The second issue of Locke & Key is now out and I’m happy to report that it’s just as good as I had hoped for. The issue starts with a comic page that Bode (the younger brother of the Locke family) has done in class to describe his summer. It’s pretty much describes the events in issue #1 and you just have to love it. It’s done in a kid’s style but with the same finesse as the rest of the issue.

The issue continues with Bode trying to convince his brother Tyler and his sister Kinsey that he can become a ghost if he walks out through a door in the house. Needless to say, they don’t believe him. Instead he finds a friend in an echo that lives in the well-house. At first he’s very afraid of her but as they get talking they also become friends…kind of.

The echo tells him about other doors. There are doors that will turn Bode into a grownup, an old person or even a girl. And then there is the mother of all doors called “Anywhere Key”. “Anywhere Key” will take you anywhere you want in the world as long as you have a clear picture in your head of where you’re going.

As with issue #1 this issue is very well scripted and illustrated and it takes the story forward in a nice pace. The only think I’m a bit concerned about is if the pace is a little to slow. I’m concerned that Hill and Rodriguez won’t get the time to tell us everything they want before all six issues has passed. But then on the other hand, I have enough confidence in them not to get too worried.

The more I read of Locke & Key, the more I like it. My favourite in issue #2, beside Bode’s own comic in the beginning, is the nightmare scene in which Bode sees his dead dad. Very chilling and perfectly illustrated even though it’s only three frames!

The ending is also very promising for the next issue and the rest of the series. I’m not sure where Hill is going with that part of the story but I’m definitely going to stick around and find out.

With two issues down I think it’s safe to say that Locke & Key is a success. Hill and Rodriguez are doing what’s expected from them and I for one can’t wait to see what’s next.

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