Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Death Diamonds

Standard fare for a pulp cover.  Gunfire, lit stick of dynamite, hero outnumbered by the bad guys... yep, The Shadow has everything under control.  Since I haven't read the story I can't say if it's interesting or not but, hey, it's The Shadow!  'nuff said.

"Blood Gutters" page 10


Monday, October 29, 2012

The Murdering Ghost

Blah cover although I'm told it's not a bad story.  Have to give it to the "Ghost" as he plunges a knife into the victim's back.  However, the composition looks forced and awkward and no matter what elements are involved this one does nothing for me.  Maybe this review will make me more interested in reading this one (although when it comes up on my reading list I will most certainly be reading the tale).

"Blood Gutters" page 8


Thursday, October 25, 2012

The Stars Promise Death

"Murder at Auction" was the original title to this 1945 pulp and this cover seems to be part of the plot (along with the new title) to play on the American public's fascination with astrology and the mystic arts.  According to this review the tale is pretty good.  Not among the great tales of the heyday of our hero but a fun romp nonetheless.

"Blood Gutters" page 6


Tuesday, October 23, 2012

The Invincible Shiwan Khan

Part three of the epic Shiwan Khan story arc.  I really can't wait to read these but I am staying the course and reading the reprints in as close of an order as Gibson wrote them.  The cover is decent enough although I don't rank it up with Gladney's best let alone the best of Rozen.  Check out this review if you know nothing about this particular storyline.

"Blood Gutters" page 3


Monday, October 22, 2012

Easy Monday clew

Never let it be said I am not generous.  Maybe not to a fault, but generous nonetheless. 

"Blood Gutters" page 2

Half Step's just an evil SOB.  The insinuation is more vile than if we saw another gratuitous blood bath (although I'm sure there will be one of those at some point)

Friday, October 19, 2012

Guardian of Death

Bizarre and completely without any connection to The Shadow.  I agree with agent T, the story had better be better than the cover (and this review thinks it is).  It's not without merit, it just has absolutely nothing to do with my idea of The Shadow.  What more is there to say.

"Blood Gutters" page 1


Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Formula For Crime

Goofy little cover with the Loony Tunes spring loaded desk that knocks The Shadow off of his feet.  Definitely not my favorite cover and, in my opinion, not that well painted.  I'm sure it's right out of the story but, unless it's the best scene in the book, that doesn't mean it should be used on the cover.  It will be some time I before I get to this tale so in the meantime I'll just read this synopsis.

"Butcher" page 25

Wow, nice page.  And so ends chapter two.  Tune in tomorrow for the start of part three.

Friday, October 12, 2012

A departure




Rather than add a new clew for the weekend I wanted to post a few images I've dredged up from the net.  I'm not sure if I've posted any of these before but I figured I'd put them up anyhow.  Have a great weekend, agents.

"Butchers" page 22

One of the more effectively cold-blooded sequences I've ever read.  There are so many that are just gory or violent but this murder had always stayed in my mind.  The idiocy of Tad and his deal with the mob leading to the death of his father, a man who only wished to make a future for his son.  Yes, terrific story telling and very worthy of being a part of the impressive history of The Shadow.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

The House on the Ledge

This is a better than average Gladney cover, in my opinion, but not as good as his best.  The rendering is very full and has that glossy look that Rozen was so good at.  As usual, I haven't made it to this one so I rely on the venerable "The Shadow In Review" for a report on this one.

"Butchers" page 21


Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Crime Under Cover

Eh, so so cover.  A bit too punny with the lifted cover to reference the title.  Not one of Gladney's stronger efforts.  If you haven't read the story then here is a synopsis.  But be warned, even though this is a Gibson tale, the review is not favorable.  Unfortunate.

"Butchers" page 19


Friday, October 5, 2012

Crime Over Miami

Zee master of disguise, that Shadow fella is.  I've always liked this cover, well rendered and it definitely tells a story.  The only thing missing is a strange cast shadow with the familiar profile.  And the ring, it should always be there.  I don't have a clew if this is a good story or not but then again, if it adds to the history of our hero then it's worth reading.

"Butchers" page 17


Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Midweek clew

No, it's not a scene from Goldfinger.

"Butchers" page 15

I love the third and fourth panels with their depiction of The Shadow.  However, I've never been a fan of shots where his mouth is shown.  Maybe it's the teeth...

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

The Whispering Eyes

The final pulp published.  The Shadow looks heavier (but don't we all after so many years) and not the least bit mysterious.  This is a famous cover but solely, I believe, for what it signifies in the run of The Shadow Magazine.  The story is one I won't read for some time since I'm trying to read them in order (or as close to it as I can since I refuse to read the tales as pdf files).  It's too bad the left hand isn't visible to give fans one last look at the fabulous fire opal.

"Butchers" page 14