Halfway
This is out on Wednesday:
I wrote the first draft of this story – it’s a standalone titled “Beyond Repair” – as part of HEAD GAMES, but when I hit the last page, I realized I was going to have to put it aside for a while. Because when you get to the last page, it’s pretty clear that we’ve reached the halfway point of the overarching story, and I didn’t think it had been properly prepared for way back in HEAD GAMES. So this one has been waiting for about a year and a half. Oh, and also, it’s the first and only time I’ve ever had to make a chart to write a story.
I just wanted to thank Chris Ryall, Robbie Robbins, Jay Fotos, Ted Adams and all the IDW crew for their hard work on CROWN OF SHADOWS… and I want to especially thank Gabriel Rodriguez, who turned in some of his best work ever, while battling through a series of personal setbacks that would’ve kicked the legs out from under most people (including his whole fucking country falling down around his ears). I can’t imagine a more fun collaboration.
Thanks as well to everyone who’s been reading these stories. At the time of this writing, I’m about midway through the fourth storyline, KEYS TO THE KINGDOM, and for the first time I have more of LOCKE & KEY behind me than I have ahead of me. I hope you stick around for the end. I’m gonna try real hard not to screw it up.
June 14th, 2010 at 11:46 am
Couldn’t be more excited Mr. Hill. This is by far the best book on the shelves right now. Thanks for sharing your considerable talent with us. PS, my friends and I are plugging all your books to everyone we meet, In short sir, you rock.
June 14th, 2010 at 11:55 am
I work at a comic shop and I can say with all honesty that I tell people “Locke and Key” is my pick as the best comic on the shelf right now.
June 14th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
eeeeh… i dont want to be an asshole, but did you want the head key on the cover, joe?
June 14th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
Unfortunately, I can no longer watch news stories, so I’m not sure what’s going on w/ Gabriel’s country. I hope it gets better though.
My family became part of a news story, and it showed us aspects of the media I never wanted to see. I’ve tried to avoid major news stories since then, b/c I’m sure they’ll be peppered w/ lies the way ours was.
Not every news person cares how the story affects the family, and some care more about their story than the person(s) who made it possible.
That’s my personal experience w/ general media behavior when a story is a ‘big sell.’
I love that cover art. It’s awesome and amazing and downright wicked cool.
I love when people care about their work. You don’t often see many who do.
June 14th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Nils,
Oops! In my hurry to get this post up, I used the cover Gabe originally put together back when “Beyond Repair” was still a part of the HEAD GAMES arc. Good catch. I’ve replaced it with the correct cover.
June 14th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
Whew! I was getting worried!
Looking forward to this one…I’m so worried about Nina!
June 14th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Locke & Key rules. That cover will be my next T-shirt. It will be a sad day when this comes to an end kind of like when Preacher ended but the ride is worth it. I would like to ask if you will continue to write comic books afterward Joe? Gaberials art is great as well as your writing. I’m excited.
June 14th, 2010 at 11:16 pm
Another great cover (after #5′s epic cover!) Looks like I’m going to have to wait a least until next week for this one though, my comic shop isn’t getting it in this week. Can’t wait to see what this halfway point is.
June 15th, 2010 at 8:22 am
can somebody please tell me where to get a 5-page preview?
June 15th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
nils Says:
I don’t know if IDW does it but sometimes Image comics will give a 5 page preview for The Walking Dead series. If IDW.com doesn’t have one maybe IGN.com may. Good luck.
June 15th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
thanks a lot:D
June 15th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
Speaking of T-shirts…Joe? Gabe? Chris?
June 15th, 2010 at 11:27 pm
So excited! I’m so grateful for that day over 2yrs ago when my comic shop owner put the 1st issue of Locke &Key on top of my weekly pile and said I “HAD” to buy it
He was right !
June 16th, 2010 at 9:32 am
@Vicki: There were massive earthquakes in Chile for a while there. That’s what Joe meant about the country falling down around Gabe.
June 16th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
No comic shops anywhere near me got this in. IDW doesn’t appreciate you guys.
June 16th, 2010 at 3:57 pm
mysterious bookshop had signed copies( stories)….but they sold out. wish we had a headsup on that one.
June 16th, 2010 at 8:41 pm
Comic Central in central Fl, didn’t have it either but the new Walking Dead is out, also The Batman #700 anniversary issue is available. Next Wednesday all should show up early for this one. So many good comics out there. Next week you guys.
June 16th, 2010 at 10:03 pm
Wah!!
No L&K for me till the 30th!
June 16th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
I went to the local shop who sets L&K aside for me. She checked and said it was not expected until the 30th. Decided to try another shop on the way home and they said they did not get it but hoped it would come in next week. Decided to stop at one last place on the way home and they said they were notified last week that the release was delayed a month! What gives?
June 17th, 2010 at 10:05 am
I offer a humbled thank-you to Gabe for continueing to produce great art compositions in the worst possible conditions. (devastation all around from the 8.8 quake and Tsunami). What a phenominal accomplishment! Gabe, you really are an inspiration.If the Nasca plate moves again (other than its normal 3.5″ a year, then you are welcome to fly up North and come stay with me!
June 17th, 2010 at 10:38 am
Hi everyone!
First of all, thanks for your kind, supportive words. And certaily I hope that circumstances will be more friendly while working in what remains of the story… fingers crossed!
It’s a pity, and certainly unexpected, what’s going on with issue 6. As far as I know, IDW did have the stuff printed on time, so probably this is a distribution problem from Diamond…. if I found out anything, I’ll let you know. Hope the extra wait will worth…
Best,
G-
June 17th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
Unlike all those other comic artists sitting in their cushy studios producing mediocre art, Gabe is fighting off earthquakes and tsunami’s and producing art that transcends words! He is the greatest artist working in comics today.
June 17th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
thanks G for the update
June 18th, 2010 at 9:30 am
I’ve had the same top 5 authors for the last 10 years, until about 3 years ago, when I came across Heart Shaped Box. I won’t name who you bumped, but you’re number 2 on my list now. You consistently blow me away. Even your tweets are interesting.
June 19th, 2010 at 12:17 am
Just finished Horns, WOW! Thanks for that story.
Just a quick note.
If you get rid of this blog, it will not hurt me or any of your other current fans. BUT, back in the days when I only know you as SK’s son I got all of my info about you and your works from this site. I would never have heard about Locke and Key if it weren’t for this blog. I would be Locke and Keyless, and that thought alone made me write this. There must be some way of keeping the site and having a more minimal amount of your time taken up by it. Just a thought.
Thanks for the stories!
June 19th, 2010 at 8:16 am
Hi Joe,
Looking foward to COS #6 when it comes out. Plus, I saw the covers to your co-written “Kodiak” one-shot story coming out in September. Looks awesome! I remember you said you might have a Ghost Rider story in you at last year’s SDCC. There are flaming skulls on the cover of the “Kodiak” books. Hmmmmmmm…..
Jerel
June 19th, 2010 at 10:58 am
This is from Paradox Comic Group discussing comics they are looking forward to seeing in August 2010.
LOCKE & KEY: KEYS TO THE KINGDOM #1
Writer: Joe Hill
Art: Gabriel Rodriguez
IDW $3.99
Andy H: Once again I find myself banging the drum for Locke & Key and I make no apologies for it. As I write this the third arc has not yet finished, but here I am looking forward to the fourth volume. Joe and Gabriel have continually hit the mark with this tale of good and evil. The Locke children have been fleshed out wonderfully and Dodge is just plain evil (best villain of recent times). So, more keys to be found and more truths to be discovered in this latest instalment. It must be, once again, the read of the year. Don’t worry if you have missed out on the earlier arcs – also out this month is a ‘Legacy Edition’ of the first issue of Welcome To Lovecraft which reprints the entire 32 page comic plus an 8-page recap of what’s has gone before. All this for $1.00! It would be criminal to miss out
June 20th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
In Philadelphia, where I’ll be spending the 4th of July weekend, they have stores that are dedicated to comics only. I found one when I was there, and I’ve never seen so many comics in one place.
That’s where I got the Welcome to Lovecraft. I’m guessing I’ll be getting the others that follow it from the same store.
The city I live in when I’m not in Philadelphia is lame. They won’t even let ‘Hot Tub Time Machine’ show at any of their theaters, b/c of how rated R it is. If you saw the over-17 trailer for the movie, you’ll know what I mean.
But it’s totally lame to treat the adults of this city that way. I can understand them not wanting kids to watch it, but I don’t grasp why that means nobody can-or that you have to drive out of town to see it. Which I’ll do, but it’s stupid to have to.
We have a really stupid sheriff, who acts like we live in Mayberry RFD.
He tried to get rid of the store, Hustler’s, too but that one didn’t work.
John Cusack, one of the stars of Hot Tub Time Machine, is a way better person than our sheriff. From the little I know about both of them, it’s obvious John Cusack is the better man.
June 21st, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Diamond just announced a street date on L & K: COS #6 for June 30th. Be there or be square.
June 21st, 2010 at 2:57 pm
just to get completly out of the theme
did any of you ever watched the movie ANGEL HEART with DeNiro
and mickey rourke? i just watched it yesterday, and i was like BAAAAAAMMMM!!!
so what about you? loved it? hated it?(watched it?)
June 21st, 2010 at 5:12 pm
havent seen A.Heart in such a long time…isnt that with one of the cosby kids? lol. I remember her and chickens…and thats about it. Will rewatch it now that you reminded me of it.
June 21st, 2010 at 5:52 pm
Very good movie.
June 21st, 2010 at 6:34 pm
Lisa Bonet.
June 23rd, 2010 at 4:04 am
Thanks NEG…lisa bonet it was.
June 23rd, 2010 at 11:33 am
Mmmmmmmmmm…Lisa Bonet.
June 25th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Thought we’d missed out here in the UK but glad to see COS #6 is hitting our shores next week!!! Thanks for the info – as someone above said, i would miss a lot of this info if it wasn’t for sites like this – no info = no sales!!!
June 26th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
How long between arcs this time? anyone, anyone.
June 26th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
Hi, M&M+1-mostly mark,
Keys To The Kingdom will start in August….
Best,
G-
June 26th, 2010 at 8:38 pm
Thanks G…thats a pretty fast turnaround by the way.
June 27th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
At the risk of sounding uninitiated, what does an ‘arc’ mean? And what does ‘between arcs’ mean?
Prior to visiting John Cusack’s Facebook page regularly, I would have felt uneducated-or stupid, if you like-asking that question. But I know I’m pretty intelligent compared to half his young lady fans.
If they’re NOT young, I feel sorry for them. Two of them got in an argument about which one he would rather marry. Both of them asked him to do so; then a third asked or, more accurately *told* him to date her.
I thought, I gotta get out of here. Go find some stimulating conversation somewhere, which explains why I’m back here.
I don’t see how a person like John Cusack could ever keep a balanced view of himself, b/c nobody ever talks to him in anything other than extremes. They either love him or hate him. No in-betweens.
But he has a balanced view of himself, and I find that nothing short of astonishing.
When I met the few celebrities I’ve encountered through my work, I got the impression they couldn’t help having huge egos. I never knew, until recently, there was a choice involved.
June 27th, 2010 at 11:04 pm
Vicki, I tried to think of how to describe a story arc and decided that Wikipedia does it better than me. So this description is from Wikipedia:
A story arc is an extended or continuing storyline in episodic storytelling media such as television, comic books, comic strips, boardgames, video games, and in some cases, films. On a television program, for example, the story would unfold over many episodes. In television, the use of the story arc is much more common in dramas than in comedies, especially in soap operas. Webcomics are more likely to use story arcs than newspaper comics, as most web comics have readable archives online that a newcomer to the strip can read in order to understand what is going on.
Many American comic book series are now written in four or six-issue arcs, within a continuing series. Short story arcs are easier to package as trade paperbacks for resale, and more accessible to the casual reader than the never-ending continuity that once characterised comics.
June 28th, 2010 at 6:49 am
Well, thank God Wikipedia got something right. I’m assuming they did.
They sure as hell didn’t get the information our patient gave us about heart disease right. Proving, once again, that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
That just happened 2 days ago and is still fresh in my mind. I couldn’t get the patient to believe I know what I’m talking about and gave up trying, handed him off to the doctor and was infuriated that once again people take places all over the Internet at face value while they disbelieve professionals in the field.
The incident I’m referring to concerning heart disease was only half true. An EKG strip can’t determine CAD (Coronary Artery disease) and some other cardiac maladies, but I’ve seen it used to determine Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW). The doctor found the disease by reading the patient’s EKG. And we weren’t putting an EKG strip on the patient to determine a disease anyway.
He was having chest pain, and we were using the EKG strip to monitor his heart activity so he wouldn’t go into v-tach, v-fib or another arrhythmia w/out our knowing instantly.
But he thought we were wasting our time, told us so and quoted Wikipedia saying that an EKG is not used to determine heart disease.
I told him it isn’t used to determine CAD but it can point out other heart diseases like WPW
He wouldn’t be swayed and trying to would have upset him (not a good idea to upset someone who’s experiencing chest pain), so I concentrated on what we were treating him for.
He’s lucky Dr. M. wasn’t the cardiologist on call this weekend. It was
Dr. T., the nicest doctor I’ve worked with.
June 28th, 2010 at 8:43 am
What does a low level of cardio enzymes in your blood mean Vikki?
June 28th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
OK, so the IDW website has a banner with releases that are coming out on June 30th and there is no mention of COS #6. However if you try to buy the episode on the site it states that it is ‘In Stock’. I hope we are able to get our hands on this episode this week!
June 28th, 2010 at 5:15 pm
Diamond has no mention of it whatsoever now for this week, lol.
June 28th, 2010 at 5:43 pm
I only trust what G and Joe says anyway.
June 28th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
Personally, I’m not driving all the way out to the CBS without calling first.
June 28th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
BB…same here. I only go to the comic store for L&K so, im going to see what people report here before driving down.
June 28th, 2010 at 9:08 pm
I’ll let you know what I find out, Mark.
You are a great guy and I hope all is well with you and Mary.
BTW, I miss you!
June 28th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
And Joe…get well soon! “Summer colds are the worst!”
June 28th, 2010 at 9:41 pm
oh, thanks BB. mary and I are well. same ol thing, nothing has really changed.
June 28th, 2010 at 9:48 pm
I hope you feel better then “dried up dog turds” today, Joe!
June 28th, 2010 at 9:50 pm
Try Odwalla brand superfood drink or some cranberry juice.
June 28th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
My arms felt like meat strips on skewers last week, had a physical and they gave me those shots, hope Jesse Ventura ia wrong about the plan to curb the population using..(gulp) vaccination shots.
June 29th, 2010 at 7:30 am
IDK what low cardio enzymes mean? High ones are what they usually worry about.
After I ask Britt, I’ll get back to you.
Britt is one of my supervisors. He’s a senior Paramedic w/ a BS in Emergency Medical Technology.
June 29th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
BB…I join the campain for you to get a facebook account.lol
June 29th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
Wonderful. I thought Wikipedia was only half wrong. Britt said they’re completely wrong if they’re saying an EKG/ECG is not used to determine heart disease.
An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is one of the first two tests they use when doing a general screening for heart disease.
In reference to low cardiac enzymes, he said he needs more information from the person asking about it. As in ‘What’s their specific concern about it? What prompted the question?’
It’s difficult to make cardiac assessments via the Internet, b/c they’re usually complex cases that require the doctor’s or medical technician’s seeing the patient to make an accurate diagnosis or assessment.
June 29th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
I was diagnosed with a mild heat attack because of a low level of cardio enzymes in my blood. It was blamed on a long history of hard drug use and cigarette smoking. Because of this condition I wondered how I could not be diagnosed with an official heart attack, and wanted knowledgeable help on this. No more Marlboro and cocaine use for old Patty anymore. The reason I ask is because I still get chest pains and wonder??? Tomorrow I will drive to my comic book store and look for L&K, if it isn’t there I will buy Batman Year 1. I hear it’s a very good read.
June 29th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
It was diagnosed as mild, b/c severity of heart attack is directly proportionate to cardio enzyme levels in the blood. Fewer means a less severe attack and more means a more severe one.
The cardiac enzymes aren’t supposed to exist anywhere outside the heart. When they do, it means a heart attack has occurred.
I couldn’t understand his explanation of why a lack of oxygen to part of the heart, which is the basic definition of a heart attack, causes cardiac enzymes to get into the blood stream. But I understood enough to know he’s right.
I’m not as good at explaining things as he is, especially these days.
I’m working w/ a new supervisor who knows everything, and nobody can tell him anything, especially not a mere subordinate. Twice I’ve forgotten this, only to be starkly reminded both times. Some people have no business working in management but never mind.
I’m also exhausted, so much so I haven’t been able to read. When I’m not working I’m sleeping. Most of the time.
It’s taking forever to get used to this genius of EMS Management.
June 30th, 2010 at 7:23 am
I forgot to add that if you have chest pain more than once a week, you should tell your doctor.
Chest pain w/ regularity isn’t good for anybody, but it’s more serious for people who have had heart attacks.
June 30th, 2010 at 9:46 am
I had to pre order issue 6 from comicsinfinity.com. My local comic store did not have this in, and I kept calling & bugging him!! So I just pre ordered it. I have an idea…..Why not make this series available via a kindle type format, read either on kindle or your pc at a larger screen size….LIKE PODCASTS are automatically sent to you when they are posted??
Print is great, but to receive the issues electronically via a podcast type prescription would be great too.
What do you think??
** Also ** JOE, you have made a fan for life out of me with this series. I am probably one of the only 46 year old women out there asking comic stores if they have your series. They didn’t even know who you were??!!! *gasp!*. I had to explain to them, and stress that they are missing out on a great thing, your series, if they have not delved into it, and they should feature your series in their stores!! Just my opinion!! lol.
Keep up the good work, and I will faithfully follow you to the end of this series, …. and beyond… And….HELLO to artist Gabe Rodriguez too, GREAT WORK!!
ttyl, Susan, and my dogs Kelly & Tinky.
June 30th, 2010 at 9:48 am
omg!! I got too excited, I meant SUBSCRIPTION…duh, not Prescription. lol.. But, I guess you can say that I’m waiting to have my “prescription” of Joe’s series filled so I can get my “fix”. lol..
June 30th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
Went to the CBS and they still didn’t have the regular L&K, but they did have the variant, thank goodness!
June 30th, 2010 at 7:43 pm
I know, it’s weird only the 1 in 10 variant is available in places. I scoured southern New Hampshire all morning looking for one with no success.
July 1st, 2010 at 5:10 am
Thanks Vikki. Betsy Boo, do you shop at a comic book chain store? I shop at Comic Central and it’s a chain but they never have variant L&K covers. Betsy and New England please tell me the name of the comic stores you shop at if they are chain stores so maybe I can get some of the variants to. Comic Central didn’t have the new issue either. It’s like being tortured.
July 1st, 2010 at 7:40 am
OK guys, some news about the so-hard-to-get-L&K Cos #6….
This time it wasn’t IDW’s or Diamond’s fault, but a printer mistake. More than half of the shipment was wrongly printed and had to be destroyed, so some copies will be available this week, and the rest will be arriving in upcoming weeks…
Damn, shit happens….
Best,
G-
July 1st, 2010 at 8:10 am
I’m so sorry G! That really sucks!
PL…I shop at an Indie CBS called Ssalefish Comics. You may be able to contact them and they might be able to send one to you. Or perhaps you could order the variant directly from IDW? At the very least, you should find an Indie store in your area. I’d be willing to bet they could help you.
July 1st, 2010 at 9:49 am
Gabe,
Thanks for the update. Based on the story so far I am sure that it will be worth the wait!
July 1st, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Picked up the variant today…no reg issue. Thanks G for the update.
I wonder which areas did get the reg issue?
July 1st, 2010 at 7:31 pm
I hope Nina can get it together. She’s going down the tubes!
Finished STORIES last night…some really fantastic tales in there. I loved Joe’s “Devil on the Staircase”. I’m always intrigued by an author’s ability to develop characters in a short story! There’s so little time and yet Joe can really bring them to life. I also loved Oates’ story as well as Hand’s. I had never read Elizabeth Hand before but I will be reading her in the future. Block’s story was great, too.
July 1st, 2010 at 9:09 pm
I just can’t resist commenting about your summer cold, which I saw on your Tweet but not from Twitter. It seems every time I want to get on Twitter, it’s too full and bounces me to some cyber waiting room. I haven’t been able to get on for two weeks.
But my comment is that you should drink tea with a dab of lemon in it or-if you’re able to-drink a hot toddy.
I’m allergic to hot toddies. My doctor recommended one once, but I already know I’m allergic to them, so I could take him up on it.
Also orange or cranberry juice will fight a cold. And eggs b/c they’re high in protein. But hot tea w/ lemon works really well.
My daughter used to think I was crazy for giving so many people what she called ‘free EMT advice,’ but she liked it when she was sick.
I think she liked the TLC part of it best, which is as important to healing as giving medication or other remedies to the sick person.
July 1st, 2010 at 9:37 pm
I thought you COULDN’T develop characters in a short story. At least not w/ a story that your editor insists you use less than 2,500 words on.
I found it impossible to set up three scenes and develop the story at the same time, but it was my first time trying. I didn’t expect to be perfect at it.
My main issue was w/ falsifying medical information. I couldn’t do it; I’m too well conditioned NOT to do it, and it felt wrong to give in to the editor’s wishes. Therefore, I stopped working w/ him.
Robin Cook is both an author and a medical doctor, and he’s never falsified any medical information. I don’t see how it is he’s a successful author w/out doing that.
Even his story Coma, the first one to become a major seller, has no false medical information in it. For the time it was written, everything is precise and correct.
He hardly even ‘dumbs down’ the information. His characters are doctors and they call medical tests by their proper name, w/ an explanation for what it is to benefit the reader who has no background in health care.
He called the medical test a BUN and explained that it determine’s the patient’s blood-urea nitrogen levels.
July 2nd, 2010 at 1:52 am
Damn…the only thing tht Ive thought of lately is how to survive a zombie attack at my own apt here in CA.
July 2nd, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Joe,
Get Rid of that Headclod, I mean headcold, WTF same thing!!
Don’t swallow ANY of that phlegm you cough up.
It just recycles the virus! (spores, eggs, IDK) Spit it out!Drink
gatorade instead. You’ll breathe better in one day and feel like “super Joe “again!.
July 3rd, 2010 at 2:47 pm
HELP-wife wants to take a trip to maui before she gets further along in the pregnancy….so, my fellow Hillers, im looking for some advice. Hotels..this and that. you know what im talking about.
July 3rd, 2010 at 5:00 pm
COS #6 was a great read. Looking foward to the next arc.
July 3rd, 2010 at 5:21 pm
Oh. Uh oh… Mark.
Mark says to Mary. (while he rubs Marys back), I love Maui too, How would it be if we create a little “maui” atmosphere right here? Hmm? (kiss)
Get some Carribean music (hot) and a coconut candle…vey nice..
for you as well.
Stave off any further demands to board a real plane! Just remind her all the while that We must SAVE for our little one..Remember, this too shall pass.
Best luck Mark! She’ll get food cravings too, but in that case, sorry
but imaginary food won’t do!
July 3rd, 2010 at 6:18 pm
GH….LOL. good one. Im fortunate, she is only craving sandwhiches(turkey for the most part).
July 3rd, 2010 at 6:32 pm
Mark, Mmm turkey and then SnZzzzzzzzzzz. Wink!
July 5th, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Hey,
Just wondering if the Head Key was going to be out for SDCC 2010.
I have the Ghost Key and want to keep going.
Thank you
Mark Boss
July 6th, 2010 at 6:30 am
hey!
on gabes page i saw a preview for beyond repair, but without speech, and to me it seemed that the pictures werent posted in a certain row. so what about it? are those just shattered( no pun intented) fragments of the issue?
July 6th, 2010 at 7:45 am
nils,
It’s indeed the artwork of the first five pages of the book, in order. I’ll try to update it with text soon….
G-
July 6th, 2010 at 8:20 am
I felt it reflected the theme of one shattered character’s POV while discovering something that might mend his/her’s life back together. Great storytelling from writer and artist, IMHO.
July 7th, 2010 at 6:07 am
Still waiting on my COS #6, according to the supplier I use there was a problem with the printers and he hasnt received any yet, damn you printers!!!
Joe quick question will you be doing any signings in Riverrun Bookshop for the hardcovered version of COS?
July 7th, 2010 at 6:12 am
“problem with the printers”
I noticed there was a lot of advertisements in it for books coming out in April, here we are in July now, lol.
July 7th, 2010 at 11:43 am
It’s not out again. Next week I guess. Still can’t wait.
July 7th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
The anticipation is killing me.
July 8th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
It’s a blessing to come here after the day I had yesterday.
I still can’t believe how Staph Aureus can infect even the healthiest, most resilient people.
A young girl fell on the playground, then got a lesion-that’s what Dr. C. called it-and developed a Staph infection from it.
Staph aureus is highly antibacterial-resistant and one of the really bad infectious diseases.
It’s difficult to see certain things in my work. That’s why I’ve found all these outlets, reading comics being one of them, that rebalances me.
A co-worker scoffed at me when I told him I’m reading a comic book.
I tried to explain that it was comics for adults, but he doesn’t believe me.
Another loss for him. He has so many I lost count of them a long time ago.
Can someone who’s read through Locke & Key tell me whether kids might enjoy it?
If they do, I was thinking of giving the girl a copy. She’s in the hospital.
But I want to know if it’s appropriate for a 9-year old before I rush off and get it for her.
July 8th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
Probably not for a 9 year old. About half of each issue I would say yes, and the other half I would say no. Comics for people that age I think would be difficult to find because most of the children’s comics are for ages 4+. These are the “squatties comics.” They take Batman, Iron Man etc. and make them small and cute. For my friends 3 year old he LOVES them but a 9 year old I don’t think so. There is a Batgirl comic out she may like, it was revamped a few years ago and has gotten some good reviews. You would be better asking your comic dealer and they will tell you which ones to buy. I guess L&K has some good writing for young children “Hey Dodge I’m with my uncool friends now.” Signs of independent thinking are good. The adult writing “Do you want to know where I hid the key? I hid it up my ass!.” That’s where you run into trouble. I hope this helps Vikki. I would say for adults it’s must read material.
July 8th, 2010 at 10:25 pm
Vicki,
It says “For mature audiences” on each cover.
Imagine her shaing the issue you give her with
her parents and trying to describe the story to them..
( voice of Eric Cartman )…Maaam , this is where evil Sam Lesser
blows, I mean a’ blows up the nice man.
I vote “no”, could backfire on ya, end up with some cranky parents.
July 9th, 2010 at 9:39 am
i saw another preview of issue 6, with an alternative cover, and i think there is a hint given in which direction the cliffhanger could be going.
but serious, joe, she wont do this, will she?
i mean not the fucking jar!
if she does this, i am out
July 9th, 2010 at 12:07 pm
Looks like my comic shop is getting it next week. I hope everyone else is as fortunate. Can’t wait to pick it up.
July 9th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
Vicki,
LOCKE & KEY really isn’t for 9 year olds. It’s a story about children; it’s not a story for children.
Sorry all I haven’t updated the blog in a while. Been busy with worky-work. New post soon, promise.
July 10th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
H as(keyboard has turrets) anyone seen PREDATORS..need some feedb ack!!!
July 11th, 2010 at 11:36 am
Hi Joe,
I was just wondering, what happened with the printers to make L&K:COS#6 defective?
Thank you,
Jerel
July 11th, 2010 at 11:13 pm
Well, I don’t see ‘For Mature Audiences’ on my book, but Welcome To Lovecraft is the only volume I have. But I’m sure the girl’s mother wouldn’t like her daughter reading about a turtle taking a shit in the boy’s hand.
Her mother doesn’t even think it’s normal to get an infection after scraping yourself and nothing the doctor explains to the contrary has imprinted on the woman one bit.
The woman’s out of the loop completely when it comes to understanding even the broadest concept of bacteria.
The girl has a Wonder Woman comic book.
They went and changed Wonder Woman’s costume. It’s not the same as it used to be.
IDK what’s up w/ them. First they change the Sun Maid raisin lady’s outfit, making it more risque than it was in the early 1900′s when they first came out w/ Sun Maid Raisins, now they change Wonder Woman’s outfit.
I liked her old outfit better but time marches on. Like he said in the Gunslinger series, ‘The world had moved on since then.’
July 12th, 2010 at 7:20 am
Vicki,
Yeah, L&K has had a disclaimer in it’s barcode for “Mature Audiences” since Head Games #6.
Some great kids books for nine year olds that comic stores have in stock would be: Supergirl Cosmic: Adventures in the 8th Grade, Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam, Teen Titans Go, The Batman Adventures, The Superman Adventures, The Simpsons, Bart Simpson, Scooby Doo, Sonic the Hedgehog, Amelia Rules.
Some slightly more advanced books for a girl entering her ‘tweens would be: Spiderman Loves Mary Jane, Marvel Adventures: Spiderman.
But, I recommend the Bone phonebook. It’s a giant the TPB of all 55 issues of the children’s classic funnybook Bone.
I’m sorry, Joe and other moderators. I figured, I would just try to help out a little. If this is spamming or shilling other brands, please delete this. No harm intended. Until then, make mine Locke & Key.
July 12th, 2010 at 9:24 am
Dear Joe…I am EXTREMELY curious about what you’re working on right now, outside of L&K. I know you’ve said you don’t like to discuss work in progress, but is there any hint you can give us about when it will be published?
July 13th, 2010 at 7:30 am
Joe,
Will you be signing copies of Locke & Key: Crown of Shadows at River Run for us to get our hands on? Pretty please?
July 14th, 2010 at 3:25 pm
COS #6 was SO GOOD!!! My favorite stand alone issue of the series. And it provides a perfect bookend to COS #1. It was a really good call to have this in COS rather than Head Games.
July 15th, 2010 at 12:39 pm
Happy to saw I got COS 6 yesterday. And yes, it was worth the date.
July 15th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
Joe, I hope you’re having a good summer so far! Looking forward to your next update when you have a chance. And I absolutely loved “The Devil on the Staircase.” When I saw you in Pittsburgh you hadn’t yet incorporated it into your readings, so it was brand-new for me when I bought “Stories.” A real treat. Take care, hope to hear from you soon. Greg
July 15th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
got stories
today from amazon
loved the stars are falling
loved the devil on the staircase
but to be honest i wanted more of this
whole staircase thing in the story, and the bird
thi
July 15th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
ng did not really grabbed me
but it was cool
July 16th, 2010 at 4:14 pm
Joe, Gabe and the rest of the L&K crew,
Just finished reading CoS #6. Guess I should mention a “Spoiler Alert” here for anyone who hasn’t read it yet…
Thank you all for this beautiful yet heartbreaking story. The concept of the “fix-all” (well, almost all) cabinet was so simple, but stunningly profound. How many of us, at some point or another, would have wanted that ouselves? For something as simple as a broken dish…or as complex as a broken heart. As I read, I imagined her wanting to cram herself into the cabinet (or perhaps I was merely projecting myself onto her, that’s what I would want to do), but I never saw it coming when she went for Rendell’s ashes. But it was perfect. And utterly sad. It’s possible my personal struggles of late made me more susceptible to the emotions of the story, but it struck me on a personal level like nothing has in quite a while. Thank you guys so much. Keep up the amazing work.
July 16th, 2010 at 6:17 pm
Beautifully said Jeffrey. This is exactly what I love about Joe’s imagination…creating something: an image, an idea…etc., that speaks directly to our hearts.
July 16th, 2010 at 6:23 pm
SPOILER!
…and it was just amazing from what in Rendell’s ashes was actually “mended” at the end. It was a head-scratcher that was for sure.
July 16th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
Same here to Jeffrey, that was beautfully put.
July 17th, 2010 at 10:12 am
Betsy Boo, Grasshopper
Thank you for your compliments. BB, I know I’ve read some of your comments on the (now-defunct, I’m assuming) Horns message board, and considering how eloquent and wonderful your conversation with Brian was concerning the book, I take your compliment quite to heart. I whole-heartedly agree with you on what makes Joe’s abilities as a writer so unique. To me, HSB and Horns are both love stories with a supernatural/thriller twist, not vice versa.
NewEnglandGothic,
That was a very interesting sidenote. Definitely going to have to mull over that one for awhile. Thanks!
I have a somewhat off-topic question. I understand and respect Joe’s feelings and decision to do away with the message boards, but now that they are gone, how is everyone keeping in touch? Thanks again, all.
July 17th, 2010 at 6:24 pm
Jeffrey…you are so kind!
(Joe…close your ears.) I miss the MB really bad. Some of us exchanged email addresses before it went down, but honestly, it’s not the same. I’m going to go over and see if I can find you on the MB. Maybe we can still send PMs.
July 17th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
BTW…what was your user name on the MB, Jeffrey?
July 17th, 2010 at 8:06 pm
BB, I must admit I was but a fly on the wall!
I attempted to post once after I had finished reading Horns. Having written quite a lengthy message, I stepped away from the computer for a moment with all intent to come back quickly and post it.Of course, I got swept up in whatever I was doing and somehow had lost the entire message by the time I returned to the computer.
Needless to say, I was a bit peeved at myself and the moment had passed.
July 17th, 2010 at 8:23 pm
I miss the MB too.
July 18th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
Jeff…sorry you never got to post that. I know I would’ve loved to hear your thoughts about HORNS.
Hey g…doesn’t it drive you crazy when you see something you wanna share with the MB and then you suddenly remember it’s gone?
Oh well, maybe someday it will come back.
July 19th, 2010 at 7:11 am
Can I whine, too? Miss you guys
July 19th, 2010 at 7:38 am
I suppose the best thing that has come out of having a message board here was it was a way you guys could meet each other and share the love for the writer/hobby. The best thing you guys could probably do in the meantime, now that it is closed(hopefully temporarily) is to stay in touch on Facebook, since everyone knows each other so well. It’s something, I usually do when a board shuts down(ProBoards does this a lot) and I get attached to the people.
July 19th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
To watch it all come crashing down, Jesus. So sad to SEE it happen like that. Joe Hill you can write like a MF!!! The art is as good as the writing so here’s to you Gabriel. So sad and painful to read and see. Horrible ,moving ,passionate,creative,awful.
July 20th, 2010 at 6:02 pm
I think at some point I will do Facebook so keep your eyes peeled. (Ooooh, what a nasty sounding phrase!)
BTW, I just got a Nook for my birthday!! I’m sooooo excited!
July 22nd, 2010 at 7:23 am
I’ve been telling Betsy that for months (to get on FB) Some of us are connected on there – so that’s been good!
July 22nd, 2010 at 12:53 pm
Joe, I don’t want it to end!
Just like I didn’t want HSB or HORNS to end. But all things must, as they say. I feel like I’m writing a eulogy for a comic that is only halfway through its life, but I wanted to say that I hope that you continue to write comics. Granted, I will read ANYTHING you write, so I’m sticking with you regardless of what genre or media you tackle. As for Gabriel, his artwork has gained him another fan, and I will continue to follow his work wherever he may go after L&K.
Thanks again for the ride so far. It’s been wild and I know the best is yet to come!
p.s., Just wanted to mention I’m really enjoying what your dad is doing with the origin story for American Vampire, as well. Scott and Rafael really have a gem on their hands there.
July 22nd, 2010 at 11:32 pm
Horns spoiler included here.
This may sound bizarre, but I never got the impression that the story stopped-only the telling of it did.
In both stories I read, I could imagine a continuing story played out behind the book’s last page.
With HSB, I pictured them going back to a stronger marriage and forming an unbreakable bond after dealing w/ the ghost.
In Horns, I pictured a continuation w/ Iggy and Merrin living in the fire that consumed his earthly remains.
Both endings impressed me, but it was harder to arrive at the positive conclusion in Horns.
It took me longer to see it, but I did notice it.
At first, I couldn’t stop the image of my daughter’s dad burning from popping into my head unbidden. Fortunately I succeeded at pushing it out, so I could get a more accurate impression of the ending.
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:25 pm
You’re in my top three favorite writers. I have to put you all on the same level of accomplishment though, b/c every one of you writes w/ the same expertise; w/ the exception of Robin Cook, whom I can’t compare you to b/c he’s been established for 30 years. It wouldn’t be fair to make a comparison, so I placed you three in the same level of expertise but in different categories.
Robin Cook is the best medical thriller writer. Thomas Cook is the best mystery writer and Joe Hill is the best Dark fantasy and Horror writer.
I’ll probably have to read other comics writers but, right now, my only interest is w/ Locke & Keye.
The artwork is amazing. It adds to the story in a way that other comics I’ve seen haven’t achieved yet.
That Gabriel has totally mad skilz in the studio.
July 23rd, 2010 at 5:20 pm
I think ‘twitter’ is a progressive outlet, esp. to get a name out there.
Once thought I’d join but really, I can see it now.
I’d get -2 followers and the whole system would be on the next list of outdated, uncool activities known to mankind.
Actually, I simply chide myself to say that. Truth is, I’m rerouting myself back into the art studio. Need to.
I was spending increased sessions online, Now I’m down to 45 mins a day, and some days none at all.
After my eyesight came back from what I now know to be MS, my
appreciation to just SEE is 10 fold.
If the last thing I got to spend time with were a piece of art I made
then somebody might cherish at it later ( I hope).
If the last thing I created were words online..then that would be it,
gone in a click and washed away like yesterdays tide.
So back to the desk I go, to fix a blackbear with a really bad lip!
July 24th, 2010 at 12:00 am
any plans on putting together a huge OMNIBUS that has every issue of L&Key once the series comes to a conclusion.
September 4th, 2010 at 10:26 am
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