Third Time’s the Charm
by James Roland
The third volume of Joe Hill’s graphic novel Locke & Key begins with a soul fight: two ghosts morphing their ectoplasm into phantom swords and chain saws and hacking their ethereal-selves into shreds of black goo. The fight is tense, choreographed and drawn like the best Hollywood thriller, and it serves a dual purpose. First, it gives readers a much-longed-for insight into the magic that surrounds the mysterious Keyhouse, and second, well, it’s just all kinds of awesome.
Where the graphic novel’s first volume (Welcome to Lovecraft) revolved around loss of family and Volume Two (Head Games) revealed dark secrets that characters kept hidden from their loved ones, the first issue of the latest volume, Crown of Shadows, suggests that this installment will finally reveal what’s up with Dodge (the villain) and his dangerous powers. Though I’m sure, as with the rest of the series, Volume Three will include a lot of metaphor and deeper meaning, it would be nice to delve into the magic or science that drives this world’s story forward.
Already in the first six pages writer Joe Hill has upped the ante by showing the restrictions of the seemingly all-powerful Dodge, showing him almost outdone by his prize soldier. Also, Hill adds a surprising, almost science fiction element to his fantasy story by revealing that Dodge is controlled by a living creature, something that looks like a steampunk face-hugger alien with a glowing yellow eye. While this raises more questions than it answers, it also shows Hill isn’t afraid to delve into these plot points, unlike many fantasy writers, who save it all for a monologue in the final chapter.
As usual, artist Gabriel Rodriguez delivers stunning visuals. He strikes a fine balance, serving the fun, adventurous genre style while making panels so gorgeous they should be hung in art museums.
With Locke & Key: Crown of Shadows arriving once a month it will be frustrating to wait so long to learn the fate of the Locke children. But with a fourth untitled volume already announced, it looks like waiting may be something fans will have to get used to. Which is just fine, because when Locke & Key finishes its run, it will be a hard act for any graphic novel to follow.
Available Now:
Volume Three: Crown of Shadows, Issue #1
Volume One: Welcome to Lovecraft
Volume Two: Head Games
Coming Soon:
Volume Three: Crown of Shadows
Crown of Shadows
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Writer: Joe Hill
Artist: Gabriel Rodriguez
Price: $19.00 (hardback), $14.00 (paperback)
