Shi (comic book)

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cover of Shi comic

Shi is a comic book created by William Tucci about a young woman of mixed Japanese and American ancestry who uses her skill in traditional Japanese martial arts to combat criminals and other evil-doers. The name "Shi" is also a Japanese word which means death (死). Her signature weapon is a naginata.

The series is known for its scenes of stylized violence, and for presenting its heroine in a skimpy fighting costume or in various states of undress. Despite this, 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.

1 Biography
2 Bibliography
- 2.1 In chronological order
- 2.2 Crossovers
3 External links

[edit] Biography

"Shi", whose real name is "Ana Ishikawa", was born of a Japanese father and white American mother. When Ana was 10 years-old, she witnessed the brutal slaying of her entire family. Ana is consequently spirited away and raised by her grandfather, Yoshitora, a descendant of the Sohei, the great warrior monks of medieval Kyoto.

Yoshitora secretly trains Ana in the ways of the Sohei so that she could seek out her family's murderer and avenge her family's honor.

This vengeful obsession consumes Ana's very being, as she transforms herself to "Shi" - the living embodiment of Death, who since childhood, has terrified and yet encouraged her in her crusade of vengeance.

However, Ana 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 leanings she secretly harbors.

Ironically, it is this duality that rages in Ana's soul that will not permit her to 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.