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Locke & Key: Crown of Shadows
Locke & Key Crown of Shadows No. 1 Release Date: 11/11/2009
Joe Hill (w) o Gabriel Rodriguez (a & c)
Prologue: "The Haunting of Keyhouse." Sam Lesser may be dead and gone, but Dodge still has uses for him, and in the first chill days of October, will make contact with him again. The dead know things the living may not, and Sam's restless spirit has had time to discover the thing Dodge wants to know most of all... where to find the key to the black door. The third storyline in the Eisner-nominated series begins here!
Prologue: "The Haunting of Keyhouse." Sam Lesser may be dead and gone, but Dodge still has uses for him, and in the first chill days of October, will make contact with him again. The dead know things the living may not, and Sam's restless spirit has had time to discover the thing Dodge wants to know most of all... where to find the key to the black door. The third storyline in the Eisner-nominated series begins here!
Comic
Published January 1, 2009
6 people are currently reading
846 people want to read
About the author
Joe Hill
502 books29.2k followersJoe Hill's debut, Heart-Shaped Box, won the Bram Stoker Award for Best First Novel. His second, Horns, was made into a film freakfest starring Daniel Radcliffe. His other novels include NOS4A2, and his #1 New York Times Best-Seller, The Fireman... which was also the winner of a 2016 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Horror Novel.
He writes short stories too. Some of them were gathered together in his prize-winning collection, 20th Century Ghosts.
He won the Eisner Award for Best Writer for his long running comic book series, Locke & Key, co-created with illustrator and art wizard Gabriel Rodriguez.
He lives in New Hampshire with a corgi named McMurtry after a certain beloved writer of cowboy tales. His next book, Strange Weather, a collection of novellas, storms into bookstores in October of 2017.
He writes short stories too. Some of them were gathered together in his prize-winning collection, 20th Century Ghosts.
He won the Eisner Award for Best Writer for his long running comic book series, Locke & Key, co-created with illustrator and art wizard Gabriel Rodriguez.
He lives in New Hampshire with a corgi named McMurtry after a certain beloved writer of cowboy tales. His next book, Strange Weather, a collection of novellas, storms into bookstores in October of 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 24, 2023
This volume is the first of a new series (the third) that continues the story where it ended with “Head Games”. Dodge steals the ghost key to contact the spirit of Sam Lesser, trapped in the house, and get help finding the key to the black door.
This volume focuses entirely on the confrontation between the two. A part from that, the story does not continue, but perhaps the character of Sam will return in the future, to help or oppose Dodge. In ghost version, do we glimpse something alien in Dodge, perhaps the entity beneath all human personalities?
This is a very complex series and I like the idea of having it divided into multiple narrative arcs, all connected together. The drawings are very well done, I highly recommend it. As soon as I finish it, I will start the TV series.
This volume focuses entirely on the confrontation between the two. A part from that, the story does not continue, but perhaps the character of Sam will return in the future, to help or oppose Dodge. In ghost version, do we glimpse something alien in Dodge, perhaps the entity beneath all human personalities?
This is a very complex series and I like the idea of having it divided into multiple narrative arcs, all connected together. The drawings are very well done, I highly recommend it. As soon as I finish it, I will start the TV series.
January 1, 2020
This 3rd volume was another fun, fantastical and thrilling read. I love how the characters stumble upon new keys that unlock secret becomings in each volume. Hill has done a fabulous job incorporating real-life struggles with supernatural events that continue to plague the Locke residence. As the story unravels, tensions grow high with the family's brutal past while new truths are planted to be uncovered. The final battle scenes in Crown of Shadows was epic, the best yet in the series. The art is masterfully displayed. I found my self flipping back and forth between pages for second looks. Part of this experience is taking the time to study the panels as the images tell a story of their own. I don't think the art and writing here could possibly be blended any better. Another A+ in my opinion! I can't wait to get into volume 4.
December 31, 2021
I think this is huge sam is against dodge now.
And as a ghost ever watchful, he is learning new things all the time.
He is also the only one other than dodge that knows what's wrong with him.
The mother isn't really holding her self togethee at all, she needs serious help.
And as a ghost ever watchful, he is learning new things all the time.
He is also the only one other than dodge that knows what's wrong with him.
The mother isn't really holding her self togethee at all, she needs serious help.
February 24, 2021
Whoah! Looks like Sam's not done yet.
October 20, 2020
This is a review of the entire series.
The story follows the Locke siblings; the curious young Bode, his rebellious sister Kinsey and his mature brother Tyler. After their father is tragically murdered in a mysterious home invasion, they move to their ancestral home in Lovecraft (a very suitable name for the hellish place they're moving into) with their alcoholic mother. The Locke house holds many strange secrets, keys that unlock forbidden powers and ancient evils never meant to be released. It turns out that the murder of the Locke family's father may not have been a coincidence. There are higher forces at play, manipulating the living from the shadows and orchestrating the downfall of the entire world.
This was a great surprise. I've been reading manga my entire life, but I confess that I never got into American comics and graphic novels (until now that is.) This series managed to win me over and open up an entire new medium of fiction to me. I was impressed by how realistic and human the characters are, there are so many unique people that are developed with utmost respect and is an example of diversity done extremely well. It really does rival the best of Stephen King and other big horror writers of the same ilk. It's got body swapping, spirit battles, mind-bending powers, ghosts and demons, heavy metal culture, blood and guts, tears and trauma, it's a thrilling ride all the way through.
Every volume packed a handful of punches. Volume 4 was the weakest of the series but even that one had a strong finish that eventually led to an even stronger ending. Suffering and grief is portrayed with rich emotion. The character development is moving. The villain is merciless and is actively involved with the plot at all times. All the side characters play a big role in the climactic finale and they all get the satisfying resolutions they deserve. Great series.
***
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The story follows the Locke siblings; the curious young Bode, his rebellious sister Kinsey and his mature brother Tyler. After their father is tragically murdered in a mysterious home invasion, they move to their ancestral home in Lovecraft (a very suitable name for the hellish place they're moving into) with their alcoholic mother. The Locke house holds many strange secrets, keys that unlock forbidden powers and ancient evils never meant to be released. It turns out that the murder of the Locke family's father may not have been a coincidence. There are higher forces at play, manipulating the living from the shadows and orchestrating the downfall of the entire world.
This was a great surprise. I've been reading manga my entire life, but I confess that I never got into American comics and graphic novels (until now that is.) This series managed to win me over and open up an entire new medium of fiction to me. I was impressed by how realistic and human the characters are, there are so many unique people that are developed with utmost respect and is an example of diversity done extremely well. It really does rival the best of Stephen King and other big horror writers of the same ilk. It's got body swapping, spirit battles, mind-bending powers, ghosts and demons, heavy metal culture, blood and guts, tears and trauma, it's a thrilling ride all the way through.
Every volume packed a handful of punches. Volume 4 was the weakest of the series but even that one had a strong finish that eventually led to an even stronger ending. Suffering and grief is portrayed with rich emotion. The character development is moving. The villain is merciless and is actively involved with the plot at all times. All the side characters play a big role in the climactic finale and they all get the satisfying resolutions they deserve. Great series.
***
My Social Media
My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPPs...
My Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/michael_sor...
My Wattpad Account: https://www.wattpad.com/user/Michael-...
My Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/SorbelloHorror
My Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/michael.sorb...
February 24, 2020
Getting better and better!
March 17, 2020
Locke and Key: Crown of Shadows 1-6
October 31, 2020
Compared to the tv show we can clearly see the monster behind the man/woman.
August 13, 2025
Tyler is having a restless sleep when he’s woken by his mother (Nina - bottle of wine and glass in hand). Brian (Duncan’s boyfriend) has gotten hit by a car and probably will not wake up. She’s got to go out of town and leave the kids alone for a day or two.
”Don’t ever have children, Tyler, unless you’re ready to be afraid every day for the rest of your life. ”
Dodge is sneaking around the house so he can use the Ghost key. He uses it to see another ghost named Sam. Sam asks Dodge what is that thing stuck in Dodge’s ghost body? Dodge says it’s another key - a key to happiness.
Dodge asks Sam if he has found the key to the Black Door. Sam says yeah, but go find it yourself. But Dodge knows that if he goes looking as a ghost, he’ll leave his real body unprotected.
Sam is the wack job who killed the Locke’s father. Dodge killed Sam and shoved him through the ghost door, using the ghost key. Kinsey had shot him up a lot.
Sam isn’t going to let Dodge use him. They fight. As ghosts. Then Sam makes a run (float? fly?) for Dodge’s body. They fight for possession of the body. Sam loses, but tells Dodge that the ‘key’ inside Dodge’s body is what is really controlling him. Good riddance.
Nina has overheard the fighting for Dodge’s body. She investigates. Dodge has to get out of there quick and leaves a key behind.
This is a spine-shivering book. It opens up the world metaphysically. Almost redeems Sam! Gives a helluva lot of sympathy to Nina. And if possible, makes Dodge even eviller. 5 stars
”Don’t ever have children, Tyler, unless you’re ready to be afraid every day for the rest of your life. ”
Dodge is sneaking around the house so he can use the Ghost key. He uses it to see another ghost named Sam. Sam asks Dodge what is that thing stuck in Dodge’s ghost body? Dodge says it’s another key - a key to happiness.
Dodge asks Sam if he has found the key to the Black Door. Sam says yeah, but go find it yourself. But Dodge knows that if he goes looking as a ghost, he’ll leave his real body unprotected.
I can’t even talk about the art. It’s so good. It’s so spooky. I just read an article about how the artist works and it still is beyond human how good this art is.
Sam is the wack job who killed the Locke’s father. Dodge killed Sam and shoved him through the ghost door, using the ghost key. Kinsey had shot him up a lot.
Sam isn’t going to let Dodge use him. They fight. As ghosts. Then Sam makes a run (float? fly?) for Dodge’s body. They fight for possession of the body. Sam loses, but tells Dodge that the ‘key’ inside Dodge’s body is what is really controlling him. Good riddance.
Nina has overheard the fighting for Dodge’s body. She investigates. Dodge has to get out of there quick and leaves a key behind.
Nina is standing in front of a library and you can read the spines on the books. An interesting selection.
This is a spine-shivering book. It opens up the world metaphysically. Almost redeems Sam! Gives a helluva lot of sympathy to Nina. And if possible, makes Dodge even eviller. 5 stars
July 5, 2022
Oh, this was all about the ghosts, so Dodge stole the ghost key as well so they go to visit Sam, who obviously isn't happy to be left for dead by them. It's the return of Sam the killer but maybe he would be against Dodge or something now, let's see.
I have always loved comics, and I hope to always love them. Even though I grew up reading local Indian comics like Raj Comics, Diamond Comics, or even Manoj Comics, now's the time to catch up on the international and classic comics and Graphic novels. I am on my quest to read as many comics as I can. I love comics to bits, may the comics never leave my side. I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
I have always loved comics, and I hope to always love them. Even though I grew up reading local Indian comics like Raj Comics, Diamond Comics, or even Manoj Comics, now's the time to catch up on the international and classic comics and Graphic novels. I am on my quest to read as many comics as I can. I love comics to bits, may the comics never leave my side. I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
March 17, 2024
I read this issue in the graphic novel volume, Locke & Key, Vol. 3: Crown of Shadows. See my review for it here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2020
SAM LESSER SE LE PUSO EN CONTRA JAJAJAJAJ
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2025
Dodge is evil
Dodge is lying and manipulative. We've witnessed him or it being physically abusive, and now also being verbally abusive. Much more than nasty, Dodge is evil.
Dodge is lying and manipulative. We've witnessed him or it being physically abusive, and now also being verbally abusive. Much more than nasty, Dodge is evil.
May 8, 2015
Έχει γίνει βαρετό πια, όλο πεντάστερα, πεντάστερα, πεντάστερα.. :P
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews