I’m sure people who follow comics might recognize this character from somewhere.
Her name is Ana Ishikawa, a Bugeisha of two worlds. In the 90s, her story made a few sensations with merchandise spanning the decades. In contrast to another character who debuted around the same time, Lady Death, Shi’s a challenge to the Bad Girl trend.
Despite her costume and goal of revenge, the “Shi Killer” is a character at odds with herself. She wishes to avenge her father and brother in the ways of a sohei, Japanese warrior monks. But Ana also keeps the Catholic teachings of her missionary mother close to her soul. These naturally put Ana’s identity in turmoil with her wants and needs. Which is what made her such a compelling character. So influential, that her creator Billy Tucci made a comeback with her nearly 30 years later.
Quick Disclaimer
Billy and his wife Deborah have been in on-and-off associations with certain people. They range from being way too enthusiastic, obnoxious, to outright offensive. I think Billy also said something during the #ComicsBrokeMe trend. Nothing bigoted, just didn’t fit with mourning a creator who died too young.
Does this mean I’m going to try and say something like Shi can be separated from Tucci?
I’ll ask a more important question: Does it matter?
If you think it does, feel free to ignore this. I’ll even make it easy for ya.
But this is about the core of an inspirational story, not the personality who created it. So if you’re thinking: “Aw screw it! I don’t even need to give the Tucci’s my cash if I read this.” You know where to look.