{"product_id":"shi-vs-tomoe-1-chromium-foil-cover-crusade-comics-1996-nm","title":"Shi vs Tomoe # 1 Chromium Foil Cover Crusade Comics 1996 NM","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShi vs. Tomoe # 1\u003c\/strong\u003e published by Crusade Comics in August 1996, is a pivotal crossover one-shot that brings together two powerful warriors from the \"sohei\" (warrior monk) tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe story, titled \"Prelude to War,\" focuses on the deep-seated blood feud between the Kyoto and Nara sohei temples, an ancient conflict dating back to the 16th century. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe Conflict: Ana Ishikawa (Shi) and her college best friend, Tomoe Gozan, find themselves on opposite sides of this ancestral feud.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe Catalyst: After the Nara sohei ally with the Yakuza, the villainous Arashi invokes this alliance to force Tomoe into ritual combat against Ana.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eNarrative Style: The issue is unique for being told almost entirely through heavy internal dialogue and detailed pinup panels, focusing on the emotional weight of their forced rivalry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThemes: It serves as a major turning point for both characters, marking Tomoe's loss of innocence and Ana’s struggle to abandon her path of vengeance. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eCreative Team: Written and illustrated by Billy Tucci, with additional writing by Peter Gutierrez.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSpecial Covers: The issue is famous for its Chromium (foil) wraparound cover. It also had a \"Preview Edition\" released at San Diego Comic-Con.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"BattleBuddyComics.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47522577711204,"sku":"BB418","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0728\/7606\/4868\/files\/IMG_2025_12_13_22_59_30_723.jpg?v=1765688481","url":"https:\/\/battlebuddycomics.com\/products\/shi-vs-tomoe-1-chromium-foil-cover-crusade-comics-1996-nm","provider":"BattleBuddyComics.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}