Last Time on White Savior
When we last left our “White Savior,” and his friends, their situation was dire. In fact, if you went by supplementary narrator Maggie, you could sum it all up in one word: F**ked! This had to be true since she used that same descriptive term multiple times in the first few panels.
And while our hero Todd might not have liked her terminology, he wasn’t sure she wasn’t right. The good news was that Todd had reunited with his buddy Neal, who last issue had found himself working for the “bad guys” under his “Professional Name” The Wall. And while he was happy to have found Neal, with the upcoming battle on the horizon, Todd knew it would require all of them to turn the tide. Working together to hopefully concoct a fool proof plan for victory. At least, Todd HOPED that they all agreed to stick together.
Courage is HIGHLY Overrated
Unfortunately, Maggie had another idea. Considering her belief that they were royally f**ked, it was her intention to take her exit and leave the village to the demise that was no doubt coming. Courage, after all, is HIGHLY overrated! Todd had hoped that Maggie was just thinking out loud and didn’t mean it. Praying that when push came to shove, she would be right there along with him and Neal, saving the day. Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz! Wrong answer. Before Neal and Todd could even begin to put together a plan, Maggie was gone. Who would have thought that a petty thief and part-time Podiatrist would abandon ship when the possibility of a painful and tortured death came a calling?
Movies Never Let You Down
That left just Todd and Neal to come up with a course of action for ultimate victory. After giving the situation some serious thought, Todd decided that he would rely on what he knew best. Movie plots! Surely with all the action films he had watched, there were some sneaky, underhanded plans they could implement. Of course, there was! Now if he can just get the villagers to follow along. But why wouldn’t they? He was their “White Savior!”
Sharing is Caring
Back with the Okuna Clan, Kenzo and Zedidiah Grant were busy discussing how point totals would be divvied up as they proceeded to kill everyone. If it worked for Death Race 2000, it would work for them. But more importantly, they wanted to know which of them got to kill “The Wall” and who got to kill “The Savior.” Captain Grant had already laid claim to “The Wall,” much to the chagrin of Kenzo who had wanted to kill them both. However, in the consideration of share and share alike, they decided to split the two with Kenzo getting “The Savior.” No need to be selfish when devastating a weaker village. Besides, Sharing is Caring!
The Battle Begins
The conflict started on schedule, as it was important to do so. After all, this was the fourth and final issue, no time to be fooling around here. The first tactic Todd and Neal brought to the forefront was from Braveheart. A rain of spears came crashing down into Kenzo’s army with promising effect. That was followed by an avalanche of burning barrels courtesy of Spartacus!
This turn of events surprised both sides and Kenzo’s army was put on their heels by Todd’s cinematic brilliance. Yoshi bought right into the master plan, rattling off a number of film catchphrases as they attacked. It was hardly important if the quotes had ANYTHING to do with what they were doing. It was the spirit that counted!
Pointy Ends Facing Forward
Next, came a waterfall of arrows, courtesy of all the movies that included such a thing. Thankfully, there were people there to remind the troops to shoot with the pointy ends facing forward. You wouldn’t think something like that would NEED to be said. But since Todd comes from a world that tells people to not light BIC lighters close to their face; EVERYTHING needs to be spelled out. Once again, the tactic worked as Kenzo’s army continued to be thinned out.
Love it When a Plan Comes Together
Everything was working thus far to plan. One might even say, they “love it when a plan comes together.” Even more troops fell under Operation Mulan, which was basically just women soldiers kicking people’s ass. So, stunned by the turn of events, Kenzo’s men started to retreat. Regardless of the fact that they still outnumbered the Inoki villagers. No one was more surprised than Kenzo. His horoscope had failed to warn him of such an outcome. Next time, he would just rely on the Magic 8-Ball, like he usually did. (that’s not true…but it was fun to say…or write).
The White Savior Revealed…or NOT!
Looked like Kenzo would need to right the ship himself. So, he nocked an arrow and let it fly toward the vaunted “White Savior.” True to its aim, it hit Todd in the back of his helmet, hard enough to knock him to the ground. And while the arrow had done no damage, it did dislodge his “White Savior” mask. The villagers were shocked! This was NOT their hero! Oh CRAP! Obviously, this seeming victory was an illusion! There was NO WAY, they can be winning without their Savior. They were f**ked! If only someone had told them that before!
Defeat Out of the Jaws of Victory
As his army retreated, Todd was somewhat bewildered. They were winning! Why were the villagers pulling back? Just because he was not their prophesied White Savior?! Were they so reliant on that stupid prophecy that they would snatch defeat out of the jaws of victory?? YEP!! Well FINE!! He would just have to win this battle all by himself. He could do it. After all, he had a finely sharpened sword and had watched enough sword and Samauri films to have learned something. All he had to do was focus, close his eyes, and swing wildly like he was holding off a swarm of bees.
Fighting Skills Not Needed
After his efforts, and half surprised he was still alive, Todd opened his eyes. He saw man after man clutching various body parts, blood excreting in wounds that hardly resembled sword wounds. Wow, he must have been better than he thought. Fighting skills were obviously not needed! He had wielded that sword in such a fashion that it looked like his enemies had suffered arrow wounds instead of blade cuts. Take THAT “White Savior!”
Faith Renewed
The villagers, seeing the carnage that Todd appeared to have wrought, decided that the battle was NOT lost. Their savior was still there. Even if he WAS disguised as a spindly Asian dude! With that affirmation, the villagers returned to the fight. Their faith renewed. Thus, the words of Heraclitus are proven true: “Out of every one-hundred men, ten shouldn’t even be there, eighty are just targets, nine are the real fighters, and we are lucky to have them, for they make the battle. Ah, but the one, one is a warrior, and he will bring the others back.” And then there was Todd…
A Voice from Above
As Todd watched his warriors resume the fight, he heard from someone above. No, not God but Maggie. She had apparently returned, having gotten lost in her efforts to leave. She then used the confusion of Todd swinging like a blind, rusty gate to use her bow and arrows and shoot all the men attacking him. Which would explain why all of his “sword wounds” resembled arrow entries. Well, THAT was disappointing. But on the plus side, the villagers had re-entered the fray.
Neal’s Line
Back in the battle, Captain Grant had captured Neal. He was contemplating what he would do with “The Wall.” Neal decided he would distract Grant with a story about Magic and time travel. Just enough to make Grant hesitate. In that time, Neal was able to break his bonds and overcome his opponent, using the line he had been waiting to deliver. “I’m the W…, B”… Oh, come on! You want EVERYTHING hand delivered to you? Get the book! Read the line! Trust me, it was good.
Kenzo in Pursuit
Elsewhere, the newly inspired villagers led by Yoshihiro were rediscovering their abilities to fight. They had skills regardless of who the Savior was. Soon, the battle was almost theirs. Except someone forgot to tell Kenzo. He was still determined to kill the Savior. With that in mind, he attacked Todd with gusto…whatever kind of weapon THAT was. Todd, realizing that the closed eye flurry of the mad wouldn’t help him this time, decided to run for it. But first threw some dirt in Kenzo’s eyes. A move he probably learned from the Joe Weider ad in the comic books. (Actually, it was the bully who kicked sand in the wimp’s face…but you get the idea). Irritated, he pursued Todd like said bully wanting to take his lunch money.
The High Ground Equals a Win
As Todd scrambled, he remembered what he learned from Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. Always secure the high ground. Once you do, the battle is pretty much won, and your opponent will concede the victory! Unless said opponent doesn’t give a f**k and attempts to pursue anyway. Unfortunately for Todd, there were no pools of Lava to intervene. There WAS a sudden thunderstorm that appeared out of nowhere. These final confrontations need such atmosphere.
Gravity is Undefeated
As Kenzo faced off with Todd, they discussed the theories behind villains and what motivates them. While engaged in such a philosophical treatise, Maggie once again let loose an arrow. This time, hitting Kenzo in the thigh. As they struggled and also inquired why a storm was necessary for such scenes, Todd and Kenzo toppled from their high perch, falling down to the ground. Proving once again that gravity is undefeated. Upon landing, Kenzo had somehow lost his head, literally, while Todd had been impaled with his sword. That’s going to leave a mark.
The Prophecy Fulfilled
The battle was won, but at what cost? Todd lay in a puddle of his own blood. Good thing he didn’t see it, or he no doubt would have passed out (see Issue 1). The prophecy had come to past. Kind of. The Savior had indeed died to save the village. Although Todd was confused. He wasn’t dead. How could still be narrating if he had died? Although earlier issues had set that precedence. Obviously dying doesn’t preclude continued oration. Just ask the soldiers being killed in Issue 1, or the soldiers sacrificed by Kenzo in Issue 2. It sucked to be a soldier back then. But all Todd could hear was his name being called. Todd….Todd…Todd Parker!!
Back Home
Todd awoke to find himself back home. His grandfather was shaking him to rouse him. He had fallen asleep during his grandfather’s story. But Todd knew how the story went. How once back in that day, the whole village of Inoki trusted a White Savior and was destroyed. Todd’s grandfather corrected him. That’s not how the story went. The village was saved by a Japanese hero named Todd. In fact, it was this hero whom Todd was named after. But before Todd could ponder more, the door opened, and Neal and Maggie entered. They were supposed to be going to see a movie.
White Savior: The Movie
As they walked to the theater, Todd was told that everything that happened was real. He had indeed gone back in time with Maggie and Neal and saved the peaceful village of Inoki. It was now historical fact and the basis for the film they were going to see, “White Savior!” All that was great, but Todd still pondered how he had survived his wounds and made it back to the present. Maggie explained it with facts about “blah, blah” science and “blah, blah” time travel paradoxes and the like. The fact remained that they were fine and going to see the film that showed their heroism to the world. Or at least the 3 people who were in the theater that day. It’s a start.
A Visitor from the Future
After the movie, they left and while discussing the film’s shortcomings, were greeted by a blinding flash and the appearance of two figures, both obviously from the future. The woman who spoke said they had come to see Todd Parker. Todd explained that they were in luck, because HE was Todd Parker. She looked at him incredulously, deciding to double check her coordinates. There had to have been some mistake. They were expecting Todd to look…well different. After looking at Todd again, they changed their mind. Nope, they were good. Nothing to see here, Todd Parker. You can go about your business. They disappeared again as they were heard saying once again that Todd was not what they expected.
But Todd KNEW what they meant. THEY were expecting another white guy! Even in the future. This would not do! Can somebody say, Sequel?
Thoughts
I had said at the onset of issue 1 that the creative team of Eric Nguyen and Scott Burman had set a high standard. Mainly for their willingness to interject as many pop culture references as possible while also performing satirical surgery on the whole “White Savior” mythos. By the end of the series, they have taken that challenge and met it head on…or off in poor Kenzo’s situation. Nothing was left off the table or deemed too silly to reference. And while it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it certainly was mine. It would make Jim Abrahams of Airplane and Police Squad fame proud.
Film References Abound
Some of the Issue 4 highlights involved the continued liberal use of film references, from Braveheart, Spartacus, the New Space Jam, Mulan, and in rapid succession, Star Wars, Scarface, The Godfather, Snakes on a Plane and even Working Girl. (Talk about a diverse cross reference of cinematic experiences). Even a mention of the “Wilhelm Scream.” A classic stock sound effect created back in 1951 for the film Distant Drums. (You KNOW I looked that up. I’m hardly a depository for film trivia). All the while, interjecting with Editorial commentary, including even a chance for Letterer Micah Myers to chime in. White Savior is a fair and equitable sharing of comic ideas, it would seem.
Creative Ambitions
Along the way, the creators didn’t hide their ambitions of if nothing else, a sequel and perhaps even a film adaptation. I respect that. As I learned early on in this whole comic gig, you never know what can happen if you don’t ask…or at least throw in some not so subliminal messaging. Look forward to seeing what transpires there. Even IF the sequel is not entitled: White Savior 2: Electric Boogaloo. That appears to be a popular title, as Zachary Levi said that he had wanted the Shazam sequel (Shazam: Fury of the Gods) to be called Shazam: Electric Boogaloo. Great minds think alike.
Recommended
So, when all is said and done, would I recommend Dark Horse Comics White Savior? If you have a warped and wicked sense of humor and enjoy things with a satirical edge, absolutely! I would almost guarantee that you would find something in it to tickle your funny bone and perhaps, even make you think. If nothing else, it would help support your local comic shop. That’s a win, WIN! Check it out and decide for yourself.
Dark Horse Comics White Savior, Issue 4 by Eric Nguyen, Scott Burman, Iwan Joko Triyono, and Micah Myers comes out April 12th, where all great comics are sold.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 50 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove head first over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 18 year old boy with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.