Saturday, June 28, 2025

Gangland's Doom 50th Anniversary Edition: a review

 The 50th Anniversary Edition of "Gangland's Doom" was released a month or so ago.  I did the cover art for the hardbound edition and the interior art for both versions as well as a color tweak of the interior art for the back covers.  I've been a fan of The Shadow since I discovered a copy of "The Living Shadow" in a used book shop back in the early 70s.  I became aware of "Gangland's Doom" by Frank Eisgruber, Jr. in the 80s, around the time Chaykin did the whole revival and update of The Shadow.  Never did I think that I could be involved in such an historic project as this.  

  Big shout out to everyone involved from The Shadowed Circle. Steve Donoso, editor and publisher; Tim King, consulting editor and fulfillment; Steve Novak, graphic design and layout; John Sies, art direction; Sam Oatley, online engagement; Marcin Nowacki, trade paperback cover artist.

  So, allow me to smile and have a little pride in this wonderful addition to the history of The Shadow.  Click here to watch a very complimentary review of this book and my art.  (the gushing praise starts at 2:39)



 

Saturday's random pulp cover: Weird Tales: October, 1936


 Nice early cover (I'm afraid I don't know the artist).  Note that the title is "The Black Mask".  As near as I can tell, this is the title that ran until April of 1927.  Starting with the May 1927 issue, "The" was dropped and the book became, simply, "Black Mask".

Thursday, June 26, 2025

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Saturday, June 21, 2025

Saturday's random pulp cover: Weird Tales: October, 1936


 C'mon.  It's J. Allen St. John, fer cryin' out loud.  How could I not run with this one.  As much as I love all the different great versions of Tarzan over the last 100+ years, it's J A St John that sticks in my head as the true Tarzan.  So here is something different.  If you want to know a little something 'bout him, click here.

Sunday, June 15, 2025

The Sunday Comics: The Shadow "The Shadow vs. The RXG Spymaster!!" pages 1 & 2


 And so we begin the journey through the Archie version of The Shadow from the 1960s.  I will post a couple pages at a time just so we don't spend eternity in this alternate version of the greatest of all pulp heroes.  Enjoy.


The story was written by Robert Bernstein, penciled and inked by John Rosenberger and the cover was by Paul Reinman.
 

Saturday, June 14, 2025

Saturday's random pulp cover: Film Fun: January, 1931


 Baby it's warm out there!  A little something to look forward to for all the like-minded people who long for cooler temperatures.  Happy Summer.

Saturday, June 7, 2025

Saturday's random pulp cover: Film Fun: June, 1938


 Enoch Bolles.  As good as George Petty?  Vargas?  Gil Elvgren?  I'd say yes.  Very recognizable style and impeccably executed.  It may be simple, but that really creates the charm.  I thought we needed a break from the violent tone of the last couple covers, so here you have a little bit of Film Fun.