National Podcast Post Month Day 10: The Shadow (Replay)

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We’re replaying one of our personal favorite episodes for NaPodPoMo Day 10. The Shadow was the inaugural inductee into our Lesser Known Geek Hall Of Fame. Hear how he influenced many of the Superhero A-Listers, including a certain other really rich guy who runs around at night…

Radio Show Origins

The earliest incarnation of The Shadow appeared on the radio airwaves in 1930, where he introduced radio dramas based on issues of Street & Smith’s Detective Story Magazine. This was, of course, before television, when radio was the norm for advertising and entertainment. Thus, The Detective Story Hour would be used as a vehicle to promote issues. The Shadow himself was not a character, but a host. Similar in vein to Rod Serling or The Crypt Keeper.

The character became so popular that local newsstands would get requests for Shadow magazines. Street & Smith, realizing they had a hit on their hands, soon began publishing issues with The Shadow as the protagonist. This makes The Shadow unique, as most characters start in print before moving to media. Whereas The Shadow began in media before debuting in print.

The First Powered Hero

Another historical significance is The Shadow’s hypnosis ability, making him the first hero character with powers. Also, given the character’s background, he helped forge the template by which many “street-level” heroes were created.

Not surprisingly, The Detective Story Hour became an adventure episode for The Shadow.  The first two years, The Shadow was voiced by none other than up-and-coming actor Orson Welles. Over the next two decades, the character was voiced by other actors.

Throughout the years, The Shadow had multiple comic book publications, varying from Archie to DC Comics. The latter even had a team-up between Shadow and Batman.

1994 Feature Film

In 1994, Universal Pictures attempted to revive The Shadow into a film franchise. While the movie failed at the box office, it did gain a measure of following in home release.

Currently, The Shadow is published by Dynamite Comics. And in the movie world, Sam Raimi has expressed interest in his own Shadow film over the years.

Fortunately for the old school fan, many of the classic radio dramas have been preserved on the internet. Also, several fansites exist, ensuring future generations will have the opportunity to enjoy The Shadow.

As discussed in the show, Crazy Train has his Classic Country Spotify Playlist.

You can find The Lesser Known Geek Hall Of Fame on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or in the podcast device of your choosing.