A light weekend reading review.
Michael Uslan. The Shadow/Green Hornet: Dark Nights. Runnemede, NJ: Dynamite Entertainment, March 18th, 2014. 128 pp.
5 out of 5
Purchase: Amazon
I discovered from reading comics on the Green Hornet that I like stories with historical references (of course the main character is fictional). I read the writer’s work on the Green Hornet and the Lone Ranger and I enjoyed the historical references and even actual historical characters plus the great storyline so much that I looked up more works by Michael Uslan. So I picked up The Shadow/Green Hornet: Dark Nights and found that the same thing I liked in my previous reading can also be found in this graphic novel.
Both the Green Hornet and the Shadow were pulp heroes in the history of comic books. In this book the story is situated in 1930s America. According to the book’s description this was the storyline: “When an invention capable of harnessing elemental forces falls into the hands of the maniacal Shiwan Khan, The Shadow races against time to prevent the utter destruction of all America’s vital industries and financial institutions.” I would add that it is not just The Shadow but his affiliates and the Green Hornet with his sidekick Kato. This was the first time I have heard of the Shadow and I loved his character. I love how the book parallel the two heroes and also the contrasts between them. Using wit the Shadow and the Green Hornet have to stop Shiwan Khan which in the story is the secret power behind Hitler and the Nazis. I love how the story contain istorical characters such as FDR, Hoover and Jesse Owens. History buffs will enjoy the ending of each issue which gives notes on what were historically true and also some brief details. Its not everyday that one can say they learned actual history from comics!
Overall this was an action pack read. This would be a fun read for those who love adventures, heroes, graphic novels, history and a good story.
The Domain for Truth 
What fun! I was actually going to grow up and marry the Green Hornet one day! It didn’t work out for us, but I have fond memories of listening to all the old radio programmes, recordings of course. I’m not so old as to have been able to have heard them live, but they used to play them on the radio in the 70’s. 🙂
LOL! How funny! I’m a Millennial if you haven’t noticed and have only heard of him this past year. Have you heard of the Shadow before? Apparently he was also during the same era. Never knew that until I looked it up!
Ahhh, only the Shadow knows…..
I’m quite delighted that you’ve discovered two of my favorite characters and quite pleased to see them come back into fashion.
There’s nothing quite like getting the family together and sitting around a fire place in the winter listening to…only the Shadow knows…..
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
Thanks for the reblog!
You’re very welcome Pastor Jim 😎
when I was young, my favorite “super hero” was Captain America followed by the Green Hornet—I’m talking watching the cartoons and shows in the mid 60’s
Not too many little girls hung on every adventure of the Green Hornet and his trusty side kick Cato…and of course there was always Secret Squirrel and Morocco Mole 🙂
Hey Julie! I just saw your comment now, I had to fish it out of the spam filter which got in there for some reason. Sorry that it got in there and I hope there weren’t other comments from you that was caught in the spam net in the past that disappeared over time! I didn’t know there were cartoons of Captain America back in the 60s! I don’t know why I never heard of Secret Squirrel and Morocco Mole before! (Had to google them). Can you tell I’m a Millennial from the fact I didn’t know these characters? LOL.
Just a little 😙
Tell me you know Bulwinkle and Rocky?!
I had to google it also. I have seen these characters before but I’ve never seen any episodes of them =)
Oh my lordy….who doesn’t know Bullwinkle??!! 🙂
Julie Hi
Your showing your age, and mine…believe it or not, there is a generation that may not know Rocky and Bullwinkle!
[…] week I read and reviewed The Shadow/Green Hornet: Dark Nights and I found the character “The Shadow” facinating. Apparently in the 1930s the Shadow and […]
Looks exciting, thanks for sharing SlimJim.
interesting review; I like both characters in the comic book but haven’t gotten around to reading the actual comic
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