The Crow
This chapter shows how both the content and the structure of The Crow illustrate the notion that the monster is an embodiment of affect and representative of ruptures with logic and chaos. The Crow reflects the disruption that is part of both monstrosity and Romanticism. The chapter begins by unpacking the fragmented structure of the comic, which incorporates literary and visual references to Romanticism as well as diverse, mostly romantic, poems and post-punk, gothic rock lyrics in those fragments. Being fragments, these elements are also gothic in their intertextual cravings. The role of emotions in the story is then examined followed by a concluding section on the theatrical aspects of intense emotionality and its central role in the protagonist's quest. Spectacularity is complemented by the Crow's self-stylization as a painted figure with a permanent smile, immortal on one hand, but still deeply traumatized, for although he quickly heals from the shots directed at him, he still bleeds. The final section also discusses the coexisting ghostliness and spectactularity of the Crow’s revenge while also elaborating on the unfulfilled nature of his vengeful quest.