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devannm's review against another edition
2.0
I was all ready to angrily give this volume 2 stars but then HALLELUJAH SOMETHING ACTUALLY HAPPENED IN THE LAST TWO ISSUES, so I will somewhat grudgingly bump it up to 3. [edit: ok nevermind, I ranted enough to talk myself back down to 2 stars. Let's just call it 2.5] I just do not get why everyone is obsessed with this series?
The first 4 issues were all just random one shots where nothing happened and I hated the like ...mini-style-changes I guess. Also it's very uh ...interesting for a comic book with literally two black SIDE characters to try to do an issue focusing on racism. On a related note, one of the two gay characters has literally been in a coma for half the series. Obviously you're doing great on representation here. Pat yourselves on the back.
The last two issues were an arc by themselves and definitely upped the action as well as the gore factor so that was fairly satisfying. Although [SPOILER] I was so excited for them to finally realize it was Zach so we could somewhere with this but now that Zach is inside of Bode's body we're literally back where we started. Oh well, at least I have to look at his stupid face less now.
And for that matter if Zach can change his gender and there's a fucking FACE CHANGING MIRROR as well then why is he still running around wearing his normal face that is always causing him so much trouble. And why does he have that lip ring and horribly douchey soul patch, both of which are very identifying features. I assume it's just so he looks properly ~dreamy yet douchey~ but honestly it just makes no sense.
The first 4 issues were all just random one shots where nothing happened and I hated the like ...mini-style-changes I guess. Also it's very uh ...interesting for a comic book with literally two black SIDE characters to try to do an issue focusing on racism. On a related note, one of the two gay characters has literally been in a coma for half the series. Obviously you're doing great on representation here. Pat yourselves on the back.
The last two issues were an arc by themselves and definitely upped the action as well as the gore factor so that was fairly satisfying. Although [SPOILER] I was so excited for them to finally realize it was Zach so we could somewhere with this but now that Zach is inside of Bode's body we're literally back where we started. Oh well, at least I have to look at his stupid face less now.
And for that matter if Zach can change his gender and there's a fucking FACE CHANGING MIRROR as well then why is he still running around wearing his normal face that is always causing him so much trouble. And why does he have that lip ring and horribly douchey soul patch, both of which are very identifying features. I assume it's just so he looks properly ~dreamy yet douchey~ but honestly it just makes no sense.
fairymodmother's review against another edition
4.0
Another really fantastic entry. So much plot happening, so many clues and tangles getting added to an already ambitious plot. Love it.
CONTENT WARNING:
Story: Man, we're really in it now! Everything is spiraling deliciously towards a finale. A great blend of typical teenage angst and the horror of Keyhouse. I'm very confused why Rendell was so sure they'd be safe at Keyhouse. I hope we get that reveal. I am loving the twists and found lots in this to be quite funny as well. Also enjoying how much thought Hill is putting into the consequences of previous actions.
Art: Interestingly, we have a few guest artists. I'm not entirely sure why, but it was interesting and did add a bit of whimsy to an otherwise dark storyline. The colors in this one begin to sharpen, and the gore is...quite upsetting. I look forward to discussing with my human what we think the change in colors means.
Layout: Ah! It's so good! Once again, a great use of the format to convey things. The serialization of the days moves the story along quickly while conveying the strange duality of these kids' lives and a sort of gallows-humorous acceptance of their new life.
Another 4.5 rounded down because I...well, because, I guess. I'm riveted, I'm loving the series, I'm just not sure if I can say that I found it to be perfect in its own right, if that makes sense.
CONTENT WARNING:
Spoiler
body horror, poor treatment of people with disabilities, harm to animals.Story: Man, we're really in it now! Everything is spiraling deliciously towards a finale. A great blend of typical teenage angst and the horror of Keyhouse. I'm very confused why Rendell was so sure they'd be safe at Keyhouse. I hope we get that reveal. I am loving the twists and found lots in this to be quite funny as well. Also enjoying how much thought Hill is putting into the consequences of previous actions.
Art: Interestingly, we have a few guest artists. I'm not entirely sure why, but it was interesting and did add a bit of whimsy to an otherwise dark storyline. The colors in this one begin to sharpen, and the gore is...quite upsetting. I look forward to discussing with my human what we think the change in colors means.
Layout: Ah! It's so good! Once again, a great use of the format to convey things. The serialization of the days moves the story along quickly while conveying the strange duality of these kids' lives and a sort of gallows-humorous acceptance of their new life.
Another 4.5 rounded down because I...well, because, I guess. I'm riveted, I'm loving the series, I'm just not sure if I can say that I found it to be perfect in its own right, if that makes sense.
mollylazer's review against another edition
4.0
This was another enjoyable volume of Locke & Key, and one that unfolds at a MUCH faster pace than any of the previous volumes. The pace of this one made me wish there was a bit more breathing room so that we could see some of the keys at work in more detail and get a better understanding of what they do. I almost wish there were fewer keys so that the ones that do get used can have more page time. That said, the twist at the end of this volume was awesome, and I did not see it coming. It propelled me right into the next volume.
I took off a star because of the pacing of this volume but also because of the issue when the skin key is used. While there were some valid points about race that were raised during this issue, the use and existence of this key felt like it was there solely to raise these issues as opposed to really further the story along. While I get that the characters interpreted Erin's saying "white" in the wrong way, and that led to the use of the key, the idea of just changing races with a key was uncomfortable to me and didn't feel like it did service to the people who actually live in unchangeable bodies every day.
I took off a star because of the pacing of this volume but also because of the issue when the skin key is used. While there were some valid points about race that were raised during this issue, the use and existence of this key felt like it was there solely to raise these issues as opposed to really further the story along. While I get that the characters interpreted Erin's saying "white" in the wrong way, and that led to the use of the key, the idea of just changing races with a key was uncomfortable to me and didn't feel like it did service to the people who actually live in unchangeable bodies every day.
thedailydiva's review against another edition
5.0
Whoa! My favorite so far. This one had me exclaiming out loud. The story was propelled much further. We got to see so many uses of the keys. Dodge is ruthless and desperate.
I, at first, was skeptical of the introduction of racial matters, but then really appreciated its inclusion and it’s handling. Well done. The finale was unexpected and tumbled fast. I found myself gasping with each new panel, like, ‘omg! What is happening?!’ And ‘that escalated quickly!’
Looking forward to the next installment.
I, at first, was skeptical of the introduction of racial matters, but then really appreciated its inclusion and it’s handling. Well done. The finale was unexpected and tumbled fast. I found myself gasping with each new panel, like, ‘omg! What is happening?!’ And ‘that escalated quickly!’
Looking forward to the next installment.
sociotom's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this volume. I think this volume is my favorite of the series, pretty much hands down. One of the enclosed issues follows the Locke kids during the month of February, and even aside from setting up events for later, it is one of the best montages of "People dealing with supernatural horrors while also trying to just survive high school."
Seriously loved this volume.
Seriously loved this volume.
scrooge3's review against another edition
4.0
Locke & Key is a taught and scary thriller. If only Hollywood could make something this good! The originality of the plot and the well defined characters make this a real page turner. The only drawback to Volume 4 is that it's the middle of the story--uninitiated readers will be thoroughly confused if they start here, and anyone will be a bit let down by the cliffhanger ending. For those who have been reading from Volume 1, this volume moves the story forward in an exciting way. The artwork throughout is outstanding, including an interesting homage to Calvin & Hobbes by Bill Watterson! Be warned, though, that there are a number of explicitly grisly scenes in the book; not for the squeamish.
melancholylethe's review against another edition
5.0
So much happens in the book! I knew Bode got trapped but I couldn’t remember how, and it’s just such a pell mell race the entire time. I loved the Calvin and Hobbes allusions in Bode’s chapter, as well as the introduction of so many keys throughout the calendar days of February.
nickn77's review against another edition
4.0
Keys to the Kingdom ups the ante once again in this highly addictive graphic novel series. Unlike the preceding three stories this one turns the violence meter up to 11 and the ending will have you salivating for the next book in the series to be released.[return][return]Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez have created something special with this series. Between the brilliant storytelling and amazing artwork, this is a series not to be missed.
yabytheway's review against another edition
5.0
Actual rating: 4.5/5 stars
That first issue was weird and did not jove with the rest. The art was a cute gimmick, but the dialogue was off, and the story was very sudden. But everything else is so good!
That first issue was weird and did not jove with the rest. The art was a cute gimmick, but the dialogue was off, and the story was very sudden. But everything else is so good!
hannahx7's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0