SON OF STONE by Dave Goode

 

Cowboys and Dinosaurs are cool. And have appeared in comic books and movies like THE BEAST OF HOLLOW MOUNTAIN ( 1956 ) and THE VALLEY OF GWANGI ( 1969 ). But still cooler were Indians and Dinosaurs. Specifically the heroes of the comic book feature Turok , Son of Stone from Dell Comics and Gold Key Comics.

The feature first appeared in Four Color Comics No. 596 ( Oct. - Nov. 1954 ). The second appearance  would be a year later in Four Color Comics No.656 ( Oct. 1955 ) before receiving it's own title Turok , Son of Stone No. 3 ( March - May 1956 ). The comic followed the adventures of Turok and his younger brother Andar. These two pre - Columbian Native Americans find themselves lost in one of those isolated lost valleys populated by dinosaurs and cave people. A standard comic book and B - Movie cliches. The concept was reportedly inspired by writer Gaylord Du Bois visits to the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico.

More than once I've imagined Jay Silverheels ( 1912 - 1980 ) starring in a movie adaptation of Turok , Son of Stone. The Canadian - Mohawk was born Harold J. Smith on the Six Nations of The Grand River the grandson of Mohawk Chief A. G. Smith. An outstanding lacrosse player Silverheels was best known as portraying the Lone Ranger's faithful Indian companion Tonto on television and in the movies.

Of course the other star of any Turok movie would be the head of the special effects department. And in my 1950s Turok , Son of Stone that would be the Wizard of Dynamation Ray Haryhausen.