Turok, Son of Stone #1 – #131: A Prehistoric Comic Book Epic
Genre
Adventure | Prehistoric Fantasy | Action
Turok, Son of Stone blends high-stakes action with prehistoric survival. The comic delves into science-fantasy elements, combining primitive weaponry, strange worlds, and time-lost creatures in a tale of brotherhood and bravery.
Main Characters
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Turok ðđ – A skilled Native American warrior and hunter, guided by courage, wisdom, and a strong moral compass.
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Andar ðū – Turok’s young and loyal companion, often learning survival skills and values through their shared trials.
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Thunder-Foots and Other Dinosaurs ðĶ – The massive prehistoric creatures populating the mysterious valley.
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Various Tribal Enemies and Allies – From hostile primitive humans to tribes caught in moral dilemmas, the series explores human nature under pressure.
Writer
Gaylord Du Bois – A prolific comics scribe, Du Bois shaped much of the early Gold Key/Dell adventure landscape. His scripts for Turok balanced storytelling with anthropological respect for Native culture, despite the time's limitations.
Artist
Rex Maxon (initial issues) and later Alberto Giolitti – Maxon established the tone with bold, rugged lines, while Giolitti elevated the series’ visual identity with dynamic landscapes, realistic dinosaur anatomy, and expressive characters. ðĻ
Editor Details
Whitman Publishing (Dell/Gold Key Comics under Western Publishing) oversaw the editorial direction, maintaining the book's blend of historical fantasy and pulp storytelling. Editors ensured consistency across an ambitious multi-decade run.
Publisher and Brand
Originally published under Dell Comics (1954–1962), and later continued by Gold Key Comics (1962 onward) – both subsidiaries of Western Publishing. These brands were known for licensed and original adventure titles popular with young readers in the mid-20th century.
Release Year
ð Turok, Son of Stone #1 debuted in 1954, running through 1982 with 131 issues in the original series.
Brief Plot Summary
Turok and his brother-in-arms Andar, while hunting, stumble into a hidden valley sealed off from time. In this strange world, dinosaurs still roam, and survival is a daily challenge. Armed only with bows, arrows, and their wits, the two must fight off beasts, navigate hostile tribes, and seek a path home—if one even exists. Each issue presents a new peril, moral lesson, or test of character. ðĶīðĨ
Notable Arcs or Storylines
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The Lost Valley Introduction – Establishes the core setting: a prehistoric, isolated land filled with dinosaurs.
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Andar’s Coming of Age – Several issues focus on Andar learning lessons in bravery, wisdom, and leadership from Turok.
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Encounters with Mutant Tribes – Some arcs introduce more fantastical elements, like devolved humans or intelligent reptilian beings.
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The Search for Escape – A recurring narrative thread: finding a way out of the valley, which often becomes a metaphor for inner growth and perseverance.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
ð Some readers speculate the “Lost Valley” might be a dimensional anomaly—possibly a prehistoric pocket in time caused by a rift in space, similar to the Bermuda Triangle or Hollow Earth theories.
𧎠Others interpret the valley as a symbol of human resistance to progress, a place where natural order resists the encroachment of modernity.
ðĪ The brotherhood between Turok and Andar is also viewed as a subtle commentary on mentorship, resilience, and Indigenous wisdom.
Review Summary
Turok, Son of Stone is a nostalgic gem that still holds a unique place in comic history. The storytelling is simple but heartfelt, reflecting classic heroism and moral clarity. The art evolves impressively over the decades, with lush, cinematic panels that bring prehistoric life alive. Though it may feel dated to some, the character depth of Turok as a protector and mentor gives the series enduring emotional weight. A must-read for fans of pulp adventure, dinosaur tales, or vintage comics. ðĪððĶ
ðĨ Adventure never goes extinct in the pages of Turok!
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
