The first appearance of the character Sister Shannon Masters was in "Warrior Nun Areala" Vol. 1 #1. Beginning in December 1994 and ending in April 1995, a three-issue limited series established the fictional world of Areala, several key characters, and her origin story. She was shown having just completed her training in a time when there had been no demonic activity for years and the Warrior Nuns were in danger of being disbanded. Despite her lack of experience, she was assigned to fulfil a mission in New York City where Satan's minions of Earth were planning an assault on Heaven. She successfully foiled their plans.