Translation GUN and ACTION II 2002-09-03, Uppers No.17

20020523 (bottom): Hyakkisho, or "the tale of the Hundred Demons" is a project which involves various short episodes, divided into 2 elements: the first concerns tales of heroic quests, which have a serious "tone" and is focused on the use of martial arts; the other concerns "secret" legends which mainly feature erotic elements, with demons and monsters apparitions. I'd like to realize it in 3D graphics, but before taking a decision of this kind I think I'll take some time, as it seems that times are still not appropriates. The name of the character is Shion (simple and immediate, isn't it?), and I equipped her with a particular firearm. In facts, as she is a descendent of an exotic demon race, and lives in the mountains far recesses [and is] always on the move, she doesn't like using weapons which need accurate servicing, or supplying. It seems that during the XVII century flint rifles were already imported in Japan, but as I didn't find it very suitable for the drawing and for the setting, I chose a dual barrel shotgun with a flint-lock charge, with dual plate and trigger. Even among those crafted by Kunitomo, the famous Edo era gunsmith, there are a number of strange and interesting rifles, but I decided not to depict them. The most expert [among you] will notice that I've forgotten to draw the raincoat, but maybe this is not so important. Shion is not the usual kunoichi, or "ninja woman", she's rather a lonely chap in an era in which the big ninja "families" didn't even exist yet. The tale, in fact, is set before that period. The armor and the items used by her are usually considered as torture instruments which come from the West, but given the fact that Shion doesn't have a clue about that, she uses them for her pleasure [sic] and advantage. Both because they suit her, and because the numerous built-in hooks may prove useful. Masamune Shirow.

20020524 (top): Demons are immortal, spider-shaped weavers, they act in groups and capture people thanks to their techniques: just like puppet-players, they force people to do anything may amuse them [the demons]. This is a tale in which the warrior Shion fights against the sixteen evil Thread Operators and against their thousand arms; the tale takes place in a single night.