"The Fate Joss"

 "They were peaceable; they gave no argument. When we questioned them, all they would say was "Ying Ko" -- and they kept repeating it. Sounded like a name; but there's nobody in Chinatown with that moniker. It's not a place, either -- I've looked through atlases trying to find it. "Ying Ko" -- that's all they would say."

 Pretty cool cover for a somewhat seminal tale.  The above quote is from Joe Cardona and it references Ying Ko, the name that the oriental culture knows The Shadow by.  Why is this important?  Well, this is the first tale to bring this information to light.  

Even John Olsen finds this an irresistible adventure.  "This is a wonderfully exciting Chinatown adventure of The Shadow. And the concept of the Fate Joss is quite unique. An interesting concept of fate, destiny and self-determination. This is one of those key issues in the magazine's run which everyone should read. Plus, it's just good, exciting fun!"

"The Star and the Twisted Cross" page 19

 

"The Condor"

 A great story to be found under this so so cover.  This cover has never done much for me but I finally got around to reading the novel and, well, all is forgiven.  If The Shadow had not been so popular I think this cover would have hurt sales.

"The Star and the Twisted Cross" page 18

"...for a wounded animal is more dangerous than a simply angered one."

"Murder Every Hour"

 Whatcha think?  Would The Shadow truly allow murder to be committed every hour?  I think not!  That's why you should read this mystery with a twist.  Find out for yourself how often the top of the hour strikes murder in this June 1935 adventure.

"The Star and the Twisted Cross" page 17

"Ram them.  Then we can pick up the pieces."

"The Third Skull"

 Ah, the classic hidden image trope.  This is a very recognizable cover painting for a pretty fun story.  It just keeps your interest to the very end and embodies a lot of the things that make The Shadow such a great character.  Check it out, if you haven't already.

"The Star and the Twisted Cross" page 16

"While you ponder this... I shall go about my business."

Sanjulian does The Shadow

 This looks like it was designed for a piece of a movie poster.  I've always been a fan of Sanjulian but this is the only time I've seen him do The Shadow.  Quite nice.  I'll be doing an internet search for more of his interpretation.

"The Golden Quest"

 "I'm thinking of The Shadow. The isle was one place where he could go to rest up after the battle. He must have taken a rowboat from the dock. We can use the motorboat. It's here on the point. Not our aid, but our services may be useful. The fact that he could reach the isle is proof that he is all right. But a visit, on my part, to that cabin of yours might prove most timely." - Harry Vincent

Not my favorite cover but this is a pretty good story.  The previous issue was just the opposite... great cover with a so so story.  Anyhow, this adventure of The Shadow from May of '35 is well worth your time.  Read it and it won't be only The Shadow who knows.

Chaykin, The Shadow and Margo

 Solid illustration of Lamont/Kent/The Shadow giving Margo Lane a bit of a shooting lesson.  I especially like the use of coquille board (or a facsimile of such) to give this the feel of an old school illustration from the pulp days.  Nicely done, Mr. Chaykin.

"The Triple Trail"

Love, love, love this cover.  Sure, there is no profile in silhouette to really push the issue, but I love the technique Rozen used.  So tight and idealized.  It feels to me as if I could be The Shadow looking down at my hands as I handle the clew.  Unfortunately the 'adventure' is a bit slow and plodding.  At least that's how I felt.  Still, I'd love to own this issue just for this great cover.

ON THE AIR: November 17, 1940

 A gorilla.  A mad scientist who likes to make rhymes.  Margot Lane.  There can be only one way to go... BRAIN TRANSFERENCE!  Muahahahahahaha!  Enjoy "The House of Horror".

"Lingo"

Classic cover (although not one of my favorites) with an all time classic story contained within.  C'mon, a gargoyle and the Master of Men, how can you go wrong?!  It even shows up on Shadow Comics #6!

Like I said, a classic.

"The Star and the Twisted Cross" page 15

"So much for complete surprise.  I must acquire a dry weapon."

"Bells of Doom"

Ah, a return to a more proper cover for our hero.  And a return to a great tale.  It is so great that they even published it as a comic as well.

Ahhh, the good old days. 

"The Star and the Twisted Cross" page 14

"Coast Guardsmen being thrown off the launch..."

"Crooks Go Straight"

 If it weren't for the ring this could be any Detective Stories cover or any number of other pulps.  Nothing really screams The Shadow with this one.  And the story itself is fairly routine and, well, uninspired.  These things happen.  The art is well done as is the writing, it just doesn't combine to make a memorable adventure  with our hero.

"The Star and the Twisted Cross" page 13

 

"Please prepare to receive a stretcher."

"The Dark Death"

 Originally title "The Black Death" this story just won't fly in today's woke climate.  As I've said many times I view these stories in the context of the era in which they were written.  But with the heightened climate regarding race in our country this is just a hard one to read without bringing our times into it.  A machine that kills only people of dark pigment.  Regardless of the intention of the Q-ray, which was created to help with skin diseases, it is just a hard pill to swallow.  Not to mention the KKK and Hitler's rise in Europe and the idea that there is a master race?  Perhaps Gibson was trying to raise a little attention.  Not sure.  Do I recommend you read it?  Absolutely.  It's still a great Shadow tale, just one that seems, unfortunately, topical 87 years later. 

"The Star and the Twisted Cross" page 12

"Is that--?  The pigs!"

"The Plot Master"

 "This ends your game. Your plots are finished."

                                                                    -The Shadow

A fun concept for the cover, just not a great illustration.  The master of disguise observing another disguise artist.  At least the story is top shelf.  As a bit of trivia this adventure included Professor Arthur Whitburn for the final time.  He first appeared in 'The Red Menace' back in 1931.

"The Star and the Twisted Cross" page 11

"--he seems to be better organized than we suspected... with his own operative in unexpected corners."

"The Blue Sphinx"

" It was I. I who divined your scheme! The riddle of the Blue Sphinx! It was I who placed the charges beneath the Sphinx, ready to blast it, the night before your henchmen moved! Your turn has come, Strafford Malden. I have allowed you to declare your guilt. Confessed a murderer, you are doomed..."

-The Shadow

This is an okay story.  I didn't fall in love with it even though it seemed that it would be a pretty fun mystery.  But it does feature some of those weirdly named characters that Walt so loved such as;  Konk Zitz Tinker Furris, Soupy, Mayor Quirby Rush and Detective "Mushmug" Jurling.

La Sombra #4

 Okay, this is the last one that I know of and it just doesn't cut it.  The pistol actually looks like it was pasted into an illustration meant for a men's magazine.  If this had Kaluta comics inside I just don't know how this cover relates to them.  I know my folks would have probably questioned my intentions in buying this 'comic'.

"The Four Signets"

"Creeper Trigg. I have heard your plan. In your hand you hold the weapon that I shall use against you and these others. Rise. Do as I command. The contents of that syringe will do for three. Be sparing with it, Ralder. I may decide that sleep, not death, is suited to your needs. The police, have need of your testimonies. So I shall reserve you for their arrival. They will find you doped, here in this room. But on one condition only. Each of you must speak." - The Shadow

Pretty much the ultimate 'hand' cover!  However, the same can't be said about the story.  The first tale of 1935 is just okay.  This is the 69th published adventure and I'm sure W B Gibson was under a bit of stress as the year began.  However it wasn't the year 1935, this novel was submitted January 19, 1934!  I can't imagine churning out that kind of output and being that far ahead of schedule.  Of course, I'm a habitual procrastinator.  Something I'm trying to cure but at my somewhat advanced age it is proving to be a tough row to hoe.

La Sombra #3

 Now this one can pass for a modern day(ish) cover for The Shadow.  We have a proper silhouette, a proxy hero (perhaps Harry Vincent) and a damsel, albeit a bit on the racy side for Gibson. 

ON THE AIR: November 10, 1940

While visiting a carnival, Lamont and Margot go inside a wax museum which depicts historical death scenes. They soon discover that dead people are being substituted for statues in the exhibit. 

Yeah, this story has been done to death, but was it done to death by 1940?  Probably not.  Sit back and enjoy this adventure of The Shadow!

"Cyro"

 I've always had a bit of a soft spot for this cover.  I think it is the goofy looking crook front and center and the winding staircase that draws me in.  Not loving The Shadow on this one, probably because he is coming in from a very bright area of the image.  This story goes from Manhattan to New Orleans and touches on Spanish gold.  Give it a go.  It's a good one.

"The Star and the Twisted Cross" page 10

"Berne, Switzerland.  1918.  The unpleasantness at the Registry of Deeds.

You were an American Intelligence agent.  A very... dramatic one."

"The Unseen Killer"

"When I woke up I was in that box and The Shadow was looking in on me. Black cloak— slouch hat—all I could see was eyes. He talked to me and I listened. He knew everything, that guy. Said he was sending me to Joe Cardona. Told me if I talked, I'd come out all right. He'd do the rest in a pinch. Well, here I am." 

-Miles Crofton 

This cover almost looks like a combination of The Shadow of The Shadow Comics and a typical pulp cover.  Well rendered but a bit,uh, goofy.  But it is truly a 'The Shadow vs. The Invisible Man' tale.  This one, as shown by the above quote, introduces the audience to Miles Crofton.

"The Star and the Twisted Cross" page 9

" 'Distinguished professor', my kopf."

"Doom on the Hill"

 Trains, planes (well, autogyros) and automobiles.  The Shadow takes to the rails to bring justice to the countryside.  Of course this can be nothing short of another great early adventure.  If you've never read it and want a bit of a preview, check out John's review.

"The Star and the Twisted Cross" page 8

"...and I suppose I should open this envelope from that curious woman."

"The Chinese Disks"

 "Say, that guy gave me the creeps. But he's an ace. If he wasn't, Moe Shrevnitz wouldn't be drivin' no cab today. Tell me what he wants. I'm game for it."

Years after his first defeat by The Shadow, Diamond Bert Farwell gets out of jail on good behavior. He then rigs up a system of Chinese disks to identify his agents and steal and sell large quantities of jewels. By the use of various disguises he evades the law.  But The Shadow counters by using a variety of agents, some for the first time, to break up the crime ring.  By the end of the adventure, Bert's final disguise is pierced by The Shadow and is shot by our hero, never to rise again. 

Classic cover with a hidden clew/message on it.  Can you find it?

"The Star and the Twisted Cross" page 7

"Got a light, fella?"

"The Death Sleep"

 This cover feels like a throwback to the very early years of the magazine.  Of course, the story is great.  Why wouldn't it be?!  This was also reprinted in England with a few minor changes (as far as I know);the title seems to now be "GAS!", the location is now London, Clyde Burke goes from being in the story to just a mention and, oh yeah, Joe Cardona becomes Joe Carton.  Why?  Only The Shadow knows.

"The Star and the Twisted Cross" page 6

"The lady dropped her schmata."

Gotta love it

 The Shadow versus... what?  The Sphinx?  Cheops?  Is that Margo or a reincarnated Cleopatra?  I have to know.  It also appears that The Shadow has his cloak on inside out and that he is trying to match his socks?  Yikes, some many unanswered questions.  Oh, well, back when comics were fun, right?

"Murder Marsh"

 

Ahhhhh... another 'hand' cover.  This just reminds me of J C Leyendecker's style of illustration.  This is a terrific cover to a pretty decent tale set in, you guessed it, a marsh.  It's a fun adventure that introduced me to the Ignis Fatuus, commonly known as will-o'-the-wisp, a light that sometimes appears in the night over marshy ground and is often attributable to the combustion of gas from decomposed organic matter.  Also known in the Medieval Latin as, literally, foolish fire.

The tale was also reprinted in The Thriller under the same title.  Interestingly, it appears (according to Shadow Wiki) that Burbank acquires a first name, Richard.  Of course the setting is moved to England and it seems that Rutledge Mann is written out (although to be fair he was only mentioned in the original and didn't make an appearance), but otherwise it appears to remain intact.

Steranko's 'Green Eyes'

 Prep drawing to finish to published product.  Nicely done, one of my favorite images of The Shadow.

"The Garaucan Swindle"

Not my favorite story or cover.  Surprising since it has a pretty dynamic composition.  It just doesn't feel that interesting, though.  Don't get me wrong, it's still a good story and a well done cover, it's just that neither rank that high for me even though it's an early adventure.

ON THE AIR: November 3, 1940

 "Several accidents are occurring at a lumber camp. The workers believe it is a backwoods creature named 'The Creeper' who's responsible. Vacationing in the area, Lamont and Margot stumble onto one of the accident scenes where a tree has fallen on a lumberman. The two hear about the local superstition which are frightening the men. However, The Shadow knows better and investigates."  The Shadow Wiki

This is not the classic 1938 Orson Welles episode where The Creeper lives under the city kidnapping people and chaining them up.  Still, The Shadow in the woods?  Why not?

"Spoils of The Shadow"

 This was never one of my favorite covers.  I appreciate all of the work Rozen put into it but it just falls flat for me.  Feels like he was trying to channel Wyeth or Pyle.  The story is good, however.