Spencer & Locke #1

My recommendation for when you pick up a copy of SPENCER & LOCKE #1 is that you take the time to look at how each of these creators contribute to the overall product. Sure many willcritique the storytelling, as well as judge the art as a whole. But what you'll find is that this series would likely not be as good as it is had each person involved not been on the same page, creatively and as a team. From terrific storytelling that is elevated by the artwork, to colors that add another dimension to the illustrations, to lettering that can trigger any classic detective film's narration in your head, it's a sight to behold when four creative minds can collaborate so well on a debut issue. I will be purchasing print copies of this entire series. Definitely goes into the collection. Read Full Review

Dark, violent and just a little bit twisted, this is easily the most polished and inventive title I've seen from Action Lab so far, and the entire creative team deserves all the credit in the world for bringing such a genuinely brilliant premise to life. This is one of the strongest debuts for a new title in 2017 so far, and is a series that deserves to be seen by as many eyes as possible. Read Full Review

After seeing the tagline on the cover of an imaginary partner, I was intrigued enough to look over this book, and boy I am glad I did. For me, the book provides a gentle reminder to when “Something Was Drooling Under my Bed” or the “Revengeof the Baby-Sat”. It is good to see that the Bill Waterson's creation have had such an impact on the comic book world. Read Full Review

'Spencer & Locke' took a risk, openly integrated the concept of a modern classic comic strip and it works. It just works. The 'what if' of a boy and his stuffed animal grew up to be a detective and his imaginary partner is executed without irony or played as a gimmick. It's a dark comedy that David Pepose lovingly portrays as a serious crime drama and it's irresistible. So far, Action Lab has another great title in their stable making this a must-buy.  Read Full Review

Nostalgia is a hard thing to master especially with everyone bringing old shows, comics, and other things from the 1980's,90's and early 2000's. However, the main problem with these reboots is that the new material does little to enhance the aforementioned material. Spencer & Locke is able to change up Calvin & Hobbes enough to make this its own property and make the comic worth reading. Read Full Review

An amazing concept brought to life by talented creators. Can't wait to see the next installment. Read Full Review

Well done at every turn, brilliant in its audacity and visually subtle, the moods and terror that were always under the surface have come to light. Great fun and the right kind of creepy, although it makes me rethink how sinister the original really was. Read Full Review

Man, what a ride! What a fun book! Little known Action Lab has something fantastic here, I only hope they can push it enough to get enough readers to pay attention. I know I will be looking forward to issue #2 and hoping they keep the pace up, the intensity up, keep the story rolling Read Full Review

If the noir Calvin and Hobbes premise was the only thing that it had going for it interest in this book wouldnt last long. Even as a detective story it might not hold the readers interest but the combination of the two paired with the brutality of Lockes life are unique. We also discover by the end of the book that something else is going on and immediately leave us wanting our questions answered. Spencer and Locke is a must to add to your collection and enjoy reading. It looks to have a unique and exciting future. Read Full Review

This book is a fantastic comic and a surprisingly good debut issue. This is an idea that could have been a disaster very easily, really does anybody want a dark, gritty, noir style crime Calvin and Hobbes story? Well, yes if it is done like this I do. The creators toe that line of being dark and serious but also still having some great fun with the concept of having an imaginary friend help you out through life. This really was a surprise and this reviewer was not expecting such a great issue. If you are looking for a new series to pick up do not let Spencer and Locke slip past your radar! Read Full Review

Spencer & Locke successfully combines two polar opposites together in this brilliant crime comic. Through a unique, unsettling tone, fascinating characters, a compelling universe, and fantastic art this book has become a must buy. It cannot be recommended enough. Read Full Review

Bits and Pieces:The mystery takes a backseat to a fun and mildly dark rompas we learn more about a kid growing up to be a cop with his imaginarypanther.  A little lacking in the area ofset-up and some minor confusion on the distinction between characters when itpertains to what others see, but the weird and funny interactions isinteresting throughout. Oh, and did I mention Calvin and Hobbes? Read Full Review

Here's your chance to check out Spencer & Locke as they unwind the mystery of murdered politicians while on suspension. Read Full Review

A Calvin and Hobbes story gone wrong, Spencer and Locke #1 is a great debut. It manages to be both familiar and fresh, playing off of reader expectations in ways that are dark but entertaining. David Pepose gets a lot of mileage out of his premise from the start, delivering a layered lead in Locke and a standout in Spencer. Jorge Santiago's art strikes a memorable and effective balance, his conflicting structure meshing perfectly with the book's delightfully twisted sense of nostalgia. Those reared on Watterson and Miller will find much to love in this demented take, but even those who weren't will enjoy a darn good comic. Read Full Review

While Spencer plays it pretty tame this issue, I cant help but think Pepose and Santiago Jr. are biding their time before truly unleashing the homicidal psycho jungle cat. Read Full Review

Spencer & Locke has its twist and brings something new to a genre that while entertaining, needs something new to really stand out. Whether or not the murder mystery is interesting isn't the draw for me going forward, it's all about Spencer and Locke. Much like Calvin and Hobbes, how Spener and Locke interact is the heart of the series and has me counting down the days until I can read more. Read Full Review

Spencer & Locke deals with some adult themes, but it does it with a wink and a nod and delivers something truly unique. If you're a fan of procedurals but want a little crazy with your Law & Order, Spencer & Locke might just be the thing for you. Read Full Review

Spencer & Locke #1 tacklessome of life's bleakest realities with the delightful elasticity and absurdity of a newspaper comic strip"no easy feat, and something Mr. Watterson himself would no doubt appreciate. Whether you're a fan of Calvin and Hobbes or Sin City, or simply in search of an engaging procedural, Spencer & Locke will certainlygrab your attention. Read Full Review

If you're sick of the usual superhero fare and are searching for something different, this could be just what you're looking for" Read Full Review

This latest addition to the Danger Zone is one I am already finding myself grabbed by. So much has already happened just in the first book, and the ending clearly shows more on the way. Whether you read this alone or with an imaginary friend, you absolutely need to do so. Read Full Review

As a whole it flows well, cutting between the modern day and flashbacks seamlessly. If youre looking for something to read that is familiar, but feels like something completely different, Spencer & Locke is for you. Read Full Review

When you're telling a buddy cop story, only one cop is imaginary and represented by a stuffed toy the real cop has had since childhood? That's good! I'll read that! It's a bridge too far when it becomes an obvious connection to Calvin and Hobbes. Less would have been more in this case, and an implied connection would have landed with me better. Read Full Review

It's well-crafted, but I'm not sure it's well-intentioned - or in good taste. Read Full Review

Spencer & Locke #1 is an entertaining romp through a grimy town while a man must face his past with his best friend. The mental implications of the issue alongside the murder mystery is quite staggering and Pepose knows it. He plays off those ideas well while Santiago & Smith bring it to life well. And while there are some weak panels within this first issue, it over all delivers with gripping story, captivating characters, moody art and powerful suggestions. There are clues all over this issue about the various mysteries in this. It is extremely well done. I'm looking forward to the next issue. Read Full Review

I kind of feel like I've been a little hard on Spencer & Locke in this review. (But, I guess, isn't that what reviews are supposed to be?) What I mean to say is that I actually did like this it. I think it has a lot of things working for it, and if you've read my other reviews you'll know that my reading tastes usually lean toward the darker and grittier side. I just have serious concerns about this book being able to maintain itself. I feel like it's kind of kitschy, kind of like a joke that's taking itself a little too seriously. Like it's toeing the line between too many things. Does it stay on the dark and gritty side of the line, or does it stumble across the line into comedy territory? Does it matter? I don't know. I think issue #2 is going to really set the tone for Spencer and Locke as a series. Read Full Review

Were this book in on its own joke, it might work. It isn't, though, and there's no joy to be had because of that. Read Full Review

superstan52

Apr 13, 2017

This comic made me nostalgic for Calvin & Hobbes AND my childhood.only thing could've been better if adult 'Calvin' narrated the tale like Calvins PI alter-ego.

Synthozoid

Apr 27, 2017

I bought this after reading the stellar reviews here. This is either parody or fan fic. I'm not interested in either.

Cosmic Ray

Feb 12, 2019

Substandard efforts.