 2014 Dynamite Comics series.
  • Turok Vol. 1: Blood Hunt (by Chuck Wendig and Álvaro Sarraseca, 140 pages, May 16, 2018, ISBN 1524106526) Collects issues #1–5 of the 2017 Dynamite Comics series.

In other media

Video games

Main article: Turok (video game series)

The first Turok video game, titled Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, was released in 1997 for the Nintendo 64 console. The game was followed by numerous sequels, released for Nintendo 64, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube and the Game Boy Advance. In 2008, the video game reboot Turok was released for PlayStation 3, PC and Xbox 360. In 2024, a new game in the franchise titled "Turok: Origins" was announced for a 2025 release.

Mobile games

The initial mobile game was developed by Disney's Living Mobile Studios and released by Touchstone in 2008. In it, Joseph Turok is a member of the Whiskey Company's elite squad. Turok survives an airplane crash, and must fend off dinosaurs.

Books

After the success of the Turok video games, a series of non-canon Turok novels written by Michael Teitelbaum was released, dealing with the same storyline as the games. The first book was titled Way of the Warrior. The second and third books, Seeds of Evil and Arena of Doom, concerned Joshua Fireseed's fight against the Primagen and the Campaigner, respectively. A fourth novel, Path of Destruction, was published in November 1998.

Animated DVD

In early 2008, a 70-minute animated DVD titled Turok: Son of Stone was released by Classic Media. The screen story was written by Evan Baily and Tony Bedard, with a screenplay by Bedard. In this version, Andar is Turok's nephew, not his brother. Adam Beach provides the voice of Turok, with Irene Bedard as the voice of Catori (the wife of Turok's brother, Nashoba), Robert Knepper as the villain Chichak, and Cree Summer as the voice of Sepinta. Curt Geda, Dan Riba, and Frank Squillace each directed a third of the movie. Ex-Disney (Aladdin and Hercules: The Animated Series) producer Tad Stones was the supervising director.

Film

Actor Adam Beach, who had voiced the character in the animated film Turok: Son of Stone, said he was involved in a planned Turok live-action film, and that the script was being written. There has been no updates to this since 2008.

References

  1. Markstein, Don. "Turok, Son of Stone". Don Markstein's Toonopedia. Retrieved 2 April 2020.
  2. Fischer, Stuart (March 2018). "Those Unforgettable Super-Heroes of Dell & Gold Key". Alter Ego (151). TwoMorrows Publishing: 64.
  3. Schelly, William (2013). American Comic Book Chronicles: The 1950s. TwoMorrows. p. 162. ISBN 9781605490540.
  4. "Top 10: December 1992". Wizard (17). Wizard Entertainment: 108. January 1993.
  5. "Wizard Market Watch". Wizard. No. #22. June 1993. pp. 134–5.
  6. Johnson, Rich (May 7, 2011). "Solar, Magnus, Turok, Dark Horse's Gold Key Line To Be Cancelled". BleedingCool. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
  7. Wilson, Matt D. "New Turok, Magnus, Solar And Doctor Spektor Comics Coming From Dynamite In 2014 [NYCC 2013]". ComicsAlliance. Archived from the original on 2013-10-14. Retrieved 11 October 2011.
  8. Gerding, Stephen. (13 November 2013). "EXCLUSIVE: Dynamite Debuts First 'Turok' Pages, New Variants". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved 10 Dec 2013.
  9. "Dynamite Turok: Dinosaur Hunter #12". Dynamite – The Official Site. Retrieved 20 December 2015.
  10. "Dynamite Gold Key Alliance #1 (of 5)". Dynamite – The Official Site. Retrieved 24 February 2016.
  11. "Dynamite Turok #1". Dynamite – The Official Site. Retrieved 25 November 2017.
  12. "Turok Evolution for Xbox". GameStop. Archived from the original on 2010-12-02. Retrieved 2011-06-16.
  13. "Turok Evolution – PlayStation 2 Preview at IGN". Ps2.ign.com. 2002-01-23. Retrieved 2011-06-16.
  14. ^ "Joshua Fireseed (video game character)". Giantbomb.com. Retrieved 2011-06-16.
  15. Turok: Son of Stone TPB at DarkHorse.com
  16. Turok, Son of Stone: Aztlan Volume 1 TPB at DarkHorse.com
  17. Dynamite Turok: Dinosaur Hunter Vol. 1: Conquest Tpb at Dynamite.com
  18. Dynamite Turok: Dinosaur Hunter Vol. 2: West Trade Paperback at Dynamite.com
  19. Dynamite Turok: Dinosaur Hunter Vol. 3 Trade Paperback at Dynamite.com
  20. Dynamite Turok Vol. 1: Blood Hunt Trade Paperback at Dynamite.com
  21. "Turok: Son of Stone (Video 2008)". IMDb.
  22. Adler, Shawn (June 10, 2008). "Exclusive: Adam Beach To Star In Live Action Turok Movie". MTV. Archived from the original on September 7, 2015. Retrieved 2011-06-16.

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