Graphic Novel Review:Locke and Key, Vol. 1: Welcome to Lovecraft

Locke & Key tells of Keyhouse, an unlikely New England mansion, with fantastic doors that transform all who dare to walk through them....and home to a hate-filled and relentless creature that will not rest until it forces open the most terrible door of them all...!Acclaimed suspense novelist and New York Times best-selling author Joe Hill (Heart-Shaped Box) creates an all-new story of dark fantasy and wonder, with astounding artwork from Gabriel Rodriguez.

Welcome to Lovecraft
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 158 (hardback)
Part of Series: Locke & Key #1
Purchased: Gift
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Buy: Book Depository || Amazon (US) || Amazon (UK)

REVIEW:

Well this is actually my first graphic novel to read.In the beggining,  i must admit i was snubbing graphic novels.But after i get this as a gift on my birthday  (which  was kind of my request as i remember, after a little research i hada about the series)  my opinion was  changed.Let me sum up the story for everyone who hasn't read the series because the summary is a bit small.I will try not to spoil this.


The book starts with the Locke family leaving on the countryside.The lock family is consisting of Rendell Locke the father, Nina Locke the mother, Bode Locke the little one which as all the kids of his age is a pain in the ass, Kinsey Locke the big sister and Tyler Lock the big brother and the one responsible for the children.After the murder of their father, the children with their mother decide to move on a big old manor house, property of their mother's cousin in the Area of Lovecraft (pretty spooky name huh?if i was in their position i wasn't going to move in that area).And then the party begins.Apparently the house has some kind of magical doors which they do things to you when you pass through them and a dangerous creature/spirit.Little bode discovers this fact but none believes him and they all think that it has to do with their father's murder.

So lets judge the book now.How about the plot?The concept of this old big house with doors which have powers is pretty amazing and new, it is not the old cliche concept of some haunted house with ghosts etc., also the plot of the first book of the series which revolves around the father's murder is pretty cool and keeps you reading the book with pleasure.So it is a 5/5 stars for me and i totally will buy the next books to see how it will continue and how many doors they will find.

How about the artwork and the colours?Both are amazing!The artwork is very clear  and amazingly good, but i have to admit is a little weird in comparison with other graphic novels.The characters and the places are good and seems pretty real,their emotions also, but there is something strange with all these sketches.I don't say that this isn't good artwork.It is indeed good,very good but in my opinion a little strange.So 4/5 stars.

The colours in this book  is simple Amazing!!It totally gives you the atmosphere of this book which is a horror graphic novel.The colours are dark and ''heavy'',they are creating a very creepy and dangerous atmosphere, they hit just the spot.Amazing work and a great success in capturing the story's essence.5/5 for me.

So to summarize this was an amazing graphic novel and a great  and strong start for the Locke And Key series.Totally i would rate this book with 4.5/5 stars just for the artwork.Maybe it is just me who found it weird,maybe others think that this is normal artwork.Still it is  great artwork.