REVIEW: 'White Savior' #4 by Eric Nguyen, Scott Burman, and Iwan Joko Triyono

 

WHITE SAVIOR #4

Writer: Eric Nguyen,  Scott Burman

Artist: Eric Nguyen

Colorist: Iwan Joko Triyono

Letters: Micah Myers

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Release Date: April 12, 2023

Cover Price: $3.99

This sword-swinging satire comes to an explosive conclusion. It's Inoki Village versus the might of the Akuno Clan for the fate of the people! Can our heroes Todd, Neal, and Maggie lead the village to victory? Find out, in the conclusion to the series that has brought you time travel, compromising situations, accidental homicide, mistaken identity, and, most importantly, laughs.

Score:

7.5/10

'White Savior' by Eric Nguyen, Scott Burman, and Iwan Joko Triyono has been a fun and silly ride leading up to this finale. A satirical comedy that turns the white savior trope on its head. Todd in white face? It's a self-aware parody that reads like every Ryan Reynolds film character on steroids with fourth-wall-breaking quips and overly long monologues reminiscent of Woody Allen's pre-pedophile days. Over four issues, 'White Savior' really is a funny and over-the-top time-traveling comedy that lives in the absurd of the historical spoof subgenre. 

It's all up to Todd, Neal, and Maggie to lead the Inoki Village over the Akuno as the battle erupts, and with the real "white savior" dead, they'll have to throw out every movie-based attack to survive. It's one wild chaotic ending that comes as promised after three issues of talking about this great confrontation. It's hard to take seriously, obviously, because of all the gags and jokes along the way. Not even Kenzo is serious which makes 'White Savior' less suspenseful when the villain is in on the joke too. Todd's rapid-fire mouth can become grating but Maggie's gruff and snarky responses keep him in check somewhat. 

For all its goofiness, the fight choreography and violence are superbly done. Nguyen and Triyono have a great eye for composition and framing. The blood-letting is no joke and that gives a great counter-balance to all the humor when limbs are flying off the combatants. The violence grounds this story in a way that gives the series some weight and stakes. Letterer Micah Myers has a lot of work to do as well since there is so much dialogue, narration, editor notes, and even notes from Micah too. There is a lot going on but it is handled well, all things considered. 

'White Savior' comes to a close in dramatic fashion and sets up a possible sequel. Wacky, biting, and relentlessly self-aware, it's a parody that skewers tropes with a wink and nudge. Outrageously sarcastic to the point of irritation, 'White Savior' is a light-hearted romp through time that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's just a fun adventure, pure escapism, a goofy fantasy to lighten your cold-hearted spirits.