By Larry Jorash — Set nearly one hundred years prior to Bode, Tyler, and Kinsey moving to Lovecraft, we are finally introduced to Chamberlain, Locke’s eldest son John. In a cold open sequence we catch up to the teenager attempting to hop the border into Canada so that he can enlist in the Great War; only to be foiled by Chamberlain and dragged home. Through conversations and long walks across Keyhouse circa 1915 we uncover the curious landscape of this universe’s unique history and culture. For fans of Locke & Key much of this will be fascinating and quite familiar; but we have guests this time around. Neil Gaiman’s Sandman Universe in a subtle move makes it’s debut in a crossover with Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez’s cult classic Locke & Key. 

In Pale Battalions Go does a great job of casually interluding the mystery and foreshadowing of events to come in this wacky mash-up of stories. We have plenty of easter eggs, cliffhangers, and setup points to arouse and peak interest without being too obvious. Fans of both universes may comfortably open this door and get a feel for the tone. A good comic is inviting to the uninitiated, and this is certainly a good comic.

Labors of love aren’t always abundant in art but with Locke & Key we find just that. In a brilliant show of class Gabriel Rodríguez is listed as a storyteller along with his writing counterpart Joe Hill to once again take on their collective brainchild. No one else can match the tone and cheekiness of this story with their art; and for a new beginning like this that just feels right. If our world in Locke & Key is to expand, these are the two we want expanding it. 

From a creative perspective there needs to be something said for the tasteful choice of onomatopoeia. A handful of times in our story these artistic decisions help exaggerate tone and relay suspense. Colorist Jay Fotos also puts in a pleasant palette that fits the cohesive story without being overbearing or distracting given the overall dread and neutrality of wartime fabrics and mood. 

Overall: An award winning creative team returns to their old stomping grounds. A fun read that invites wonder and provides foreshadowing for a lot to come. Don’t overthink it; just step into page one and enjoy this fictional playground. 8.0/10

REVIEW: Locke and Key - In Pale Battalions Go #1

Locke & Key: In Pale Battalions Go #1

Writer: Joe Hill
Artist: Gabriel Rodríguez
Colorist: Jay Fotos
Letterer: Shawn Lee
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Price: $3.99
The impossible, reality bending keys of Keyhouse have always been weapons of war. In the spring of 1915, Chamberlain Locke’s oldest son, John, is desperate to be a part of the greatest war of all… and never mind that he’s too young to enlist. He means to use the power of the keys to turn the tide, and will try any lie and tell any manipulation, to have his way. Prepare to open the door onto one of the grimmest battlefields of the 20th century, whose darkness might even strike fear into an army of supernatural shadows.
Release Date: August 26, 2020
Buy It Digitally: Locke & Key - In Pale Battalions Go #1

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Larry Jorash resides in Central Florida managing a comic book shop and coaching youth sports. In his spare time he enjoys watching ice hockey and reading. You will almost never find his hand vacant of coffee. Find him on twitter: (@theREALlarbear)