Something Spooky: ‘The Shadow’ #8 Keeps Things Under Wraps
by Benjamin Hall
Welcome back to our look at some of our favorite (and maybe off the beaten path) scary and spooky comics. Today, we’re taking a look at a classic adventure for a pulp hero.
Margo Lane tags along with an archeological expedition that discovers a Mayan temple. As is typical of a story featuring the titular character there is at least one murder. However, in this old issue of The Shadow writer Denny O’Neil makes a corpse the primary suspect. Yet, this body in bandages is no typical Mummy, but one from ancient Mayan culture. There is also the suggestion of a curse as is typical of these stories, but it remains simply a line of dialogue. By story’s end The Shadow gets to defeat the villain in a manner suitable to the Comics Code Authority brand of censorship, although it is still a gruesome fate that the culprit faces.
When it comes to why this is appealing to this writer for this time of year it is mostly up to the Shadow’s presence. Specifically it’s the sinister look of his costume plus the chilling laugh that one might be able to remember from the radio series. There is also the mummy — not being from Egypt being a breath of fresh air to this writer since it avoids feeling cliché. Not to mention that the idea of The Shadow versus a potentially supernatural foe is something that one does not see much of. Another thing that makes it appropriate for this season is the murder mystery element which is itself a horrific matter. Finally there is a sense of adventure this issue is evoking that is arguably appropriate around Halloween time.
Others may find this issue interesting because of artist Frank Robbins’s way of drawing the horror elements. These parts have an edginess to the line work that may appeal to certain readers, specifically fans of morbid things. Then again some may just want it for the terrific cover design because of the selection of poses relevant to the horror genre. Still, some people may desire The Shadow #8 (1974-1975) since this season speaks to them in some way, and therefore they collect things in relation to it. In conclusion, a lot of reasons exist to buy a copy of this issue to enjoy during the Halloween season.
