It’s no Joke(r): Batman’s movie graphics mirror The Crow — Guest blog by Sharon

Editor’s Note: My friend & former co-worker Sharon is the loveliest of lovelies, and a fellow Brooklynite. She works as a copywriter for a Manhattan-based non-profit, as well as a marketing & PR consultant for ultracool design agency theMechanism. Being a bit of a superhero herself, she’s got some expertise in the topic of today’s guest blog…

While strolling through Noho the other day, I was stopped in my tracks by the recent Batman: The Dark Knight movie poster. The image of Heath Ledger as The Joker, with his shoulders hunched, dark coat and white face paint immediately called to mind one of my favorite movie characters— The Crow.

The similarities in the graphics and toys from the two movies are striking.

Besides the obvious visual examples, there are notable common elements regarding the characters and actors. Although the characters are on opposite ends of the “good vs. evil” spectrum, they were both profoundly affected by losing someone they loved, resulting in the need to transform their appearances and seek revenge. The most startling similarity, of course, is the shocking deaths of both movies’ stars. Neither Brandon Lee nor Heath Ledger lived to see their films released. Both died tragically at age 28.

So what do you think? Did Batman’s marketing department intentionally mirror the graphics with the goal of subliminally tapping into the cult phenomenon of Brandon Lee’s Crow? Or is it just an eerie coincidence?