Fountain of Death

No guesses?  Can't blame anyone for not really caring about this cover.  For what it is I suppose it's fine.  Problem being it ain't The Shadow, even if they've included him in the illustration.  These covers just depress me because, even though I didn't live through the times, they indicate the decline of this great magazine.  Thankfully there are many, many fans keeping our hero alive and inspiring periodic revivals, of which we are in the midst of one right now.  I haven't read this tale but, as always, this review may help you (and me) decide where to place this one in our reading list.  It's by W B G himself so it can't be too bad.

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A Clew... not a treasure though

Despite what Howard Chaykin may have shown us, time wasn't always that kind to The Shadow.

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The Triple Trail

Not my favorite hand cover but still better than a lot of the later stuff.  Very stylized, almost J C Lyendecker-ish.  Don't get me wrong, I like it and would be proud to own it.  I haven't read the novel but when a clew is offered on the cover you can't go wrong.  Check out the review to see if this is a story you want to move to the top of your reading list.

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Take a guess, Agents

Or Agent T. 

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House of Shadows

Gotta say I agree with you, Agent T.  I don't like seeing The Shadow all trussed up like a holiday turkey.  And the white cuffs really don't make any sense.  If he were cutting his way through his bonds with a secret knife blade, that might make a difference but here it looks as if he's calling 9-1-1.  The fedora looks a lot too small to be his famous slouched hat.  I don't think that the perspective is even correct.  No, you're right, not a lot to be happy about with this cover.  The story?  I haven't read it so I'll link to this review for any who might be curious.  The last novel to be published in the 30s.

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Back to work

Took a little time off to take the grandchildren on a road trip.  Back to the clews now, agents.

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Seven Deadly Arts

Ugh.  Elliott.  What more is there to say?  The less the better.  Review here.

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Ugly clew

Should be enough of a hint that this one is... tragic.

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Syndicate of Sin

Aaargh!  That damned yellow wall again.  And why, oh why is The Shadow running around in broad daylight?  What do I like about this cover?  Not much.  Nice treatment of the costume but some bad composition here.  It looks like the gangsters gun is firing right into the barrel of The Shadow's smokewagon.  There really isn't enough rope to account for the large distance between the criminal in the window and our hero.  Just a blah cover.   I haven't read this one and if you haven't either, then check out this review to see whether you should move it up or done on your reading list.  It is by Tinsley, so if that makes a difference then enjoy.

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Clew

See Friday's posting for a bit of help.

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Syndicate of Death

The less said, the better.  Even this review couldn't recommend the tale.  Alas, not all can be classics.

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Finally clew of this week

assuming someone gets it.

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Teeth of the Dragon

Classic tale with a classic cover.  The first appearance of Myra Reldon.  Chinatown.  Sheesh, what more could you want?!  If you haven't read this (and I have) and you want to know more check out this review.
(But really, you're threatening Ying Ko with that tiny little pistol?!??)

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Here's looking at you

Clew time, agents.

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The Ghost Makers

Great cover.  Maybe not the best rendering but it sure is a fun illustration.  I read this tale long ago when I found a copy from Bantam.  As usual I maintain the early tales are the best, but that's because I like seeing the progression of not only the character but the settings as well.  If you haven't read this one, do so.  If you want a preview, check out this review.
Bonus cover is by Sandy Kossin for the Bantam release.  Love this one, too.

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Clew to get you through Independence Day

Have a happy and safe three day weekend, agents.

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Gangdom's Doom

Oh, yeah!  The early days.  The Shadow Begins.  The Shadow Year One.  However you want to view it, this is a key part to the beginning of the epic story of The Shadow.  Even the cover hits most of the notes of what our hero looks like.  Although the cloak is a bit short and the ring is missing (although I never could understand the ring on the outside of the glove) this is how I see The Night Master as he confronts crime.  This is indeed a wonderful story and one to really pay attention to.  Yes, by all means seek this one out.  As a bonus, here is the cover of the paperback that I read.  I love this cover a lot.  Just wish the face was a bit more traditional.

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