‘Deadlocke’ Deadlocked

Teen angst and mysterious origins form the core of Dark Horse Comics’ latest release, Deadlocke. Teaming up for this novel-to-comic adaptation are writer Arvid Nelson (Rex Mundi) and artist Nick Stakal (Criminal Macabre). “Deadlocke” is very loosely based on the young adult novel, “Venomous” by Chris Krovatin. Both books introduce seventeen-year-old Locke Vinetti, an introvert whose fictional semi-hero creation, Deadlocke, provides an outlet for his inner demons and desires.

Locke has depended on the tutelage of Casey, a ‘Tyler Durden’- esque character, brimming with confidence and eager to unlock Locke’s pent up emotions through art and physical violence. Unfortunately, Locke seeks to keep his troubled-past behind him to keep the girl of his dreams, Renee, who harbors her own secrets and insecurities. It soon becomes clear that the plane separating reality from fiction begin to blur as Deadlocke threatens to become a very real presence in Locke’s life.

Like many comic adaptations, “Deadlocke,” may need some time to develop into a grounded story that flushes out the relationships between these central characters. Unlike the Krovatin novel, “Deadlocke” does not allow Locke’s inner turmoil to jump from the page. Though Deadlocke’s streaked-marred face certainly suggests a dark, melancholy personality, none of that is expressed by Locke himself. Locke’s character fails to provoke any true empathy. That is, there is no feel of a ‘lost soul looking for redemption’ or that of a ‘bad boy needing the love of a woman to keep him sane’ (think Angel or Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame). Instead of coming across as ‘dark’ or ‘brooding’, he appears rather sullen and boring. There is a bit more gravitas to Casey, who is clearly manipulative and edgy. More intriguing questions surround him like what are his motivations for provoking Locke, and what underlies his relationship with both Locke and Renee? Although angst is associated with adolescence, it should be set in some substantive backstory that makes the reader connect with the hero’s inner plight. Otherwise, there is nothing appealing to hold on to.

The comic adaptation also appears to differ from the novel in that Deadlocke’s presence merges into Locke’s reality, where in “Venomous,” the ‘fictional’-character Blacklight appears to straddle the fence of fact and fiction. It appears that “Deadlocke” eschews the ephemeral to the more concrete as Locke will have to deal with Deadlocke face-to-face (so to speak) very early in the series. This may have been deliberate so as not to make the movie-adaptation of the comic feel like “Fight Club” - Junior. But, to be honest, that is not a bad comparison to be made. I hope the teen audience that Deadlocke - The Movie will likely target is smart enough to handle a psychological, teen superhero, action-drama.

I like to think that teenagers flock to movies like “Twilight,” “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” and hopefully “Deadlocke,” not just for the sexy stars, but because the characters are sexy. Fickle teenagers will let you know that a good-looking character you can’t sympathize with just isn’t worth spending the time and money on. Same goes with the comic book fan.