Book Type: Graphic Novel-Style Children's Book/Comic
Author: Metaphrog
Pages: 80
Summary(goodreads.com): The Little Mermaid is Hans Christian Andersen's most celebrated tale and is beautifully adapted here as a graphic novel by the Eisner award nominated duo Metaphrog (Sandra Marrs and John Chalmers), winners of the Sunday Herald Scottish Culture Awards Best Visual Artist 2016, and authors of the acclaimed The Red Shoes and Other Tales.The Little Mermaid lives deep under the ocean and longs to see the world above. When at last she is allowed to rise to the surface at age fifteen, she falls in love with a young prince. In order to become a human and to be with him, she makes a dangerous pact with the Sea Witch.
My Review: Filled with gorgeous illustrations while still keeping to the traditional story, Metaphrog did an incredible job with this version of The Little Mermaid. Behind the beautiful cover of a blue-haired mermaid are stunning pictures of undersea life and mermaids! There are such deep blues with interesting pattern choices that blend in together perfectly, mimicking the ocean. I found the fluke shape for the mermaids to be a little strange, and they reminded me more of sea monsters than a fish.
This classic tale also features update fashion choices from the characters, and encompasses modern day same-sex couples. Two females are spotted in one of the prince's birthday scenes dancing intimately together.
The witch's image is also an interesting choice. She is seen as light in a dark place instead of an ugly hag, and has an angelic glow. I wish there was more detail about the magic potion. The Little Mermaid is seen swimming out of the cave without it, and then she has it on land. There are also moving illustrations that show the Little Mermaid's emotional and physical pain.
The text is remarkably similar to the classic, but little mers will still be enchanted by the vast amount of beauty and color in this book. I give this book (****) 4 stars.
-Sirenita The Selkie