Shi: The Way of the Warrior (Signed Virgin Cover / Limited Edition) ##1 (Premium Edition / Variant)
Crusade Comics • Shi: The Way of the Warrior
Writer
William Tucci
Interior Artist
William Tucci
Cover Artist
William Tucci
Publication Date
1994
Cover Variant
Virgin Variant / Signed & Numbered Limited Edition (139/200)
Printing
First Printing (Variant Edition)
Comic Description
First appearance of Ana Ishikawa (Shi), a young woman who assumes the identity of a 'death shadow' to seek revenge against the Yakuza clan that murdered her family. This issue launched the 1990s indie sensation Shi.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Near Mint (CGC 9.4)
Condition Details
The cover shows high gloss and sharp corners. There is a slight visible wave in the plastic sleeve which may suggest the book is not perfectly flat, but the actual comic appears well-preserved with no major spine ticks or color breaks visible through the protector. Authenticated signature in gold ink and hand-numbering (139/200) are clear.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $150 - $250; Graded (9.6/9.8): $400 - $700 (Value heavily dependent on the rarity of the specific out-of-200 numbering)
Recent Sales
Standard Shi #1 first printings sell for $20-$40, but limited signed variants from the original Crusade era, especially those limited to 200 copies, have shown realized prices in the $200+ range at auction for high-grade copies.
Grading Recommendation
Yes, highly recommended. Because this is a hand-numbered limited edition (139/200) with a signature, professional grading (CGC Signature Series if the signature was witnessed, or CBCS Verified) would safeguard the value of the rarity and the authentication of the ink.
Notable Features
First appearance of Shi. Hand-numbered '139/200' in lower right corner. Gold ink signature by creator William Tucci. Virgin cover (no logos/title/price). Significant independent comic key from the 1990s.
Authentication Notes
Signature appears consistent with William Tucci's known hand. The numbering style matches Crusade Comics' limited reward or convention tiers from the mid-90s. The paper stock appears to be the high-gloss heavy cardstock used for premium 90s variants.