The State of The Crow 2000 Part III: What Is On The Horizon

Although the topics I discussed, in Part I and Part II of my article, cast some shadows within our Crow world, there are some positives in regard to the future of The Crow. Numerous projects are in the works.

First of all, the latest Harper Prism novel, "The Crow: Wicked Prayer", hit the bookstores on November 7th. I have read it and highly recommend it to fans of the Crow novels. Another novel is due out in early 2001 from A.A. Attanasio. It promises to breakdown even more paradigms in regard to how Crow stories are presented.

Secondly, James O'Barr's re-worked Crow comics from Blue Monkey should be coming out by the end of the year or early 2001. There will be 8 volumes that chronicle the original story. They will contain some previously deleted artwork and some re-worked pages. O'Barr has also been working on a brand new Crow story that we could see in the near future.

Also up coming is a re-release of the Movie Maniacs 2 Eric Draven figure. This time, the figure will come in a collector's fishbowl case that has the loft window in the background. The same figure is also being offered in a 12inch version. The 12inch version does not come in a collector's fishbowl, but the size makes it very enticing for the Crow collector and fan alike.

Next, plans for the new Crow movie, "Lazarus", are in the works. However, at this time there are some variables to be considered that may interfere with production, theatrical release and fan response. First, will it get made before the SAG strikes? Second, even if it makes it to post production and is finished, will it be treated like a redheaded stepchild, by Miramax, like that of "Salvation" and have no theatrical release? And finally, the most crucial factor, can fans accept that "Lazarus" is the way to go instead of a female crow story line? Many fans have been very vocal about a female avatar not being used in Crow #4. They feel the time is right, with the success of TV and movie heroines, to bring a female into the "flock". It seems to be a touch and go situation from many angles.

Something else fans have to look forward to is the release of Salvation to video/DVD (March instead of January as first reported). The boycott issue will have to be worked out, but, as I stated in Part I, industrious fans can find a way around it. Also slated for early 2001 is the much anticipated release of the deluxe Crow DVD boxed set. This will include all three Crow movies as well as many extras. Unfortunately, even though fans have long asked for a true 'directors cut' of the first film, it is unlikely that we will see this in the re-released boxed set. The reported price of $500,000 to complete such a project has been quoted as the main reason it has not happened. However, I think, as does O'Barr, that there is more than enough fan interest to recoup this cost with no problem. We can not complain too much though, at least we are getting a better DVD version than is available now (current special features: French language option).

Finally, the television series, The Crow: Stairway to Heaven, is being re-run on Scifi. If audience response meets standards, fans of STH can look forward to another season. Currently, due to special programming on the Scifi channel, the series is on hiatus until next year.

As you can see, there will be a lot happening in the coming months. This is a very exciting time for Crow fans. However, we cannot become complacent. As we know, from past experience, nothing is a certainty. The boycott needs to be stressed constantly. We MUST stick together for our cause.

Take care

LLcruize