Creature Comforts (The Crow with Gabriel) by James O'Barr

If you take time to look through my O'Barr gallery, find the photo of him and read the description. When I said that there was a story, a point to all of this, I was not lying.

When this all started with my friend getting me a remarked book by Mr. O'Barr, I had no idea what was in store for me. When I had written to Brian about how much Mr. O'Barr's work meant to me, I had no idea that he would show the e-mail to Mr. O'Barr or that Mr. O'Barr would keep it. I didn't know to expect an e-mail asking for my home address and I certainly didn't expect the package that was sent to me.

Yes, Mr. O'Barr e-mailed me (total *swoon*!) and he did, indeed, asked me for my address. Now first, let me tell you that there are several artists and writers I look up to but there was always something about Mr. O'Barr. I just felt more connected to his work and writings. So you can imagine how bad my fingers were shaking trying to type a coherent e-mail back to him. Goodness, I was just completely shocked!!

Well, after about three weeks and me being a total wreck of nerves, the package arrived a day or two after Christmas. Inside was the convention sketch I already posted but there were a few other treasures.. and this very touching sketch. Can you believe that at first I thought it was a print? It was such a surreal moment.. well, a few surreal moments. lol

I love this sketch so much! It's of the Crow and the cat Eric and Shelley used to have together- Gabriel. Now, I know it's not his most polished piece but I wouldn't want it to be. The depth and textures he created with marker and pen are simply genius. And I'll treasure it always.

I don't know if you can make it out but Mr. O'Barr made it out to me: 'For Holly with Love!" and then signed it on the right hand corner.

Mr. O'Barr's generosity continued because I also found, as I mentioned before, other treasures. One was his book of Conan illustrations called 'Savages'. The convention sketch that I already mentioned, a small blue book of love poems numbered 4/100, signed by James who did the cover and back artwork and it is also signed by someone who called themselves 'Blue'.

Also, and this was another 'Wow Factor', Mr. O'Barr sent me his newly released special addition of The Crow. Most of the printing was done in gold so.. when he signed it, he used a gold marker. He wrote "To Holly from James xoxo!... JO'Barr 2011.

I'm still very much stoked, in shock and very, very touched. I do have to correct myself and yes, even though I will always treasure the sketch seen here, I will always treasure everything he sent me. Mr. O'Barr is such a great guy and I'm so glad to have the friends that I do. If it wasn't for them, none of this would have happened.

Thank you Brian Jones, Joe F. and Carlos Lising. Not only are they a great group of guys, they also have fantastic galleries here. Go check them out!

**I added the items I mentioned here in the 'additional images'. I'm sorry about the way the book turned out but my camera just can't capture the correct colouring that well. And if anyone has any info about the small blue book, please e-mail me. I can't find any info about it.**

And that, dear readers, is the end of my story. Mr. O'Barr is one class act- a great guy that I hope to meet some day. :)