Fanboy Philosophy: Quoting 1994’sThe Crow


“It’s not a good day to be a bad guy.”

The Crow is a dark film based on the work by James O’ Barr did while in mourning.  Eric Draven in the film is both a vulnerable and vicious character, and it is this dynamic that elevates the film and comic above the very simplistic plot.  He is an emotional wreck, and despite his physical invulnerability.  The story of the Crow cannot end well.  Eric and Shelly are dead, there is no happy  future for them.  And Sarah the little girl they were taking care of ends up with quite a few issues as evidenced by the sequel City of Angels.

crow

The line “It’s not a good day to be a bad guy,”  Applies to nearly the entire cast of characters as Draven’s revenge minded Crow is not a good guy in the film.  His quest for vengeance blinds him to Top Dollar’s involvement in his and Shelly’s deaths.  If not for Sarah’s abduction it is conceivable Eric would have left the neighborhood in the exact same state it was.  Top Dollar would have simply replaced T Bird’s crew with any number of the hired thugs at his disposal.  O’Barr himself stated of the film version of Eric that he is not a hero.  Lee said he played the character very simply and in his mind making the world a better place was not a concern of Eric’s.  Even after successfully dismantling Top Dollar’s operation, it is not until the next day that Eric’s existence improves.

Sometimes setting the wrong things right, is an action that benefits others, even when we don’t think of them. And sometimes we must understand that we could easily be labeled the bad guy.