Biography

JAMES O'BARR (comics book artist; USA)

Guest appearance: all days

James O'Barr is an American comics artist, writer, and graphic artist, best known as the creator of the comic book series THE CROW.

Before entering the Marines, O'Barr's fiancée, Beverly, had been killed by a drunk driver. While living in Berlin in 1981, O'Barr began work on his comic THE CROW as a means of dealing with his personal tragedy.

After his discharge from the Marines, O'Barr continued his painting and illustration as well as doing various odd jobs, including working for a Detroit body shop. The Crow sat on a shelf for seven years, but at last he found a publisher, Caliber Press. The first miniseries was published in 1989. THE CROW has since sold more than 750,000 copies worldwide.

O'Barr's own hope that his project would result in a personal catharsis went unfulfilled.