The Crow | |
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The Crow #1 illustration by James O'Barr
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Publication information | |
Publisher |
Caliber Comics Image Comics |
First appearance | Caliber Presents #1 (1989) |
Created by | James O'Barr |
In-story information | |
Alter ego |
Comics: Eric Joshua Zane Iris Shaw Michael Korby Mark Leung Leandre Vincent Leonard Elorah Jamie Osterberg The Man Carrie/"Curare" Jack Salvador Film: Eric Draven Ashe Corven Alex Corvis Jimmy Cuervo Television: Hannah Foster Novels: William Blessing Jared Poe Amy Carlisle Stephen Lelliott Dan Cody Billy Parker and Dren |
Abilities |
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The Crow is a fictional character and the protagonist of The Crow comic book series, originally created by American artist James O'Barr in 1989. The titular character is an undead vigilante brought back to life by a supernatural crow to avenge his murder and that of his fiancée. The character has subsequently appeared in several feature films, a television series, and spin-off novels and comics. In the various incarnations, films, and spin-offs, many people have taken on the Crow persona in order to avenge their own wrongful deaths. In 2011, IGN ranked the Crow 37th in the Top 100 Comic Book Heroes.
The Crow is a supernatural bird that serves as the protagonist's link between the living world and the realm of beyond. The magical crow is capable of resurrecting people who have been murdered, so that the victims may be able to seek justice on the person or people responsible for their death. This story is said to come from an old Native American legend.
During the person's "rebirth," the crow serves as a guide, helping the individual tap into his or her potential and assisting in tracking down the wrongdoers. To other people, the Crow seems to be nothing more than a common bird; but the Crow is capable of speaking to the reborn, often helping guide them to exact their revenge.
In the film adaptations, if the Crow is harmed or killed, the reborn becomes vulnerable. However, the Crow also seems to be much more enduring than a regular bird and might possess some regeneration abilities (e.g. in The Crow movie the bird survives after being shot with a rifle).
While they are in possession of the Crow's powers, the majority of those reborn possess several unique abilities. Because they are already dead, the reborn do not need to eat or sleep and are incapable of feeling physical pain, and are able to instantly recover from any form of bodily harm, no matter how great the damage. Because of their otherworldly physical strength, the reborn are able to quickly overcome any adversary, even those who would be otherwise untouchable. The reborn have superhuman reflexes, and are able to scale across buildings and rooftops and fight with great skill. In addition, the reborn are able to see through the Crow's eyes.