Jeff Bond’s new book The Crow: The Definitive History is a series of emotional gut-punches designed as the history of a beloved franchise. That is because the history of The Crow is far from sunshine and roses. Based on a comic by James O’Barr of the same name, the film The Crow premiered in 1994. What is the one thing that everyone remembers about the film? Star Brandon Lee, son of the late martial arts legend Bruce Lee, was shot and killed on the set in a horrible accident.
This massive coffee table style book starts of where it should: discussing James O’Barr and his inspirations to write The Crow comic series. Warning: the history is dark. Following the untimely death of his fiancé at the hands of a drunk driver, and inspired by a life in and out of the Detroit foster care system, O’Barr channeled his rage into a black and white comic about a musician turned avenger. We move quickly into discussions of casting and production design. Before reading, I had no idea the original film planned to include a skeletal ghost cowboy that cut after realizing it just didn’t match the rest of the film. The book includes a wealth of photos and concept art for the models used to create the somber gothic atmosphere of Detroit on Devil’s Night. I found myself enjoying the detailed images and mentally overlaying them on the film I’ve loved since my teen years. Be advised, there is of course a huge section devoted to the death of Brandon Lee and the situation surrounding it. The Crow: The Definitive History doesn’t just stop with the original film but also includes information on the subsequent sequels. If you were a big fan of The Crow: Stairway to Heaven show from SyFy, you’re going to be disappointed; it doesn’t make an appearance, but you will see a TON of photos of Bill Skarsgaard in the remake of the first film.
The Crow: The Definitive History is a great gift for The Crow fan in your life.
