Shi (comic book)
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| Shi | |
 Cover to Way of the Warrior 10th Anniversary edition |
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| Publication information | |
|---|---|
| First appearance | Razor Annual #1 (December 1993) |
| Created by | William Tucci |
| In story information | |
| Alter ego | Ana Ishikawa |
Shi is a fictional comic book character created by William Tucci, that has run for over ten years with a variety of publishers. The character first appeared in Razor Annual #1 (December 1993). Shi is a young woman of mixed Japanese and American ancestry drafted into a modern-day "shadow war" between descendents of the infamous sohei warrior monks of medieval Japan. The story is deeply rooted in Japanese history and mythology, "Shi" literally translates to death (死) in Japanese, and her signature weapon is the naginata.
The series itself is known for its scenes of stylized violence, and originates from the era of comics sometimes called "bad girl comics". The series often touches on spiritual issues, especially as they pertain to Ana's dual background in the traditions of the yamabushi warrior monks, and Christianity.
Contents |
[edit] Biography
Shi was born Ana Ishikawa. As a child, Ana witnessed the brutal murder of her father and brother at the hands of an upstart Yakuza thug named Masahiro Arashi. Bent on impressing the leaders of the Osaka crime syndicate, Arashi leaves a calling card with every murder he commits – a simple coin engraved with the kanji for death, Shi. Escaping the hitman, Ana is consequently spirited away and raised by her grandfather, Yoshitora amid the sacred temples of Kyoto. There Yoshitora secretly trains Ana in the ways of the Sohei so that she could seek out Arashi and avenge her family's honor.
Still clutching the coins left on the bodies of her brother and father, this vengeful obsession consumes Ana's very being as she completely gives herself to "Shi" - the living embodiment of Death, a demon who since childhood, has terrified while encouraging her in her crusade of vengeance.
However, Shi is soon confronted by her mother's Catholic teachings, and Ana's life soon becomes one of inner conflict between her programmed mission of revenge and the Christian faith she secretly harbors.
Ironically, it is this duality that rages in Ana's soul that will not permit her to totally succumb to the death demon that terrorizes her. In the end, it is Ana's faith and the ethereal visions of her gallant Sohei ancestors that shepherd her along the Way of the Warrior. The series often touches on spiritual issues, especially as they pertain to Ana's dual background in the traditions of the yamabushi warrior monks, and Christianity.
[edit] Merchandise
Through William Tucci's Crusade Fine Arts, the multi-Eisner Award nominated Shi has been printed in four languages and has sold more than 4 million comic books and also grossed over 25 million dollars in prints, toys and other merchandise worldwide while garnering several international creative and printing awards.
[edit] Film
Producer Mimi Polk Gitlin has optioned Shi for major a motion picture with Kevin Bernhardt and Tucci currently writing the screenplay.
[edit] Bibliography
- Shi: Way of the Warrior #1-12 (1994 - 1997)
- Shi vs. Tomoe
- Tomoe #1-3 (drawn by Amanda Connor)
- Shi: Tora No Shi #1-3
- Shi: Heaven & Earth #1-4 (1997)
- Shi: Ju-Nen (4-issue mini-series, 2004-2005, trade paperback, 104 pages, Dark Horse Comics, 2006, ISBN 1-59307-451-4) [1]
- Shi: Poisoned Paradise (with Karl Waller, Avatar Press, 2005)
- Definitive Shi:
- The Essential Warrior Vol. 1 (576 pages, Crusade Fine Arts, 2006) [2]
[edit] Crossovers
- Avengelyne/Shi
- Image comics/GEN 13 - Number 13C
- Cyblade/Shi and Shi/Cyblade - "The Battle For Independents" (1995)
- Daredevil/Shi and Shi/Daredevil (1997)
- Fallen Angel (IDW)/Shi (Fallen angel v2 #17-19)
- Grifter/Shi: Final Rites #1-2 (1996)
- Razor & Shi Special (1994)
- Shi/Vampirella
- Vampirella/Shi
- Vampirella #7-9 (features Shi)
- Wolverine/Shi: Dark Night of Judgment (2000)
- Tenth Muse/Shi: Bluewater One Shot (2007)
[edit] References
[edit] External links
[edit] Reviews
- Shi #12
- Year of the Dragon #1, #2 and #3
- Poisoned Paradise #1 and #2
