Locke & Key, Vol. 2: Head Games

After watching Netflix, I decided to give the books a try. My first graphic novel and I'm in love. The books are much darker and NOT the same is the Netflix series (which I also love). I read reviews how the digital format was horrible on the "nook" but Kindle must have figured it out! No problems with the format or loading of pages! As a matter of fact, I like the ability to enlarge and the control options Kindle gives! So far, I'm all in for this series and I appreciate Kindle for the ease of the downloadable version, along with the overall savings!

I had purchased volumes 1 and 2 of this gothic horror graphic novel series at the same time. I did not really like the first volume that much and only gave it a fair rating; however, strange as it seems I did enjoy reading volume 2 a little more (Locke & Key: Head Games by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez) even though it was even more bizarre and weirder than the first volume of this series.In this chapter we discover the magical key that literally opens up the top of your head which can actually be filled with whatever you want to fill it with be it toys, books, weird small creatures or I guess anything else. The dialogue and story to me seems very strange and not very compelling; nevertheless, I forced myself to finish volume 2 of this gothic horror series. I did give this book a 4 star rating because I do appreciate the fantastic art work in this volume 2.If you are into this kind of Gothic graphic novel you may want to check out the Locke & Key: Head Games Volume 2. Personally, I’ll stick with Johana Hex and Frank Castile, The Punisher graphic novels.Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Shotokan Karate Self-Defense Techniques: Combat Karate for the street).

Heads Games, the second full-length installment of the eerie and engaging Locke & Key series, continues where Volume 1 left off with Kinsey and Tyler Locke adjusting to life in their new high school; however, acclimation is made difficult by the apparent suicide of an aging professor, and Zack Wells—the skeazy new kid on the block who looks strikingly familiar to many of the older members of the island community—pretending to support them but all the while secretly using the magic keys in his possession to his dark whims. Meanwhile, young Bode Locke is keen on solving the secret of the recently unearthed Head Key—a special key that literally opens up people’s heads and allows the keyholder to observe and even manipulate the intimate workings of a person’s psyche.Heads Games is a solid installment that provides a natural progression for the series and close examinations of many previously introduced characters introduced. Relevant back-story is carefully laid out that plays a vital role in things to come, while simultaneously keeping the present-day story-arc moving forward at a steadfast pace. The palatable storytelling talents of Joe Hill are on full display here, and readers will be duly engrossed in this latest graphic tale from the uber-master of horror.As with Welcome to Lovecraft, the artwork here is both brilliant and compelling, most especially those phenomenal wide panels offering vicarious peeks inside a character’s wide-open skull. Artist Gabriel Rodriguez employs such intricate detail and ingenuity in fashioning the physical totems of the characters' fears and stigmas. The titular Head Key is such a fascinating idea. Any student readers who'ver wished they could magically absorb the myriad information in their textbooks with lightning speed will appreciate the concept here, much in the same way that anyone who has endured unspeakable tragedy might wish to vanquish their painful memories. Rodriguez showcases his amazing talent for effectively conveying human emotions—particularly in the case of Ellie Whedon, a single mother tormented by both her past and the ubiquitous Dodge/Luke/Zack. There is never any question as to what she is feeling or thinking, and her relationship with her developmentally challenged son, Rufus, will tug at audience's heartstrings. The characters are portrayed in realistic fashion, with even the smallest of details fleshed out so much so that this fictional universe becomes all-too real, even with magic and otherworldly events abound.With original ideas and increasingly complex story Head Games is not just a five-star collaboration between the Hill-Rodriguez dream team, it’s a beautiful urban fantasy that will school readers in the basic truths of human misery and depravity. Readers will be eager to get their hands on Volume 3.

This was an amazing Graphic Novel, this series is quickly becoming one of my favorite comic series that I've ever read. The ideas are so original, the story telling is so tight, and the art is beautiful with its own very unique style. The creators of Locke & Key make you feel so strongly for all of the characters in the story, that when they're put into danger it can sometimes almost be tough to read. What's amazing, is that since even the small side characters are so fully developed, the world within the covers becomes too real, even when out of the world occurrences fill its pages. The key that gives this volume its name, provides so many opportunities and challenges for the characters, and it's such an interesting idea. Anyone that's been a student has one time or another wished they could somehow just absorb the text book into their brain, and people that have horrible suffered have probably wished they could make the memories and fears disappear. All of that and more is possible with the Head Key. There's also a lot of development in this volume for any of the characters, some of it in ways that I can't way to see what will come of it. Overall, if you have any interest in graphic novels, you have to give this series a try, although you do have to start with the first issue/volume.

There is *no* reason why, if you want to buy Locke and Key, you shouldn't buy the hardback edition.The binding cover is beautiful - the picture on here does not do it justice. There are nice sketches of the layout of the Keyhouse on the inside covers to front and back, as well as some great cover / concept images at the back.The introduction by Warren Ellis is sharp and witty. Joe Hill's storytelling is, as ever, flawless, and the edgy graphics complement the dark and complex story fantastically well. His characters are believable, the dark fantasy is plausibly explained, and Rodriguez' artwork helps bring it all to life - it's the minor details, such as the sound "effects" when characters are opening doors, the non-verbal actions - that help to make the depth of Locke and Key come to life.I must point out that, at this time, the paperback edition is also slightly more expensive than the hardback - so why not treat yourself to a beautiful edition that will stand the test of time - as you will want to read this again and again.

A very twisted and dark tale the one thing of which I don’t understand is why the children tell people they have only just met about the key when they have lived through the chaos of all the others so far.

The second volume of this series definitely picks up the pace here, with characters and storylines already established well in the first, this volume can get right into the swing of things straight off the bat...however, don't let that fool you into thinking Locke and Key doesn't have any more mysteries to trade you with, or the ability to have you feeling delightfully out of the loop at times only to surprise you with little curveballs every now and then...the only criticism I can make here is that sadly it doesn't seem to be as long as the first volume but the quality and content is there in spades, getting volume three right away.

Vol. 2 moves the story along nicely. Shorter than vol. 1 but a more fulfilling chapter. Spends time expanding on the evil moving around the lockes. Be aware though this story is a little trippy when you read it you will know what I mean.Artwork is outstanding, a good artist enhances a story. The writer understands that team work is what makes a great graphic novel stand out from the crowd and this is obviously a great team effort.Buy it, read it and enjoy it.

Great book