The Sandman Universe/Locke & Key: Hell & Gone #2: Like an Old Friend

The Sandman Universe/Locke & Key: Hell & Gone #2 felt like visiting an old friend. Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez’s final chapter in the crossover between IDW’s Locke & Key and DC Comics’ The Sandman Universe feels like such a natural combination. Easily has the staying power for a full series without losing the integrity of either property, though the crossover ends in such a satisfying way. Hill’s writing feels at home in The Sandman Universe. In fact, it often felt more part of the original run than some of the other recent The Sandman Universe books. 

Rodriguez’s art takes center stage and leaves every panel brilliantly illustrated and compelling. Character designs felt unique to Rodriguez’s style, including Fotos’ stellar colors, while still retaining the classic look of some Sandman characters, mainly Fiddler’s Green. Fiddler’s Green felt like such a natural addition to the crossover. His role in the crossover is much like his role in the original series, which felt like such a comfort to see him again and expanded on the beloved character. In fact, I think Hill nailed all of the characters from Sandman, including the surprise appearance of the Corinthian. Readers will be pleasantly surprised at some of the appearances, including my personal favorite, Lucifer rocking the 1990s Bowie look, soul patch included. 

Overall, The Sandman Universe/Locke & Key: Hell & Gone #2 has enough in it to satisfy fans of both series. Hill does an excellent job at balancing the two properties’ worlds and making sure readers won’t be lost. In fact, I have a feeling readers will be wanting more of this crossover. The issue comes in just in time for the release of the second season of Locke & Key on Netflix and the teasers for Netflix’s upcoming The Sandman series and act II of the audiobook.