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Locke & Key #1-2
Locke & Key: Master Edition, Volume One
Named a "modern masterpiece" by The A.V. Club, the crticially-acclaimed series Locke & Key takes on new life in a reformatted hardcover collection. The Locke & Key Master Edition Volume 1 features the first two story arcs, "Welcome to Lovecraft" and "Headgames," with all-new cover art and design by co-creator Gabriel Rodriguez.
328 pages, Hardcover
First published June 2, 2015
27 people are currently reading
1,087 people want to read
About the author
Joe Hill
480books27.9kfollowersJoe Hill's debut, Heart-Shaped Box, won the Bram Stoker Award for Best First Novel. His second, Horns, was made into a film freakfest starring Daniel Radcliffe. His other novels include NOS4A2, and his #1 New York Times Best-Seller, The Fireman... which was also the winner of a 2016 ŷ Choice Award for Best Horror Novel.
He writes short stories too. Some of them were gathered together in his prize-winning collection, 20th Century Ghosts.
He won the Eisner Award for Best Writer for his long running comic book series, Locke & Key, co-created with illustrator and art wizard Gabriel Rodriguez.
He lives in New Hampshire with a corgi named McMurtry after a certain beloved writer of cowboy tales. His next book, Strange Weather, a collection of novellas, storms into bookstores in October of 2017.
He writes short stories too. Some of them were gathered together in his prize-winning collection, 20th Century Ghosts.
He won the Eisner Award for Best Writer for his long running comic book series, Locke & Key, co-created with illustrator and art wizard Gabriel Rodriguez.
He lives in New Hampshire with a corgi named McMurtry after a certain beloved writer of cowboy tales. His next book, Strange Weather, a collection of novellas, storms into bookstores in October of 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
November 8, 2017
"Kids always think they're coming into a story at the beginning, when usually they're coming in at the end."
Following a tragic home invasion and the death of their father, Rendell, the Locke children along with their mother, relocate to Keystone house in Lovecraft, Massachusetts. They begin to adjust to their new life with the aid of Rendell's brother, Duncan. The youngest child, Bode, soon discovers a number of magical keys that each have a different function and ultimately attract the attention of a strange "echo" that is hiding in a well.
Colour me IMPRESSED. I had been hearing for a while how absolutely incredible the Locke & Key series is and now I fully understand. This master edition is comprised of the first two story arcs; namely Welcome to Lovecraft and Head Games. These two arcs were an interesting introduction into the world and mythology of Keystone house. The first arc explores the different ways in which the children are adjusting to the loss of their father. Kinsey wants to avoid the unwanted attention, Tyler is regretful and appears to be falling into depression, whereas Bode is running around and exploring their new residence. The second arc, Head Games, is where the mythology really starts to kick in and we begin to learn more about these magical keys.
Joe Hill seems to have a flair for graphic novels - combine this with the insanely beautiful and detailed illustrations that Gabriel Rodriguez is capable of, and you're onto a winner! There's a decent amount of horror and violence in this story and they're depicted perfectly. My only criticism perhaps is that I'm not a fan of Dodge's appearance... I don't know what it is, I'm just not a fan! The characters themselves are pretty awesome, the three children seem like they're going to be the main characters throughout the entirety of the series and they're so well-developed and compelling. I love how they interact with each other in a manner that is just so believable. However, after talking to my friend Sadie, I do feel a bit suspicious of the mother in the family... she doesn't appear much and is relatively absent from the family. I just wonder what's going on there!
I'm dying to read on and find out what happens next! At the back of this edition there's a teaser of each of the different keys and I'm just so intrigued as to how they're all going to come into play. I'd highly recommend this to Joe Hill fans (or even Stephen King fans), and also those who already enjoy graphic novels! Really solid introduction to this series, I give it 5 stars out of 5!
Following a tragic home invasion and the death of their father, Rendell, the Locke children along with their mother, relocate to Keystone house in Lovecraft, Massachusetts. They begin to adjust to their new life with the aid of Rendell's brother, Duncan. The youngest child, Bode, soon discovers a number of magical keys that each have a different function and ultimately attract the attention of a strange "echo" that is hiding in a well.
Colour me IMPRESSED. I had been hearing for a while how absolutely incredible the Locke & Key series is and now I fully understand. This master edition is comprised of the first two story arcs; namely Welcome to Lovecraft and Head Games. These two arcs were an interesting introduction into the world and mythology of Keystone house. The first arc explores the different ways in which the children are adjusting to the loss of their father. Kinsey wants to avoid the unwanted attention, Tyler is regretful and appears to be falling into depression, whereas Bode is running around and exploring their new residence. The second arc, Head Games, is where the mythology really starts to kick in and we begin to learn more about these magical keys.
Joe Hill seems to have a flair for graphic novels - combine this with the insanely beautiful and detailed illustrations that Gabriel Rodriguez is capable of, and you're onto a winner! There's a decent amount of horror and violence in this story and they're depicted perfectly. My only criticism perhaps is that I'm not a fan of Dodge's appearance... I don't know what it is, I'm just not a fan! The characters themselves are pretty awesome, the three children seem like they're going to be the main characters throughout the entirety of the series and they're so well-developed and compelling. I love how they interact with each other in a manner that is just so believable. However, after talking to my friend Sadie, I do feel a bit suspicious of the mother in the family... she doesn't appear much and is relatively absent from the family. I just wonder what's going on there!
I'm dying to read on and find out what happens next! At the back of this edition there's a teaser of each of the different keys and I'm just so intrigued as to how they're all going to come into play. I'd highly recommend this to Joe Hill fans (or even Stephen King fans), and also those who already enjoy graphic novels! Really solid introduction to this series, I give it 5 stars out of 5!
October 11, 2018
One of my biggest critiques about most comic books is the tendency to rush things. Many times it feels like the creators are rushing to fill their story into a finite number of pages. A love when you can tell that a story is moving towards a true ending, but telling it with the right pace. Joe Hill's Locke & Key series is refreshing in that it feels like it's taking it's time to flesh out the story the way it should be. It also doesn't pander to the reader or treat them with kid gloves.
After a terrible, bloody tragedy, the Locke kids move with their mom to Lovecraft, Massachusetts and into Keyhouse, an old estate with a dark history and they begin to discover its secrets. At times, I really like the art, but sometimes the everyone's faces and expressions start to look the same and can get distracting. The story definitely requires attention as it builds it's world and mythology, through flashbacks and parallel stories without spoon-feeding you. I still don't think I completely understand where all of this is going but the discovery is half the fun! And being able to literally reach into someone's head and manipulate their memories? Cool concept!
After a terrible, bloody tragedy, the Locke kids move with their mom to Lovecraft, Massachusetts and into Keyhouse, an old estate with a dark history and they begin to discover its secrets. At times, I really like the art, but sometimes the everyone's faces and expressions start to look the same and can get distracting. The story definitely requires attention as it builds it's world and mythology, through flashbacks and parallel stories without spoon-feeding you. I still don't think I completely understand where all of this is going but the discovery is half the fun! And being able to literally reach into someone's head and manipulate their memories? Cool concept!
September 20, 2017
Fantastically written horror with great characters and imagination to make King jealous.
September 4, 2016
As someone who loves watching horror, it’s hard to get scared when it comes to reading horror, let alone horror comics. At the very least, literature can get under your skin and/or squirm by the bloodiness of whatever story. In the case of Horns author Joe Hill � son of the horror maestro Stephen King � his IDW comic Locke & Key is all about unlocking your fears.
After the tragic murder of patriarch Rendell, Nina Locke and her three children, Tyler, Kinsey, and Bode move into Keyhouse, based in the town of Lovecraft, Massachusetts. As the family tries to adjust to their new home with the help of Rendell’s brother Duncan, the youngest son Bode discovers a series of magical keys, which attracts the attention of an "echo" who has been living down a well.
Covering the first two story arcs of Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodríguez’s series, this Master Edition is a reformatted hardcover collection with a stunning presentation designed by Rodriguez, who provides plenty of supplementary material such as a geographical portrait of Lovecraft, MA, as well as the numerous keys that appeared within the book. As for the interior art which I was initially reluctant due to the character design which is a little too cartoony for horror, Rodriguez’s environments are richly detailed and when the strong violence kicks in, it’s at least unsettles the reader.
Right from the start, Joe Hill is setting up a mythology that will run across the series and by the time we reach the final issue, if one has the stamina to stick with this comic, all the doors will be unlocked and all the secrets will be revealed. However, although the mythos is quite loose to sink your teeth, the youthful characters are what makes the book compelling. In the first arc “Welcome to Lovecraft�, it is about the Lockes is getting used to their new surroundings whilst being consumed by the tragedy of their father’s death, you have Tyler who doesn’t see the point of continuing life, Kinsey who is trying to avoid the social spotlight, and Bode exploring the horrors of their new home. Sadly the adults don’t get much development, especially Nina who is so incompetent in her parenting that she doesn’t pay attention to the weirdness and seems to make the wrong decisions in the worst situations.
Although “Welcome to Lovecraft� doesn’t break any new ground in the haunted house subgenre as well as the fear of being followed by a killer (in the vein of Cape Fear), “Head Games� starts to delve deep into the imaginative magic of the keys, so by the time we reach the conclusion, there is enough interest to see where Locke & Key continues to unlock.
Okay, I’ll stop now with the puns.
After the tragic murder of patriarch Rendell, Nina Locke and her three children, Tyler, Kinsey, and Bode move into Keyhouse, based in the town of Lovecraft, Massachusetts. As the family tries to adjust to their new home with the help of Rendell’s brother Duncan, the youngest son Bode discovers a series of magical keys, which attracts the attention of an "echo" who has been living down a well.
Covering the first two story arcs of Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodríguez’s series, this Master Edition is a reformatted hardcover collection with a stunning presentation designed by Rodriguez, who provides plenty of supplementary material such as a geographical portrait of Lovecraft, MA, as well as the numerous keys that appeared within the book. As for the interior art which I was initially reluctant due to the character design which is a little too cartoony for horror, Rodriguez’s environments are richly detailed and when the strong violence kicks in, it’s at least unsettles the reader.
Right from the start, Joe Hill is setting up a mythology that will run across the series and by the time we reach the final issue, if one has the stamina to stick with this comic, all the doors will be unlocked and all the secrets will be revealed. However, although the mythos is quite loose to sink your teeth, the youthful characters are what makes the book compelling. In the first arc “Welcome to Lovecraft�, it is about the Lockes is getting used to their new surroundings whilst being consumed by the tragedy of their father’s death, you have Tyler who doesn’t see the point of continuing life, Kinsey who is trying to avoid the social spotlight, and Bode exploring the horrors of their new home. Sadly the adults don’t get much development, especially Nina who is so incompetent in her parenting that she doesn’t pay attention to the weirdness and seems to make the wrong decisions in the worst situations.
Although “Welcome to Lovecraft� doesn’t break any new ground in the haunted house subgenre as well as the fear of being followed by a killer (in the vein of Cape Fear), “Head Games� starts to delve deep into the imaginative magic of the keys, so by the time we reach the conclusion, there is enough interest to see where Locke & Key continues to unlock.
Okay, I’ll stop now with the puns.
July 1, 2018
I wish I had something original to say about this beautiful book. Part horror, part meditation on teenage grief, it did all kinds of things to me.
After a murder of their father, three children move with their mother to their uncle house in gloomy Massachusetts. Their mother is still there with them but like in most stories about children, she is not really there, disappearing into her own world, oblivious to the danger her children are putting themselves in. A deranged killer is still after them, and what’s worse they find a whole bunch of keys that open shit that should just stay locked.
I’m not completely sold on Gabriel Rodriguez style although the palette here is beautiful. He doesn’t seem to be very good and drawing people at their correct ages � at first I was very confused not knowing why children and parents seem to be the same age.
As a bonus, this book took the creepiness of the phrase ‘pick someone’s brain� to a whole new level. (Seriously, how creepy is that phrase, when someone first asked me ‘can I pick your brain� I was horrified. I don’t know why the English-speaking world thinks this is an ok phrase to use. Don’t they have no imagination?)
After a murder of their father, three children move with their mother to their uncle house in gloomy Massachusetts. Their mother is still there with them but like in most stories about children, she is not really there, disappearing into her own world, oblivious to the danger her children are putting themselves in. A deranged killer is still after them, and what’s worse they find a whole bunch of keys that open shit that should just stay locked.
I’m not completely sold on Gabriel Rodriguez style although the palette here is beautiful. He doesn’t seem to be very good and drawing people at their correct ages � at first I was very confused not knowing why children and parents seem to be the same age.
As a bonus, this book took the creepiness of the phrase ‘pick someone’s brain� to a whole new level. (Seriously, how creepy is that phrase, when someone first asked me ‘can I pick your brain� I was horrified. I don’t know why the English-speaking world thinks this is an ok phrase to use. Don’t they have no imagination?)
March 21, 2017
I've read a few duds lately so I wanted to go back and read something I already love (and to prepare to read volume 2). What can I say, this stuff is good, man. Seriously good. I enjoyed this even more the second time around. I noticed things I didn't notice before and I connected with it in a whole new way. Grief is a big theme here, which I didn't notice so much the first time around. I definitely noticed it this time. If you haven't read this comic, please just invest in the whole series and read it. You'll be doing yourself a favor.
July 14, 2021
Fantasy-Horror at it's best!
Obwohl ich die erste Staffel der TV-Serie schon kenne, konnte mich der Comic genauso gut, wenn nicht sogar noch mehr fesseln! Joe Hill hat hier einfach eine geniale Story erschaffen, die Comicleserherzen höher schlagen lässt - vor Angst und vor Überwältigung ob dieses gelungenen grafischen Werkes.
Genauso packend und blutig wie fantastisch und mytisch! Und obwohl es eher für hartgesottene Leser ist (Triggerwarnung vor explizieter Gewalt und psychischer Folter), ist die Geschichte hochgradig emotional und die Charaktere wunderbar komplex.
Hinzu kommen die bemerkenswerten Zeichnungen von Gabriel Rodriguez, die es schaffen, düster und dennoch bunt verspielt zugleich zu wirken.
Obwohl ich die erste Staffel der TV-Serie schon kenne, konnte mich der Comic genauso gut, wenn nicht sogar noch mehr fesseln! Joe Hill hat hier einfach eine geniale Story erschaffen, die Comicleserherzen höher schlagen lässt - vor Angst und vor Überwältigung ob dieses gelungenen grafischen Werkes.
Genauso packend und blutig wie fantastisch und mytisch! Und obwohl es eher für hartgesottene Leser ist (Triggerwarnung vor explizieter Gewalt und psychischer Folter), ist die Geschichte hochgradig emotional und die Charaktere wunderbar komplex.
Hinzu kommen die bemerkenswerten Zeichnungen von Gabriel Rodriguez, die es schaffen, düster und dennoch bunt verspielt zugleich zu wirken.
September 7, 2017
I was very surprised by how much this engrossed me into both the characters and the mystery. I was reluctant to read this because of my distaste for horror/slasher movies, but I'm certainly glad I did. For some reason the kids feel real to me, the way they talk and the way they react and try to cope with what has happened to them. Then there are these mysterious keys to this strange house (which is completely mapped out in the back of this volume) plus an unknown history behind some of the people, the family and the house.
Really excellent, and eager to read the rest.
Really excellent, and eager to read the rest.
March 15, 2019
Veoma prijatno iznenađenje ;)
October 5, 2022
10/2022
Even better the second time around. I felt like this story had burned itself into my mind but there were still some fun things I caught this time around that I don’t think I got last time. This comic is in god tier, perfection realm for me. I am absolutely tickled pink to continue on this Halloween season!
09/2019
I had an exceedingly fun time with this comic. The storyline for this series is as follows: the Locke family looses their patriarch in a brutal act of violence committed by two of Mr Locke’s students. The remaining Locke family members move to Lovecraft, Massachusetts into the family Locke mansion and immediately we find that this mansion is not normal. There are many secrets to find and behold in the manor.
I am just kind of starting my journey with comics and graphic novels and of the few that I have read so far the rest pale in comparison. The story was cohesive. I was not struggling to stay in touch with the storyline which can be a problem for any level of comic reader and is really important to me, I don’t want to have to fight to follow the story. Another thing that I have run across in comics is sometimes I feel it can be harder to become invested in the characters which I had no problem doing here either. This is my first Joe Hill book and I am happy to say that I look forward to exploring the rest of his work.
At first I was apprehensive about the cartoonish nature of the art but the depth and consistent quality of each panel quickly erased my worries. Some artists will not put much effort into faces and facial expressions if the panel is not focusing directly on a character’s face and Rodriguez kept a continuous focus on the quality of even the small details which I’m sure adds so much time to the project but also adds a ton of value to the reader. The color palette was cool and kind of dank which completely kept to the atmosphere of the story. I actually kind of appreciated that there were not really many pops of color too often I like the dreary vibe we were getting to this creepy, mysterious story.
Basically what I’m saying is I loved every bit of it. That’s all folks.
Even better the second time around. I felt like this story had burned itself into my mind but there were still some fun things I caught this time around that I don’t think I got last time. This comic is in god tier, perfection realm for me. I am absolutely tickled pink to continue on this Halloween season!
09/2019
I had an exceedingly fun time with this comic. The storyline for this series is as follows: the Locke family looses their patriarch in a brutal act of violence committed by two of Mr Locke’s students. The remaining Locke family members move to Lovecraft, Massachusetts into the family Locke mansion and immediately we find that this mansion is not normal. There are many secrets to find and behold in the manor.
I am just kind of starting my journey with comics and graphic novels and of the few that I have read so far the rest pale in comparison. The story was cohesive. I was not struggling to stay in touch with the storyline which can be a problem for any level of comic reader and is really important to me, I don’t want to have to fight to follow the story. Another thing that I have run across in comics is sometimes I feel it can be harder to become invested in the characters which I had no problem doing here either. This is my first Joe Hill book and I am happy to say that I look forward to exploring the rest of his work.
At first I was apprehensive about the cartoonish nature of the art but the depth and consistent quality of each panel quickly erased my worries. Some artists will not put much effort into faces and facial expressions if the panel is not focusing directly on a character’s face and Rodriguez kept a continuous focus on the quality of even the small details which I’m sure adds so much time to the project but also adds a ton of value to the reader. The color palette was cool and kind of dank which completely kept to the atmosphere of the story. I actually kind of appreciated that there were not really many pops of color too often I like the dreary vibe we were getting to this creepy, mysterious story.
Basically what I’m saying is I loved every bit of it. That’s all folks.
March 19, 2021
This is actually my second time reading the entire Locke and Key graphic novel series. That alone should tell you how good it is. I very rarely reread anything, I reread all three huge volumes of this one in a single weekend.
I would consider Locke and Key to be one of my all time favorite books. On the surface it is a supernatural horror tale written by the acclaimed Joe Hill. But it goes so much deeper than that.
to continue to the full review please visit here
I would consider Locke and Key to be one of my all time favorite books. On the surface it is a supernatural horror tale written by the acclaimed Joe Hill. But it goes so much deeper than that.
to continue to the full review please visit here
February 19, 2020
Vol. 1: 4 stars
Vol. 2: 4 stars.
I'm not super big on adding graphic novels to my goodreads challenge. The whole point to me is to challenge myself to read a certain number of NOVELS, books that take time and a lot of effort to get through, and I kind of feel like I'm cheating whenever I add one of these because it wasn't actually challenging. To me it feels like a cop-out, a way for me to just add more books onto my challenge (whether to catch up to a goal or just see the number increase), and then when I look back at the end of the year I get disappointed because I didn't actually read 100 books, because 15 of them were comics. I don't know why I feel that way, I just do.
BUT I've decided that if every now and again I read enough volumes of a graphic novel series to get it to be part of a larger collection on goodreads with a higher page count, I'll add it to count as only one, because I did put the effort in, enjoyed it enough to read more than one, and deserve to get some credit for reading it. I don't read many graphic novels to begin with, so what's one or two larger collections here or there? I was going to add the omnibus for this series (which is 1-3 instead of just 2 volumes) but it was in a different language and I thought that would be awkward so I didn't.
Anyways hope you've enjoyed this rant.
Vol. 2: 4 stars.
I'm not super big on adding graphic novels to my goodreads challenge. The whole point to me is to challenge myself to read a certain number of NOVELS, books that take time and a lot of effort to get through, and I kind of feel like I'm cheating whenever I add one of these because it wasn't actually challenging. To me it feels like a cop-out, a way for me to just add more books onto my challenge (whether to catch up to a goal or just see the number increase), and then when I look back at the end of the year I get disappointed because I didn't actually read 100 books, because 15 of them were comics. I don't know why I feel that way, I just do.
BUT I've decided that if every now and again I read enough volumes of a graphic novel series to get it to be part of a larger collection on goodreads with a higher page count, I'll add it to count as only one, because I did put the effort in, enjoyed it enough to read more than one, and deserve to get some credit for reading it. I don't read many graphic novels to begin with, so what's one or two larger collections here or there? I was going to add the omnibus for this series (which is 1-3 instead of just 2 volumes) but it was in a different language and I thought that would be awkward so I didn't.
Anyways hope you've enjoyed this rant.
November 13, 2018
It’s every bit of greatness I knew it would be!!!! I need more ASAP!!!!
January 27, 2019
It was the very first time when my interest has been swayed from a feeling of disgust to a complete blessing while I was reading the series. At the beginning, I could not get jumped to either simple (not true) and childish (true) drawing, or one-dimensional and stupid characters (sooo wrong), and especially all that shit that was happening to them during the first arc. My gosh, how much I hated Sam Hesser, the main antagonist! However, when I realized how foolish and manipulated he was, I felt a kind of mercy for him. And then... I could not stop reading till the last page was turned over.
Regarding the plot, two guys attacked the family of Locke, resulting in the death of his father, while others survived and moved into a big house-castle with a bunch of keys. At first glance, it sounds a little absurd and cliched to hell. Have not we read thousands of stories about psychics and mysterious homes? Have not we had enough ghosts (well, not enough, especially after watching The Haunting of Hill House)? But John Hill, along with Gabriel Rodriguez, created true magic on their pages. They cover us with the gloom, sticky, and interesting atmosphere full of mysteries and discoveries, forcing to look at every detail and putting on breath after each page flip.
Riddles - the first association with doors and key that often emerges in our mind. A well-chosen structure, gorgeous setting, and perfect mythology distinguish this novel from many others. I tried to think waht Hill wanted to say due to these keys, and it's clear that it is not only a path to power and control. If you try to reveal the semantics of the keys, then there will be a collection of various interpretations: freedom and liberation (we have this in the first arch), phallus (gender change), wisdom and knowledge (we also have, in the case of Bode Locke - my favorite character from the family). At the same time, the keys give us suffering and grief. They force us to become obsessive, using other people as a means to doors. It seems Hills did a great research on the key theme, preparing something really exceptional and mystic. Now I understand why people become addicted to this series. It is precisely the key to what we expect from art � to move us to another world that we want to explore and discover. Even when your intuition tells us: it is not worth doing this.
Regarding the plot, two guys attacked the family of Locke, resulting in the death of his father, while others survived and moved into a big house-castle with a bunch of keys. At first glance, it sounds a little absurd and cliched to hell. Have not we read thousands of stories about psychics and mysterious homes? Have not we had enough ghosts (well, not enough, especially after watching The Haunting of Hill House)? But John Hill, along with Gabriel Rodriguez, created true magic on their pages. They cover us with the gloom, sticky, and interesting atmosphere full of mysteries and discoveries, forcing to look at every detail and putting on breath after each page flip.
Riddles - the first association with doors and key that often emerges in our mind. A well-chosen structure, gorgeous setting, and perfect mythology distinguish this novel from many others. I tried to think waht Hill wanted to say due to these keys, and it's clear that it is not only a path to power and control. If you try to reveal the semantics of the keys, then there will be a collection of various interpretations: freedom and liberation (we have this in the first arch), phallus (gender change), wisdom and knowledge (we also have, in the case of Bode Locke - my favorite character from the family). At the same time, the keys give us suffering and grief. They force us to become obsessive, using other people as a means to doors. It seems Hills did a great research on the key theme, preparing something really exceptional and mystic. Now I understand why people become addicted to this series. It is precisely the key to what we expect from art � to move us to another world that we want to explore and discover. Even when your intuition tells us: it is not worth doing this.
June 19, 2015
I'm not a horror fan. But, this book won a lot of accolades and I've heard good things from people about it. Now that I've read the first two acts (included in this volume) I can attest that these accolades are well deserved. The writing is dark (this isn't for kids) as you begin with a bloody murder of the father of the three children who are main characters but compelling. There are some fantasy elements but the story is very much grounded in the modern world. If I had more of the story I would have been willing to stay up pretty late to keep reading last night. Ready for Master Edition volume 2!
September 24, 2015
The art is top notch and the story keeps getting better.
This was a very nice surprise, I did not expect this at all.
This was a very nice surprise, I did not expect this at all.
January 9, 2020
Ґрайндгаузівська містика без пояснень принципів її роботи на сторінках Кінґа мол. так і відгомонить бульварщиною у гарному сенсі слова: читати історію Локів - як наче "Байки зі склепу" дивитись. Утім, динаміка сього дійства не те, щоб змушує затамувати подих, і більше нагадує перебіжки весняного атлета-"проліска", аніж майстра гостросюжетної літератури, а малюнок місцями і взагалі бісить (востаннє подібну огиду до міміки персонажів я відчував під час прочитання перших арок Спайді, того що "Суперіор", у виконанні, простигосподи, Слотта).
Ні, звісно, арт є стильним. І саме він задає більш підлітковий та легкий тон усій серії, не створюючи особливого контрасту, бо не є надто пом'якшеним у противагу до кровкишкирозтяглопалями, але і не акцентує на тому насиллі увагу, бо навіть виразність та кількість деталей у зображенні насилля на сторінках у Родріґеза не різниться від виразності й кількості деталей у зображенні сцен зі шкільного життя. Воно яскраве, воно мультяшне, і аж зовсім посереднє у власній грі із візуальним наративом. Власне, складається враження, що ти дивишся (нехай і добре поставлений), але серіал, бо простору на політ думки між панельками нам лишають ну дуже мало.
Та ж сюжет вартісний, і, що мене особисто купляє із потрохами - завершений, якщо не рахувати періодичного випльовування у світ додаткових випусків. Тож, усім, хто разом зі мною любить історії зразку "в нас є таємна містична країна/частина будинку/сад, у якому твориться чортівня, якої дорослі не бачать", я раджу не баритись, і приєднуватися: пітерпановщина спайдервіку над лавкрафто-тяжопадами із цього має вийти непоганою.
Ні, звісно, арт є стильним. І саме він задає більш підлітковий та легкий тон усій серії, не створюючи особливого контрасту, бо не є надто пом'якшеним у противагу до кровкишкирозтяглопалями, але і не акцентує на тому насиллі увагу, бо навіть виразність та кількість деталей у зображенні насилля на сторінках у Родріґеза не різниться від виразності й кількості деталей у зображенні сцен зі шкільного життя. Воно яскраве, воно мультяшне, і аж зовсім посереднє у власній грі із візуальним наративом. Власне, складається враження, що ти дивишся (нехай і добре поставлений), але серіал, бо простору на політ думки між панельками нам лишають ну дуже мало.
Та ж сюжет вартісний, і, що мене особисто купляє із потрохами - завершений, якщо не рахувати періодичного випльовування у світ додаткових випусків. Тож, усім, хто разом зі мною любить історії зразку "в нас є таємна містична країна/частина будинку/сад, у якому твориться чортівня, якої дорослі не бачать", я раджу не баритись, і приєднуватися: пітерпановщина спайдервіку над лавкрафто-тяжопадами із цього має вийти непоганою.
April 26, 2025
(Zero spoiler review) 4.5/5
Even if the second arc doesn't quite match the first, this shows how a skilled author, working in tandem with an accomplished artist can produce some truly high concept fiction. It's near flawless execution showing the sheer storytelling potential of the comics medium like few others in the history of graphic storytelling.
Locke and Key is one of those rare treasures that sadly doesn't get talked about enough anymore. The Netflix adaptation was a sad and disappointing roadblock to what could and should have been one of the truly great moments of fiction this millennium. High praise, perhaps, but tell me another indie comics creation with this level of potential. Saga? Nah, this is infinitely better in every conceivable way.
A stronger adaptation should have put it up there with Game of Thrones and other phenomenal works of fiction. Potentially going on to shift millions of copies and singlehandedly saving IDW from their own incompetence. Instead, it remains one of comic's true hidden gems. 4.5/5
OmniBen.
Even if the second arc doesn't quite match the first, this shows how a skilled author, working in tandem with an accomplished artist can produce some truly high concept fiction. It's near flawless execution showing the sheer storytelling potential of the comics medium like few others in the history of graphic storytelling.
Locke and Key is one of those rare treasures that sadly doesn't get talked about enough anymore. The Netflix adaptation was a sad and disappointing roadblock to what could and should have been one of the truly great moments of fiction this millennium. High praise, perhaps, but tell me another indie comics creation with this level of potential. Saga? Nah, this is infinitely better in every conceivable way.
A stronger adaptation should have put it up there with Game of Thrones and other phenomenal works of fiction. Potentially going on to shift millions of copies and singlehandedly saving IDW from their own incompetence. Instead, it remains one of comic's true hidden gems. 4.5/5
OmniBen.
March 26, 2025
After getting all books individually, I eventually got smart and bought the omnibuses. I assume if you are here, you already know and love this series and are trying to figure out if these are worth it. I'm not always a fan of omnibus editions as they can be too heavy and poorly made to enjoy. But this is beautifully made, and the binding (a big deal with an omnibus) is solid. Mine has been read several times and it's not pulled loose. I bought mine from an indie bookstore where Joe occasionally signs books (if you search online that option comes up & I recommend it because he signs with a drawing as well).
January 11, 2022
one word: amazing
January 24, 2024
Alot better than i expected :D
October 20, 2020
This is a review of the entire series.
The story follows the Locke siblings; the curious young Bode, his rebellious sister Kinsey and his mature brother Tyler. After their father is tragically murdered in a mysterious home invasion, they move to their ancestral home in Lovecraft (a very suitable name for the hellish place they're moving into) with their alcoholic mother. The Locke house holds many strange secrets, keys that unlock forbidden powers and ancient evils never meant to be released. It turns out that the murder of the Locke family's father may not have been a coincidence. There are higher forces at play, manipulating the living from the shadows and orchestrating the downfall of the entire world.
This was a great surprise. I've been reading manga my entire life, but I confess that I never got into American comics and graphic novels (until now that is.) This series managed to win me over and open up an entire new medium of fiction to me. I was impressed by how realistic and human the characters are, there are so many unique people that are developed with utmost respect and is an example of diversity done extremely well. It really does rival the best of Stephen King and other big horror writers of the same ilk. It's got body swapping, spirit battles, mind-bending powers, ghosts and demons, heavy metal culture, blood and guts, tears and trauma, it's a thrilling ride all the way through.
Every volume packed a handful of punches. Volume 4 was the weakest of the series but even that one had a strong finish that eventually led to an even stronger ending. Suffering and grief is portrayed with rich emotion. The character development is moving. The villain is merciless and is actively involved with the plot at all times. All the side characters play a big role in the climactic finale and they all get the satisfying resolutions they deserve. Great series.
***
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The story follows the Locke siblings; the curious young Bode, his rebellious sister Kinsey and his mature brother Tyler. After their father is tragically murdered in a mysterious home invasion, they move to their ancestral home in Lovecraft (a very suitable name for the hellish place they're moving into) with their alcoholic mother. The Locke house holds many strange secrets, keys that unlock forbidden powers and ancient evils never meant to be released. It turns out that the murder of the Locke family's father may not have been a coincidence. There are higher forces at play, manipulating the living from the shadows and orchestrating the downfall of the entire world.
This was a great surprise. I've been reading manga my entire life, but I confess that I never got into American comics and graphic novels (until now that is.) This series managed to win me over and open up an entire new medium of fiction to me. I was impressed by how realistic and human the characters are, there are so many unique people that are developed with utmost respect and is an example of diversity done extremely well. It really does rival the best of Stephen King and other big horror writers of the same ilk. It's got body swapping, spirit battles, mind-bending powers, ghosts and demons, heavy metal culture, blood and guts, tears and trauma, it's a thrilling ride all the way through.
Every volume packed a handful of punches. Volume 4 was the weakest of the series but even that one had a strong finish that eventually led to an even stronger ending. Suffering and grief is portrayed with rich emotion. The character development is moving. The villain is merciless and is actively involved with the plot at all times. All the side characters play a big role in the climactic finale and they all get the satisfying resolutions they deserve. Great series.
***
My Social Media
My YouTube Channel:
My Instagram Account:
My Wattpad Account:
My Twitter Account:
My Facebook Account:
January 12, 2018
Top notch story and art. This is now among my top 10 favourite graphic novel stories of all time. The Master Editions are a great way to collect this story and would be best read back to back. For those interested, there are subsequent small one-shot stories that were done later and tie in with the world Joe Hill created here.
August 9, 2022
Haus der vielen Türen
Fazit: Einstieg in ein Horror-Meisterwerk der Extraklasse mit viel Mythos und Rätseln. Gesamt: 5/5
Inhalt: Mit der "Master-Edition" von "Locke&Key" erscheinen die Bände der gleichnamigen Serie nun in Hardcoverauflage mit Specials. In Hills und Rodriguez' Horror-Saga dreht sich alles um die Locke-Geschwister: Tyler, Kinsey und der kleine Bode. Nach der Ermordung ihres Vaters zeihen sie zusammen mit ihrer Mutter Victoria zum Onkel ins Locke Manor. Mit viel Fantasie und Offenheit bepackt entdeckt der Jüngste bald die Geheimnisse des Herrenhauses: Türen, die verschiedenste magische Effekte auslösen wie Geschlechtswandel oder Alterung, mysteriöse Schlüssel und das "Echo im Brunnenhaus", das sich alsbald als lebendig erweist. Die Geschwister müssen erkennen, dass die Villa ein altes Familienerbe beherbergt, dass nicht vom Diesseits dieser Welt stammt...
Bewertung: Nachdem ich "Locke&Key" vorher noch nicht kannte, ist es dieser wundervollen ersten Ausgabe der Master-Edition sofort gelungen mich in ihren Bann zu ziehen. Viel zu spannend war es, die Rätsel, die das Haus aufwirft, zusammen mit den Figuren zu entdecken und soweit wie möglich zu entschlüsseln. Dabei waren die Protagonisten mit allen ihren Höhen und Tiefen stets sympathisch. Tyler, der alles tut, um seine Familie zu schützen und selbst psychisch schwer vom Überfall auf seinen Vater mitgenommen wurde. Kinsey, die ebenso traumatisiert ist und droht von Selbstzweifeln überrannt zu werden. Und schließlich der kleine Bode, der die Belastung auf seine eigene Art löst und von Neugier getrieben die Antwort auf jedes neue Rätsel sucht, das Locke Manor aufwirft. Sie alle wachsen immer wieder über sich hinaus und es macht Spaß ihren Werdegang zu beobachten und nachzufühlen. Auf der anderen Seite gibt es die Antagonisten. Zum Einen der Mörder von Rendell Locke, der immer wieder durch Wahnsinn, Skrupellosigkeit und einem Hang zur Anarchie aufwartet - ähnlich dem Joker aus Batman, nur mit weniger Grün und Lila. Und natürlich die böse Entität aus dem Brunnen, die bis zum Schluss ihr böses Spiel spielt und die Fäden in den Händen hält. Im Laufe der Geschichte öffnen sich immer neue Pfade, die die Kreatur durch ihr Handeln schafft und die Hinweise zu ihrer Identität und Motiven verdichten sich. Aber keine Sorge: Alles wird im ersten von drei Teilen natürlich nicht verraten. Die Spannung bleibt. Als besonders gelungen und für mich einzigartig empfinde ich die Szenenübergänge, in denen es Joe Hill immer wieder gelungen ist zwei verschiedene Orte und Zeiten mit dem gleichen Satz/Zusammenhang miteinander zu verknüpfen. Das erhöht den Lesekomfort gegenüber harten Handlungssprüngen und macht einfach Spaß. Wenn sich jetzt der Zeichenstil noch etwas verdunkeln würde, wäre alles perfekt. Natürlich gelingt es Rodriguez die Sequenzen und die gelieferten Emotionen angenehm in seinen Bildern zu konvertieren, aber insgesamt bleibt mir die Szenerie zu hell und angenehm. Der Grusel kommt immer wieder durch, aber nicht so sehr, wie es z.B. beim DC-Schocker "Das Haus am See" (James Tynion IV, Bueno) oder in "Arkham Asylum" (Morrison, McKean) der Fall war. Das nimmt etwas vom Gesamteindruck, beeinflusst den Lesespaß jedoch für mich nur marginal. Hervorheben will ich noch einmal die Extras, die am Ende des Bandes warten. Hier erhält der Leser etwas Hintergrundwissen zu den mysteriösen Schlüsseln und ihrer Entstehung - perfekt für Einstieger wie mich!
Fazit: Einstieg in ein Horror-Meisterwerk der Extraklasse mit viel Mythos und Rätseln. Gesamt: 5/5
May 18, 2020
Book Quality
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4/5
Overall: I'm glad I ponied up for the Master Edition, it's the best graphic novel collection on my shelf.
Cover: Nice and classy. The art looks nice and there are nice details like subtle debossing. The endpapers are maps of the probably-too-on-the-nose town of Lovecraft.
Paper: Heavyweight bright white paper makes the colors pop. No complaints whatsoever.
Other: So I recently received my copies of Volume 2 & 3. Now that they are snug next to each other on my shelf, I was surprised to find that none of them match. No two have quite the same colors, and the alignment of the print off by fraction of a millimeter. If you were a guest in my home perusing my bookcase you likely wouldn't notice it, so it's not a huge deal, but I am the kind of person who notices these things.
Book Content
-----------
4/5
It was compelling enough that I was happy to read Volume 1 in a single sitting. At the time of this writing I have not yet read Volumes 2 & 3, but I will soon. Anyhow, so far I find the characters vibrant. The setting of the town seems to work well. And the nonlinear storytelling has been executed well enough. Looking forward to the rest.
----------
4/5
Overall: I'm glad I ponied up for the Master Edition, it's the best graphic novel collection on my shelf.
Cover: Nice and classy. The art looks nice and there are nice details like subtle debossing. The endpapers are maps of the probably-too-on-the-nose town of Lovecraft.
Paper: Heavyweight bright white paper makes the colors pop. No complaints whatsoever.
Other: So I recently received my copies of Volume 2 & 3. Now that they are snug next to each other on my shelf, I was surprised to find that none of them match. No two have quite the same colors, and the alignment of the print off by fraction of a millimeter. If you were a guest in my home perusing my bookcase you likely wouldn't notice it, so it's not a huge deal, but I am the kind of person who notices these things.
Book Content
-----------
4/5
It was compelling enough that I was happy to read Volume 1 in a single sitting. At the time of this writing I have not yet read Volumes 2 & 3, but I will soon. Anyhow, so far I find the characters vibrant. The setting of the town seems to work well. And the nonlinear storytelling has been executed well enough. Looking forward to the rest.
January 22, 2018
Edle Ausgabe einer anspruchsvollen und genialen Comic Reihe!
Nach der brutalen Ermordung des Vaters zieht Familie Locke in das „Keyhouse� in Neu England. Das alte Landhaus verfügt über seltsame Türen, einen mysteriösen Brunnen und merkwürdige Schlüssel, welche nach und nach im Laufe der Geschichte gefunden werden.
Zu Beginn wirkt alles etwas verworren, da die Geschichte auf drei Zeitebenen erzählt wird und immer wieder zwischen diesen gewechselt wird. Hier ist etwas Aufmerksamkeit verlangt, da es ansonsten sehr verwirrend wird. Hat man dies allerdings überwunden, erwartet einen eine extrem spannende und komplexe Story rund um das Keyhouse!
Die Geschichte selbst stammt aus der Feder von Joe Hill, einem Sohn von Stephen King. Bisher kannte ich noch nichts von Hill, werde aber definitiv zu weiteren Werken von ihm greifen! „Locke & Key� ist definitiv genial!
Unterstützt wird die geniale Story durch die Zeichnungen von Gabriel Rodriguez. Seite graphische Leistung in „Locke & Key� finde ich grandios und wertet die Geschichte nochmals auf. Die Zeichnungen von Rodriguez sind sehr detailverliebt und werden durch eine eher düster gehaltene Kolorierung von Jay Fotos ergänzt. Gemeinsam schaffen sie es perfekt, die düstere, gruselige und beklemmende Stimmung wiederzugeben.
Der Sammelband ist mit über 300 Seiten sehr umfangreich, liegt beim Lesen allerdings etwas schwer in der Hand. Optisch ist der Sammelband ein echter Hingucker und ich werde mir definitiv die folgenden Bände holen!
In meinen Augen ist die „Locke & Key Master-Edition Bd. 1� von Joe Hill ein anspruchsvoller Comic für Horrorfans und ich kann ihn bedenkenlos empfehlen!
Nach der brutalen Ermordung des Vaters zieht Familie Locke in das „Keyhouse� in Neu England. Das alte Landhaus verfügt über seltsame Türen, einen mysteriösen Brunnen und merkwürdige Schlüssel, welche nach und nach im Laufe der Geschichte gefunden werden.
Zu Beginn wirkt alles etwas verworren, da die Geschichte auf drei Zeitebenen erzählt wird und immer wieder zwischen diesen gewechselt wird. Hier ist etwas Aufmerksamkeit verlangt, da es ansonsten sehr verwirrend wird. Hat man dies allerdings überwunden, erwartet einen eine extrem spannende und komplexe Story rund um das Keyhouse!
Die Geschichte selbst stammt aus der Feder von Joe Hill, einem Sohn von Stephen King. Bisher kannte ich noch nichts von Hill, werde aber definitiv zu weiteren Werken von ihm greifen! „Locke & Key� ist definitiv genial!
Unterstützt wird die geniale Story durch die Zeichnungen von Gabriel Rodriguez. Seite graphische Leistung in „Locke & Key� finde ich grandios und wertet die Geschichte nochmals auf. Die Zeichnungen von Rodriguez sind sehr detailverliebt und werden durch eine eher düster gehaltene Kolorierung von Jay Fotos ergänzt. Gemeinsam schaffen sie es perfekt, die düstere, gruselige und beklemmende Stimmung wiederzugeben.
Der Sammelband ist mit über 300 Seiten sehr umfangreich, liegt beim Lesen allerdings etwas schwer in der Hand. Optisch ist der Sammelband ein echter Hingucker und ich werde mir definitiv die folgenden Bände holen!
In meinen Augen ist die „Locke & Key Master-Edition Bd. 1� von Joe Hill ein anspruchsvoller Comic für Horrorfans und ich kann ihn bedenkenlos empfehlen!
August 14, 2017
Fantastic ! I love Joe Hill's books, but i waited a long time to check this graphic novel out. What a sucker i am ! Great horror story with alot of Lovecraftian things in it, also ghosts, portals, scary killers, a super rich back story, and kick ass snappy dialogue to boot. The art takes some getting used to, but ended up loving it, its very original, almost manga like, with the big eyes and everything. Also like to mention that this edition, the master edition, is stunning ! beautifull details, a map at the beginning (i love maps) in books, and some cool extra's, this hardcover contains the first two trades. My rating could get higher but first want to see where the story will go. A true new favorite in the making, and already one of the best reading experiences i had this year.
August 9, 2020
Jag började läsa den här serien efter att jag sett den fantastiska Netflix-serien och jag måste säga att de har gjort ett riktigt bra jobb med adaptionen. Den är inte alls som originalet utan har sin egen stil och känsla vilket gör att den är sevärd oavsett om man läst originalet eller ej. Det finns en hel del karaktärer som jag föredrar i TV-serien och en del som jag föredrar i den här boken. Berättandet i TV-serien tycker jag är lite vassare än i den här boken, men det är en unik historia så även om det inte är en tecknarstil som tilltalar mig till 100% så är det riktigt snyggt gjort och jag ser fram emot att läsa alla tre Master Editions.
October 18, 2019
Love the art. The characters are cool, even the villains. Bode is a little rascal who is lovable. Rufus is shaping up to be an important character. The whole key concept is very interesting and I'm excited to see where it goes.
July 20, 2020
I read this series when it first came out, but we got this master edition for our shelves this past holiday season. I decided it was time for a reread because it was such a great graphic series and to compare it to the show. Joe Hill is definitely one of my go-to authors.
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