Shi/Vampirella (Crusade)
Issue #1 (October 1997)
Regular Cover - Kevin Lau $2.95
Crusade Collectibles Edition - Kevin Lau $2.95
In Rashomon [Artist - Kevin Lau; Writer - Warren Ellis]
Shi saves a woman from a mugger in an alleyway, only to discover that they are both vampires when the woman kills the mugger and drinks his blood. Vampirella and Shi cross swords and Shi escapes with Vampirella's bracelet. Vampirella vows to get her bracelet back in seven days.
Shi investigates the bracelet and finds it has an inscription in the ancient language of the Angels which says "I will love you forever - Mother". Using hypnosis, Vampirella uses one of Shi's friends to recover the bracelet, but does not manage to escape unscathed. Injured, Vampirella retires with her bracelet and vows revenge ... one day.
Based on a traditional Japanese folk tale - Rashomon - this is a clever and thought provoking story, with some subtle humour. Though Shi is obviously the star of the book, Vampirella is portrayed very well and ends up with the upper hand.
I have a question. Which story was the first meeting of Shi and Vampirella? This comic book or the Vampirella/Shi story "Nine Kinds of Dirt"? Both comics present Vampirella and Shi as strangers to each other ...