By Benjamin Morin — After much delay, the landmark fantasy crossover Locke & Key/Sandman: Hell and Gone has finally arrived. Attentive readers may remember last December’s #0 issue of this series that succinctly laid this event’s groundwork. Now, comic fans are being treated to the real deal with the 2-part arc’s debut issue. Locke & Key/Sandman #1 delivers everything one could want from these universes colliding from an intriguing narrative to standout artistic talent.

When it comes to crossovers between universes, there can be the issue of one side getting the short end of the stick. However, Joe Hill deftly avoids this pitfall by exercising careful attention to the details that make each universe unique, while also having fun with it. The narrative takes advantage of a large gap in the Sandman universe’s timeline to tell its tale. This allows more narrative freedom while also giving Hill the ability to play with characters that will become important later.

Perhaps one of the best things about this whole crossover is how natural it comes across. Both Locke & Key and Sandman while similar in their fantasy genres and tones are both quite distinct. Yet the story that begins here seems to bubble out of these worlds and fit right in. The story stays rooted in the horror elements of each universe, while also leaning into the more fantastical elements at the same time. Fans of either both universes or just one will find great enjoyment here.

Alongside this, the art team of Locke & Key veterans Gabriel Rodriguez and Jay Fotos bring their recognizable style to the book. Rodriguez’s crisp linework and layouts make for a clear and captivating reading experience. It’s also evident that Rodriguez takes careful attention to bring these worlds to life. He captures the essence of each universe and puts his own twist so that it all at once feels familiar and new.

The artwork would not be the same without Fotos’ coloring. The colors match the visual flow and breathe life into the linework.

The only real downside to this issue lies in the necessary background information An in-depth knowledge of each universe honestly helps make the reading experience that much more rewarding. One can tell the creators attempted to rectify this in the preceding issue #0, however effective, it ultimately just laid the barebones background for the story.

Fresh readers unfamiliar with both universes can definitely find enjoyment here, but will miss out on some of the nods and winks that make this issue so engaging. This series is definitely geared more towards the pre-established fans, but does still offer an enticing experience for new readers.

Overall: Locke & Key/Sandman: Hell and Gone #1 is well worth the wait. The story balances each universe in an engaging manner that feeds into an intriguing premise. This coupled with an excellent art team leads to a cohesively rewarding package. 9.0/10

REVIEW: Locke and Key/Sandman - Hell and Gone #1

Locke & Key/Sandman: Hell and Gone #1
Writer: Joe Hill
Artist: Gabriel Rodriguez
Colorist: Jay Fotos
Letterer: Shawn Lee
Publisher: IDW/DC Comics
Price: $6.99
The epic crossover between two of the most beloved fantasy universes in comics begins here. John “Jack” Locke is ten years dead, but that hasn’t stopped him from posting the occasional letter home… from Hell. Now, Mary Locke will do anything to save her brother’s soul. Her quest to rescue him from The Pit will require her to outsmart Roderick Burgess (the most evil man in England), puzzle her way through the House of Mystery, and risk the walking nightmare known as The Corinthian in a disintegrating Kingdom of Dreams!
Release Date: April 14, 2021
Buy It Here: Locke and Key/Sandman - Hell and Gone #1

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Ben is a comic buff and film fanatic. A journalism major by day and a comic reviewer by night, he avidly consumes all forms of sequential art. On Twitter, he goes by @BiglikeBen.