Colorful Clew

Feeling generous.

The Grove of Doom

What an iconic image. Classic! This story consistently ranks as a top ten tale in the annals of The Shadow, and rightfully so. If you haven't read this one, do so now. The cover and the story make this a great example of why we love this character.

Easy one

Shouldn't take too long on this one.

The Shadow Meets the Mask

Again. This is the second time this title has been used. Uninspired cover for an uninspired story. But such is the fate of many long running series in any medium. Not everything can be a gem.

Clew for the weekend

Gotta face these once in awhile.

A couple of shots from the '94 film

I, personally, really liked the sets from this film. The massive information center for Burbank makes great sense although it goes against Mr. Gibson's description. But then again, much of this film draws the ire of purists. Take the Sanctum, sensible but far from the dark room lit by a single blue light (sometimes green). However, for the purposes of this film, I think the Sanctum is awesome.

The Dead Who Lived

Like a deer caught in the headlights! Again with the green cloak. This one is just okay for me. Never like to see our hero lose his gat. I think the switch from "Death Gas" to its published title was a good thing. The story has been reviewed here for those who want to know more.

Clew two for You

Hope this helps.

Clewsday Tuesday

Shine your detective light on this one, Agent T.

Death By Proxy

Sorry for the low resolution on this image. It's tough to find quality images of these great covers. And a great cover it is! I love the explosions popping around the scene giving it a sense of urgency and danger. The coloration on The Shadow's face is terrific but the fez seems a bit trite. I am viewing it from nearly 75 years after the fact, to be sure. 1936 may have been intrigued by the exotic concept of the fez.
Anyhow, this was the last story published in the amazing run of 112 straight stories by Walter B. Gibson. "Partners in Peril" by Tinsley was next up. From November 1, 1936 until July 1, 1943 Theodore Tinsley spelled Mr. Gibson 27 times and Lester Dent (of Doc Savage fame) had one published as well. These all worked well in the canon until the ill advised assignment of Bruce Elliott pretty much closed the doors on our hero's sanctum.

Clew for the weekend

A line from the '94 film

"Did you think you'd get away with it? Did you think I wouldn't know?!"

I really like the way Baldwin delivered these lines. I think he really enjoyed the role. I know it wasn't the perfect version of The Shadow, but I think it was a very fun film.

Another pic of The Shadow that could have been

Just like the cloak (ignore the ruffles). But I will be fine if the movie that gets made stars Mark Strong. After seeing him in Robin Hood with the cloak I think he'd be great.

Could this man have been The Shadow? part deux

Just wondering what he may have looked like with the ring and slouch hat. And a little dramatic lighting.

Death Rides the Skyway

This story has nothing to do with the radio episode of the same name. And as much as I would like to think the wheel hitting the windscreen of our hero's vehicle is from an aeroplane, alas it is only another car. The skyway that is referenced is a newly constructed elevated highway. Sigh, I was hoping for a little aerial battle showcasing the skills of the Dark Eagle. Shouldn't he be wearing a safety belt, though?

Could this man have been The Shadow?

Conrad Veidt, widely believed to have been the inspiration for the Joker with his performance in "The Man Who Laughs", certainly looks the part of the dapper Lamont Cranston, complete with the "masklike" face. I think the eyes are what pull me in and make me believe that this man could be the original "Dark Knight".

New clew

Stay grounded for this one.

The Shadow: 2013(ish)

Just a little idea. How would anyone feel about Ridley Scott directing the future film incarnation of The Shadow? Blade Runner is one of my all time favorite films and Scott has an absolute eye for detail and history. He's a great story teller and his films look beautiful. Add to that he has worked with Mark Strong (Robin Hood) and you might have a great film. Just a thought.

The Sledge-Hammer Crimes

Wow, almost a propaganda cover. The hammer of justice smashing those who would perpetrate evil on society. Heh, I love this stuff. Well rendered except for the awkward manner in handling the ring. Seems a bit forced to me, but I'm sure it was the best solution for the layout. All in all, a smashing cover. Check it out here if you want to read a bit about the story (written nearly a year prior to publication) originally titled "The Disintegrator".

Hittin' crime where it hurts

Take a swing at this one.

The Death Sleep

Cool cover in the sense that The Shadow is casting his "shadow" across all of gangdom. Love the molls added in there. This is so symbolic in the greatest pulp sense and the exaggerated expression on the mug in the Dick Tracy costume is so very pulp. I also love the title of this tale.

Wednesday's Clew

After a hard night at Mardi Gras, I'm sure this is what some party goers felt they needed.

Mardi Gras Mystery

Fat Tuesday seems appropriate to highlight this cover to the tale originally titled "Crime Trails the Mardi Gras". This cover reminds me of some of the old Post covers by J C Leyendecker, one of my favorite illustrators. The Shadow doesn't seem to thrilled to have confetti draped over his trademark slouch hat. I do like this illustration and am intrigued by the box that the young debutante is passing to the young man. It makes me curious as to what is unfolding in the French Quarter.

This clew has a definite theme

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Happy 80th

According to Will Murray (see "Interlude" in Volume 11 of the current reprints) March 6, 1931 saw "The Living Shadow" hit the streets of Depression-era America. Who'd have thought that March 6, 2011 would be in the throes of a similar economic turmoil. Is this a sign that The Shadow is once more needed? I would argue that he has always been needed and that what is lacking is that he is no longer heeded.
Anyhow, Happy Anniversary to that greatest of pulp heroes, The Shadow.

The Living Joss

Wonderful cover. It's got the hand and ring that I love, the bright colors and simple design that catch the eye, just like a good cover should. Really want to read this one just because of this cover. If all you want to do is read a synopsis of the tale formerly know as "The Living God", then check this out.

See no clew...

Sandy Kossin

A couple of prep sketches from Sandy Kossin, the artist whose worked graced a couple of reprints during the Bantam run in the sixties. His cover for "The Living Shadow" is the first time I ever saw a representation of The Shadow.

Masters of Death

I really want to like this cover, the rendering is very nice, but the short cloak makes it very hard for me. For some reason this one looks like it comes from a digest and not a full size pulp. Perhaps it is the stark white backdrop (which I normally have no problems with, however this is The Shadow after all). But the fact that it is from the last Shiwan Khan story makes it a classic.

Clewsday yet again

No clew in the text this time. Just no clever way to hint at this one.