93 years and counting

 

 

Happy Birthday, Mr. Allard.

The Living Shadow... a different look

 

I've always kinda liked this cover art even though it absolutely is not The Shadow.  Just a bit too pimp-ish for it to be The Master of Men.  Still, the artwork itself is quite well done.

What came out the week of April 1, 1931 - 1939

The Living Shadow
89 years ago this unremarkable cover called to readers and introduced them to a most remarkable character.

1932_Mobsmen on the Spot

1933_The Silent Death

1934_The Cobra

1935_Lingo

1936_The Salamanders

1937_Washington Crime

1938_The Crimson Phoenix

1939_Death Ship

An alternate idea of The Shadow

I don't care for the representation of The Shadow (looks like a pimp) but I like the design and technique used.  Hate the masthead and the use of pink.  Would love to see this done with more attention paid to how our hero has been portrayed by Rozen or even Gladney.  Still, it probably was an introduction to a new generation of fans when it hit the bookstands.

And the answers are...

"Agent J reports: villain's hat, Steranko, window grating (one on left above Shadow's hat is shorter), jewel in woman's headdress, candle flame - that's all I could find!"

  Pretty well done, Agent J.  Only thing you missed was my most devious change... a bit of design on the damsel in distress' dress.  I knew I had to step up my game in order to get past your "hawk"eye! 

The 60th "What's the Difference" puzzle makes its debut

Take a few moments to find the six (6) changes to this rare (at least I haven't run across it much) variant cover from Jim Steranko.

Bill Sienkiewicz does The Shadow

Just a little love for Bill to wind up the week.

Another Puzzle for your consideration

Six changes to take up a couple of minutes of your time.

Secret Society of The Shadow

I guess I need a magic button.

Just arrived

So excited to listen to the recently unearthed episodes on this.  Gigglin' like a six year old...

Wish I had bought this when I had the chance

Wasn't sure how I felt about this particular piece of  history since it wasn't part of the Pulp (or true) mythos.  Over time I've become quite enamored of it and get the bug to find and buy one.  It was a fun way to show our hero finally come into total control of his abilities.

The answers are...

Lot's of views, no attempts.  Here are the seven changes:

1:  Twice is now Thrice  (would've been nice)
2:  House became Mouse
3:  West changed to East
4:  The Shadow's eyes are now recalling his adventure "Green Eyes"
5:  Bottom of wood has gotten shorter
6:  That ring!
7:  The Eagle in NRA CODE logo is upside down

The Living Shadow is, indeed, the answer

  At least we got the iconic masthead for this reused cover.  Knowing that the image of The Shadow had yet to be determined I suppose we should just be grateful that every other factor fell into perfect place or our hero may never have come to be.  Still...

Straight outta...

The Living Shadow!  Page one, the scene that started it all.

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.

Happy 80th

According to Will Murray (see "Interlude" in Volume 11 of the current reprints) March 6, 1931 saw "The Living Shadow" hit the streets of Depression-era America. Who'd have thought that March 6, 2011 would be in the throes of a similar economic turmoil. Is this a sign that The Shadow is once more needed? I would argue that he has always been needed and that what is lacking is that he is no longer heeded.
Anyhow, Happy Anniversary to that greatest of pulp heroes, The Shadow.

The Shadow turns 79

Happy Birthday, Mr. Allard. Thank you, Mr. Gibson.

Some covers

These may be of interest to anyone who skulks into this little room with the blue light. "Gangdom's Doom" sports one of my favorite covers simply because it made The Shadow seem real to me. A bit like Bama's covers for the Doc Savage reprints. Alas, the Night Master shouldn't really be seen as real but as unreal, a feeling up the back of one's neck. That glimpse out of the corner of your eye only to find there is nothing there when you turn quickly. Nothing there but inky shadows.

The Shadow's stamp of approval

"This is to certify that I have made careful examination of the manuscript known as 'The Living Shadow', as set down by my raconteur, Mr. Maxwell Grant, and do find it a true account of my activities upon that occasion. I have therefore arranged that Mr. Grant shall have exclusive privilege to such further of my exploits as may be considered of interest to the American people."

I recount this familiar statement to delve a bit deeper into a discussion I have going on over at The Cobalt Club. MC Williams stated "As for myself, I always considered Mr. Maxwell Grant as a kind like Dr. John H. Watson. Or....., Perhaps Grant is an actual peudonym and Walter Gibson actually knew The Shadow well enough to be trusted to 'ghost' his exploits."

I feel the same way, however the good doctor was in the stories themselves. Mr. Grant was not. Or was he? Thus my question remains, could M. Grant be Burbank, R. Mann or another recurring character with inside information. I find it hard to believe that The Shadow would sit back after an adventure and recount the details.

What drew me to The Shadow

My formative years were the Seventies, a great time to grow up. I found Mr. Cranston via the airwaves on Thursdays while sitting in my room at 3030 Nettie. Butte, Montana USA. I'm not sure if I was listening to the originals or not but I was fascinated. I would also put myself to sleep listening to "Radio Mystery Theatre". But I digress.
I used to visit my grandparents in Libby and the same summer that I discovered the radio Shadow I came across the 60's reprint "The Living Shadow". Wow, an eye opener. There was no internet to research my newfound hero so I had no idea he was anything more than a radio character (since that is how my mom and dad remembered him). This book was quickly followed by a coloring book which led me to the DC comic book. I was in heaven. Or so I thought. It got better when the Pyramid books started being published. I proudly wore my t-shirt with the transfer of Steranko's homage cover painting of the Shadow (his graced the new Living Shadow and the original was on The Black Hush). However, it all ended when the books ceased to be published. It hurt but I consoled myself with what I had and kind of held onto that special feeling I had that I thought no one else did. Over time I came across many items (two of which are original pulps) and now there are the double issue reprints which showcase the original illustrations. Again, I am in heaven.