Nicholas Cage is one of those actors whose films have given him iconic status. In each role, he has not only proven his talent but has made each character incredibly indelible. I remember the first time I saw him, it was in Moonstruck, as the brother of her fiancee whom she falls in love with. Every film after that would just add to his legend.
Cage has touched every film genre and is such a chameleon, that people often identify with certain roles. He can play someone meek, like his character in The Rock. Then there is devil may care character he played in Drive Angry where his character came back from hell to save his daughter. In a rare crossover between two of comics most imaginative universes, Locke & Key/Sandman: Hell & Gone #1 begins Mary Locke’s adventure to do anything to save her brother’s soul.
The comic features a prelude in how Jack got lost in Hell, but we’re taken to 1927 Wych Cross, England, where Mary has just been summoned from study abroad in the United States. A strange rich royal, Roderick Burgess, has summoned her back home to recreate one of her late father’s inventions. His offers her a way to get back her brother Jack. We soon find out he has Dream captured in his basement and leads Mary to take on some extraordinary measures and finesse her way through the House of Mystery. By the issue’s end, Mary might have found the back door to Hell, but what is on the other side she might not be ready for.
Overall, Locke & Key/Sandman: Hell & Gone #1 is an excellent debut issue, which highlights why everyone loves both franchises. The story by Joe Hill and Neil Gaiman is both dour and fascinating. The art by Gabriel Rodriguez, Jay Fotos, and Shawn Lee is astounding. Altogether, the debut issue is an exhilarating trip “down the rabbit hole”. It’s one that enchants and frights.
Story: Joe Hill, Neil Gaiman Art: Gabriel Rodriguez, Jay Fotos, and Shawn Lee
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy
IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: comiXology – Amazon – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW
