Wizard of Crime

This is the first of two stories to be titled "Wizard of Crime".  This one was published in 1939 and, according to this review, was better than the one published in '43.  But that will be up to each agent to determine.  The only thing that says "The Shadow" on this cover (aside from the masthead) are the shadows battling around the figure of Hawkeye.  Well painted cover, just not a classic.

Alex Ross "Masks" #7

The Shadow should never be defeated!

Alex Ross "Masks" #6

I think that The Shadow should have been much darker and more indistinct.

Conjure up an answer for this one

Alex Ross "Masks" #5

Since The Shadow did not make an appearance on this cover I threw in this little panel.

The Devil's Paymaster

This cover is a bit (okay, a lot) too "Doc Savage" for me.  Painted well enough, just not, in my opinion, a "The Shadow Magazine" cover.  This is the last of the "Prince of Evil" stories and is a highly regarded Theodore Tinsley tale.  Apparently a case of "you can't judge a book by its cover".

Alex Ross "Masks" #4

The Shadow takes his rightful place at the head of this group.

Alex Ross "Masks" #3

Nice cover but The Shadow is a bit too well lit.

Friday's clew

Have a great weekend, agents.  Stay ever vigilant...

Alex Ross "Masks" #2

Love the color palette.

Gangdom's Doom

The first Rozen brother (Jerome) gave our hero his basic look.  This is an early tale and one I've read multiple times.  Hey, in the 70s I didn't have a lot of access to the stories so I reread the adventures I had available.  If there is anyone reading this that hasn't read this tale then you should find it and read it.  Mr. Gibson was still molding The Shadow and it's a lot of fun to see how he began.  Read the tale originally titled "The Shadow Cleans Up Chicago" or at least check out this review.

Alex Ross "Masks" #1

Horrible series.

More of a clew

This should help.

The Shadow by Gabriel Hardman

Found this while lurking on the 'net.  Like it a lot.

New clew

No, it's not "The Shadow meets Frosty the Snowman".

Watch Dogs

No, this isn't a painting for The Shadow.  It's for a video game called Watch Dogs.  However, it looks to me like "Person of Interest" meets The Shadow.  The red lined trench coat, the "huge smokewagon", the masked face all makes it look like this is the modern version of The Master of Men.

The Living Shadow

Wow, who knew?  Well, sure, he knew but did anyone else?  This recycled cover had a shadow on it so they decided to run with it.  The Chinaman?  Well that made Gibson have to do a bit of magic and insert a Chinese element to the initial novel so as to have the cover make sense.
I'm not even going to go into the story but I have read it numerous times.  It sets the tone for the great novels to follow.  The first scene of the book was reworked for the film and replaced Harry Vincent with Dr. Roy Tam.  This novel started it all so it holds a special place in my heart and, I should think, all fans of The Shadow.

Dark Nights in action

Friday's clew

And so it begins...

Dark Nights #5

My favorite cover from the series.  I wish The Shadow were on the right hand side of the illustration so that the ring could be seen.  Aside from that... well, you don't need me to tell you this is a great image.

The Pooltex Tangle

Nice cover with all of the elements I love.  The ring, the .45 blazing away, the steely eyed gaze of The Shadow getting a bead of the criminal element.  If only it were a bit darker...  However, the bright yellow probably jumped off of the stands and did what it was supposed to do, grab the buyers attention.  I'll have to give them that, I guess.
I haven't read this tale from Tinsley, but this review says run, don't walk, to get your hands on it.

Dark Nights #4

Nicely done but too much going on for my taste.  Still, I'm only nitpicking at a great cover artist.  Alex does wonderful work, no doubt about it.

Midweek clew

I expect that Agent T will have this solved before I even post it.

Dark Nights #3

Ah... much better.  I really do like this cover.  This makes up for issue #2.

The Man From Shanghai

You got it, Agent T!  Although the Hatchetman has a very flat face this is one great cover.  I love the perspective and the action.  You know that The Shadow will overcome this seeming death trap and will track down and destroy the evil threatening the innocent citizens blissfully driving home from dinner and a show.  Even the colors work fantastically in this one.  Yep, definitely a great cover.  And it looks, from this review, that the adventure formerly titled "Ku-Nuan's Jewels" is a real page turner.  I love it when the complete package is delivered.  Appropriate since this was the 100th published issue.

Dark Nights #2

Nope.  This one just doesn't work for me.  Lose the big heads and maybe I could get behind this one.

A left to the... jaw? A new clew

Another week begins.

Dark Nights #1

Back to Alex Ross.  Nice cover.  Not a fan of the series.  Probably should reread it.  I think the interior illustrations put me off.  That and the fact that it was another Shiwan story.

The Hooded Circle

A rough and static cover by Graves Gladney.  I like the hooded figures but little more.  It's an ok illustration, nothing memorable or outstanding.  The Shadow's left eye seems a bit poorly rendered and too bright.  Oh, well, I am a bit picky at times.  I haven't read this one so I can only rely on this review.

Jason Shawn Alexander #19

The last in the series by JSA.  I really like the pose and, if it had to be used, the design composition of the red scarf.

End of the week...

... time for another new clew.

Jason Shawn Alexander #18

Needs a sable hued cloak rather than just a trenchcoat.  And a wider brimmed hat.  And lose the scarf.  Nicely rendered cover, just not sure how much it does for me from the viewpoint of a cover for The Shadow.

The Crime Ray

I like this different take on our hero.  However, Lamont looks a bit older than I would have pictured.  It could be the harsh lighting but I just would imagine he would be a bit more virile looking.  I haven't read this one but look forward to it.  Read the nice review here.

Jason Shawn Alexander #17

Probably could have done without the belt buckle.  Still, a striking cover.

More of a clew

Hope this gets the job done.

Jason Shawn Alexander #16

I like a lot about this cover but have a complaint about the nose and the hat.  The brim is not large enough and the nose is not the "aquiline" enough.  Of course, I'm not a fan of the red scarf.  Alas, it is so nicely done that I just have to give it a thumbs up regardless of my qualms.

Let's figure this out

Here's hoping everyone had a safe and fun holiday.  But it's back to the drudgery of clews...

Jason Shawn Alexander #15

While not as classically inclined as Alex Ross' covers are, I think the covers (or just style) of Jason's are very intriguing.  What do you think?

Happy Independence Day

Have a safe and fun holiday.  And, as always, remember why we celebrate this day.

The Crime Clinic

I like the rendering of this cover but I agree with you, Agent T, this cover has no implied danger.  Perhaps a bit of blood dripping from the ring the parrot is perched on.  I haven't read this one as yet but it has been reprinted by Anthony Tollin.  If you are interested in a preview check out this review.

Jason Shawn Alexander #14

Another comic artist/illustrator whose work I really enjoy.  Happy to have seen him do a few covers for The Shadow.  A lot of Kent Williams influence in his work.

Midweek clew

Here's a puzzle piece for you to try and figure out.

Alex Ross Special #1

Better than the Annual's cover, in my estimation.  Wish the ring weren't obscured, but I can't have everything.  Or can I?