Locke & Key
Issue: #3
Writer: Joe Hill
Artist: Gabriel Rodriguez
32 pp. IDW Publishing. $3.99
Reviewed by Paul Stotts
Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez are back for the third issue in their absolutely incredible series, Locke & Key. The first issue and the second were top-notch, so I was eagerly anticipating what would happen in the latest issue. And Hill and Rodriguez didn't disappoint!
The newest issue concentrates on Kinsey Locke and her adjustment to the death of her father, and subsequent moving to Lovecraft, Massachusetts. Kinsey feels like an outcast not only at school, but also in her home life, emotionally beating herself up for her perceived weaknesses. Her brother, Tyler, has become withdrawn and sullen since their father's death, while her younger brother, Bode, is becoming increasingly strange and morbid. This lack of connection with her siblings makes her feel even more alone. School is no better as she avoids any contact with the other students, strengthening her feelings of being a loner and an outcast.
To make matters worse, the family soon learns that the murderer of Rendell Locke, Sam Lesser, has violently escaped prison, and may be traveling towards Lovecraft. Suddenly, Kinsey is looking constantly over her shoulder for Sam, scared that he will soon appear. Is he truly coming after the surviving Lockes?
Hill's writing and Rodriguez' artwork are once again fantastic in this issue. Hill is really taking the time to flesh out the characterizations of the Locke family. I really felt for Kinsey and her struggle in a difficult situation. It is this emotional investment which makes the specter of Sam coming after them so frightening, as you can't help but care about the characters. There isn't much action in this issue, so if you are bored by an emphasis on characterization, even though it is extremely well-done, you may wish to skip this one and wait for the next issue. Overall though, another amazing issue for this great series.
Final Grade: 81 out of 100
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