Thursday, September 30, 2010

Forgotten Gold

I like the action of this cover, but not the fact that it appears our hero is shooting the antagonist in the back. I like the realism that Gladney brings to the covers, however he often doesn't create the iconic and memorable images that Rozen did so well. If you want to read a review of this tale go here.

"The Night of the Mummy" page 3

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

The Death Tower

Very early story of our hero, and one can tell by this cover that the art department had yet to catch up to the familiar look of the Shadow, although the familiar green\purple lighting is very present in this, the sixth tale of The Shadow. As Agent T pointed out, this cover was reused four issues later on "Mobsmen On The Spot". Technically, this cover negates the highly anticipated cover for "The Shadow Unmasks".
(Oh, and by the way, he looks remarkably like Martin Landau)

"The Night of the Mummy" page 1

Sunday, September 26, 2010

A brief rest for the weary

Nothing new to report. Will resume duties on the morrow.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

The House That Vanished


Originally titled "The Vanished House", this 1935 tale sports an average cover. Perhaps Rozen was trying to build excitement with the unknown location The Shadow found on the signpost. If so, it didn't really work. While rendered well, the concept leaves much to be desired. If he was attempting to create some sense of confusion with the sign pointing to the left of the panel and The Shadow pointing right, it was a bit too subtle. However, as it is a cover of one of the most popular pulps at the time, they could have put a picture of a typewriter under the masthead and it still would have sold. Oh wait, they did do that. If you would like to read a short review of this tale, go here.

"The Night of the Beast" page 20


Thursday, September 23, 2010

"The Night of the Beast" page 18

My Sanctum during the day


We finally moved into our new offices and I thought I'd show my new space. Would like to have had a more tasteful desk but...

The Devil's Partner

Click here for a review of this tale. Why start with that? Because this cover is one of the worst ones I've seen. The Shadow has no legs and the bad guy has some seriously screwed up legs. And where is our hero's left arm? Horrible, just horrible. What a shame when the title is so provocative.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

The Blur


Quick answer, Agent T. Again, you win the kewpie doll. Not much to say about this cover other than it is more comic book than gritty pulp. Again, Gladney is great at rendering but loses the mystique that is The Shadow. If anyone wants to check this tale out, go here for a brief synopsis.

"The Night of the Beast" page 16


Friday, September 17, 2010

The Garaucan Swindle

This is a wonderful cover showing The Shadow as we all think of him, doing impossible things to crush crime and let the good people sleep peacefully at night. Although this cover utilizes the dreaded yellow again, it works for me in this case and emphasizes the perspective of the buildings in the background. This novel was originally titled "Heirs to Death".
Anyone interested in reading a review of this story, by all means click here. For as we are all aware; The Shadow knows.

"The Night of the Beast" page 12

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

I got mine!!!!


Oh, yeah! I finally was able to purchase one of the M W Kaluta/Randy Bowen Shadow busts. It had a little damage on it but I've touched it up and am now moving it from spot to spot in my studio/sanctum. As soon as my office becomes available (Monday) I'll probably work the studio around this little gem of a sculpt. I love it. Definitely worth the very long wait.

"The Night of the Beast" page 10

House of Shadows

Very good, Agent T. I concur regarding the white cuffs. Different times, I guess. I have always appreciated Gladney's rendering ability and more natural and realistic approach, but I do prefer Rozen's dynamic and pulpish style. For a brief synopsis of this story, go here.

Monday, September 13, 2010

"The Night of the Beast" page 8

The Blackmail King

Ah, the yellow. Wow, it just sticks in my craw. I could give it a pass if I were sure it was a taxi cab I was looking at but the awning kind of throws that out the window. I do like the peek into the fashion of the day with the damsel's hairstyle and outfit. Anyhow, click here if you want to read a review of this 1941 story, originally titled "The Blackmail Master".

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Pardon the interruption...

but today is my lovely wife's birthday. No other post for agents today. So HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SWEETHEART!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

House of Ghosts

The rendering is fine on this one but it just doesn't look like a Shadow cover. Where's the broad brimmed slouch hat? This looks like one of Ol' Blue Eyes hand me downs! And did The Shadow leave the sanctum sans his famous girasol? The artist, art director and publisher sure fell down on this one. Oh well, if you want to read a brief review of this 1943 tale, click here.

"The Night of the Beast" page 4

Monday, September 6, 2010

A rest from the labors of the year

Happy Labor Day from the dark little room lit only by a blue light. Be safe, the Shadow knows!

Saturday, September 4, 2010

"The Night of the Beast" page 1

City of Fear


Ding ding ding... give that man a kewpie doll! Right again, Agent T. I love this cover. The action and Gladney's realism make me feel that the Shadow could be operating high above the city streets. Just wish it were a night scene, then the costume would make sense. If anyone is interested in a review of this tale by Theodore Tinsley, here is where you want to be.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

The Devil Master


Right again, Agent T. Never liked this cover, though. Reminds me of those fifties covers of Batman and Robin fighting amongst those giant props. I want my Shadow to be in realistic settings. But that could just be me. If you are interested in reading a review of this story (originally titled "Masters of Empire"), go here.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

And today's clew is...


Okay, this should be easy. Really.

And now a word from the other Shadow

This was a musing from the end of the January 29, 1939 episode, "Prelude to Terror".

"The plots and plans of criminals are the devices of their own destruction."

Heh, gotta love the old days when the bad guys were the bad guys and they got their comeuppance.

Wizard of Crime

This story is the first Wizard of Crime. A second novel with the same title came out in '43. With so many stories on such short time frames this was bound to happen. I've always liked this cover and the fact that it features one of the agents is a plus. Good job, Agent T. For a review of this tale, click here.