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molok's review against another edition
5.0
So so good. I couldn't put it down and read the whole run in a week. One of the best things I've read in a really long time
katywhumpus's review against another edition
5.0
I liked what Brian K. Vaughn said in the introduction to Volume 3: “Readers love fantasy, but we need horror. Smart horror. Truthful horror. Horror that helps us make sense of a cruelly senseless world.”
After last year’s election I was drawn to dystopian stories, but lately I’ve been reading more horror. If dystopia helps us consider and plan for what ifs and horror helps us cope with what is, my current reading interests make sense.
After last year’s election I was drawn to dystopian stories, but lately I’ve been reading more horror. If dystopia helps us consider and plan for what ifs and horror helps us cope with what is, my current reading interests make sense.
thesleepyreader79's review against another edition
5.0
This is my foray into the world of Joe Hill. I have heard of his name through several people I follow on Instagram but had yet to read anything he had written. I initially set out to read these awhile back when the Netflix show was on but they ended up on my TBR instead. Needing a quick read to catch up on my reading list, I picked these up and was not disappointed.
The story focuses on three kids whose father has been murdered and they along with their mother move across country to live in his childhood home Keyhouse. Keyhouse is located in Lovecraft, MA and is full of mystery and secrets. As the years have gone by the magic has evolved even going so far as to have a spell that once you turn 18 you forget about the magic and the keys. Trey, Kinsey and Bode soon discover that the house also holds numerous keys that all have magical qualities. The youngest gets sucked in by a demon, named Dodge, who he unwittingly lets out and things start getting pretty crazy once that happens. The demon is looking for the Omega key, the key that allows him to open the door to allow more of his kind out into our world. Can Trey, Kinsey and Bode join forces to defeat Dodge and save the world?
Im not typically a graphic novel reader but when something piques my interest, I will give it a try. Overall, this is a fantastic series. The idea of keys that can do crazy things like make you a giant, open up your mind, literally, so you can add or take stuff out and one that as long as you can envision the door it'll instantly take you there, I was hooked just from those ideas. In this slipcase there are six volumes and they all stand out. Gut wrenching, poignant and a definite page turner, you will not want to put this series down. I was able to read all 6 in two days.
I'm not an expert on art styles but I did enjoy the look of these books overall. Each one with in depth drawing that you will just sit and stare at until you make sure you've seen everything on the page. The characters are strong and well developed with room to grow. You could definitely feel the emotions of the characters coming off the page from the mother's grief at losing her husband to the daughter who wants to take fear and crying out of herself so she never has to feel either again. The villain in this series is relentless and there were times I was sure that he would win. The ending is strong and had me in tears. I believe this is just the beginning of my ride into the world of Joe Hill.
The story focuses on three kids whose father has been murdered and they along with their mother move across country to live in his childhood home Keyhouse. Keyhouse is located in Lovecraft, MA and is full of mystery and secrets. As the years have gone by the magic has evolved even going so far as to have a spell that once you turn 18 you forget about the magic and the keys. Trey, Kinsey and Bode soon discover that the house also holds numerous keys that all have magical qualities. The youngest gets sucked in by a demon, named Dodge, who he unwittingly lets out and things start getting pretty crazy once that happens. The demon is looking for the Omega key, the key that allows him to open the door to allow more of his kind out into our world. Can Trey, Kinsey and Bode join forces to defeat Dodge and save the world?
Im not typically a graphic novel reader but when something piques my interest, I will give it a try. Overall, this is a fantastic series. The idea of keys that can do crazy things like make you a giant, open up your mind, literally, so you can add or take stuff out and one that as long as you can envision the door it'll instantly take you there, I was hooked just from those ideas. In this slipcase there are six volumes and they all stand out. Gut wrenching, poignant and a definite page turner, you will not want to put this series down. I was able to read all 6 in two days.
I'm not an expert on art styles but I did enjoy the look of these books overall. Each one with in depth drawing that you will just sit and stare at until you make sure you've seen everything on the page. The characters are strong and well developed with room to grow. You could definitely feel the emotions of the characters coming off the page from the mother's grief at losing her husband to the daughter who wants to take fear and crying out of herself so she never has to feel either again. The villain in this series is relentless and there were times I was sure that he would win. The ending is strong and had me in tears. I believe this is just the beginning of my ride into the world of Joe Hill.
mispaintedlady's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this comic series! Decided to not count each volume as a single book as I read them back to back as a complete set.
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
jljaina's review against another edition
4.0
Twisted, violent, evil! I had a lot of fun with this series. What an imagination to create this! I love the idea of all these locks and keys that have special effects on the users. Most inventive! There is a lot of death. VIolent, bloody death. Mature, sexual content (nothing too heavy though) and lots of cursing so readers beware! I loved the exploration, revenge, and self discovery this series offers. It messes with both characters and readers in SO many ways! I really liked most of the characters. Tyler took awhile to grow on me but Kinsley and Bode were instant likes. Even the main villain was pretty cool.
acciowanna's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
inessousa's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
jtbrehm898's review against another edition
5.0
Second story I’ve read from Joe Hill and was one of the best graphic novels I have ever read. Classic story of good vs. evil but done extremely well! The amazing art from Gabriel Rodríguez improves the great story from Hill and ends up with a phenomenal final product. Loved this story and every page was beautiful. Amazing!
jk0323's review against another edition
5.0
Vol1
Nonstop tension start to finish. Despite a gruesome story line and an odious antagonist, I couldn't put it down. Great balance of mystery and reveal, with an expert use of flashback for gradual character and plot exposition. Lots of cliffhangers throughout and at the end of the volume to keep you coming back for more.
If you are into the horror genre and aren't squeamish with blood or feckless killing of innocents, this is a good read. If you ARE squeamish with the feckless killing of innocents, this is a great read, and you, if you're anything like me, are going to want to KEEP reading. Without spoilers, I feel extremely driven to finish the series to see who gets their comeuppance and how.
Vol2
Not as good as volume one, this seemed like a transitional episode paving the way for big things to come. Many of the characters are endlessly frustrating. Fantastic artwork, particularly the two page spread anytime you get a look in someone's mind. On to part 3!
Vol 3
Continued excellence. The story is gripping and the artwork is particularly excellent. Touch of plot inconsistency in the beginning which was a little annoying, and a couple of cliche tropes throughout, but in general a fresh idea with its own internal consistency and unique ideas. Enjoying the gradual filling in of character details, and excited to see the role this new guy who looks like spider jerusalem from transmetropolitan is going to play.
Vol 4
Great volume, fast paced, excellent plotting. Art remains incredible, dialogue is realistic. Enjoy the juxtaposition of teenage angst and ongoing battles for their lives. A TOUCH put off by the deus ex machina with Rufus and Lesser, but I'll allow it. Definitely like the continuing development of the mythology of this universe.
Vol 5
Another good one. Lots of helpful backstory that we've been waiting for,some important reveals and a lot of missing links that fit the whole story in a single beautifully plotted time line going into the finale.
Vol 6
Good conclusion, tidy, well plotted. Overall a really engaging story with beautiful art and memorable characters. But still I have some questions...
Spoilers below:
1)So who is in the well, and why did they have the power to show up to lesser in the painting at the dad's guidance counselor office. Is it just the discarded thought of Lucas that was supposed to be in a bottle, or is it the echo of lucas/demon? If his memory is there after death, then does that mean lots of others are too? Why didn't any other echoes protect bode from going in? And why does the demons soul disappear if brought back to it? Almost everything about the well house still confuses me.
2)what key used the mechanical owl, and then when/where was the moon key?
3.So at the end bode becomes a bird, then animal keys to be human again? I guess that one makes sense.
4.why can mom sometimes see ghosts but not always.
5.why not bring the students to the mending key
6.whatever happened to the jester key?
Nonstop tension start to finish. Despite a gruesome story line and an odious antagonist, I couldn't put it down. Great balance of mystery and reveal, with an expert use of flashback for gradual character and plot exposition. Lots of cliffhangers throughout and at the end of the volume to keep you coming back for more.
If you are into the horror genre and aren't squeamish with blood or feckless killing of innocents, this is a good read. If you ARE squeamish with the feckless killing of innocents, this is a great read, and you, if you're anything like me, are going to want to KEEP reading. Without spoilers, I feel extremely driven to finish the series to see who gets their comeuppance and how.
Vol2
Not as good as volume one, this seemed like a transitional episode paving the way for big things to come. Many of the characters are endlessly frustrating. Fantastic artwork, particularly the two page spread anytime you get a look in someone's mind. On to part 3!
Vol 3
Continued excellence. The story is gripping and the artwork is particularly excellent. Touch of plot inconsistency in the beginning which was a little annoying, and a couple of cliche tropes throughout, but in general a fresh idea with its own internal consistency and unique ideas. Enjoying the gradual filling in of character details, and excited to see the role this new guy who looks like spider jerusalem from transmetropolitan is going to play.
Vol 4
Great volume, fast paced, excellent plotting. Art remains incredible, dialogue is realistic. Enjoy the juxtaposition of teenage angst and ongoing battles for their lives. A TOUCH put off by the deus ex machina with Rufus and Lesser, but I'll allow it. Definitely like the continuing development of the mythology of this universe.
Vol 5
Another good one. Lots of helpful backstory that we've been waiting for,some important reveals and a lot of missing links that fit the whole story in a single beautifully plotted time line going into the finale.
Vol 6
Good conclusion, tidy, well plotted. Overall a really engaging story with beautiful art and memorable characters. But still I have some questions...
Spoilers below:
1)So who is in the well, and why did they have the power to show up to lesser in the painting at the dad's guidance counselor office. Is it just the discarded thought of Lucas that was supposed to be in a bottle, or is it the echo of lucas/demon? If his memory is there after death, then does that mean lots of others are too? Why didn't any other echoes protect bode from going in? And why does the demons soul disappear if brought back to it? Almost everything about the well house still confuses me.
2)what key used the mechanical owl, and then when/where was the moon key?
3.So at the end bode becomes a bird, then animal keys to be human again? I guess that one makes sense.
4.why can mom sometimes see ghosts but not always.
5.why not bring the students to the mending key
6.whatever happened to the jester key?
barb4ry1's review
5.0
Locke & Key exceeded my expectations. In a big way. I can see it becoming one of my all-time favorite graphic novels. With stunning art, an engrossing plot, and relatable characters, it tells more than just a horror story. It goes much deeper than that. It's an excellent book about family, grief, and growing up.