Thursday, February 23, 2012

The Time Master


10th Anniversary cover sporting not one, not two, but (you guessed it) TEN Shadows! "A Decade of Death to Evildoers" indeed! It's too bad that George Rozen wasn't the artist for this most auspicious moment in The Shadow's publishing history. Not a bad cover but just not one that will be regarded as a great cover. The story? Well I can't speak to it from personal knowledge but if you go here you can get an idea.

"...To Cloud Men's Minds!" page 13

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Six Men of Evil


Awesome cover and a fun story. If you get a chance to read it (and there is no reason you shouldn't since it has been reprinted) do so. There is a mention of the provenance of the fabulous Fire Opal that further muddles the history of the famous ring. I will always subscribe to the original story of it having been a gift from a Russian Czar. From what I understand there is a seven pointed star engraved under the gemstone but this is the story that introduces us to the "sign of Chow Lee". Alas, perhaps our hero has a whole jewelry box of rings for various occasions.
Irregardless, a fun tale that you should read.

"...To Cloud Men's Minds!" page 11

Thursday, February 16, 2012

"...To Cloud Men's Minds!" page 8

The Crimson Death


I have to admit to a fondness for the covers with skeletons in them. Just adds to the eeriness that one comes to expect from The Shadow Magazine. I'm sure the rifle is part of the story but I don't think it fits the image of our hero. No ring in this one, a missed opportunity in my opinion. The crimson sparkle on the left hand and it is placed on the bony shoulder of the "villain" could make one wonder what the Crimson Death was? The liquid being poured into the beaker or the vengeance of The Shadow! Easy to second guess 70 years later.
The story? I can't say as I haven't read it. But you can get an idea if you click here.

Friday, February 10, 2012

"...To Cloud Men's Minds!" page 4

The Salamanders

Great cover that drops the reader right into the action that awaits them on page one of this tale. Kind of Doc Savage-like though. The science(ish) overtones inherent in the antagonists weapon and garb. I smirk when I see the flame from The Shadow's gun still apparent even as the villain is grabbing his wound. Gotta love the pulps.
This was a pretty good story, heavy on the action and thrills. Very enjoyable. If you want an overview of the novel, well then by all means click here.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

The Red Menace


Submitted as "The Shadow and the Reds", this is the fourth novel and thereby completing Walter B. Gibson's original contract. I really enjoy the early tales because it is The Shadow in his rawest form. The ensuing stories will soon flesh out our hero into the more familiar character we know. Enjoy this tale for it's pure nature and even the attempt at a cover evoking "the shadow".

"...To Cloud Men's Minds!" page 2

Monday, February 6, 2012