"The Shadowed Circle" review part two

Let's pick this review up and get it to the finish line, shall we?

 The next article is a fun examination from the viewpoint of Stephen M. Newton titled "(Over) Analyzing An Archetype".  The author examines whether or not we need to know a fully realized origin of our hero (see The Batman or any number of long time characters that have been psychoanalyzed to death) or whether we can and should simply enjoy the mystery.  This is a fun little trip down the proverbial rabbit hole.

Following the trip into the high weeds we come to an informative article on the six short films that comprise The Shadow's first adventures on the screen.  "The Shadow Shorts" by Joseph Gibson briefly breaks down the three surviving films:  "The Burglar to the Rescue", "The House of Mystery" & "The Circus Show-Up".  It's a quick read for quick little films.  I have wanted to see these since I heard about them and this article just makes me want to see them all the more if for no other reason than to hear and possibly see Frank Readick as The Shadow.

 "Gray Face and The Shadow of The Batman" is an examination of Walter B. Gibson's last published story.  I have been under the impression for as long as it's been since Detective #500 has been published that this was originally a story written for The Shadow.  Author Steve Donoso cites Anthony Tollin as saying this was always a Batman tale and... well, just read the article and then pull out your copy of Detective #500 as see if it reads different with this new information.

 "The Shadow's Four-Timers Club" takes a look at the only two super-villains to have faced The Dark Avenger four separate times in the pulps.  Shiwan Khan (created by Walter B. Gibson) and Benedict Stark (created by Theodore Tinsley) are the sole occupants of that very exclusive club.  One could say that Steve Cronin could be included but he doesn't qualify as a super-villain.  Craig McDonald gives some nice insights into how each character was approached by the respective authors.  An enjoyable article about some of the most important history of The Shadow.

 Dwight Fuhro gives us a look at obsession and pursuit of a dream with "Acquiring the Holy Grail of my Shadow Collection".  Mr. Fuhro has, as far as I can tell, the most complete collection of high grade "The Shadow Magazine" pulps and rare memorabilia.  This article tells of his quest for the original George Rozen painting for "The Creeping Death".  Yeah, that painting.  Does he fulfill his dream?  Take a read and find out for yourself.

Finally we come to John Olsen and his article "ZOMBIES! - A Brief Look at the Reanimated Dead and The Shadow".  Now I'm not a zombie fan in the modern sense.  The Walking Dead, World War Z, etc.  But when it comes to zombies of the 30s & 40s I'm on board.  Slow, creepy and not exactly bloodthirsty.  This essay is primarily concerned with the zombie episodes of the radio version of The Shadow although John does cover the pulps and even some movie (not related to The Shadow) versions.  A very thorough and interesting treatise on The Shadow and the living dead!

We finish up with a single panel cartoon by John Sies.  "The Shadow Laffs" looks to be a regular feature and I look forward to the next few to follow.

Again, a very good first issue and it bodes well for the following issues.  We need all need to support this publication, whether in print (my preference) or digital.  I give this a high recommendation.  Congratulations Steve and team.  Well done.