It just keeps getting better!  Locke and Key is the best book being published right now.  From issue to issue, this story is stellar.  Hill and Rodriguez could give a clinic on how to work, author and artist, to produce a masterpiece.  I know this is some high praise, but it is all earned and true.

In an earlier review, I sang many of this series praises.  I don’t want to repeat myself, but all of those points apply to this issue as well (see review of #4).

So here are some new insights into this superb series.  There are many inspired moments, even the credit placement on the first page!  There is such attention to detail both in writing and art.  Joe Hill shows off his skills in this issue.  Kinsey has used the skull key to trap her fear in a glass bottle.  At first, this vile monster spits out a ramble of insulting fears.  Most are self-defeating and common to us all.  Kinsey has a swagger and bravado now that her fear is gone.  It’s fun to see this damaged girl live without her fears.  Later, Hill uses this to illustrate the risk of not having fear to protect us.  Brilliant!

Gabriel Rodriguez’s art is close to flawless.  His comprehension of the characters is so acute that I would guess he was the author as well.  He is the master of facial expressions and creative paneling choices.  This is a beautiful book!

The story is creeping towards its conclusion.  I am loving every minute of this!

5 out of 5

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