In this fourth installment of the Locke & Key series, we begin with yet another key-induced adventure. One that, yet again, also plays a very good role in explaining parts of the main characters' relationships with one another. With a pleasant blend of seriousness and humor, in addition to a unique ensemble of illustrative methods, this opening sequence shows how even young Bode Locke can still be of great use during these times of trial and terror.
By now, we've all learned what the intentions and primary characteristics of Dodge are, and because of this, you either love him or you hate him. We've also taken note of Kinsey's now-gone senses of Fear and Sorrow, both of which had appeared to be holding her back before, hindering her growth during a time when she's been "coming-of-age". Tyler has finally been growing up as well, and at what seems to be quite an accelerated pace, especially in the realm of love. Nina and Duncan, on the other hand, are more likely to confuse the emotional senses, as one struggles to figure out as to whether their circumstances are of their own accord or solely that of outside influences.
As we progress into the second chapter, more pieces of the dark and twisted puzzle begin to rear their ugly heads. We soon meet yet another individual from Dodge's past, and so begins a challenging adventure for young Bode and Kinsey. As you can already guess by now, more special keys are soon discovered, with the next one being quite useful indeed, and is one that also helps to teach a good moral lesson to the reader. Following next, we find that Tyler has finally found a place where he fits in at school, and we also get to see more of his relationship with Jordan blossom.
This component of the book plays out in a style reminiscent of an action film, almost also like a crossover of Hellboy and The Watchmen. Quickly playing through an abundance of time flashes, it displays only the most key elements of the part of the story, though swiftly and efficiently. In a way, it also pays homage to some of the greatest classic mythos, which are still well esteemed and held in high regard, even unto this very day.
I have to now say, admittedly, that the fourth chapter happens to be one of my favorites thus far, primarily because it centers around Rufus, and secondarily because it allows us a first-class trip into the previously unseen fantastical realm of which he is a permanent resident. We also are blessed with the opportunity to see more depth of character for none other than one Sam Lesser. This invokes even more revelations as to the control that the demon, which possesses Dodge, has over him.
My description now, of chapter five, will be more brief than those before. Yes, I am well aware that it's a slight change of pace, however I feel that I cannot possibly tell you as much as I desire, without giving away too much detail, and thus spoiling the surprise. I haven't done so to you just yet, and I've no intentions of it any time soon either.
In regards to chapter five, part one, Tyler begins to now pay more attention to the details of his surroundings (the goings-on, those involved, etc. and so-forth) and less to the environmental distractions which had been ultimately clouding his vision up to this point. Also, to point out a small detail without giving away any spoilers, by the time you're this far in, you should also be able to now see why the chapter begins with such a layout as it does. Part two, however, features more depth as to the current ongoing investigations, regarding the string of murders left in the wake of Dodge's involvement with the Lockes.
On a final note, I leave you with a word of caution about this part, prepare to be hooked. What's that? By now you're already hooked? Well, as you've undoubtedly seen already, this series, unlike most others, doesn't just grab you with a single hook early on, keeping you interested for at least most of the duration of the story. Locke & Key grabs you with every hook it can muster, and it keeps on tugging every time you think it's going to leave you alone. You can rarely predict the moments of which it will grab you by the throat, but each time that it does, it rides you hard, like a stolen steed, and gives you minor bouts of rest in between.
Happy reading folks, I'll see you soon in the next review, for the fifth installment of the Locke & Key book series, Clockworks.
Year of release: 2011
Publisher: IDW Publishing www.idwpublishing.com
Writer: Joe Hill
Art: Gabriel Rodriguez
Colors: Jay Fotos
Letters & Collection Designer: Robbie Robbins
Collection Editor: Justin Eisinger
Series Editor: Chris Ryall
ISBN-13: 9781600108860
ISBN-10: 1600108865
MSRP: $24.99 USD
No comments:
Post a Comment
Quit chawin' the grass and say somethin' ewe!