Year Four

1998 began with a major move. We purchased our own 2500 sq. foot building in Sayville, NY and spent the first months moving in, and setting up. Finally, a place to truly call home! - Even though it was more than 60 miles outside NYC.

Production continued at a furious pace. With the continuation of Shi ~ The Series, more writers and artists were added to the line up, exploring the mysteries of Japanese mythology in depth. Artist Kevin Lau, whose dynamic manga-inspired artwork graced the pages of 1997's Shi/Vampirella crossover, added his talents to an incredible run on Shi - The Series. More crossovers continued with Harris Comics and their flagship character Vampirella, in Vampirella/Shi - Queen's Gambit.

Crusade also released the critically acclaimed Shi ~ Black, White and Red, written by Chris Golden and Tom Sniegowski with ground breaking art by the extraordinary J.G. Jones. Crusade, Sniegowski and Golden continued its Fine Arts Line with Shi ~ Masquerade, beautifully illustrated by painter extraordinaire Ray Lago. Masquerade touched on the plight of the homeless in New York and their mysterious guardian angel Pan.

Two more mini-series where completed in 1998, Angel Fire by Dan Mishkin and Mexican superstar Roberto Flores and the close of Shi - Heaven and Earth, once again working with my brother in arms Gary Cohn. A note of thanks must also be given to Dr. Gregory Walk for his incredible insight of Japanese history and his heroic contribution to Shi ~ Heaven and Earth.

Crusade also pushed forward into the overseas market and a Shi Art of War World tour set the pace. We produced the Art of War Tour Book in which I customized every single issue with an original cover sketch. I must have done over 20,000, but it was my greatest convention experience due to the fact that I actually got a chance to talk with everyone and give them something original. Merchandising production had even surpassed 1998 with two editions of the all new Shi ~ Mega Chromium Card Set, and more Shi related product including rings and model kits.

Two exciting projects were developed in 1998. One was Battlebooks, the first interactive comic book/game that allows the reader to actually step right into the pages of a comic book and do battle against another foe. Marvel Entertainment contracted the exclusive rights to Battlebooks and Crusade produced nine collectible Battlebook Blue Print Editions distributed to retailers and game testers throughout the country.