The ancient feud between the Kyoto and Nara sohei is turning epic once more.

The two venerable sects of mighty warrior-monks, whose feud stretches through centuries of Japanese history, are dwindling in modern times. But their hatred still burns bright, and the skill with which they fight is undiminished.

In Ju-Nen, the remnants of the Kyoto clan plan a bold stroke by performing a colorful kabuki play from their history in the center of Nara power. The lines of conflict are honorably drawn, but carnage cannot be avoided -- especially with organized crimelords from the Yakuza involved to pick up the pieces. Still, Ana Ishikawa, granddaughter of one of the Kyoto sohei's greatest (and last surviving) warriors, is drawn to the battle in the guise of Shi, the same face and costume she wore 10 years before to avenge her family's deaths on a Japanese crime family. Tomoe, once Ana's best friend and a disgraced warrior from the Nara clan, is also primed for involvement.

The story is almost secondary to the presentation. The artwork is graceful, colorful and fluid, and both the kabuki performance and the combat that follows are electric on the page. Once again, Billy Tucci immerses his readers in a world of destiny, honor, history and art, and the result is a remarkable package. I can only wish Shi was a more regular publication and not so rare a pleasure.

by Tom Knapp
Rambles.NET
17 February 2007