Not my favorite cover. Why, then, am I posting it? Well, since you asked, it's because I am reading it at the moment (and probably many more moments since I read at a glacial pace) and thought it fit with what was on my mind. Why don't I like this cover? Well, the main character, the Bobby, is boring and not particularly well done. Oh, the hands and face are serviceable but the clothing is oddly rendered. Even if the heavier cloth wouldn't create the interesting wrinkles and folds, take some artistic license. I do love the mane character (heh heh) of the lion. What I don't like is the rather poor manner in which the Shadow's shadow fails to lay correctly on the statue and how crammed all of the elements seem. Also, it is London and the story does repeatedly mention a "pea souper" so why not use the swirling fog to create mystery and atmosphere rather than just having it muddy up the background?! A lost opportunity for sure. As always, click here for a review of this tale, originally titled "London Crime", from September 1935.
Monday, July 12, 2010
The London Crimes
Not my favorite cover. Why, then, am I posting it? Well, since you asked, it's because I am reading it at the moment (and probably many more moments since I read at a glacial pace) and thought it fit with what was on my mind. Why don't I like this cover? Well, the main character, the Bobby, is boring and not particularly well done. Oh, the hands and face are serviceable but the clothing is oddly rendered. Even if the heavier cloth wouldn't create the interesting wrinkles and folds, take some artistic license. I do love the mane character (heh heh) of the lion. What I don't like is the rather poor manner in which the Shadow's shadow fails to lay correctly on the statue and how crammed all of the elements seem. Also, it is London and the story does repeatedly mention a "pea souper" so why not use the swirling fog to create mystery and atmosphere rather than just having it muddy up the background?! A lost opportunity for sure. As always, click here for a review of this tale, originally titled "London Crime", from September 1935.
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I agree; definitely not one of Rozen's better efforts. He "knocked off" quite a few SHADOW covers, then would take his time and come up with an occasional masterpiece. That said, I still enjoy most of his work...
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