Locke & Key Slipcase Set

The audio version of Locke and Key is an unusual, perhaps almost unique, project. It is a comic book series (graphic novel, if you prefer) rendered in the form of an old-time radio show. It has much in common with classic US mystery/horror shows of the 40s and 50s, like Inner Sanctum and Dark Fantasy -- genuinely creepy and macabre stories, leavened with self-deprecatory, sarcastic humour. Like the best of the classic shows, Locke and Key seems to be aware of its own fundamental silliness, and plays up to it. The only thing I know that is remotely similar is The Scarifyers, originally broadcast in the UK by BBC7.Most of the action takes place in "Lovecraft, Massachusetts," which gives an idea of the atmosphere that the writers are aiming for. There are plenty of dark, damp passages, creepy cellars, peculiar transformations and out-of-body experiences. However, this story cannot really be described as "Lovecraftian", although this designation might -- for better or worse -- be applied to some of writer Joe Hill's other work: it lacks the sense of growing, suffocating dread that Lovecraft and his better imitators are able to create. It also lacks -- definitely for the better -- Lovecraft's pompousness and self-importance.The audio production is almost impeccable, with atmospheric sound effects and a fitting and complementary musical score. One slight irritation is that the narrator's voice is louder than the actors' voices; this makes it hard to set an ideal volume for listening. A major problem -- which I doubt is the fault of the production company -- is that it is only available in Audible format, and can only be played on Audible's horrible, feature-poor players. I would happily have paid more for a DRM-free version that I could play on anything -- I could probably have fixed the irritating voice volume problem as well. Although the voice acting is competent and workmanlike, some of the characters have voices that are hard to tell apart. This has always been a potential problem with radio drama, which is why using actors with (real or contrived) distinct regional accents is so popular. None of the actors delivers the inspired performances of Nicholas Courtney (Dr Who), or Terry Molloy (The Archers) in The Scarifyers.So, all in all, an interesting an entertaining presentation, just slightly let down by technical and voice acting problems. Undoubtedly good value for money.

Excellent comic series. Shorter than most at just five volumes, but it left me wishing for more. Great artwork, good characters and lots of interesting sub-plots that add to the main characters. Will definitely reread this as there are lots of details I missed first time round in the artwork, and now I am not caught up in the story I can reread it slowly to fully appreciate the artwork. that is a mark of quality, I still want to reread this even though I know how it will turn out, the characters and plots are that good.

Amazing collection of books

I knew nothing about this series when I purchased this so it was a bit of a risk for the price.... But it was worth every penny! This is a fantastic original story with engaging characters that gets better with each volume!! The product itself is well presented and of good quality!!

Epic. Absolutely epic. Words can't describe it so if you're even vaguely considering buying it, just do it.There's a lot of overhyped graphic novel series out there but this one really is a masterpiece and deserves to become a classic.

The story and art work are great, however the quality of the binding is bad, the first set I had two of the comics fell apart in my hands. Amazon issued a replacement and now another one of the replacement comics has broken just from reading the first time

For me this is a must read for lovers of graphic novels which features great stories and strong real feeling characters!

This is my first venture into graphic novels and it was incredible! Fantastic storyline and stunning artwork; a really beautiful set.