Shi: The Way of the Warrior ##1
Crusade Comics • Shi: Way of the Warrior Vol 1
Writer
William Tucci
Interior Artist
William Tucci
Cover Artist
William Tucci
Publication Date
March 1994
Cover Variant
Regular Edition (Cover A)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First appearance of Ana Ishikawa (Shi). The story follows a young woman of Japanese and American descent who is trained as a sohei warrior to avenge the death of her father and brother at the hands of the Yakuza.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress marks with color breaking, minor corner blunting on the top left, and slight surface scuffing on the dark areas of the cover art. The plastic bag obscures some detail, but edge wear is present.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10 - $20; Graded (9.8): $120 - $150
Recent Sales
Raw copies typically sell for $15 plus shipping on eBay. Recent 9.8 graded copies have fluctuated between $115 and $160 depending on the label style (Blue vs Custom).
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless it is a guaranteed 9.8 candidate. The visible spine ticks suggest this copy is in the 7.0 - 8.0 range, where grading costs would exceed the market value of the book.
Notable Features
Significant early 90s Independent key. First appearance and origin of Shi. Features the Crusade Comics logo in the bottom right corner. Note the orange sun background which distinguishes this 'Standard' edition from later printings or specialty chrome/gold variants.
Authentication Notes
First printing established by the $2.95 cover price and the specific Crusade logo placement. Paper stock is standard glossy for the era; no known major counterfeits of this specific standard issue exist.