2. Issues like Sparrow
The series makes for a cohesive narrative whole, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't have amazing standout issues. One of those issues is Sparrow. An homage to Charles Shulz's Peanuts, it takes not only his visual style but also the spirit and feeling of the piece, situating it perfectly within the Locke & Key mythos. Within the issue we get explorations of whimsy as well as an ending that is powerful and subtle enough to bring you to tears. We open with Bode attempting to play with some other kids. He's already a bit weird to start out with, and his playing with the Keys hasn't helped any. This results in some very Charlie Brown-like moments. Then he can't seem to fit in with his siblings, because they are dealing with icky teen drama. Then Bode discovers the Animal Key. First there's a comedic sequence where he speculates what kind of animal he could turn into. And he finds he can turn into a sparrow. It's all cute, until another key controlled by the Big Bad comes into play. Then the horror of the whole situation is heightened. Hate to give spoilers, suffice to say this is a must-read comic, possibly of one of the best of all time. This isn't the only issue like this. Once Locke & Key stretches out in its later books and tells more side stories, it gives us time to explore these emotional and sometimes profound short stories situated in this fantastic world.