As I was preparing our cover story for this edition of Pharr Out! it struck me that Kurt Russell has played soldiers in more than a few of his movies, and the three that come to mind are all from Science-Fiction/Horror films. So for FUN, I decided to pit each of the following against Kurt's latest, most seasoned warrior. So how do they each rate against Todd, the ultimate SOLDIER? Let’s see shall we...

OPPONENT NUMBER ONE: S.D. “SNAKE” PLISSKEN.

With a fighting history almsot as long as Todd’s, this World War Three Vet could give the American Forces Sergeant a good fight. Lost left eye in combat over Leningrad. Came home to another war: US vs. HIM. As great a war hero as Plissken was, he would become even more legendary as an outlaw once home.

Snake’s Rank:
Lietuenant, Special Forces Unit Black Light. World War Three Vet.

Abilities:
Air and Land assault ace. Hand-to-hand combat specialist, including some really down n’ dirty fighting techniques. Could kill you with his hands. Gunslinger extraordinaire. Very adaptable.

Currently:
At war with society at large, and now that he’s shut off the Earth’s power supply, Snake is going to have the whole planet on his ass.

His chances against Todd:
If Snake were armed, this would over real fast-they'd kill each off. Both men are quick on the draw. Unarmed Snake would have to really mangle Todd in order to take him out.

Call it: Armed: both die. Unarmed: Todd would take Snake out.

OPPONENT NUMBER TWO: R.J. MACREADY.

Though extremely anti-social and a big time boozer, MacReady is no slouch when it comes to battle. He shares a very damaged pysche and other traits with Todd. His strategies would be just as cunning as the Sergeant but let’s take a closer look.

Lost his soul in the Vietnam war, had some experience that really unraveled him. I believe he was one of those Nam vets that were treated horribly by the American public at large when he returned from the front, which added to his descent into heavy drinking and pulling away from society.

Mac’s Rank:
Lieutenant, Army Chopper Pilot. Vietnam Vet.

Abilities:
The guy is extremely smart and thinks on his feet, even after two days of sleep deprevation and big time inebriation. Fights instinctively and can guess his enemy’s strategies almost to the 't'. Bar room brawler certainly. Not very adaptable to harsh climates, so he probably would have a real hard time on Arcadia 234. A crack pilot and shot, and an excellent leader though he probably wouldn’t want the job.

Last seen:
Near death on the frozen tundra of Antarctica after destroying (?) the hostile alien organism that dines on DNA.


His chances against Todd:
Their fight would be a long, dragged-out affair, with cunning ploys devised by both men, however if they got into hand-to hand, Todd would seriously kill Mac instantly.

Call it: Todd in both. Strategic fight: 50/50, unarmed 0/100 Mac’s dead.

OPPONENT NUMBER THREE: JONATHAN “JACK” O’NEIL.

This Air Forces Colonel has served in many campaigns, and was pretty fearless until the accidental death of his son threw him into almost suicidal dispair. He shares a long history as a soldier with Todd, and that do-or-die mentality.

Jack’s Rank:
Colonel, Air Forces.

Abilities:
Excellent recon skills, clandestine behaviors a specialty. Good in hand-to-hand combat. A stern leader. Follows orders through, a good soldier.

Last Seen:
Heading home through the Abydos Stargate (aka intergalactic water funnel ride), having regained his lust for life.

His chances against Todd:
Another veteran dedicated to his service, this would be an interesting fight. Would he survive the ultimate warrior, no. The Anubis warrior he fought in the Stargate chamber was not built like Todd...or had the Sergeants numerous battle experiences behind him. He would probably die at the super soldier’s hands.

Call it: Todd. In hand-to-hand 30/70.

So, all in all, the American Forces Sergeant who was trained since early childhood to be the valedictorian Adam Project Warrior excels in ground assault. Give him an enemy and he will kill them and any other being in the way. Survival skills excellent, weapons specialist, lethal in hand-to-hand combat, can deduce weaknesses in enemies, and is an superior tacticion. His survival of several campaigns proves his valor and strength.