If you are a fan of supernatural stories, you might have heard of two popular series: Lockwood and Co and Locke and Key. Both of them feature young protagonists who deal with ghosts, magic, and mysteries in their own ways. But are they related in any way? And which one should you watch or read first? Here is a brief comparison of the two series to help you decide.
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What are Lockwood and Co and Locke and Key?
Lockwood and Co is a young adult supernatural thriller series written by Jonathan Stroud. The series follows three young operatives of a psychic detection agency (Lucy Carlyle, Anthony Lockwood, and George Cubbins) as they fight ghosts (known throughout the series as Visitors) in London, England. The series consists of five books: The Screaming Staircase, The Whispering Skull, The Hollow Boy, The Creeping Shadow, and The Empty Grave, published from 2013 to 2017.A short story called The Dagger in the Desk was also released online in 2013.In 2023, a television adaptation of the series was developed by Joe Cornish for Netflix, consisting of eight episodes that premiered on January 27, 2023. However, the series was canceled after one season.
Locke and Key is an American fantasy horror drama television series developed by Carlton Cuse, Meredith Averill, and Aron Eli Coleite, based on the comic-book series of the same name by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodríguez. It premiered on Netflix on February 7, 2020.The series stars Darby Stanchfield, Connor Jessup, Emilia Jones, Jackson Robert Scott, Laysla De Oliveira, Petrice Jones, and Griffin Gluck. The series follows the three Locke siblings and their mother who move into their ancestral home, Keyhouse, after their father’s murder. They discover a number of magical keys throughout the house that can be used to unlock various doors in magical ways. They also face a demonic entity that is also searching for the keys for its own malevolent purposes. The series consists of three seasons with a total of 28 episodes. The second season premiered on October 22, 2021 and the third season premiered on August 10, 2022.In April 2022, it was announced that the third season would be its last, as originally planned by the show’s creators.
How are they similar?
Both series share some similarities in terms of genre, themes, and elements. They are both supernatural stories that involve ghosts, magic, mystery, and horror. They both feature young protagonists who have to deal with their personal issues as well as the paranormal threats they face. They both explore the concepts of family, friendship, loyalty, courage, and identity. They both have a dark and atmospheric tone with some moments of humor and romance.
How are they different?
Despite their similarities, the two series also have many differences in terms of plot, characters, setting, and style. Here are some of them:
– Plot: Lockwood and Co is more focused on the ghost-hunting aspect of the story, while Locke and Key is more focused on the magical keys aspect of the story. Lockwood and Co has more episodic cases that are connected by an overarching mystery about the origin of the Problem (the plague of ghosts), while Locke and Key has more serialized arcs that are connected by an overarching conflict with Dodge (the demonic entity). Lockwood and Co has more action-packed scenes with sword fights and explosions, while Locke and Key has more imaginative scenes with different effects of the keys.
– Characters: Lockwood and Co has three main characters who form a team that works together to solve cases and fight ghosts. They have different personalities and abilities that complement each other. Lucy is a Listener who can hear supernatural sounds and voices; Lockwood is a charismatic leader who can sense cold spots; George is a researcher who can find information and clues. They also have some allies and enemies from other agencies or organizations. Locke and Key has six main characters who form a family that tries to cope with their loss and protect each other from danger. They have different personalities and interests that sometimes clash with each other. Tyler is a jock who struggles with guilt; Kinsey is a rebel who tries to overcome her fear; Bode is a curious kid who discovers the keys; Nina is a mother who tries to rebuild her life; Scot is a filmmaker who likes Kinsey; Gabe is a new student who befriends Tyler.
– Setting: Lockwood and Co is set in an alternate version of present-day Britain, where ghosts have been rising from their graves for the past 50 years and only children can sense them. The story takes place mostly in London, where the psychic detection agencies operate and where most of the haunted locations are. The setting has a mix of modern and Victorian elements, with technology and fashion being influenced by the ghost problem. Locke and Key is set in a fictional town of Matheson, Massachusetts, where the Locke family moves into their ancestral home, Keyhouse. The story takes place mostly in Keyhouse, where the magical keys are hidden and where most of the supernatural events happen. The setting has a mix of realistic and fantastical elements, with history and mythology being intertwined with the keys.
– Style: Lockwood and Co is written in a first-person narrative from Lucy’s point of view, with a witty and sarcastic voice. The style is descriptive and detailed, with vivid imagery and dialogue. The tone is suspenseful and thrilling, with some humor and romance. Locke and Key is adapted from a comic-book series, with a visual and cinematic style. The style is expressive and dynamic, with colorful graphics and soundtracks. The tone is dark and emotional, with some humor and romance.
Which one should you watch or read first?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on your personal preference and taste. However, here are some possible factors that might influence your decision:
– Availability: Lockwood and Co is currently available as a book series and a canceled TV series on Netflix. Locke and Key is currently available as a comic-book series and a completed TV series on Netflix.
– Length: Lockwood and Co has five books (each around 400 pages) and eight TV episodes (each around 45 minutes). Locke and Key has six comic-book volumes (each around 150 pages) and 28 TV episodes (each around 45 minutes).
– Genre: Lockwood and Co is more of a supernatural thriller, while Locke and Key is more of a fantasy horror.
– Audience: Lockwood and Co is more suitable for young adults, while Locke and Key is more suitable for mature audiences.
Ultimately, both series are worth watching or reading if you enjoy supernatural stories with engaging characters, intriguing plots, and creative worlds. You can choose to start with either one or switch between them as you like. You might find some similarities that make you appreciate both series more, or some differences that make you prefer one over the other. Either way, you will have a fun and exciting experience with Lockwood and Co and Locke and Key.
