Horror Aficionados discussion

I have seen the movie and read the graphic novel. For me, the book is better than the movie even though that sounds a little cliche. Honestly though, both have their strengths and weaknesses.

The comic series has a better plot/characters and a more satisfying arc for Eric Draven. Not to mention that the art is stunning in B&W even if some of the art on the minor characters leaves a little to be desired. The best thing that the Crow has going for it is the brutal action and the fact that it was borne out of O'Barr's grief. It is also a curious mixture of both Urban Gothic and Splatterpunk. It does feel a little melodramatic at times but the emotional nature of it makes sense in both the context of genre and O'Barr's trauma. In sum, The Crow as a comic is a little rough around the edges but it is precisely why a lot of people like it, myself included.


The Crow as a movie is interesting. On the one hand, it succeeds as an adaptation of the comic and adds in some good elements. On the other, it adds an unnecessary subplot of both incestuous siblings and a dumb "Draven loses his powers at a crucial moment" twist that doesn't really affect the outcome of the story. Ernie Hudson though does turns in a solid performance as a cop, the scenery is brooding, and the soundtrack to the film is awesome. I would be remiss to all of that however if I didn't at least mention Brandon Lee's performance. He plays both Eric Draven and The Crow to perfection. Unfortunately, he also played the role too well in his own untimely death on the set. Even there though, Lee still triumphs by bringing an emotional connection to the movie that would probably not be there otherwise. Basically, its a great movie but in my opinion the book is superior to it.

That was one of my all time favorite movies and one of my all time favorite comicbooks growing up. Plus that soundtrack was killer. I met James O'Barr at a comic con a few years ago and he was such a cool dude. Great memories. Rest In Peace Brandon Lee.

I love the movie.

I'm a fan of The Crow movie too, although I've never read the comics. I had the hots for Brandon Lee, especially the scene where he paints his face up and The Cure's track "Burn" is playing in the background. Such a cool character. They don't make stuff like that anymore, at least not without looking cheesy :(

Loved the comics and the movie. The sequel, not so much. Have not watched the TV Show...

Rae wrote: "I'm a fan of The Crow movie too, although I've never read the comics. I had the hots for Brandon Lee, especially the scene where he paints his face up and The Cure's track "Burn" is playing in the ..."

To be fair, The Crow came out at the right moment of time and place. That is, the popularity of Splatterpunk and the cinematic revival of Urban Gothic.

Kendall wrote: "Rae wrote: "I'm a fan of The Crow movie too, although I've never read the comics. I had the hots for Brandon Lee, especially the scene where he paints his face up and The Cure's track "Burn" is pla..."

Of course. I was referring to how well it was done more than anything but I know what you mean.

Baudelaire wrote: "Nice to see these positive opinions.

Kendall wrote: "(...) a dumb "Draven loses his powers at a crucial moment" twist that doesn't really affect the outcome of the story."

That annoyed a bit, yea..."

Met a lot of indie creators. Timothy Zahn was at one. J. Scott Campbell if you're into the 90s comics. And the legendary Neil Adams.