Locke & Key/Sandman Universe: Hell & Gone #2
- WRITER
- Joe Hill
- Artist
- Gabriel Rodríguez
- Letterer
- Shawn Lee
- Cover Artist
- Gabriel Rodríguez
- Publisher
- DC Comics/IDW Publishing
- Price
- 6.99
- Release Date
- 2021-09-28
- Colorist
- Jay Fotos
Crossovers between franchises feel like a staple nowadays, but Locke & Key/Sandman Universe: Hell & Gone #2 is one of those few where the mystical elements of both universes marry each other so well that the threads of the narratives intertwine with the utmost simplicity, with the characters fitting perfectly like a key to a lock. Writer Joe Hill, who hails from a literary background, perfectly captures the essence of Gaiman and Kirby's creations while placing his own at the heart of the story. As the protagonist wades through her trials and tribulations, meeting foes and allies alike, there is never a dull moment in the story with surprises springing up with the turn of a page.
Locke & Key/Sandman Universe: Hell & Gone #2 picks up where the previous issue left off, with Mary Locke entering the Dream realm using the Shaper's Helm. There, she runs into a humongous library and a man in dark glasses who calls himself Lucien the librarian. However, it is revealed to be a trap by Corinthian and, with the help of Fiddler and the real Lucien, Mary banishes Corinthian from the Dreaming. In the library, Marie comes across a key with Lucifer's sign and sigil, which gives her a dash of hope to save her brother's soul. Forging the key and arming herself with artifacts from her family's weapons room, Marie summons the demon Etrigan to help guide her through the bowels of Hell.
Artist Gabriel Rodriguez has been Hill's partner throughout Locke & Key's journey, and his flair for dramatic composition -- be it the gory, grotesque suffering imparted by Hell or the calm, serene gardens of Dreaming -- enriches the graphic novel with life and soul. His pencils capture the finest of details, including the body language and expressions of the characters, which in turn compliment the story and the script. Veteran colorist Jay Fotos' use of a broad spectrum of warm colors speaks for Mary's fortitude throughout her ordeals. From the magical sprinkles of sand to the fiery incantation of summoning, the colors give new life to the issue.
Locke & Key/Sandman Universe: Hell & Gone #2 is, at its heart, a story about family, sacrifice and resilience in the face of certain danger. The narrative reintroduces fan-favorite characters from the Sandman franchise, incorporating them seamlessly into the plot, while also developing a backstory for some of the newest characters from the Locke & Key universe. The most remarkable aspect of this crossover, which comes as a nice surprise, is the mixing of the mythologies of the two universes, making one title feel like a logical extension of the other. A fitting finale to an ambitious series, Locke & Key/Sandman Universe: Hell & Gone #2 ends with a happily ever after and a memorable storyline that will make this book an instant classic.