The Shadow's Appearance

The Shadow's appearance as illustrated on the pulp magazine covers remained consistent throughout it's history.  Let's read some of the ways The Shadow was described in his stories and compare them with his appearance on some of the pulp magazine covers.

This first description comes from The Living Shadow and was the very first Shadow story published.  Here's the first ever description of The Shadow:  "...a tall, black-cloaked figure that might have represented death itself...The stranger's face was entirely obscured by a broad-brimmed felt hat bent downward over his features; and the long, black cloak looked almost like part of the thickening fog."  (pp 7-8)  This is classic Shadow - long black cloak, broad-brimmed hat!

The next description comes from the pages of The Shadow Laughs.  "There stood The Shadow, his face obscured in the raised collar of his cloak; his broad-brimmed hat turned down below his eyes." (p 97)  Notice here that both The Shadow's hat and cloak collar cover portions of his face!

The final description is from Gangdom's Doom.  "A man was standing in the corner.  A black cloak, with lining of crimson, enveloped him.  He wore a large slouch hat, and the turned-down brim obscured his features.  The man's arms were folded in front of his body; his hands were covered with thin black gloves.  He laughed again, softly, but mirthlessly.  The sinister tone of his laugh seemed taunting."  (p107)  This description reveals the lining of The Shadow's cloak is crimson and he wears thin black gloves.  (Note:  Gloves weren't always worn by The Shadow.)

Now the descriptions of The Shadow typically just mention his cloak and hat but I've yet to read a description of what the rest of The Shadow's clothes look like.  But I haven't read all of The Shadow stories yet, so they just might be there!  The pulp magazine covers present The Shadow as wearing a suite and tie underneath his cloak.

I sometimes wonder why The Shadow is always dressed so dapper to face danger.  But then I remember that back in those days, men always dressed up.  Even in the 1950s you wouldn't see a gentleman leaving home without a coat and tie!  If you watch an episode or two of the classic 1950s TV show Leave It To Beaver you'll see what I mean!

The black wide-brimmed slouch hat and black crimson-lined cloak added to the mystery of The Shadow whenever he appeared.  They truly added to the terror and fear felt by gangdom whenever they encountered the Dark Avenger!