"The Ghost Makers"

 

This seems to have been a quite popular story.  Being an early tale, it's bound to be great.  Granted it was ten years before it was republished as both a Big Little Book

and in The Shadow Annual 1942 Edition

and then in 1970 by Bantam Books.

This story seems to have taken hold of the public's imagination.  Even John Olsen couldn't contain his love of this adventure.

"The Death Tower"

 "Burke,  I have paid you well because I wanted intelligent cooperation. You have done your part. This is only the second time that you have met me. I want your honest opinion. Do you trust me? Would you work for me, faithfully, without question? Keeping all our dealings confidential. Then I can tell you my real purpose in setting you up in business. Burke, I am a criminologist. I have my own way of dealing with crime. Those who work for me must always obey me implicitly -- even though they may not understand my motives. Even though they may face danger!" 

What a pitch, eh?  Times must have been tough to just say 'yes' to blindly obeying someone you have no idea about.  No way to investigate whether you are being played.  The Shadow must truly be The Master of Men!

This is the first cover from George Rozen.  The sinister hooded man on the cover was painted from a publicity still of James LaCurto.  LaCurto is credit as being the first voice of The Shadow, when he was only a narrator for "Detective Story Hour."

Sandy Kossin, the forgotten Shadow artist

 Sandy Kossin did those strange yet fascinating Bantam covers from the 60s.  I don't know where this illustration came from but I thought it looked like it could be a scene from the Dark Eagle's time with The Seventh Star.  Kent Allard leaving the group to fly a mission for the Tsar.  This really is a beautiful illustration and it makes me wonder what a pulp re-imagining from Kossin would have looked like.

"The Living Shadow"...

 

From 1931 to 1977.  I think it's time for another update.  I wonder what a Greg Manchess cover would look like...

The Living Shadow... where it all began

The 30s pulp

 

The 30s hardcover

 

The 70s British

 

 

The 60s

 

 

The 70s

Which one trips your trigger?

The Ghost Makers times two

 

I like them both.  Oddly, I think I prefer the paperback illustration more than the original pulp by Rozen.  That doesn't happen often.  Anyone agree?

RIP Sandford "Sandy" Kossin

According to Gregory Manchess at Muddy Colors, Sandy Kossin has passed away.  I will forever remember the first image of The Shadow that I saw as his cover for "The Living Shadow", my first paperback adventure of The Dark Eagle.  I still have it, albeit a lot more beaten up from years of being transferred and read.  His version of The Shadow waned for me as I became more familiar with the traditional imagery of Rozen, Gladney, Steranko and Kaluta.  However, as time marches on and my mind has opened up I have come to appreciate his work and contribution to The Shadow's legacy.

Rest in Peace, Mr. Kossin.  Thank you for introducing me to The Shadow and the world of pulp.

The Living Shadow at 88

Just a few of the publications of the adventure that started it all.  After all these years, "The Living Shadow" is a very apt title.

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy...

Thank you, Anthony, this is a wonderful holiday gift to all of us fans of The Shadow.  Yes, The Death Tower and The Silent Seven in one wonderful issue!!! 

I read these for the first time back in the 70s when I found the paperbacks and just loved them.  Very early tales (#s 6 & 7, respectively), my favorite adventures.

I believe that having The Silent Seven publish at this point in time is perfect as it can be read to cleanse the palette after reading the Dynamite Comics "The Shadow/Batman" team-up that is currently being foisted on us. 

(at least the Kevin Nowlan cover is nice...)

The Ghost Makers

This is what I am reading at the moment.  Love the early stories and this one deals with mediums and fake mystics, something Gibson really knew a lot about.  I have read this once before, years ago when I picked up the Bantam reprint from the 60s (although I probably didn't find it until the late 70s or early 80s).  It feels really cool to be reading in a manner that replicates fairly well the original publication.

If you want a preview of this tale just click here and read a wonderful review by one of the keepers of the Blue Light, John Olsen.  So much pulpy goodness, agents.  Curl up in front of the fireplace and give yourself a treat with this one.

The Shadow Laughs

Early issue featuring a Jerome Rozen cover that also introduces the real Lamont Cranston.  Only the third issue in the series it was still searching for its footing but still lays out a lot of what would become the bedrock of The Shadow's lore.  Definately read this one and as soon as possible so that you can understand where a lot of what we take for granted began.  Yes, I am a big fan of the early years.

Here is the cover from the 60's reprint.

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.

Art print by Sandy Kossin

This is the order form for the new Sandy Kossin print (from his awesome cover to the Bantam printing of The Death Tower) that Agent T had a hand in getting up and running.  What a great opportunity for Shadow fans.  Thanks, Bill.

Sandy Kossin

A couple of prep sketches from Sandy Kossin, the artist whose worked graced a couple of reprints during the Bantam run in the sixties. His cover for "The Living Shadow" is the first time I ever saw a representation of The Shadow.