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The Crow Paperback – September 3, 2002

by James O'Barr (Author)

154 customer reviews

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Murdered along with his fiancTe on Halloween eve by a vicious street gang, Eric Draven returns from the dead and led by a crow, seeks vengeance on the killers who wronged him, in a new edition of the classic graphic novel. Reprint.

The Crow

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About the Author

James O'Barr is a writer and accomplished painter who resides in Texas. Visit JamesOBarr.typepad.com. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product details

Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Pocket Books; Cmc Rep edition (September 3, 2002)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 074344647X
ISBN-13: 978-0743446471
Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 6.5 x 0.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (154 customer reviews)
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #886,351 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #3381 in Books > Comics & Graphic Novels > Fantasy Graphic Novels
- #3987 in Books > Comics & Graphic Novels > Graphic Novels > Science Fiction
- #4074 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > TV, Movie, Video Game Adaptations

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Customer Reviews

154

4.6 out of 5 stars

5 star		85%
4 star		8%
3 star		2%
2 star		3%
1 star		2%

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Bittersweet and Haunting

ByRDDon August 1, 2016

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

In his introduction, John Bergin writes, “One day you are going to lose everything you have. Nothing will prepare you for that day. Not faith… not religion… nothing. When someone you love dies, you will know emptiness… You will know what it is to be completely and utterly alone. You will never forget and never forgive….So, if anything, at least take this lesson from The Crow: think about what you have to lose.” The narrative served as J. O’Barr’s way to deal with his grief following a loss and he fills his story with images and poetry of pain and grieving. The Crow not only wants revenge on those who caused him pain in life, but on a world that would allow such pain to exist. O’Barr’s use of high-contrast black and white creates a certain film noir feel, much like Raymond Chandler’s work (itself referenced in Robyn Hitchcock’s “Raymond Chandler Evening,” which O’Barr quotes), helps to portray this bleak world where life is disposable. O’Barr portrays the Crow and other characters with overly large eyes, the better to make them more expressive, and the Crow himself appears androgynous in many scenes, unlike other male superheroes, so that what matters most about him is his pain rather than his manliness. His violent response is not an extension of masculinity, but, to paraphrase Thomas Szasz’s quote about insanity, the only sane reaction to a violent world. Finally, like Eastman and Laird’s "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles", O’Barr’s The Crow depicts violence and bodies in motion in a manner that would later pervade the comics of the 1990s, but that features a certain amount of restraint in the 1980s. Later artists like Rob Liefeld would exaggerate this style to the point of absurdity, but these early independent artists exercised a comparative level of restraint, using the art to tell the story rather than writing the story to showcase the art.

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A Beautifully Written Tragedy

ByLoyalPadmeon September 15, 2016

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I am still working on reading this one, but from what I have read so far, this is an extremely awesome graphic novel. If you grew up in the 90s, you may have heard of or seen, "The Crow" featuring Brandon Lee (who gave a stellar performance as Eric Draven, and is sorely missed). The movie is *based* off of this novel, but as is with many book-to-movie adaptions, the two are very different in terms of how the story is played out. The pre-face or introduction alone sets everything up for the reader: this is a story about love, loss, and revenge...it is something deeply personal to the author, James O' Barr, who has chosen to share his loss with the reader. I was already attached in reading at that point, and I have taken reading it seriously as I understand it is, quite literally, a love letter that was painfully written.

The artwork inside is just amazing; as an artist, I greatly appreciate seeing other people's work, and this is one I love looking at. Mr.O' Barr's style is unique, unlike anything I have seen; very dark and bold befitting the mood of the book, and also detailed--at times it can be soft and delicate, especially when dealing with flashbacks in certain panels involving Eric's fiancee, Shelly.

I haven't seen anything sexually explicit in here: may be a panel or two that displays Shelly topless in her underwear, or covered with a bed-sheet, but that (to me) isn't such a big deal. I rated "some sexual content" to be safe, however. It is violent as it's a love-revenge story; there are a lot of deaths, and they are very graphically and aggressively played out from what I have seen, but given what I saw in the movie it was more than expected.

The writing style is very interesting; the author pulls from different sources to really set the mood and state of mind for his main character, Eric. I have found I have to re-read and really take my time with this one, which I don't mind doing, because his style and the works used are intriguing to me. There are some parts that shock you, and at other times, will make you giggle after you read--a nice roller-coaster in wording that isn't dull and keeps moving, which I like very much.

Bottom line, if you have seen the movie and are curious as to it's origins, you should definitely check this out. A good friend recommended it after I told her I had fallen in love the the movie, and I haven't been disappointed by any means. I would not recommend letting children (10 and younger) read this due to the violence alone--some kids can handle that, some kids can't, so parents will have to judge that. It's a very dark read with heavy subject matter, and it is fantastic. I am now passing the torch down the line: go take a read at it, you'll love it!

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Stunning art, comical and romantic story, differs from film version

ByADravenon August 23, 2010

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

First thing that truly hits you is the absolutly gorgeous artwork of the piece. Doesn't feel like a sterotypical comic but rather a work of art. Absolutly magnificent in that aspect. The story is deeply profound; ranging from, witty to dramatic to romantic to comical and back again. Most importantly, this piece leaves lasting memories and lessons upon the reader that makes it all the more beautiful. However it is important to note that if you are looking for a direct translation of the film (The Crow 1994,) you won't find it here. The comic seems slightly more disjointed and puzzle-like and in my opinion less romantic and heartbreaking than the dramatic irony of the film project and those involved. The comic portrays situations more humorously all the while maintaining it's serious and grief-stricken tone. All and all a magnificent piece that is far more than just words on a pages or thought bubbles in a comic. This work leaves with it lessons about love, life, revenge and determination through the stunningly drawn pictures that eerily haunt it pages. Heart-wrentchingly beautiful, it will leave a tear in your eye, a thought in your head and fill a void in your heart.

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Far exceeded my expectations, deserves more praise

ByHwy61Joeon October 2, 2010

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

THE CROW enjoyed a pop culture explosions back in the 90s with the success of the film starring Brandon Lee. After reading this book which collects the original series of comics featuring James O'Barr's creation, I am surprised the comic itself is not held in higher regards. I was expecting a simple story with simple art. While the basic plot is simple, it transcends its own simplicity and becomes an archetype: the ultimate story of vengeance. The back story is told through a series of heart-wrenching flashbacks, each making The Crow's distribution of justice seem that much more satisfying and deserved. The art is beautiful. I'm left wondering why O'Barr hasn't done more stories over the years. I suppose if this is all he is really known for it is a superb accomplishment in itself.