30 years of Street Fighter, 30 Days of Characters; #21

Can you believe I've celebrated many unique characters in the 30 year history of the Street Fighter universe and not once brought up a boss character? Well today that changes! We're looking at the most evil villain in franchise history. I am talking about a literal demon named Garuda. Now I know many of you are asking what about Gouki / Akuma? He did kill his brother and that is absolutely evil. Well Garuda is a killer as well, in fact he killed so many while alive that not even death could stop him. This character debuted in Street Fighter EX back in 1996 but his origin is centuries older.

Garuda was a warrior during the Sengoku era in Japan (1467-1603). This was a very turbulent time with nonstop political strife and war all across Japan. This was the era that was the backdrop for countless movies, television shows and even a few dozen games. Garuda was a bloodthirsty samurai, killing many men in his wake. When he was struck down in combat he was furious, not because he was dying but because he could no longer continue killing. A demon was attracted to his rage and possessed the man, turning him into an undead killing machine. He was sort of the Jason Voorhees of feudal Japan. Garuda was eventually sealed away in a sacrificial ceremony where he remained for over 300 years. This seal was broken during the events of Street Fighter EX. What was unleashed was one of the most unique fighting game bosses in the history of the franchise.  

Garuda did not have a samurai sword to attack with but rather living metal spikes that would grow out of his skin and armor. He could spin like a whirlwind while slashing at opponents. He could impale opponents on his shoulders and then run them into the ground. He was insanely strong, able to slam any opponent easily. He could also teleport all over the stage avoiding a barrage from his enemies. Garuda demonstrated how the Street Fighters would hold up against a supernatural villain. There was nobody else like him before or after in franchise history. For these reasons and more we clebrate the living demon on the 30th Anniversary of Street Fighter. As always if you enjoyed this blog and would like to sponsor me please visit my Patreon page and consider donating each month, even as little as $1 would help make better blogs and even podcasts!