Diamond in the Rough – No Cthulhu

This week’s DitR was a toss up between two trades.  I’ve decided to cover the first volume of Locke & Key this week and do Chew next week.  Why?  Because I do what the magic eight-ball tells me to, that’s why.

Locke & Key, Volume 1: Welcome to Lovecraft

Writer: Joe Hill
Artist: Gabriel Rodriguez
Publisher: IDW

[Amazon]

An intro to the series in the truest sense, this book begins to scratch the surface of a world eagerly awaiting to be blown wide-open.  A mix of horror, suspense and mystery, the story keeps the reader engaged; but at the same time delivers tear-jerking drama and tickling brevity.

I dare, I Double-Dare™, I DEFY anyone reading this book to not be entertained by the character of Bode.  His wide-eyed naiveté will remind the reader of their own youthful fits of fantasy while, at the same time, providing a backdrop for  the supernatural going-ons that haunt the Locke family and their ancestral home.  I smiled a anticipatory smirk whenever the narrative focused on him.

On the other hand, and I’m just being honest here, the artwork initially turned me off.  It reminded me of web-based comics I’d seen over the years.  That first impression left me worried about being underwhelmed graphically.  However, as the story progressed, I began to notice and appreciate the more nuanced panels Rodriguez was providing.  By the middle of the second volume (review forthcoming) I was solidly hooked and in awe of the creative art being brought to bear.

Speaking of great creative art – the story wrought by Joe Hill is truly astounding.  I want to avoid synopses as much as possible – for fear of spoiling anything.  But what I will say is that there is a perfect balance of gritty realism, fey fantasy and psychological horror.  As such, this book is an open invitation to a wide berth of potential readership.

In case you missed it – that means you.  So go get it already.  Oh, and pick up Head Games while you’re at it.  We’ll be reviewing that one sometime in June or July before Crown of Shadows comes out.

Keep an eye out:  According to LatinoReview.com, Dimension Films held the original rights to a movie adaptation of this series.  The rights have since been given to Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci to be produced through Dreamworks.  View the full story here.