The Crow by J. O'Barr Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Crow
Book Review: Beautifully Brutal
Summary: 5 Stars
I will say that this is a work of art indeed.
This gloomy fairytale about revenge is the most
visual blessing of all time, and it's narrated
perfectly.
A must for all Crow fans.
Book Review: the crow book review
Summary: 5 Stars
the book was very interesting fast goin and very exiting. The writing and illustrations were done very well. I would suggest this book to anyoe who likes darker graphic novels and likes action.i would give it 5 stars for the story line because it even though it is fake the book makes you think that it is real.
Book Review: James O'Barr, Haunted Genius
Summary: 5 Stars
This book, written to exorcize the demons of a lost love, stands as the truest "I love you" that has ever been written. Through Eric Draven and The Crow, James gave himself the ability to make those who had taken his love suffer for doing it.
I have read great poetry, wonderous prose and this is the truest melding of the two that I have ever seen. Even the violence carries a certain elegance to it. James' artwork, like no one elses goes from strong black and white linework to an almost painted feel to the black and white the book was printed in.
The Crow TPB contains the whole of the Crow story, and includes the story that was included in the Caliber Christmas Special one shot featuring Eric and Gabriel, Shelly's cat. A short sorrowfilled piece that leaves your heart bleeding tears from your eyes.
I have owned upwards of 7 copies of this particular book. I read it, I give it away and go back and get it again. I try to give everyone a taste of what James did, he deserves it. A beautiful book from a beautiful soul, buy it, read it, you won't be sorry.
Book Review: The most emotionally realistic graphic novel
Summary: 5 Stars
Comic books don't come much darker than this. The crow is an emotional roller coaster ride as only inc and paper can deliver. The story is rather static and transparent at first glance; we are treated to gleefully violent depictions of a mysterious character named Eric stalking and brutally killing gang members and drug dealers. At first we can't help but be intruiged about Eric's reasoning, as much as we are repelled by the sheer violence of his actions. But over time, as his motivations become clear, we learn to sympathize with his position, and even root for him.
J'Obarr created this story after the tragic loss of his girlfriend in a car accident, and his feelings about this sad loss are drenched into every page. When Eric is not slaughtering those responsible for his fiance's death, he is sitting in the house they shared mourning for her. I imagine that these are exactly the experiences of O'Barr himself after the accident; when not wallowing in his misery, he was wishing he had some target he could take his rage out on, which is why Eric's venegance is so graphic in nature. The villains who are the objects of Eric's wrath are all charicatures, stereotypical depictions of gangsta's and thugs with no back story and no motivations. I'm sure this is because O'Barr recognized that his girlfriends death was an accident and no one was truly to blame, which only made him all the more angry, wishing he could just have someone to focus the rage he felt onto.
Alot of the dialogue is actually pretty hard to follow. Eric's monologues tend to make no sense and seem to be simply stringing words together. But again, this is a sign of what O'Barr was feeling as he created this; the kind of rage that seeths so badly that you're mind simply does not work, and you are not able to even string a sentence together. The language of the villains is absolutely terrible, in no small part because alot of the slang they use is so dated.
Of course, the story is only half the package. The artwork is amongst the most phenomal of any graphic novel every printed. Every image has an unblinking intensity and moodiness, along with a startling realism. The character's are all competely in proportion, the buildings and streets are as worn down and dirty as a real ghetto neighborhood. No characters wear tights or uniforms in this story, they dress the way real people dress. And the fight scenes are very realistic, depicting the bloody nature of real world violence.
Overall, The Crow is a great story that transcends the pages, and tugs at your very heart as you read it. Be prepared if you read it, because you will never experience another written word like it.
Book Review: The Dance of the Dead Man
Summary: 5 Stars
Speaking simply, The Crow is a masterpiece. This is a book that gets under your skin. No matter what your circumstances, you will find something to relate to, not matter how literal it is to the story. Once you find that which you have in common with this story, it will grip you. You will feel an utter need to turn the page to see what is to befall our protagonist's enemies in this vicious tragedy-revenge.
If you're a fan of the movie and expecting this book to bear a strong similarity, prepare yourself. Though the movie does get the translation across well, it feels incomplete compared to the book. That is not to say I did not enjoy the movie; quite the opposite is true. It is to say, however, that this is quite possibly the most powerful story I have ever read. In all honestly, I myself was expecting something different the first time I read this and for that reason did not enjoy it fully. Having read it again last night and being able to appreciate it for what it is, I've discovered that it is one of my favorite stories of all time.
James O'Barr's pain and anger at losing his girlfriend in a senseless act can be felt on each and every page, through words and the monochrome shades. Having lost someone that he loved to a drunk driver, he wrote this book as a way to let that anger out. Indeed, what you feel is his emotion. And though this is violent, bloody, and disturbing for some, at the root of it all is a love story. The story of a man and a woman who lived for each other completely, their life together snapped away by random violence.
Poetry and violence go hand in hand with madness and anger throughout the entire story, with brief moments there to show us the pain Eric feels. His memories like opening scars so that the wounds may bleed once more. There are also brief moments of happiness, sometimes offering comedic relief in a story that will anger some and depress many. Bearing this, it remains an eye-opener, and will cause some readers to take a serious look in the mirror at the end of the day.