CRUSADE COMICS’ SHI: SAKURA PROOFS APPROVED FOR PRINTING
August 1, 2022
Bayport, NY
#ShiStrong!
CRUSADE COMICS’ SHI: SAKURA PROOFS APPROVED FOR PRINTING
Indiegogo Campaign Approaches $150,000.00!
All cover/interior proofs of Shi: Sakura have been approved for printing and the book is now schedule for press. “This is such an important process to producing a comic book that sadly is all too often overlooked.” Stated Shi-creator Billy Tucci. “Any typos are fixed as are missed color-continuity inconsistencies previously missed. Allowing us to tie up any loose ends and deliver the very best Shi comic ever!”
An example that went undetected how dark artist Jeff Chapman’s amazing Shi: Sakura cover was set to print. Once seen in the book’s physical proof showed a miscue in the brightness, contrasting levels that was immediately corrected to showcase just how dynamic the original artwork is.
Jeff Chapman’s amazing Shi: Sakura Cover Final!
INDIEGOGO CLOSE TO UNLOCKING THE KENNETH ROCAFORT $150K STRETCH GOAL
Sakura’s Indiegogo campaign is now less that $1,500.00 away from unlocking Crusade Comics’ FINAL STRETCH GOAL: The Kenneth Rocafort Cover Trading Card! The card showcases the comics’ superstar striking cover artwork and is FREE to all Kickstarter and Indiegogo backerswho chose a physical perk during Sakura’s #NoFanLeftBehind campaigns. To date, Sakura’s #NoFanLeftBehind totals have broken the $230,000.00 mark.
Thus far Eight Stretch Goals have been unlocked and are FREE to all backers who have pledged for a physical-tier perk. They include:
Shi: Sakura Graphic Novel being expanded from 56-pages to 64-pages.
Shi: Sakura Graphic Novel being expanded from 64-pages to 72-pages.
Shi: Kuroi Hana 5” Vinyl Sticker.
Shi: Sakura Hardcover Edition Trading Card.
Ana Ishikawa Kick-To-The-Face Bookmark.
Asha Kishna Trading Card.
Gardenio Lima Trading Card.
Shi: Fire Blossom Mini-Print.
Shi: Sakura Indiegogo Exclusive Campaign Can Be Found Here:
https://igg.me/at/Shi-Sakura/x#/
SHI: SAKURA!
From New York to Nagasaki, this action-packed, 72-page, full-color, psychological samurai thriller reunites Shi-creator Billy Tucci and writer Steven Peros with artist Gardenio Lima, and colorist Brian Miller.
Upon learning that she is full-blooded Japanese, Ana Ishikawa has unlocked a danger that she’s not prepared for… her birth mother’s wrath that comes in the form of an automaton-like killer, bent on destroying all that she loves.
At the same time, her teenage daughter, Hotaru, having survived the trauma in Shi: Haikyo, is empowered by the experience and succumbs to an inner violent streak with savage repercussions.
The final chapter to the Return of the Warriortrilogy sets the final fiery stage for a samurai showdown of epic proportions at New York’s Brooklyn Botanic Garden that will change Crusade Comics canon forever!
Crusade Comics will also be offering other Shi-related items including original art, prints, shirts, commissions, and special editions, including the ashcan to Crusade’s next great adventure, John Broglia and Billy Tucci’s long-awaited sequel to Zombie-Sama. Zombie-Sama 2: Dorm of the Dead
About Billy Tucci
Inkpot Award recipient Billy Tucci is a cartoonist best known for his modern-day samurai saga Shi. Through his company, Crusade Fine Arts, Shi has been printed in five languages and sold more than 3 million comic books. The graduate of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology has earned the prestigious Diamond Comics Gem Award and has been nominated for four Eisner Awards. In addition to his own creations, Billy’s DC Comics’ graphic novel, Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion, was awarded the Military Writers Society of America Gold Medal for its depiction of the real-life 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which was comprised of Japanese American soldiers. His earnest retelling of the Christmas story in A Child Is Born has quietly turned into an international blockbuster, winning the Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award. Billy’s critically acclaimed Miss Fury: Joy Division saw the return of the Golden Age Iconfor Dynamite Comics. Billy has recently released Shi: Return of the Warrior, Shi: Haikyo, Shi: Omnibus Edition and Zombie-Sama via Kickstarter and Indiegogo uniting backers from over fifty countries and bringing Crusade Comics’ crowdfunding campaign totals to over $1,000,000.00.
For Additional Information:
Deborah Tucci
Crusade Fine Arts, Ltd.
support@billytucci.com
You can find Billy Tucci on Twitter, Facebook @billytucci and Instagram @billy_tucci
BILLY TUCCI AND CRUSADE COMICS ANNOUNCE COMIC-CON PANELS
The Return of Shi, Comic Book Couples and Comics For Ukraine!
Crusade Comics is excited for our panels for this week’s San Diego Comic Con (July 20-24th, 2022). Shi-creator Billy Tucci will be on three panels, Happy Hour With The Comic Book Couples, Comics For Ukraine (where his secret contribution will be announced) and The Return of Shi.
After two years of remote gatherings, San Diego Comic-Con is once again set to take over the city of San Diego with its first live in-person convention since July 2019. 175,000 exhibitors, guests and attendees are expected for Comics’ most prestigious convention.
Billy Tucci can be found all week at the Crusade Comics booth #1801. His panel details are:
HAPPY HOUR WITH THE COMIC BOOK COUPLES!
Thursday, July 21, 2022 6:30PM to 7:30PM ROOM 10
Spend some time with Inkpot Recipients, Amanda Conner (Harley Quinn, The Pro) Brian Pulido (Lady Death), Jeff Smith (Bone, Tuki: Fight For Fire) Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex, Painkiller Jane), Terry Moore (Strangers In Paradise, Motor Girl) and Billy Tucci (Shi, Sgt. Rock) as they’re joined by Abstract Studios Studio’s Robyn Moore, Cartoon Books Vijaya Iyer, Coffin Comics’ Francisca Pulido and Crusade Comics’ Deborah Tucci for an entertaining and enlightening, refreshment fueled panel on what life is like being married to a comics’ creator and running a successful publishing company.
COMICS FOR UKRAINE
Friday, July 22, 2022 10:00 AM to11:00 AM in Room 10 Comics for Ukraine is a crowdfunded comics anthology through zoop.gg initiated and edited by Scott Dunbier to help relief efforts in Ukraine. Dozens of creators have stepped up to help. Alex Ross, Bill Sienkiewicz, Dave Johnson, and Arthur Adams have supplied covers. More than a dozen all-new stories will be included: Astro City by Busiek and Anderson, Groo by Sergio Aragonés and Mark Evanier, American Flagg by Howard Chaykin, Scary Godmother by Jill Thompson, Chew by John Layman and Rob Guillory, Grendel by Matt Wagner, Star Slammers by Walter Simonson, and Usagi Yojimbo by Stan Sakai make up a portion of this book, But there are more, too many to list—so come to the panel (which will have several of the creators listed here) and find out about this very important book and what you can do to help this charitable endeavor.
THE RETURN OF SHI!
Sunday, July 24, 2022 3:45 PM to 4:45PM ROOM 5AB Join Inkpot award-winning artist/writer, Billy Tucci, as he discusses the phenomenal return of his breakout female hero, SHI, in her epic new trilogy. Billy will be joined by SHI trilogy writer Steven Peros (Stoker & Wells), Deborah Tucci (Executive Director of Crusade Comics), and trilogy editor Jeffrey Vaughn (Shi: Gatecrasher, Vampire, PA).
CRUSADE COMICS ANNOUNCES COMIC-CON SHI EXCLUSIVES!
Crusade Comics is offering two very special exclusives for SDCC, the Shi: Senryaku #1 25th Anniversary Special Edition and an accompanying 11” X 17” print.
Both exclusives are priced at $25.00 each and limited to only 199 editions.
Senryaku was Crusade Comics’ groundbreaking, Eisner Award-nominated series
written by comics’ legend and creator of DC Comics’ Amethyst and Blue Devil, Gary Cohn. The book uniquely details Shi’s upbringing and training through thirty-six self-contained Art of War “stratagems”. Stratagems lushly showcased and illustrated by many of the industry’s greatest talents, including Jim Lee, Frank Frazetta, Adam Hughes, George Perez, Jeff Smith, Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, Joe Quesada and Billy Tucci.
For those unable to attend Comic-Con, Crusade is offering a limited number of these Special Editions now through https://billytucci.com.
SHI: SAKURA NOW AT THE PRINTER
The 72-page Shi: Sakura graphic novel is now complete with all files being sent to API Print Productions for proofing and production. #TeamShi has spent hours putting together the many, many aspects of the comic that aside from the 62-pages of story and art, now includes a detailed “Previously in Shi” introduction and cover gallery.
“The book is absolutely gorgeous and everyone from our creatives to editors are working hard to deliver the greatest Shicomic ever.” Stated Tucci. “I am so incredibly proud to be working alongside such amazing and indefatigable talents.”
As Shi: Sakura’s #NoFanLeftBehind total returns close in on $230K, Indiegogo backers have unlocked the $145,000.00 Stretch Goal, opening the door to Sakura’s FINAL STRETCH GOAL: The Kenneth Rocafort Trading Card! The card features comics’ superstar Kenneth Rocafort’s astonishing cover artwork and is FREE to all Kickstarter and Indiegogo backers who chose a physical perk.
Thus far Eight Stretch Goals have been unlocked and are FREE to all backers who have pledged for a physical-tier perk. They include:
Shi: Sakura Graphic Novel being expanded from 56-pages to 64-pages.
Shi: Sakura Graphic Novel being expanded from 64-pages to 72-pages.
Shi: Kuroi Hana 5” Vinyl Sticker.
Shi: Sakura Hardcover Edition Trading Card.
Ana Ishikawa Kick-To-The-Face Bookmark.
Asha Kishna Trading Card.
Gardenio Lima Trading Card.
Shi: Fire Blossom Mini-Print.
Shi: Sakura Indiegogo Exclusive Campaign Can Be Found Here:
https://igg.me/at/Shi-Sakura/x#/
SHI: SAKURA!
From New York to Nagasaki, this action-packed, 72-page, full-color, psychological samurai thriller reunites Shi-creator Billy Tucci and writer Steven Peros with artist Gardenio Lima, and colorist Brian Miller.
Upon learning that she is full-blooded Japanese, Ana Ishikawa has unlocked a danger that she’s not prepared for… her birth mother’s wrath that comes in the form of an automaton-like killer, bent on destroying all that she loves.
At the same time, her teenage daughter, Hotaru, having survived the trauma in Shi: Haikyo, is empowered by the experience and succumbs to an inner violent streak with savage repercussions.
The final chapter to the Return of the Warriortrilogy sets the final fiery stage for a samurai showdown of epic proportions at New York’s Brooklyn Botanic Garden that will change Crusade Comics canon forever!
Crusade Comics will also be offering other Shi-related items including original art, prints, shirts, commissions, and special editions, including the ashcan to Crusade’s next great adventure, John Broglia and Billy Tucci’s long-awaited sequel to Zombie-Sama. Zombie-Sama 2: Dorm of the Dead
About Billy Tucci
Inkpot Award recipient Billy Tucci is a cartoonist best known for his modern-day samurai saga Shi. Through his company, Crusade Fine Arts, Shi has been printed in five languages and sold more than 3 million comic books. The graduate of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology has earned the prestigious Diamond Comics Gem Award and has been nominated for four Eisner Awards. In addition to his own creations, Billy’s DC Comics’ graphic novel, Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion, was awarded the Military Writers Society of America Gold Medal for its depiction of the real-life 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which was comprised of Japanese-American soldiers. His earnest retelling of the Christmas story in A Child Is Born has quietly turned into an international blockbuster, winning the Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award. Billy’s critically acclaimed Miss Fury: Joy Division saw the return of the Golden Age Iconfor Dynamite Comics. Billy has recently released Shi: Return of the Warrior, Shi: Haikyo, Shi: Omnibus Edition and Zombie-Sama via Kickstarter and Indiegogo uniting backers from over fifty countries and bringing Crusade Comics’ crowdfunding campaign totals to over $1,000,000.00.
For Additional Information:
Deborah Tucci
Crusade Fine Arts, Ltd.
support@billytucci.com
You can find Billy Tucci on Twitter, Facebook @billytucci and Instagram @billy_tucci
After two years of remote gatherings, San Diego Comic-Con is once again set to take over the city of San Diego with its first live in-person convention since July 2019! To celebrate the return of the world’s most prestigious comic con, Shi-creator Billy Tucci and company are offering two very special exclusives for SDCC, the Shi: Senryaku #1 25th Anniversary Special Edition and an accompanying 11” X 17” print.
Both exclusives are priced at $25.00 each and limited to only 199 editions.
Senryaku was Crusade Comics’ groundbreaking, Eisner Award-nominated series
written by comics’ legend and creator of DC Comics’ Amethyst and Blue Devil, Gary Cohn. The book uniquely details Shi’s upbringing and training through thirty-six self-contained Art of War “stratagems”. Stratagems lushly showcased and illustrated by many of the industry’s greatest talents, including Jim Lee, Frank Frazetta, Adam Hughes, George Perez, Jeff Smith, Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, Joe Quesada and Billy Tucci.
For those unable to attend Comic-Con, Crusade is offering a limited number of these Special Editions now through https://billytucci.com.
Next week Crusade Comics will announce their Comic-Con panel and signing schedule.
SHI: SAKURA NOW AT THE PRINTER
The 72-page Shi: Sakura graphic novel is now complete with all files being sent to API Print Productions for proofing and production. #TeamShi has spent hours putting together the many, many aspects of the comic that aside from the 62-pages of story and art, now includes a detailed “Previously in Shi” introduction and cover gallery.
“The book is absolutely gorgeous and everyone from our creatives to editors are working hard to deliver the greatest Shicomic ever.” Stated Tucci. “I am so incredibly proud to be working alongside such amazing and indefatigable talents.”
As Shi: Sakura’s #NoFanLeftBehind total returns close in on $230K, Indiegogo backers have unlocked the $145,000.00 Stretch Goal, opening the door to Sakura’s FINAL STRETCH GOAL: The Kenneth Rocafort Trading Card! The card features comics’ superstar Kenneth Rocafort’s astonishing cover artwork and is FREE to all Kickstarter and Indiegogo backers who chose a physical perk.
Thus far Eight Stretch Goals have been unlocked and are FREE to all backers who have pledged for a physical-tier perk. They include:
Shi: Sakura Graphic Novel being expanded from 56-pages to 64-pages.
Shi: Sakura Graphic Novel being expanded from 64-pages to 72-pages.
Shi: Kuroi Hana 5” Vinyl Sticker.
Shi: Sakura Hardcover Edition Trading Card.
Ana Ishikawa Kick-To-The-Face Bookmark.
Asha Kishna Trading Card.
Gardenio Lima Trading Card.
Shi: Fire Blossom Mini-Print.
Shi: Sakura Indiegogo Exclusive Campaign Can Be Found Here:
https://igg.me/at/Shi-Sakura/x#/
SHI: SAKURA!
From New York to Nagasaki, this action-packed, 72-page, full-color, psychological samurai thriller reunites Shi-creator Billy Tucci and writer Steven Peros with artist Gardenio Lima, and colorist Brian Miller.
Upon learning that she is full-blooded Japanese, Ana Ishikawa has unlocked a danger that she’s not prepared for… her birth mother’s wrath that comes in the form of an automaton-like killer, bent on destroying all that she loves.
At the same time, her teenage daughter, Hotaru, having survived the trauma in Shi: Haikyo, is empowered by the experience and succumbs to an inner violent streak with savage repercussions.
The final chapter to the Return of the Warriortrilogy sets the final fiery stage for a samurai showdown of epic proportions at New York’s Brooklyn Botanic Garden that will change Crusade Comics canon forever!
Crusade Comics will also be offering other Shi-related items including original art, prints, shirts, commissions, and special editions, including the ashcan to Crusade’s next great adventure, John Broglia and Billy Tucci’s long-awaited sequel to Zombie-Sama. Zombie-Sama 2: Dorm of the Dead
About Billy Tucci
Inkpot Award recipient Billy Tucci is a cartoonist best known for his modern-day samurai saga Shi. Through his company, Crusade Fine Arts, Shi has been printed in five languages and sold more than 3 million comic books. The graduate of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology has earned the prestigious Diamond Comics Gem Award and has been nominated for four Eisner Awards. In addition to his own creations, Billy’s DC Comics’ graphic novel, Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion, was awarded the Military Writers Society of America Gold Medal for its depiction of the real-life 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which was comprised of Japanese-American soldiers. His earnest retelling of the Christmas story in A Child Is Born has quietly turned into an international blockbuster, winning the Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award. Billy’s critically acclaimed Miss Fury: Joy Division saw the return of the Golden Age Iconfor Dynamite Comics. Billy has recently released Shi: Return of the Warrior, Shi: Haikyo, Shi: Omnibus Edition and Zombie-Sama via Kickstarter and Indiegogo uniting backers from over fifty countries and bringing Crusade Comics’ crowdfunding campaign totals to over $1,000,000.00.
For Additional Information:
Deborah Tucci
Crusade Fine Arts, Ltd.
support@billytucci.com
You can find Billy Tucci on Twitter, Facebook @billytucci and Instagram @billy_tucci
NEW ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVEL’S COVERS HEAD TO THE PRINTER MONDAY!
Crusade Comics’ latest Indiegogo tops $140,000.00 and bringing the small publisher’s #NoFanLeftBehind totals (including Kickstarter) to over $225K. With that, Sakura is now the Long Island, New York-based studio’s OGN to date!
Momentum continues on the production side of Shi: Sakura as well, as the book’s cover files are being sent to the printer for proofing next week. “We’re dropping the covers first so we can expediate the printing process.” Stated Shi-creator Billy Tucci. “And in the next few weeks we will get all the book’s final interiors in for proofing as well.”
Due to shortages in both supply and staff, Sakura is scheduled to be printed in September. By getting the covers all out first, and printed early, Crusade can cut into the production timetable.
From New York to Nagasaki, this action-packed, 72-page, full-color, psychological samurai thriller reunites Shi-creator Billy Tucci and writer Steven Peros with artist Gardenio Lima, and colorist Brian Miller.
Upon learning that she is full-blooded Japanese, Ana Ishikawa has unlocked a danger that she’s not prepared for… her birth mother’s wrath that comes in the form of an automaton-like killer, bent on destroying all that she loves.
At the same time, her teenage daughter, Hotaru, having survived the trauma in Shi: Haikyo, is empowered by the experience and succumbs to an inner violent streak with savage repercussions.
The final chapter to the Return of the Warriortrilogy sets the final fiery stage for a samurai showdown of epic proportions at New York’s Brooklyn Botanic Garden that will change Crusade Comics canon forever!
Crusade Comics will also be offering other Shi-related items including original art, prints, shirts, commissions, and special editions, including the ashcan to Crusade’s next great adventure, John Broglia and Billy Tucci’s long-awaited sequel to Zombie-Sama. Zombie-Sama 2: Dorm of the Dead
About Billy Tucci
Inkpot Award recipient Billy Tucci is an cartoonist best known for his modern-day samurai saga Shi, which began with The Way of the Warrior in 1994. Through his company, Crusade Fine Arts, Shi has been printed in five languages and sold more than 3 million comic books. In addition to his own creations, the graduate of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology has earned the prestigious Diamond Comics Gem Award and has been nominated for four Eisner Awards. Billy’s DC Comics’ graphic novel, Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion, was awarded the Military Writers Society of America Gold Medal for its depiction of the highly decorated, real-life 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which was comprised of Japanese-American soldiers. His earnest retelling of the Christmas story in A Child Is Born has quietly turned into an international blockbuster, winning the Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award. His critically acclaimed Miss Fury: Joy Division saw the return of the Golden Age Iconfor Dynamite Comics. Billy has recently released Shi: Return of the Warrior, Shi: Haikyo, Shi: Omnibus Edition and Zombie-Sama via Kickstarter and Indiegogo uniting backers from over fifty countries and bringing Crusade Comics’ previous exclusive crowdfunding campaign totals to over $1,000,000.00.
For Additional Information:
Deborah Tucci
Crusade Fine Arts, Ltd.
support@billytucci.com
You can find Billy Tucci on Twitter, Facebook @billytucci and Instagram @billy_tucci
Crusade Comic’s Shi: Sakura Kickstarter closed last night to the tune of $84,272.00 propelling it become the small-publisher’s biggest Original Graphic Novel campaign to date!
“Deborah [Tucci, Crusade’s CEO] and I are incredibly humbled and quite simply, astonished by your amazing support and faith over the course of this wonderful thirty-day campaign.” Stated Shi-creator Billy Tucci. “Everyone on #TeamShiis very excited to bring you the best Shi graphic novel yet. We are on schedule to send the book to API Printers for proofing by the end of the month.”
While Sakura’s 30-Day Kickstarter is now closed, Crusade’s #NoFanLeftBehind campaign strategy momentum shows no signs of stopping. The campaign is currently LIVE on Indiegogo with returns just shy of $140,000.00, bringing both platform totals to over $224K.
The Indiegogo continue to be open to backers until fulfillment and shipping begins in September.
Several Goals have been unlocked and are FREE to all backers who have pledged for a physical-tier perk. They include:
Shi: Sakura Graphic Novel being expanded from 56-pages to 64-pages.
Shi: Sakura Graphic Novel being expanded from 64-pages to 72-pages.
Shi: Kuroi Hana 5” Vinyl Sticker.
Shi: Sakura Hardcover Edition Trading Card.
Ana Ishikawa Kick-To-The-Face Bookmark.
Asha Kishna Sakura Cover Trading Card.
Gardenio Lima Sakura Cover Trading Card.
Shi: Sakura Indiegogo Exclusive LIVE Campaign Can Be Found Here:
https://igg.me/at/Shi-Sakura/x#/
Shi: Sakura Kickstarter Exclusive Campaign Can Be Found Here:
Billy Tucci and Brian Miller’s La Muerta Legend Cover!
Billy Tucci and Sakura colorist Brian Miller have teamed up for the limited “Legend Edition” for Coffin Comics’ Brian Pulido’s La Muerta #1: Primeval. The Legend Edition also comes as an archival-quality, 18” x 24″ print. All Giclee prints are 100% cotton, acid-free Giclee, produced with archival quality inks, hand numbered ,and limited to just 99 editions.
Brian Pulido’s La Muerta #1: Primeval Kickstarter Can Be Found Here:
From New York to Nagasaki, this action-packed, 72-page, full-color, psychological samurai thriller reunites Shi-creator Billy Tucci and writer Steven Peros with artist Gardenio Lima, and colorist Brian Miller.
Upon learning that she is full-blooded Japanese, Ana Ishikawa has unlocked a danger that she’s not prepared for… her birth mother’s wrath that comes in the form of an automaton-like killer, bent on destroying all that she loves.
At the same time, her teenage daughter, Hotaru, having survived the trauma in Shi: Haikyo, is empowered by the experience and succumbs to an inner violent streak with savage repercussions.
The final chapter to the Return of the Warriortrilogy sets the final fiery stage for a samurai showdown of epic proportions at New York’s Brooklyn Botanic Garden that will change Crusade Comics canon forever!
Crusade Comics will also be offering other Shi-related items including original art, prints, shirts, commissions, and special editions, including the ashcan to Crusade’s next great adventure, John Broglia and Billy Tucci’s long-awaited sequel to Zombie-Sama. Zombie-Sama 2: Dorm of the Dead
About Billy Tucci
Inkpot Award recipient Billy Tucci is an cartoonist best known for his modern-day samurai saga Shi, which began with The Way of the Warrior in 1994. Through his company, Crusade Fine Arts, Shi has been printed in five languages and sold more than 3 million comic books. In addition to his own creations, the graduate of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology has earned the prestigious Diamond Comics Gem Award and has been nominated for four Eisner Awards. Billy’s DC Comics’ graphic novel, Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion, was awarded the Military Writers Society of America Gold Medal for its depiction of the highly decorated, real-life 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which was comprised of Japanese-American soldiers. His earnest retelling of the Christmas story in A Child Is Born has quietly turned into an international blockbuster, winning the Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award. His critically acclaimed Miss Fury: Joy Division saw the return of the Golden Age Iconfor Dynamite Comics. Billy has recently released Shi: Return of the Warrior, Shi: Haikyo, Shi: Omnibus Edition and Zombie-Sama via Kickstarter and Indiegogo uniting backers from over fifty countries and bringing Crusade Comics’ previous exclusive crowdfunding campaign totals to over $1,000,000.00.
For Additional Information:
Deborah Tucci
Crusade Fine Arts, Ltd.
support@billytucci.com
You can find Billy Tucci on Twitter, Facebook @billytucci and Instagram @billy_tucci
Just hours remain to Crusade Comics’ Sixth Kickstarter campaign, Shi: Sakura. Sakura has become Shi-creator Billy Tucci’s biggest original graphic novel Kickstarter to date with returns just shy of $80,000.00.
To celebrate Shi’s iconic return to comics, Crusade Comics’ Billy and Deborah Tucci will be hosting a YouTube/FB LIVE closing stream starting at 6pmET on the PopXP. “Deborah and I are just astonished by the incredible outpouring of support for Sakura.” Stated Tucci. “And I hope all our backers will join us live tonight on YouTube as we and give some sneak-peak insights into the book. We’ll also be joined by several friends, so please come on in party with us!”
The Live Stream will go onto the campaign’s closing at 8pm ET. Fans can just follow this link:
NEW $85,000.00 KICKSTARTER STRETCH GOAL: THE BILLY TUCCI SHI: FIREWALK TRADING CARD!
MINDY: PLEASE ADD SHI FIREWALK IMAGE HERE
As of this update, Sakura’s Kickstarter campaign has surpassed $80,000.00 unlocking it’s eigth Stretch Goal: The Shi: Fire Battle Mini Print!
Now Crusade Comics is offering the $85K Stretch Goal, the Shi: Fire Walk Trading Card.. The card depicts a crucial pivotal scene at Sakura’s climax as Ana Ishikawa, as “death incarnate” emerges from a burning grove of cherry trees.
Thus far, several “Stretch Goal” rewards have been unlocked on Sakura’s Kickstarter. Stretch Goals are FREE to all backers who have pledged for a physical-tier perk. They include:
Shi: Sakura Graphic Novel being expanded from 56-pages to 64-pages.
Shi: Sakura Graphic Novel being expanded from 64-pages to 72-pages.
Shi: Kuroi Hana 5” Vinyl Sticker.
Shi: Sakura Hardcover Edition Trading Card.
Ana Ishikawa Kick-To-The-Face Bookmark.
Asha Kishna Sakura Cover Trading Card.
Gardenio Lima Sakura Cover Trading Card.
Shi: Fire Battle Mini Print.
The Shi: Sakura crowdfunding campaign continues to reach historic proportions with total Indiegogo and Kickstarter #NoFanLeftBehind returns close to $220,000.00.
Shi: Sakura Kickstarter Exclusive Campaign Can Be Found Here:
Shi: Sakura Indiegogo Exclusive Campaign Can Be Found Here:
https://igg.me/at/Shi-Sakura/x#/
SHI: SAKURA!
From New York to Nagasaki, this action-packed, 72-page, full-color, psychological samurai thriller reunites Shi-creator Billy Tucci and writer Steven Peros with artist Gardenio Lima, and colorist Brian Miller.
Upon learning that she is full-blooded Japanese, Ana Ishikawa has unlocked a danger that she’s not prepared for… her birth mother’s wrath that comes in the form of an automaton-like killer, bent on destroying all that she loves.
At the same time, her teenage daughter, Hotaru, having survived the trauma in Shi: Haikyo, is empowered by the experience and succumbs to an inner violent streak with savage repercussions.
The final chapter to the Return of the Warriortrilogy sets the final fiery stage for a samurai showdown of epic proportions at New York’s Brooklyn Botanic Garden that will change Crusade Comics canon forever!
Crusade Comics will also be offering other Shi-related items including original art, prints, shirts, commissions, and special editions, including the ashcan to Crusade’s next great adventure, John Broglia and Billy Tucci’s long-awaited sequel to Zombie-Sama. Zombie-Sama 2: Dorm of the Dead
About Billy Tucci
Inkpot Award recipient Billy Tucci is an cartoonist best known for his modern-day samurai saga Shi, which began with The Way of the Warrior in 1994. Through his company, Crusade Fine Arts, Shi has been printed in five languages and sold more than 3 million comic books. In addition to his own creations, the graduate of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology has earned the prestigious Diamond Comics Gem Award and has been nominated for four Eisner Awards. Billy’s DC Comics’ graphic novel, Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion, was awarded the Military Writers Society of America Gold Medal for its depiction of the highly decorated, real-life 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which was comprised of Japanese-American soldiers. His earnest retelling of the Christmas story in A Child Is Born has quietly turned into an international blockbuster, winning the Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award. His critically acclaimed Miss Fury: Joy Division saw the return of the Golden Age Iconfor Dynamite Comics. Billy has recently released Shi: Return of the Warrior, Shi: Haikyo, Shi: Omnibus Edition and Zombie-Sama via Kickstarter and Indiegogo uniting backers from over fifty countries and bringing Crusade Comics’ previous exclusive crowdfunding campaign totals to over $1,000,000.00.
For Additional Information:
Deborah Tucci
Crusade Fine Arts, Ltd.
support@billytucci.com
You can find Billy Tucci on Twitter, Facebook @billytucci and Instagram @billy_tucci
Just 52 HOURS REMAIN for Shi: Sakura! The Campaign closes Thursday at 8pm EST. Deborah and I will be hosting a YouTube/FB LIVE video closing stream on the PopXP. We hope you will join us for what has become our biggest OGN campaign to date!
If you wouldn’t mind, pledge PLEASE PLEDGE and SHARE the link: http://kck.st/3saO8PG on your social media and with friends. Thank you for your amazing support! #ShiStrong Thank you for the wonderful promo Nile Scala!
$75K STRETCH GOAL: THE GARDENIO LIMA SAKURA COVER TRADING CARD!
NEW REWARD ADDED: THE KICKSTARTER EXCLUSIVE TRILOGY PACK!
With just six-days remaining to Crusade Comics’ Shi: Sakura Kickstarter, Billy Tucci and crew are offering a new reward, the Return of the Warrior Trilogy Pack. “This is a terrific way for fans to get caught up on the Shi: Renaissance.” Stated Tucci. “Because we’re down to the last of Sakura’s predecessor’s, a handful of lucky backers will get a chance to grab the exclusive editions not only for Sakura, but our past campaigns.”
The Kickstarter Exclusive Trilogy Pack Reward Level includes exclusive variant cover editions of Return of the Warrior, Haikyo, and Sakura. Limited to just 30 sets, and priced at $76.00 US, all physical backers will also receive a FREE Shi: Sakura Digital Edition and a set of all accrued Shi: Sakura Campaign stretch goal items.
A NEW ADD-ON REWARD: THE SHI: HAIKYO GLOW-IN-THE-DARK EDITION!
Crusade is also offering a new add-on reward, the SHI: HAIKYO GLOW-IN-THE DARK COVER EDITION on Kickstarter. Tucci originally wanted Shi: Way of the Warrior #1 to feature a glow-in-the-dark cover back in 1994, but by the time it came to printing, he was notified that the then glow-in-the-dark ink was deemed toxic in the United States. Almost thirty-years later he was able to obtain an environmentally safe substitute and the result is the stunning Shi: Haikyo Edition. The add-on reward is just $40.00 US and will also be available as an Indiegogo perk June 1st.
The Shi: Sakura crowdfunding campaign continues to reach historic proportions with total Indiegogo and Kickstarter #NoFanLeftBehind returns of over $200,000.00 via 2,000 backers.
Shi: Sakura Kickstarter Exclusive Campaign Can Be Found Here:
Shi: Sakura Indiegogo Exclusive Campaign Can Be Found Here:
https://igg.me/at/Shi-Sakura/x#/
SHI: SAKURA!
From New York to Nagasaki, this action-packed, 72-page, full-color, psychological samurai thriller reunites Shi-creator Billy Tucci and writer Steven Peros with artist Gardenio Lima, and colorist Brian Miller.
Upon learning that she is full-blooded Japanese, Ana Ishikawa has unlocked a danger that she’s not prepared for… her birth mother’s wrath that comes in the form of an automaton-like killer, bent on destroying all that she loves.
At the same time, her teenage daughter, Hotaru, having survived the trauma in Shi: Haikyo, is empowered by the experience and succumbs to an inner violent streak with savage repercussions.
The final chapter to the Return of the Warriortrilogy sets the final fiery stage for a samurai showdown of epic proportions at New York’s Brooklyn Botanic Garden that will change Crusade Comics canon forever!
Crusade Comics will also be offering other Shi-related items including original art, prints, shirts, commissions, and special editions, including the ashcan to Crusade’s next great adventure, John Broglia and Billy Tucci’s long-awaited sequel to Zombie-Sama. Zombie-Sama 2: Dorm of the Dead
About Billy Tucci
Inkpot Award recipient Billy Tucci is an cartoonist best known for his modern-day samurai saga Shi, which began with The Way of the Warrior in 1994. Through his company, Crusade Fine Arts, Shi has been printed in five languages and sold more than 3 million comic books. In addition to his own creations, the graduate of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology has earned the prestigious Diamond Comics Gem Award and has been nominated for four Eisner Awards. Billy’s DC Comics’ graphic novel, Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion, was awarded the Military Writers Society of America Gold Medal for its depiction of the highly decorated, real-life 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which was comprised of Japanese-American soldiers. His earnest retelling of the Christmas story in A Child Is Born has quietly turned into an international blockbuster, winning the Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award. His critically acclaimed Miss Fury: Joy Division saw the return of the Golden Age Iconfor Dynamite Comics. Billy has recently released Shi: Return of the Warrior, Shi: Haikyo, Shi: Omnibus Edition and Zombie-Sama via Kickstarter and Indiegogo uniting backers from over fifty countries and bringing Crusade Comics’ previous exclusive crowdfunding campaign totals to over $1,000,000.00.
For Additional Information:
Deborah Tucci
Crusade Fine Arts, Ltd.
support@billytucci.com
You can find Billy Tucci on Twitter, Facebook @billytucci and Instagram @billy_tucci
To all our American backers. I hope this Memorial Day weekend brings you beautiful spring weather and time well spent with family and friends. I too look forward to taking some time off, doing yard work, seeing friends, (hopefully seeing “Top Gun 2”) and marching in our local parade. I take great pride in Memorial Day weekend and try to do my best to honor the reason for the holiday and to keep the memories alive of our valiant military men and women who have fallen in combat.
I have taken soil from many battlefields in my lifetime. From Waterloo in Belgium to dropzone of Holland, and the Vosges Mountains and Normandy beaches of France. Stateside, I have visited the wooded hills of Gettysburg and amber prairie of The Little Big Horn, but most importantly, I have visited the fields of white marble dotted with thousands crosses, crescents and Stars of David. Beneath these glistening markers are the remains of so many fallen young men and women. Many of whom, like the Japanese-Americans of the 442nd Regimental Combat Unit had traveled half a world away to fight for another’s freedom while their own families were incarcerated behind barbed wire back home.
Is it fair? Never? Is it worth it? That is probably the hardest question man has ever asked. War truly is the worst of humanity, but when there are evil men in the world, who do monstrous things, good men must uproot their lives and selflessly rise to stop them.
One such man, I’d like to believe was my great, great uncle, Pvt. Thomas Henry Elliott, who like many men of his generation went to war and never came home.
I learned of him through Ancestry.com as there he stands in my family tree, eternally young. My uncle was an infantryman (as I would become myself 74 years later), but he did not fight for the United States of America. No, my uncle was a British soldier who fought the Germans as a “Tommy” in the 1st Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers. According to Ancestry, here he is leading a squad of men at the front. Even though he was just a Private, at 32 years, he was older than most. It’s easy to see how an older man, would take the young soldiers (some as young as 17) under his wing and act more like a father than a brother to them.
For those who have seen the documentaries or films such as “1917”, you can get a small sense of the carnage and slaughter that was the Western Front of “The Great War.” An muddy, disgusting world of pain and death that so many, many young men were forced to go “over the top” and through the gates of hell known appropriately as “No man’s land.”
Before this week, my uncle was really nothing more that a mere photograph on an internet website.
I had mentioned my uncle to a wonderful friend, Ayse. Many of you know Ayse from her wonderful comics, Charlie’s London . Ayse and her amazing husband Yan, were visiting France to pay their respects for Ayse’s Great, Great Grandfather who too was killed in “The Great War”. I had given Ayse my uncle’s name and she was able to actually find his burial sight. After visiting Ayse’s grandfather’s grave, she and Yan took a ride to the Department du Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais Cemetery and found my uncle’s grave.
They had purchased a cross and wrote a note that his sacrifice will never be forgotten by his American cousin. Words can never, ever express my appreciation to Ayse and Yan for doing something so noble, so loving to a man they’ve never met in person, but that is just the kind of people they are. The kind of people who hold honor and sacrifice atop the pedestal as we all should.
Good people.
Memorial Day is not a day to celebrate. It is not a day for gift-giving, but my dear friends gave me an amazing gift that will be cherished for the rest of my days.
The gift of remembrance.
So thank you, Ayse and Yan and thank you to all those who gave their Tomorrow’s so we could have our Today.
My uncle was killed in action, 12 August 1918, France and Flanders. I was born some 48 years later the day after.
He will be eternally young, and he will never be forgotten.
You’ve marveled at Gardenio Lima’s incredible artwork on Shi: Return of the Warrior, Haikyo and now, by far his best Shi work to date, Sakura!
Gardenio is my art-partner on Shi. An amazing young man who brings his extraordinary drafting skills to the Shi Renaissance and I could not be happier working with a finer artist. Gardenio is constantly bringing my rough pencils to life and crafting some of the most beautiful Shi pages of all time.
Gardenio’s always loved drawing. He was born in the countryside of Brazil, and his only to comics when he met Ed Benes in 2007. After that Gardenio started studying and soon improved in the production of illustration and pinups. But his true passion was always passionate comics. Gardenio became a ardent student of the craft, studying pages from so many other professionals. Two years ago, I came upon several of his beautiful pages, and hired him to do my “finishes”, a sort of inking through pencils. I’ve been using the pencil-to-digital color technique since 1995 and love the uniquely watercolor look to the final pages.
I think Gardenio and I form an incredible team, and his sense of design and layouts have improved many of my original panels and the result is simply awe-inspiring.
It is truly an honor working alongside such an amazing young talent and I am so happy to share Gardenio’s work with you all!
I do not want to give away too much, but here’s a sample: (https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/shi-sakura-graphic-novel-indiegogo-exclusive/x/20487910#/updates/19) of Gardenio’s black and white illustration before being colored by Brian Miller.
SO NOW IT’S TIME TO UNLOCK YOUR INDIEGOGO $140K STRETCH GOAL: GARDENIO LIMA SAKURA COVER TRADING CARD!
Thus far Six Stretch Goals have been unlocked and are FREE to all backers who have pledged for a physical-tier perk. They include:
Shi: Sakura Graphic Novel being expanded from 56-pages to 64-pages.
Shi: Sakura Graphic Novel being expanded from 64-pages to 72-pages.
Shi: Kuroi Hana 5” Vinyl Sticker.
Shi: Sakura Hardcover Edition Trading Card.
Ana Ishikawa Kick-To-The-Face Trading Cards.
Asha Kishna Sakura Cover Trading Card.
Again, thank you all for your amazing support. Let’s smash that $140K Stretch Goal!
In its first thirty-five days, Crusade Comics’ Shi: Sakura #NoFanLeftBehind crowdfunding campaign continues to reach historic proportions with total Indiegogo and Kickstarter returns of over $200K via 2,000 backers.
Newest Stretch Goal Announced: The Gardenio Lima Cover Trading Card!
Thus far several Stretch Goals have been unlocked and are FREE to all backers who have pledged for a physical-tier perk. They include:
Shi: Sakura Graphic Novel being expanded from 56-pages to 64-pages.
Shi: Sakura Graphic Novel being expanded from 64-pages to 72-pages.
Shi: Kuroi Hana 5” Vinyl Sticker.
Shi: Sakura Hardcover Edition Trading Card.
Shi: Kick-To-The-Face Bookmark.
Asha Kishna Sakura Trading Card.
FINAL EIGHT DAYS TO BACK ON KICKSTARTER
The Indiegogo Exclusive Campaign will remain “indemand” IGG store-mode until fulfillment, allowing backers the freedom to order Shi: Sakura into the summer. Kickstarter, however, has no such option and once the campaign ends on June 3, 2022, all pledging will be closed.
Shi: Sakura Kickstarter Exclusive Campaign Can Be Found Here:
Shi: Sakura Indiegogo Exclusive Campaign Can Be Found Here:
https://igg.me/at/Shi-Sakura/x#/
Both platforms have limited graphic novel editions exclusive to their particular patrons.
SHI: SAKURA!
From New York to Nagasaki, this action-packed, 72-page, full-color, psychological samurai thriller reunites Shi-creator Billy Tucci and writer Steven Peros with artist Gardenio Lima, and colorist Brian Miller.
Upon learning that she is full-blooded Japanese, Ana Ishikawa has unlocked a danger that she’s not prepared for… her birth mother’s wrath that comes in the form of an automaton-like killer, bent on destroying all that she loves.
At the same time, her teenage daughter, Hotaru, having survived the trauma in Shi: Haikyo, is empowered by the experience and succumbs to an inner violent streak with savage repercussions.
The final chapter to the Return of the Warriortrilogy sets the final fiery stage for a samurai showdown of epic proportions at New York’s Brooklyn Botanic Garden that will change Crusade Comics canon forever!
Crusade Comics will also be offering other Shi-related items including original art, prints, shirts, commissions, and special editions, including the ashcan to Crusade’s next great adventure, John Broglia and Billy Tucci’s long-awaited sequel to Zombie-Sama. Zombie-Sama 2: Dorm of the Dead
About Billy Tucci
Inkpot Award recipient Billy Tucci is a cartoonist best known for his modern-day samurai saga Shi. Through his company, Crusade Fine Arts, Shi has been printed in five languages and sold more than 3 million comic books. The graduate of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology has earned the prestigious Diamond Comics Gem Award and has been nominated for four Eisner Awards. In addition to his own creations, Billy’s DC Comics’ graphic novel, Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion, was awarded the Military Writers Society of America Gold Medal for its depiction of the real-life 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which was comprised of Japanese-American soldiers. His earnest retelling of the Christmas story in A Child Is Born has quietly turned into an international blockbuster, winning the Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award. Billy’s critically acclaimed Miss Fury: Joy Division saw the return of the Golden Age Iconfor Dynamite Comics. Billy has recently released Shi: Return of the Warrior, Shi: Haikyo, Shi: Omnibus Edition and Zombie-Sama via Kickstarter and Indiegogo uniting backers from over fifty countries and bringing Crusade Comics’ crowdfunding campaign totals to over $1,000,000.00.
For Additional Information:
Deborah Tucci
Crusade Fine Arts, Ltd.
support@billytucci.com
You can find Billy Tucci on Twitter, Facebook @billytucci and Instagram @billy_tucci
Shi: Sakura surpasses 700 backers and is now over $65,000.00! To put the campaign’s incredible momentum (and your amazing faith and support) into perspective, its predecessor, Shi: Haikyo‘s total backer count was 720 and earnings, $43K!
Again, THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL 700 BACKERS!
JOIN THE SAKURA KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN HERE: http://kck.st/3saO8PG
Once Sakura ends on June 3, 2022, all pledging will be closed, and I hope that is plenty of time to reach $70K and unlock your next Free Stretch Goal,The Asha Kishna Sakura Trading Card!
Thus far FIVE Stretch Goals have been unlocked and are FREE to all backers who have pledged for a physical-tier perk. They include:
Shi: Sakura Graphic Novel being expanded from 56-pages to 64-pages.
Shi: Sakura Graphic Novel being expanded from 64-pages to 72-pages.
Shi: Kuroi Hana 5” Vinyl Sticker.
Shi: Sakura Hardcover Edition Trading Card.
Ana Ishikawa Kick-To-The-Face Bookmark!
Beautifully illustrated by international superstar Asha Kishna, it fashions Shi as never before in Asha’s uniquely subtle style. Deborah and I were first introduced to Asha at the Dutch Comic Con some year’s back and were simply blown away by her draftsmanship, professionalism, and design. We were honored to have her talents grace a cover to our first Kickstarter comic, Zombie-Sama! and overjoyed that she’s finally sharing her skills on Shi.
With just 10 days remaining, Shi: Sakura now sits for TWO backers away from 700 and over $65,000.00! To put the campaign’s incredible momentum (and your amazing faith and support) into perspective, its predecessor, Shi: Haikyo‘s total backer count was 720 and earnings, $43K (Return of the Warrior garnered an amazing $70K)!
Again, THANK YOU!
Once Sakura ends on June 3, 2022, all pledging will be closed, and I hope that is plenty of time to reach $70K and unlock your next Free Stretch Goal,The Asha Kishna Sakura Trading Card!
The Asha Kishna Sakura Cover Trading Card!
Thus far several Stretch Goals have been unlocked and are FREE to all backers who have pledged for a physical-tier perk. They include:
Shi: Sakura Graphic Novel being expanded from 56-pages to 64-pages.
Shi: Sakura Graphic Novel being expanded from 64-pages to 72-pages.
Shi: Kuroi Hana 5” Vinyl Sticker.
Shi: Sakura Hardcover Edition Trading Card.
Ana Ishikawa Kick-To-The-Face Bookmark – So Close!
Beautifully illustrated by international superstar Asha Kishna, it fashions Shi as never before in Asha’s uniquely subtle style. Deborah and I were first introduced to Asha at the Dutch Comic Con some year’s back and were simply blown away by her draftmanship, professionalism and design. We were honored to have her talents grace a cover to our first Kickstarter comic, Zombie-Sama! and overjoyed that she’s finally sharing her skills on Shi.
Again, DOMO ARIGATO for an incredible campaign! I also want to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and well-wishes to our son who had severely broken his collarbone and had to have surgery today. It was successful, he’s in pain, but will be good as new in about six weeks. He appreciates all the support as well.
Will appreciates all the love!
We’ve got lots more Stretch Goal rewards lined up and cannot wait to share them with you.
Shi Sakura is on course to becoming our biggest OGN Kickstarter ever!
SAKURA INDIEGOGO CAMPAIGN NOW INDEMAND UNTIL FULFILLMENT!
$140K STRETCH GOAL: GARDENIO LIMA SAKURA COVER TRADING CARD!
Tucci Trooper!
THANK YOU!
Sakura’s Indiegogo launched on April 20th and in just 30 days, you and over 1,300 fellow backers smashed all previous Shi OGN records by bringing the campaign to over $135,000.00. Thanks to an fun, fun close-out stream on Ethan Van Sciver’s youtube channel, Comic Artist’s Pro Secrets and of course your amazing support and faith, Sakura is now on pace to become our biggest OGN Indiegogo ever!
You have earned your Ana Ishikawa Kick-To-The-Face and Asha Kishna Trading Cards, now for if we can hit $140,000.00, you will recieve the Gardenio Lima Sakura Cover Trading Card…
Gardenio Lima is my art-partner, who brings his extraordinary drafting skills to the Shi Renaissance and I could not be happier working with a finer artist and storyteller. Gardenio is constantly bringing my rough pencils to life and crafting some of the most beautiful Shi pages of all time. I will highlight Gardenio’s amazing talents in our next update.
Thus far Six Stretch Goals have been unlocked and are FREE to all backers who have pledged for a physical-tier perk. They include:
Shi: Sakura Graphic Novel being expanded from 56-pages to 64-pages.
Shi: Sakura Graphic Novel being expanded from 64-pages to 72-pages.
Shi: Kuroi Hana 5” Vinyl Sticker.
Shi: Sakura Hardcover Edition Trading Card.
Ana Ishikawa Kick-To-The-Face Trading Cards.
Asha Kishna Trading Card.
Again, DOMO ARIGATO for an incredible campaign! I also want to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and well-wishes to our son who had severely broken his collarbone and had to have surgery today. It was successful, he’s in pain, but will be good as new in about six weeks. He appreciates all the support as well, while his poor mother definately needs a drink!
Deborah and I want you all to know that we consider each and everyone of you as a member of #TeamShi. We are humbled by your incredible partnership and know we have the best fans in the world!
We’ve heard you loud and clear and have now made available the 500-page Shi: Omnibus Vol. 1 as an add-on perk. You can get the 5 lb. oversized, hardcover edtion as a physical perk or a digital version. I am so proud of this collection that gathers all Shi/Tomoe issues from 1994-1996, that unleashes so many wonderful memories and emotions.
With just seventeen days remaining, we’re moving ever closer to the $65K Stretch Goal that you all deserve, the Ana Ishikawa Kick To The Face Bookmark!
Again, THANK YOU ALL for an amazing campaign. We’ve got just seventeen days left before the campaign closes, so please SHARE with your friends, family and on social media:
It’s the Final Fourteen Days For The Shi: Sakura Kickstarter And About Time To Meet #TeamShi!SHI: SAKURA PASSES $62,000.00!
KICKSTARTER LINK: http://kck.st/3saO8PG
Tucci Trooper!
With just fourteen days left, Sakura is steadily closing in on our $65,000.00 Stretch Goal, The Ana Ishikawa Kick-To-The-Face Bookmark! We’ve got lots of other Stretch Goals planned to offer in the next two weeks so please stay tuned to these updates where we’ll be highlighting #TeamShi and some of our very limited Rewards!
Thus far you’ve unlocked several Stretch Goals that are FREE to all backers who pledged for a physical reward:
Expanding Sakura from 56 to 64 pages: UNLOCKED!
Expanding Sakura from 64 to 72 pages: UNLOCKED!
Shi: Sakura Firewalk 5″ Vinyl Sticker – UNLOCKED!
The Sakura Hardcover Edition Trading Card: UNLOCKED!
The Ana Ishikawa Kick-To-The-Face Bookmark: LET’S DO THIS!
MEET #TEAMSHI!
In my opinion, Sakura is the greatest Shi OGN to date and I am incredibly proud to be working alongside the the very same group that brought you, Shi: Return of the Warrior and Shi: Haikyo,#TeamShi! Writer Steven Peros, Artist Gardenio Lima, Colorist Brian Miller and Letterer, Mindy Lopkin. They are supplemented by Designer Nile Scala, Edtor’s Jason Odem, and J.C. Vaughn and Producer Brian Blevins. As always, Crusade’s executive director, Deborah Tucci stands ever vigilant in the wings, ensuring the campaign and fulfillment continues to be among the best in the business!
There is something wonderful about working alongside such amazing friends and colleagues. Each has returned for yet another Shi-enstallment and continues to baffle me with their professionalism and love of the story and character.
It truly is an honor.
In the coming updates we’ll be highlighting our creators and giving insight into their backgrounds and show more preview pages of the book!
Thank you and remember, together we are #ShiStrong!
Shi: Sakura Indiegogo Exclusive Campaign Can Be Found Here:
https://igg.me/at/Shi-Sakura/x#/
CRUSADE COMICS’ INDIEGOGO AND KICKSTARTER TOTALS TOP $180,000.00!
Newest Stretch Goal Announced: The Ana Ishikawa Kick-To-The-Face Bookmark!
Today, May 20, 2022 is the final day to back the full Shi: Sakura Indiegogo campaign.
Sakura’s Indiegogo launched on April 20th and is currently funding with over 1,200 backers with returns over $122,000.00. Over at Kickstarter, Sakura’s first sixteen days have brought in over 600 backers and $62K. Both platforms have limited graphic novel editions exclusive to their particular patrons.
Once Sakura’s Indiegogo ends, it will go into “indemand” mode until fulfillment. Many of the campaign’s limited perks will be removed as they ready for production. Kickstarter has no such option and once the campaign ends on June 3, 2022, all pledging will be closed. Crusade Comics’ current combined Sakura #NoFanLeftBehind crowdfunding totals now exceed $180K.
Thus far several Stretch Goals have been unlocked and are FREE to all backers who have pledged for a physical-tier perk. They include:
Shi: Sakura Graphic Novel being expanded from 56-pages to 64-pages.
Shi: Sakura Graphic Novel being expanded from 64-pages to 72-pages.
Shi: Kuroi Hana 5” Vinyl Sticker.
Shi: Sakura Hardcover Edition Trading Card.
NEW REWARD ADDED – SECOND CHANCE TO GET THE SHI: OMNIBUS!
Crusade has now made available the 500-page Shi: Omnibus Vol. 1 as an add-on perk. Offered as both the 5 lb. oversized, hardcover edition as a physical perk and a digital version. “I am so proud of this collection that gathers all Shi/Tomoe issues from 1994-1996, that unleashes so many wonderful memories and emotions.” Stated Shi-creator Billy Tucci.
Shi: Sakura Kickstarter Exclusive Campaign Can Be Found Here:
Shi: Sakura Indiegogo Exclusive Campaign Can Be Found Here:
https://igg.me/at/Shi-Sakura/x#/
SHI: SAKURA!
From New York to Nagasaki, this action-packed, 72-page, full-color, psychological samurai thriller reunites Shi-creator Billy Tucci and writer Steven Peros with artist Gardenio Lima, and colorist Brian Miller.
Upon learning that she is full-blooded Japanese, Ana Ishikawa has unlocked a danger that she’s not prepared for… her birth mother’s wrath that comes in the form of an automaton-like killer, bent on destroying all that she loves.
At the same time, her teenage daughter, Hotaru, having survived the trauma in Shi: Haikyo, is empowered by the experience and succumbs to an inner violent streak with savage repercussions.
The final chapter to the Return of the Warriortrilogy sets the final fiery stage for a samurai showdown of epic proportions at New York’s Brooklyn Botanic Garden that will change Crusade Comics canon forever!
Crusade Comics will also be offering other Shi-related items including original art, prints, shirts, commissions, and special editions, including the ashcan to Crusade’s next great adventure, John Broglia and Billy Tucci’s long-awaited sequel to Zombie-Sama. Zombie-Sama 2: Dorm of the Dead
About Billy Tucci
Billy Tucci is an award-winning cartoonist best known for his modern-day samurai saga which began with Shi: The Way of the Warrior in 1994. Through his company, Crusade Fine Arts, Shi has been printed in five languages and sold more than 3 million comic books. In addition to his own creations, the graduate of the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology (BFA Illustration 90’) has been nominated for an Eisner Award for his DC Comics work on Batman. His graphic novel, Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion, was awarded the Military Writers Society of America Gold Medal for its depiction of the highly decorated, real-life 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which was comprised of Japanese-American soldiers. Billy’s earnest retelling of the Christmas story in A Child Is Born has quietly turned into an international blockbuster, winning the Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award. His critically acclaimed Miss Fury: Joy Division saw the return of the Golden Age Iconfor Dynamite Comics. Billy has recently released Shi: Return of the Warrior, Shi: Haikyo, Shi: Omnibus Edition and Zombie-Sama via Kickstarter and Indiegogo uniting backers from over fifty countries and bringing Crusade Comics’ previous exclusive crowdfunding campaign totals to over $1,000,000.00.
For Additional Information:
Deborah Tucci
Crusade Fine Arts, Ltd.
support@billytucci.com
You can find Billy Tucci on Twitter, Facebook @billytucci and Instagram @billy_tucci
SHI: OMNIBUS BREAKS $100,000.00 IN FIRST 36 HOURS!
#NoFanLeftBehind Indiegogo and Kickstarter Campaigns Unlock First Three Stretch Goals!
Custom Dust Jacket, sewn-in Bookmark Ribbon and Omnibus Trading Card Are Now Yours
A MESSAGE FROM BILLY TUCCI
Dear Shi: Omnibus Backer!
What an amazing opening thirty-six hours for the Shi: Omnibus Vol. 1 #NoFanLeftBehind Crowdfunding campaigns.
With us reaching that hallowed $100,00.00 ($74K in Indiegogo and $26K in Kickstarter) mark, a third Stretch Goal(all our backers on both platforms benefit from our #NoFanLeftBehind campaign strategy Stretch Goals), the Omnibus Trading Card has been unlocked, with the first two being a special DustJacket Cover and Stitched-In Satin Bookmark Ribbon!
Now that the Kickstarter Exclusive Campaign has launched so successfully, we’re on our way to the next one… and at a total of $130K everyone who backs a physical book/product tier will receive the free 5″ Vinyl Sticker featuring the classic “Death Walk” image from Shi: Way of the Warrior #3!
Again, Deborah and I do not know how to properly thank you but know that we are incredibly humbled by your support and faith. We cannot wait to share what we have planned with you all!
So please PLEDGE and SHARE the campaign with your fellow comic fans and let’s make history!
For the First Time Ever, the multi-Eisner Award nominee is collected in a 488-Page, Full-Color, Premium Formatted, Hard Cover Omnibus Edition!
Once again, and as part of his proven #nofanleftbehind strategy, Shi creator and Crusade Comics publisher, Billy Tucci launches two exclusive campaigns on both Indiegogo and Kickstarter with fans of both platform mutually benefitting with shared Stretch Goals.
The 31-day campaigns feature the Premium-Formatted Omnibus Edition collecting all 12 issues of Shi: Way of the Warrior, the three-part interlacing Tomoe miniseries, and the 48-page, Shi Vs. Tomoe celebrates the 25th Anniversary of this epic crossover classic that ran from 1994-1996.
Shi literally changed the face of comics and along with Brian Pulido’s Lady Death and Vampirella, launched the “Bad Girl” revolution returns in this premier formatted, Hard Cover edition.
Originally brought to you by legendary creators Billy Tucci, Peter Gutierrez, Barry Orkin, Michael Bair, Gary Cohn, Dan Mishkin, Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner, and more, Crusade Comics has spared no expense in delivering you this incredible collection. Every story page has been digitally re-mastered from the original comic book pages and is also chock full of extra content.
With a Forward and Afterward by comic book legends, Chris Claremont and Stan Sakai, the Shi: Omnibus Vol. 1, is the perfect time capsule capturing the steady progression of a struggling artist’s self-published first work into one of the most influential comic characters of the 1990s whose legacy still shines today.
But wait there’s more!
As a special thanks you to both Indiegogo and Kickstarter backers, Crusade is offering platform specific Exclusive, Limited-Edition, Gold Foiled, Shi: Way of the Warrior 25th Anniversary Signed & Numbered, 11″ X 17″ Lithographs.
Crusade is also offering other Shi-related items including original artwork, prints, shirts, commissions, the Shi: Way of the Warrior Original Music Score by Christopher Caliendo and special editions, including the ASH CAN EDITION to Ana’s next great adventure, launching this October, Shi: Sakura!
“This is a monster of a book that is literally twenty-five years in the making and one that I am proud to say is complete and ready for press. We just need our backers to help get it printed.” Stated Tucci. “It is a wonderful trip down memory lane that has rekindled so many feelings and captures a moment in time in the industry that will never be repeated!”
About Billy Tucci
Billy Tucci is an award-winning cartoonist best known for his modern-day samurai fable which began with Shi: The Way of the Warrior in 1994. Since then, though his company, Crusade Fine Arts, Shi has been printed in five languages and sold more than 3 million comic books. In addition to his own creations, he was worked extensively for DC Comics such characters as Harley Quinn, Batman, Superman and Flash. His graphic novel, Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion, won acclaim for its depiction of the highly decorated, real-life 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which was comprised of Japanese-American troops. His earnest retelling of the Christmas story in A Child Is Born has quietly turned into an international blockbuster. It won the Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award. He recently released Shi: Return of the Warrior, Shi: Haikyo and Zombie-Sama via Kickstarter and Indiegogo, and Appalachian Apocalypsethrough Cave Pictures Publishing.
For Additional Information:
Deborah Tucci
Crusade Fine Arts, Ltd.
support@billytucci.com
You can find Billy Tucci on Twitter, Facebook @billytucci and Instagram @billy_tucci
Visit https://www.billytucci.com.
Dear Indiegogo Backer!
What an incredible start! In just over fourteen hours, The Shi: Omnibus Vol. 1 has broken $62,500.00!
That means we’ve unlocked TWO big Stretch Goals:
The Omnibus Custom Dust Jacket!
The sewn-in Bookmark Ribbon!
Our next Stretch Goal will be set at $75,000.00 and that will be the iconic Shi “Death Walk” 5″ Vinyl Sticker -which is the same image used for our Shi: Omnibus Remarked Print.
We had initially SOLD OUT of all the Shi: Omnibus Metal Cover Editions – but after much requests, have added an additional 25 for a total of 50.
Deborah and I just do not know how to thank you for your amazing partnership! We love you all!
So please PLEDGE/SHARE and remember, #Peace, #Love, #ShiStrong!
Billy Tucci
For the First Time Ever, the multi-Eisner Award nominee is collected in a 488-Page, Full-Color, Premium Formatted, Hard Cover Omnibus Edition!
The 30-day campaign features the Premium-Formatted Omnibus Edition collecting all 12 issues of Shi: Way of the Warrior, the three-part interlacing Tomoe miniseries, and the 48-page, Shi Vs. Tomoe celebrates the 25th Anniversary of this epic crossover classic that ran from 1994-1996.
Shi literally changed the face of comics and along with Brian Pulido’s Lady Death and Vampirella, launched the “Bad Girl” revolution returns in this premier formatted, Hard Cover edition.
Originally brought to you by legendary creators Billy Tucci, Peter Gutierrez, Barry Orkin, Michael Bair, Gary Cohn, Dan Mishkin, Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner, and more, Crusade Comics has spared no expense in delivering you this incredible collection. Every story page has been digitally re-mastered from the original comic book pages and is also chock full of extra content.
With a Forward and Afterward by comic book legends, Chris Claremont and Stan Sakai, the Shi: Omnibus Vol. 1, is the perfect time capsule capturing the steady progression of a struggling artist’s self-published first work into one of the most influential comic characters of the 1990s whose legacy still shines today.
But wait there’s more!
As a special thanks you to both Indiegogo and Kickstarter backers, Crusade is offering platform specific Exclusive, Limited-Edition, Gold Foiled, Shi: Way of the Warrior 25th Anniversary Signed & Numbered, 11″ X 17″ Prints.
Crusade is also offering other Shi-related items including original artwork, prints, shirts, commissions, the Shi: Way of the Warrior Original Music Score by Christopher Caliendo and special editions, including the ASH CAN EDITIONto Ana’s next great adventure, launching this October, Shi: Sakura!
“This is a monster of a book that is literally twenty-five years in the making and one that I am proud to say is complete and ready for press. We just need our backers to help get it printed.” Stated Tucci. “It is a wonderful trip down memory lane that has rekindled so many feelings and captures a moment in time in the industry that will never be repeated!”
Please see Pre-Launch Page below link to sign up and PLEDGE on Indiegogo launching Tuesday July 20, 2021 @8pm ET:
Billy Tucci is an award-winning cartoonist best known for his modern-day samurai fable which began with Shi: The Way of the Warrior in 1994. Since then, though his company, Crusade Fine Arts, Shi has been printed in five languages and sold more than 3 million comic books. In addition to his own creations, he was worked extensively for DC Comics such characters as Harley Quinn, Batman, Superman and Flash. His graphic novel, Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion, won acclaim for its depiction of the highly decorated, real-life 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which was comprised of Japanese-American troops. His earnest retelling of the Christmas story in A Child Is Born has quietly turned into an international blockbuster and winning the Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award. He recently released Shi: Return of the Warrior, Shi: Haikyo and Zombie-Sama via Kickstarter and Indiegogo, and Appalachian Apocalypsethrough Cave Pictures Publishing.
For Additional Information:
Deborah Tucci
Crusade Fine Arts, Ltd.
support@billytucci.com
You can find Billy Tucci on Twitter, Facebook @billytucci and Instagram @billy_tucci
SHI: RETURN OF THE WARRIOR AND HAIKYO CAMPAIGNS GROSS OVER $430,000.00!
For the First Time Ever, the multi-Eisner Award nominee is collected in a 488-Page, Full-Color, Premium Formatted, Hard Cover Omnibus Edition!
The 30-day campaign features the Premium-Formatted Omnibus Edition collecting all 12 issues of Shi: Way of the Warrior, the three-part interlacing Tomoe miniseries, and the 48-page, Shi Vs. Tomoe celebrates the 25th Anniversary of this epic crossover classic that ran from 1994-1996.
Shi literally changed the face of comics and along with Brian Pulido’s Lady Death and Vampirella, launched the “Bad Girl” revolution returns in this premier formatted, Hard Cover edition.
Originally brought to you by legendary creators Billy Tucci, Peter Gutierrez, Barry Orkin, Michael Bair, Gary Cohn, Dan Mishkin, Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner, and more, Crusade Comics has spared no expense in delivering you this incredible collection. Every story page has been digitally re-mastered from the original comic book pages and is also chock full of extra content.
With a Forward and Afterward by comic book legends, Chris Claremont and Stan Sakai, the Shi: Omnibus Vol. 1, is the perfect time capsule capturing the steady progression of a struggling artist’s self-published first work into one of the most influential comic characters of the 1990s whose legacy still shines today.
But wait there’s more!
As a special thanks you to both Indiegogo and Kickstarter backers, Crusade is offering platform specific Exclusive, Limited-Edition, Gold Foiled, Shi: Way of the Warrior 25th Anniversary Signed & Numbered, 11″ X 17″ Prints.
Crusade is also offering other Shi-related items including original artwork, prints, shirts, commissions, the Shi: Way of the Warrior Original Music Score by Christopher Caliendo and special editions, including the ASH CAN EDITION to Ana’s next great adventure, launching this October, Shi: Sakura!
“This is a monster of a book that is literally twenty-five years in the making and one that I am proud to say is complete and ready for press. We just need our backers to help get it printed.” Stated Tucci. “It is a wonderful trip down memory lane that has rekindled so many feelings and captures a moment in time in the industry that will never be repeated!”
Please see Pre-Launch Page below link to sign up and PLEDGE on Indiegogo launching Tuesday July 20, 2021 @8pm ET:
Billy Tucci is an award-winning cartoonist best known for his modern-day samurai fable which began with Shi: The Way of the Warrior in 1994. Since then, though his company, Crusade Fine Arts, Shi has been printed in five languages and sold more than 3 million comic books. In addition to his own creations, he was worked extensively for DC Comics such characters as Harley Quinn, Batman, Superman and Flash. His graphic novel, Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion, won acclaim for its depiction of the highly decorated, real-life 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which was comprised of Japanese-American troops. His earnest retelling of the Christmas story in A Child Is Born has quietly turned into an international blockbuster and winning the Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award. He recently released Shi: Return of the Warrior, Shi: Haikyo and Zombie-Sama via Kickstarter and Indiegogo, and Appalachian Apocalypse through Cave Pictures Publishing.
Shi: Haikyo’s INDEMAND is closing tonight at 9 pm ET/6 pm PT!
LAST CHANCE TO PLEDGE AS THE SHI: OMNIBUS LAUNCHES TOMORROW!
A Message from Billy Tucci:
Dear Indiegogo and Kickstarter Partners,
What can I say, but THANK YOU for such an amazing campaign! All expectations have been shattered (in a great way) as Shi: Haiyko, the sequel to Return of the Warrior #NoFanLeftBehind campaign has managed to eclipse her predecessor by $30,000.00 in half the time.
And it was fun! Deborah and want to thank writer Steven Peros, artist Gardenio Lima, colorist Brian Miller,letterer/designer Mindy Lopkin, designer/videographer Nile Scala, producer Brian Blevins, editor’s Jason Odom, and J.C. Vaughn, API printing’s Robert Smith and Joseph Healey, and all of #TeamShi (fulfillment, printers, allies) for putting together a graphic novel event for the ages.
We have had a major deluge of orders these final weeks and have begun fulfilling them. Everyone, please be on the lookout for your CrowdOx Survey. I know you already took the IGG survey, but CrowdOx is a crucial organizational partner to Deborah and if you fill it out we’ll be able to get your order out much, much faster. I also have a few commissions to complete and they will be done within the next two weeks. Thank you for your patience in that matter.
SHI: OMNIBUS VOL. 1 LAUNCHES TOMORROW!
As one chapter of Shi-story closes, yet another opens and it’s a big one! Tuesday we will launch the 488-page Shi: Omnibus Edition Vol. 1 Indiegogo Exclusive while Wednesday, will see the Kickstarter Exclusive launch. This book is a massive undertaking that relives and captures the literal birth of Ana Ishikawa/Shi and her story’s beginning. The book will be a full-color, premium formatted hardcover edition and I couldn’t be prouder of the final result.
That’s right, the book is done! Having our books complete upon launch is going to be Crusade Comics’ publishing policy going forward. This will ensure an even faster printing turnaround and fulfillment as we begin to produce and ship books on a quarterly basis. The sequel to Shi: Haikyo, (and the final act of the Return of the Warrior Trilogy), Shi: Sakura launches this October. Early 2022 will see Zombie-Sama 2: Dorm of the Dead (John Broglia has actually completed both Z2 and Z3). Again, our plan is for all new Crusade graphic novels to be complete before we launch, and Deborah and I want you to know that YOUR CONTRIBUTION is what has made this a reality.
So please sign up for the Omnibus Pre-Launch Page and follow for all the latest updates and launch time information. You can do so here:
As always, we appreciate your amazing partnership and support. The future is bright, new projects are coming your way and we are all, #ShiStrong
Domo Arigato!
Billy Tucci
About Billy Tucci
Billy Tucci is an award-winning cartoonist best known for his modern-day samurai fable which began with Shi: The Way of the Warrior in 1994. Since then, though his company, Crusade Fine Arts, Shi has been printed in five languages and sold more than 3 million comic books. In addition to his own creations, he was worked extensively for DC Comics such characters as Harley Quinn, Batman, Superman and Flash. His graphic novel, Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion, won acclaim for its depiction of the highly decorated, real-life 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which was comprised of Japanese-American troops not permitted to serve in the Pacific theater. His earnest retelling of the Christmas story in A Child Is Born has quietly turned into an international blockbuster. It won the Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award. He recently released Shi: Return of the Warrior, Shi: Haikyo and Zombie-Sama via Kickstarter and Indiegogo, and Appalachian Apocalypse through Cave Pictures Publishing.
For Additional Information:
Deborah Tucci
Crusade Fine Arts, Ltd.
support@billytucci.com
You can find Billy Tucci on Twitter, Facebook @billytucci and Instagram @billy_tucci
