Shadow Comics #23 (on sale December 24, 1942*) had an interesting addition to the comic book! Not only did it have Shadow stories, it also had a four page look at The Shadow radio program. It offered readers "the exclusive story behind...the cast of radio's The Shadow!"
First, we are given a one-page biography of William Johnstone who played Lamont Cranston/The Shadow beginning with the second season (replacing Orson Welles).
Then we have a brief bio of Marjorie Anderson who portrayed the lovely Margo Lane in seasons 3 and 7.
Finally, we are given insight into The Shadow's impact on society and how it truly teaches listeners that crime does not pay!
Here is a picture of William Johnstone and Marjorie Anderson from the New York Public Library digital collection.
I don't have a lot of information on Shadow Comics, but what research I've done indicates that The Shadow in the comics closely mirrors the character from the radio show. This four page article seems to keep that connection going! *According to Mike's Amazing World of Comics
In the radio episode "The Shadow Returns" (aired November 19, 1939) we discover that Lamont Cranston has some medical training. In the episode, he has to perform surgery - even after he's been wounded! It isn't disclosed where he was trained, but it is an interesting piece of trivia!
The Shadow on the radio show displays quite a few powers and abilities. I wanted to catalog them in one article, and this is the start! As I hear of new ones, I will add them. I've included the radio episode in which the power/ability is displayed! Powers
He can cloud men's minds so that they cannot see him (making him invisible)! This power is a part of every Shadow episode, but we learn some background information in Death House Rescue and The Temple Bells of Neban.
He can see the thoughts of others as if he were watching a TV show. (Death House Rescue)
He can make others see things that are not really there. (The Three Ghosts)
He can place himself in suspended animation so as to appear dead. (Can The Dead Talk)
Abilities
Lamont Cranston can fly an airplane. (Black Rock)
He has medical training and can perform operations. (The Shadow Returns)
He has extensive knowledge of African animals. (The Leopard Strikes)
The opening music for The Shadow radio show is from Opus 31 of Le Rouet d'Omphale (Omphale's Spinning Wheel) by composer Camille Saint-Saëns. Only a portion of the song is used. You can hear the opening in this short clip:
You can listen to Le Rouet d'Omphale in its entirety here:
