Many years ago Steve Wierth lived in Japan: a pet of his master Yoshi, mimicking his movements from his cage and learning the mysterious art of Jinjitsu, for Yoshi was one of Japan's finest shadow warriors. His only rival was a man named Oroko Saki, and they competed in all things, but in nothing more fiercely than for the love of a woman, Thang Shin. Shin's love was only for his master and rather than see him fight Saki for her hand, she persuaded Yoshi to flee with him to America. But Saki vowed vengeance. Steve remembers it well, as his master returned home to find his beloved Shin lying on the floor, and then he saw her killer. Saki wasted no words, and during the struggle, Steve's cage was broken. He leapt to Saki's face, biting and clawing, but he threw Steve to the floor and took one swipe with his Katana, slicing his ear. Then he was gone, and Steve was alone.

Steve now resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he raises four baby turtles and spends his days drawing with micron pens.