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

If you are not reading this book, something is wrong.  Go out and get it!  It’s hard to believe that Joe Hill, writer of Locke and Key, is not a veteran comic book writer.  This is his first comic and it’s a winner.  Gabriel Rodriguez kicks it into high gear with the art.  To witness the seamless blend between writer and artist is a thing of beauty.  Even without reading the dialogue, the characters’ facial expressions capture their personality and emotion with clarity and confidence.  Nothing is wasted on this book; it’s rare to read a book without filler.  From wordless panels to tight dialogue, the book is like eating cheesecake, rich and worth taking your time.  It’s refreshing to be able to fully trust author and artist to guide you through a detailed world with interesting characters.  Joe Hill knows his characters, from villain to quirky kid. 

The story draws us into each member of the Locke family as a new key to the house is explored.  I care about each person in this title.  I’m not going to give away any details of this story in this review; just read it.  Beyond setting this bar high, I would say this title is the bar.  The first story arc was great and the second is better.  It leaves you wanting more.  It’s what good comics should be.

5 out of 5