Conversation so far:
Who created The Shadow?
Circulation manager Henry William Ralston of Street & Smith commissioned Walter B. Gibson to begin writing stories about The Shadow.
How did The Shadow become The Shadow?
In print, The Shadow's real name is Kent Allard, a famed aviator who fought during World War I. After WWI, Allard finds a new challenge in waging war on criminals.

Question: Who is Cranston?
Self-contained rewrite: Who is Lamont Cranston in relation to The Shadow?