Metaphrog's Bluebeard

(Hardback)

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Description

Award-winning duo Metaphrog transform the classic folktale into a feminist fairy tale, about the blossoming of a young child to womanhood striving for independence. Eve spends an idyllic childhood of long summer days with her sweetheart Tom, and together they dream of exploring the world. But that dream is soon shattered as she comes of age. The mysterious Bluebeard is looking for a new bride and has his sights set on Eve, and rumor has it that his former wives have all disappeared. What will Eve find in the castle beyond the enchanted forest A forbidden chamber, a golden key and the most terrifying secret, take on a new life in this gothic graphic novel.

Reviews

This is perfect in every way. A beautifully told tale. * Charlie Adlard, The Walking Dead *
BLUEBEARDs beating heart lay in its unsettling glow, guiding in silhouette, patiently leading to mysterys core. Haunting for young and old alike. * Nate Powell, National Book Award Winner for March *
Metaphrogs books have always been charming but this one explores new territory of warmth and mystery. * Michel Faber, The Crimson Petal and The White *
Set in a dreamlike world, expertly painted with colour, texture, menace and beauty, this retelling of Bluebeard is a page-turner from the start and delivers on all fronts in the very best traditions of fairytale storytelling. * FRANK QUITELY, All-Star Superman *
A feast for the eyes and fuel for the imagination, I devoured Metaphrogs feminist fairytale take on BLUEBEARD in one sitting. It has all the ingredients of a tale well-told. * PHILIP ARDAGH, childrens book author *
This is wonderful. * DENIS MINA, crime writer, Conviction *
Metaphrogs illustrations glow with fluorescent intensity, and the saturated imagery conveys murderous suspense. * Publishers Weekly *
The stylized illustrations have a soft quality that contrasts with the characters exaggerated expressions. Spreads and panels that predominantly feature blues and pinks seem to correspond with Bluebeard and pink-haired Eve, respectively. * Kirkus Reviews *
Every page of the work is beautiful and dreamlike, rich in atmosphere for what is tantamount to a horror story. The artists make expert use of color: red and orange hues indicate happiness and good times, while blue is used to illustrate frightened animals and the ominous corners of Bluebeards mansion. Shifts from red to purple foreshadow events to come, as does Eves narration: some insects spend their whole lives not realizing they have wings. Not realizing they can fly. Eve learns to take hold of her fate and soar in this gorgeous adaptation. -- Foreword * Every page of the work is beautiful and dreamlike, rich in atmosphere for what is tantamount *
In a book of berry-bright colours, predominantly luminous deep pink and blue, the images of heroic Eve and Tom the goat boy stand out, weighty and rich, as though they might feel braided to the touch. -- Imogen Russell Williams * The Times Literary Supplement *

Author Bio

Metaphrog are John Chalmers and Sandra Marrs. Together they have been creating graphic novels since 1996. Their Louis series has received several Eisner and Ignatz Award nominations and critical acclaim worldwide. John is from Scotland, and Sandra grew up in France, before moving to Britain. Their meeting was a catalyst, and within a few months they created Metaphrog. They regularly travel to give talks and workshops on comics and their working methods. They have also produced commissioned graphic novels and illustrations for a variety of clients. Last year, they were named as one of Canongate's Future 40 best contemporary Scottish Storytellers. Follow them on Twitter @metaphrog and visit www.metaphrog.com.