Red and the Wolves

Zong puts a sapphic twist on “Little Red Riding Hood” in her vibrant debut. In a desolate world in which most of humanity has died of plague, Red hunts down “vengeful souls” called nawa. Her Grand Mother exorcises these restless spirits caught in animal forms in sacrificial rituals, attempting to cleanse the world. When Red rescues an aloof wolf-human hybrid named Sil from a bear trap, she’s unsure if the creature is a nawa. Nursed back to health in Red’s cabin, Sil calls herself a “chimera” or a shepherd. As the two warm to each other, Red makes several shocking discoveries: Sil abandoned her post as a Guardian Beast, celestial deities roam the world, and her power-hungry Grand Mother is up to something nefarious. Recruiting a cast of deities, Red and Sil set out to defeat Grand Mother. There are a few clunky transitions but overall, the story elements are handily pulled together and elevated by the dynamic art. Red’s delight at discovering the myriad ethereal animal guardians and the tenderness of Red and Sil’s slow-burning love story glow through Zong’s rendering. This spirited tale will appeal to fans of Fables and Through the Woods. (Jan.)