Metaphrog’s Bluebeard

Fuchsia, orange, and violet stain the pages of this disquieting “Bluebeard” retelling. Creative duo Metaphrog stages this graphic novel adaptation in a village overshadowed by Bluebeard’s turreted mountaintop castle. A thorny forest and stormy weather simmer with malevolence as the heroine, Eve, grows up on stories of a rich man and his vanished wives; fortunately, Eve has allies too, including a loyal goatherd. When rains and famine weaken the villagers, Bluebeard hosts a luxurious party none can resist and strikes a deal to marry Eve, whose attempts to flee are magically curtailed. Bluebeard intercepts her letters home, baits her with an enchanted key to a forbidden room, and summons village girls, who stagger toward the castle as the story’s events play out. Metaphrog’s illustrations glow with fluorescent intensity, and the saturated imagery conveys murderous suspense. Ages 7–12. [em](May) [/em]