Shi (comics)

Shi

Shi
Publication information
Publisher Crusade Comics
First appearance Razor Annual #1 (1993)
Created by William Tucci
In-story information
Alter ego Ana Ishikawa
Abilities Skilled martial artist

Shi (Ana Ishikawa) is a fictional comic book character created by writer/illustrator William Tucci. She first appeared in Razor Annual #1 (1993) and had appeared in numerous books by various publishers ever since, such as the famous Crusade Comics. Shi is a young woman of mixed descent: Japanese and American, whose ancestry was drafted into a modern-day "shadow war" between descendants of the infamous Sohei warrior monks of medieval Japan. Japanese culture, history, and mythology are deeply embedded within the storyline, also within the character herself. The word "Shi" literally translates to death (死) in Japanese, and her signature weapon is the naginata.

The series is well-known for its stylized violence incorporated into certain scenes, and originated during an American comics publishing fad, often referred to as, "Bad Girl Comics". The series often touches on spiritual issues, especially as they pertain to Ana's mixed background: a combination of Yamabushi warrior monk traditions and Christianity.

Fictional character biography

Shi (Ana Ishikawa) is a young woman. Her father, Shiro, is a Japanese warrior and her mother, Catherine, is an American Catholic missionary. As a child, Ana witnessed the brutal murder of both her father and her brother, at the hands of Masahiro Arashi, an upstart Yakuza thug. Following this horrifying incident, Ana swore revenge on the Yakuza and set out to become one of the deadliest assassins in the world. Ana was trained by her grandfather, Yoshitora, in martial arts. In order to disguise herself, Ana, painted her face white in order to resemble Tora No Shi (also known as "Tiger of Death"), a legendary female warrior of medieval Japan. Ana herself acquired the name "Shi" (translates to "Death" in Japanese) for her ferocity and ruthlessness.

Arashi wanted to impress the leaders of Osaka crime syndicate and left a calling card with every murder which he committed – a simple coin engraved with the kanji for death, Shi. Escaping the hitman, Ana is consequently spirited away and raised by Yoshitora amongst the sacred temples of Kyoto. Yoshitora secretly trained Ana in the ways of the Sohei, in order for her to seek out Arashi and retaliate her family's honor. Whilst holding onto the coins left from the bodies of her father and brother, Ana developed a vengeful obsession, as she completely gave herself to "Shi"- the living embodiment of Death.

However, Shi was deeply affected by her mother's Catholic teachings, and she was soon facing a dilemma between her programmed mission of revenge and the Christian faith she secretly harbored.

Eventually, her conscience carried off blood thirstiness. Once her parents' killer, Masahiro, was sent to prison, Shi renounced killing and became the manager of an art gallery in New York. From time to time, she still takes on her Shi personality if necessary.

The duality that rages in Ana's soul will not allow her to succumb to the death demon that terrorizes her. In the end, it is Ana's faith and the ethereal visions of her 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 mixed background between the traditions of the yamabushi warrior monks, and Christianity.

Powers and abilities

Shi was trained by her grandfather to be a "sohei", a warrior of feudal Japan. As such, she is a skilled martial artist and swordsperson.

Merchandise

Through William Tucci's Crusade Fine Arts, 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.

A limited edition 1/6 scale figure was released by Executive Replicas in 2015.

Bibliography

Crossovers

Film adaptation

Presently, Tucci is writing the screenplay of the Shi movie with Kevin Bernhardt and is to serve as executive producer. Tia Carrere has been cast in the role of Shi.[3]

References

  1. ↑ "Shi: Poisoned Paradise (Volume)". Retrieved 2013-08-07.
  2. ↑ "Shi: Ju-Nen TPB :: Profile :: Dark Horse Comics". Darkhorse.com. 2006-01-18. Retrieved 2016-10-03.
  3. ↑ Grosser, Marty. "PBR Interview". Diamond Comics. Retrieved 2008-06-01.

Reviews

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