What were James influences while creating The Crow?
The story and art have many influences. The storyline of a man and woman attacked on a dirt road comes from a real life report James had heard of a couple being murdered for a $30.00 engagement ring. O’Barr was heavily influenced at the time by bands such as Bauhaus, Nick Cave and German industrial groups. During the actual drawing of the comic, he mostly listened to Joy Division & The Cure (lyrics from these two groups can be found throughout the comic). His comic influences are Frank Frazetta, N.C. Wyeth and Alex Raymond. Will Eisner, creator of The Spirit, most directly influenced his early work.
