Monday, December 31, 2012

Happy New Year, agents

The Master is feeling generous this holiday season and told me (via disappearing ink message) to take the next couple of days off.  Apparently crime does take a holiday. 
May 2013 find everyone safe and happy.  See y'all on Wednesday. 

Thursday, December 27, 2012

A question for any agent who knows

The last cover posted was "Ghost of the Manor".  However, the title page was "The Ghost of the Manor".  Does anyone know the correct title as Gibson intended it?  Perhaps the cover omitted "The" or the typesetter made an assumption re: the title.

A new clew

Or, as Tony Tollin would say, a nue clue.  Okay, enough about changing an author's words posthumously.  Give this one a try, agents.

"The Slaughterhouse" page 20


Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Ghost of the Manor

Ghost of the Manor happens to be the novel I am currently enjoying (albeit rather slowly).  Great cover that has many great elements.  Classic profile... check.  Girasol ring... check.  Blue light illuminating the secret sanctum... check.  A written account of The Shadow's thought process... check.  The piercing eyes engaging the viewer... check.  Ah, yes, The Shadow knows.  So far this has been a great tale and I have great faith that this one won't disappoint.  It's an early story so it's got to be great.  Check out the review here.

"The Slaughterhouse" page 19


Monday, December 24, 2012

Merry Christmas, agents

The blue light will be turned off for the next couple of days so that this agent can spend some time with his family and friends.  The Master has been kind enough to let me put my duties on hold for the time being.  He may know what evil lurks in the hearts of men but he's an old softie at Christmas time.  Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Okay, another clew

Agents, are you trying to drag this wretched cover out?  I shudder each time I look at it as I create the clew.  Please end my misery and guess this one!  please...

"The Slaughterhouse" page 16


Monday, December 17, 2012

In respect for the victims at Sandy Hook...

I'm taking a break from the comic today. 

A Quarter of Eight

A Shadow cover in name only.  The cast shadow looks more like Dick Tracy than our hero.  The story is only so-so, even by this reviews opinion.  The latter years sure took their toll on pulp's greatest champion.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Crime Caravan

At least this cover has The Shadow front and center.  And according to this review it is an enjoyable read (for a mid 40's story).  This cover reminds me of the most recent Masks issue from Dynamite Comics and Alex Ross.  I think I like the old pulp cover better.

"The Slaughterhouse" page 11


Friday, December 7, 2012

Alex Ross cover #6

Wow.  Love this one.  It ties in with the first cover and conjures up the infamous "horror face" that Gibson eventually abandoned but Sam Raimi used for Darkman.  Great cover.

"The Slaughterhouse" page 8


Thursday, December 6, 2012

Fountain of Death

Again, a bad cover hiding, at least according to this review, a decent tale.  Of course, most stories by WBG are better than decent, so there is no surprise there.  I can't help but wonder if the series would have survived longer had they not used such mediocre (I'm being kind) illustrations on the covers.  Of course, Bruce Elliott had a more than significant hand in the hastening the Dark Eagle's return to the shadows.  Still, what a run he had.

"The Slaughterhouse" page 7


Monday, December 3, 2012