Locke & Key Volume 1: Welcome to Lovecraft by Joe Hill graphic novel, supernatural, horror, adult themes 163 pages
I am really torn on this graphic novel, because although I loved it, it was recommended to me by a less-than-reliable party and admitting that they-who-will-not-be-named was right is difficult for me. If I were to momentarily cast my pride aside for this blog entry, however, I would have nothing but good things to say about Joe Hill's horrifying first entry in his Locke & Key series.
First of all, this ain't your little brother's comic book. There are multiple scenes in this story with content not suitable for younger audiences. The violence is extremely graphic and even the jokes tend to lean towards an adult audience....and that may be what I like about it. Granted, I wouldn't want to read one of these in public, because a look at any one of Hill's vividly drawn spreads of graphic violence is enough to scare away even the bravest onlooker, but let's be honest here...most people who read graphic novels do so privately to avoid become some sort of social pariah.
The idea of a house that has a bunch of supernaturally powered doors with special powers may seem totally lame, but bear with it, because the story actually draws even the most skeptical reader in. The end certainly leaves enough to look forward to, which is why i'm hoping volume 2 comes in for me soon.
Finally, I need to comment on the fact that the detailed, glossy, full-colored drawings are amazing!!! Even when it's a picture of a corpse or a demented killer beating someone with a brick, the drawings are absolutely beautiful and failing to comment on them would be criminal.
You're welcome.
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