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You've voted and the winner for our first group read is Locke & Key, Vol. 1: Welcome to Lovecraft! What did you think of this book? Let us know in this thread, which will remain permanently open (so no rush, even though we will be starting our next comic book of the month on August 1st to get on track).

Jamie wrote: "...So glad I joined a reading group or would never have gotten round to this."

I'm in the same boat! I never would have picked this up on my own, but am really enjoying it so far.

The art style was a bit off-putting for me at first (part of the reason I wouldn't have read it on my own), but it ends up fitting the tone and style of the story really well. I am 3 issues in and completely in love with Bode.

I'm glad that everyone seems to be enjoying it so far. I will be picking it up here shortly. :)

I ordered my copy from Amazon today for a Thursday delivery. :)

I'm excited to sit down and read this book over the weekend!

Just finished and really enjoyed it ! Definitely will be continuing the series.

Gabriella wrote: "Just finished and really enjoyed it ! Definitely will be continuing the series."

Same here! With the Hoopla library app I used to read it, when you reach the end of a volume that they have the sequel to, there's a link saying "would you like to borrow the next volume?" I didn't even have to think twice!

I thought Hill's writing in this volume was spectacular - very tight and clean, with excellent pacing and interesting structure. I was not ultimately very fond of Rodríguez's art. It fits the story well, but visually it's just not very appealing to me. I did really like the way he captured facial expressions, especially Bode's.

I would give the writing 5 stars and the art 3, so overall I rated this book a 4.

Kate wrote: "Gabriella wrote: "Just finished and really enjoyed it ! Definitely will be continuing the series."

Same here! With the Hoopla library app I used to read it, when you reach the end of a volume that..."

I totally agree with everything you said, especially with the first impression of the art style but Rodríguez's style definitely grew on me once I finished because i felt it molded perfectly with the story line.

And Bode hands down is my favorite character also.

Just finished Vol 1 and I have to admit, it's better than I imaged. The art is good, but the writing is really good. Sometimes when adults try to write as if they are little kids, it falls apart. I'm not finding this with Bode. I'm also still trying to determine how old Bode is. I'm guessing 6 or 7, but there is no mention of him going to a new school, and it seems like he's got a LOT of time to roam around the mansion, small enough to squeeze through the bars of the well house, and young enough to still believe in magic. Anyone else have ideas on this?

I also like that Hill is treating the mother, Nina, as a human. I think any adult that's been through what she's been through with her family would turn to drink. It's not just Nina, though. All of the characters are well developed and I can't wait to see how the entire series progresses.

I agree completely, Dianna. I really appreciated not only the well developed characters, but the realistic treatment of how the trauma has affected each of them.

Re: Bode's age: According to he is 6 :)

This is my first graphic novel as an adult! I haven't read a comic since the 70s. :D. But I own three from my favorite authors and wanted to start going through them. I voted for Locke & Key because I like Joe Hill's books. So far, after Ch 1, I'm really enjoying it. It took a fee pages to get into the flow of reading the bubbles. I love the artwork more now than at pg 1.

Shawnie wrote: "This is my first graphic novel as an adult! I haven't read a comic since the 70s. :D. But I own three from my favorite authors and wanted to start going through them. I voted for Locke & Key becaus..."

Woohoo! Welcome back to comics!!!

At least for me, reading comics as an adult has been a much different experience than reading them as a kid. There's a lot more depth to be enjoyed, and books for adults frequently tackle much more complex issues. You'll have to let us know how it compares for you.

What Joe Hill books have you read in the past? Locke & Key, Vol. 1: Welcome to Lovecraft was my first, but I'd really like to read more based on how good it was.

NOS4A2 and Horns. I enjoyed both.

Shawnie wrote: "This is my first graphic novel as an adult! I haven't read a comic since the 70s. :D. But I own three from my favorite authors and wanted to start going through them. I voted for Locke & Key becaus..."

Just wait until you get further in the series. The artwork is amazing. At least I thought it was.

I had already read volume 1 (and just recently finished volume 6) and I gotta say, I really enjoyed the entire series. I'll only talk about volume 1 here of course. ;) One of the things I enjoyed most about Hill's writing were the characters. After what they experienced in this volume, I felt like each of them reacted in a believable manner. Their grief, pain, methods of coping all felt very real to me.
I thought Hill and Rodriguez made a great team at telling their story. This was my first time reading any of Hill's work and it definitely makes me want to read his other books. I just recently picked up a copy of N0S4A2 at a used book shop after my bff recommended it to me so strongly.
Fun little fact: If any of you enjoy horror and older horror movies, Joe Hill actually plays the little boy in Creepshow (he's in the movie's prologue and epilogue scenes!)
If you are thinking about continuing on with the series after volume 1 I would highly suggest you go for it! They're all good and honestly the story and characters just keep getting better. Volume 3's art/panel usage really blew me away. Loved that one especially! :)

I haven't read this one in years, I guess I can brush the dust off my digital copy and read it over the next few days!

Just finished it and I really enjoyed it. I like the horror theme, artwork and mystery.
Will definitely be continuing the series.

Jamie wrote: "I confess, I prejudged this book as a written for teens haunted house caper.
Don't ask me why.
A couple of murders, buckets of blood and an axe to the back of the scull changed my mind.
I found th..."

I had the exact same preconception! I agree about the level of violence. It was spot on for the story and handled extremely well.

Hybrid Creature (devours books instead of brains) wrote: "Just finished it and I really enjoyed it. I like the horror theme, artwork and mystery.
Will definitely be continuing the series."

I think the mystery element is what's really going to keep me coming back. That and my attachment to Bode.

I read this a couple years back and thought it was fantastic. I don't remember all of the nuances to it, but I really like that the creators didn't pull any punches with the characters. Bad things happen to these characters, they struggle with it, and ultimately move on. The setting is good, but those characters hooked me.

I did read the second volume not too long ago and I enjoyed that one as well. For those that like Bode, you'll love the second book if I am remembering correctly. This thread reminded me that I should pick up more of this series.