Our world is a kaledioscope of different cultures, every land with its own language, customs, and values, each a different reflection of the myriad aspects of human existence. Nothing could be more valuable than expanding our own knowledge of humanity's rich tapestry, and as educational tools, even the most ephemeral of comic books can perhaps enlighten and educate.
Remember, we said "perhaps."
Long before we knew Japan was a land of magical schoolgirls, toyetic robots, and delicious cartoon meals, we all thought historical Japan was the land of the Samurai. And if "samurai" are anything other than raggedy horse tramps brandishing giant knives, this comic doesn't know, and doesn't care.
Could it be that naming a villain "Noguba" is a subtle reference to Oda Nobunaga, a monumentally influential figure in Japanese history whose clan overthrew the 14th Ashikaga shogunate, defeated the Azai and Asakura clan armies in the shallows of the Anegawa River in concert with Tokugawa Ieyasu's forces, and countered the rebellious Ikko-Ikki movement, conquering most of the island of Honshu and unifying much of what would become the nation of Japan before his betrayal and suicide at the HonnÅ-ji temple in June 1582? Or, and this is more likely, are they just pulling these fakey "Japanese" names out of their ass?
Fascinating to see the forward-thinking Noguba utilizing a strategy of terrorizing a nation with firearms, a strategy that would only reach its full fruition in today's modern America with the rise of the National Rifle Association.
I appreciate how the artist isn't depicting these characters as stereotypical cartoon Asians, but on the other hand, the final product appears to be members of a Midlands football club recruited as extras in a local theater production of "Madame Butterfly" or maybe "The Mikado."
We tend to think of "samurai" as elite warriors belonging to specific social classes, but the definition changed with Japan itself over the centuries, and at various times the term could have referred to landholding nobility, to high-ranking swordsmen who served the shogun, and to whatever raggedy-ass Route 66/Littlest Hobo nonsense these fools are up to.
Here at the National Samurai Boy Scout Jamboree, we see Mt. Fuji Troop 223 (Yamanashi) showing off their rope bridge skills!
Perhaps you have OTHER knowledge you can share with us, because we really don't want to hear about your septic tank problems.
All the sweeping, epic pageantry of a Kurosawa film is... nowhere to be seen in this kludged-together mess!
Noguba's stronghold, otherwise known as "36 acres, open concept, rustic setting, fixer-upper, great opportunity for handyman or construction oriented family, sold as-is"
There it is, the signature fighting technique of the samurai, whacking three guys in the head with your two fists clenched together. I think Miyamoto Musashi defeated Sasaki KojirŠwith this very technique at Ganryūjima Island!
You knew we weren't going to get out of this one without some underwear bondage. And they aren't just threatened by three or four deadly snakes. Somebody sent their guys out to collect hundreds of deadly snakes at great personal risk for this torture threat. What's more frightening than being killed by one snake - being killed by fifty snakes! Right?
Henchman Lesson Number One is that you ask the important question and then immediately leave the area so the hero can work his way out of the deadly predicament you've placed him in, so he can escape. It's just common sense!
Didn't think feet were going to be this important to the story, but there are Tarantinos everywhere, I guess.
Ah yes, the famous supple-feet training of the samurai, well known from all the big samurai films like "The Seventy Toes Of The Seven Samurai" and "Throne Of Feet" and "Lone Wolf: Baby Cart At The Podiatrist."
Just leave your prisoners unguarded in the snake-basket interrogation room. That's what it's for! What's the worst that could happen?
Box O' Snakes finally comes into play as hundreds of venomous reptiles are turned loose to swarm throughout the general area, endangering friend and foe alike.
So far those muskets are by far having the most fun of anyone in this story, they're getting an exciting ride from place to place without ever having to do anything.
This is what happens when you take the wrong path through Chekov's Swamp. Now let's go and tell the Emperor the revolt is over! He'll be all like "who are you" and "who let you in here" and "what revolt" and "why are you telling me, I really don't run things." Let this be a lesson to all who dare disturb the peace of Japan, and also the peace of whatever country this is supposed to be!
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