James O’Barr Signed Print of Original Sketch of The Crow by Aaron Kai

James O’Barr is an American comics artist, writer and graphic artist, best known as the creator of the comic book series The Crow. After his discharge from the Marines, James 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 with Gary Reed of Caliber Press. The first miniseries was published in 1989. The Crow has since sold more than 750,000 copies worldwide.

Presented is an original print of a hand drawn sketch illustration by artist Aaron Kai. The image features the character from The Crow. The Crow is a supernatural superhero comic book series created by James O’Barr revolving around the titular character of the same name. The series, which was originally created by O’Barr as a means of dealing with the death of his fiancée at the hands of a drunk driver, was first published by Caliber Comics in 1989. It became an underground success, and was later adapted into a film of the same name in 1994.

The highlight of the print is that it was autographed by the creator of The Crow, James O’Barr who signed it in black felt tip with the date, “1999.” It was matted with a display that measures 26″ x 31.5″.

Aaron Kai brings the light of the silver screen to life in fine art paintings that deliver a punch. Kai’s work shows a moment frozen in time, delivering his own brand of storytelling that continues long after the credits roll. It is not hard to see the effect the cinema has had on Kai when you see the kinetic drama, detailed workmanship, and heart-rending emotion that simmer in his paintings.

​Kai’s own style of ‘hyperreelism’ blends stories from the big screen with explosive action and keeps that action going on canvas—a virtually impossible feat in a medium like painting. Kai’s compositions live and breathe in the details he painstakingly renders. This immense talent has not been lost on Kai’s who’s who of celebrity collectors, including actor/director Clint Eastwood (Dirty Harry, Million Dollar Baby), director Ridley Scott (Blade Runner, Gladiator), actor Harrison Ford (Star Wars, Blade Runner/2049), actor Rutger Hauer (Batman Begins, Blade Runner), actor Sean Young (No Way Out, Blade Runner), actor Michael Rosenbaum (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Smallville), production executive Katherine Haber (Blade Runner, The Getaway), Makeup Effects Group, Inc. (The Matrix Trilogy, Mad Max Fury Road), actor/rapper RZA (Kill Bill, Wu-Tang Clan), and numerous others.

​Having an eye for detail and an extensive knowledge of strategic camera shots and storytelling composition, Kai pushes past simply putting ‘characters on a page’ and creates deeply impactful fine art, capturing timeless expressions that make us feel and remember the films that so moved us. He works with acrylic or oil on illustration board or canvas but also showcases his masterful pieces on leather jackets he calls: Kai Artwear.

The stunning realism of Kai’s visual stories make each painting a rare gem. Only true masters can make their craft look easy and flow naturally when in reality they have spent countless hours rendering and perfecting the most difficult of subjects: the human face and figure. Aaron Kai has proven himself a master of hyperrealism and an artist beyond his time.

All displays are sold as is without warranty to the condition of the frame. This item will incur a shipping surcharge to to its size/weight.

James O’Barr Signed Print of Original Sketch of The Crow by Aaron Kai