THE HIDDEN DOORS

Enticing doorways give these seven new graphic shorts a common element.

These doors range in nature from physical barriers, such as one concealing a lonely mummy’s treasure in Johane Matte’s “Mastaba,” to a psychological threshold over which intrepid Asteria Crane in editor Kibuishi’s story of the same name passes to enter a young patient’s subconscious. In each tale, they lead sometimes to comical adventures, sometimes to life- (or, for the mummy, death-) changing experiences. An uncertain magician gains new confidence making soup in a “Giant’s Kitchen,” (Jason Caffoe), Faith Erin Hicks’ “Two-Person Door” leads a would-be hero to adventure without his even opening it, and Jen Wang offers a wishing door that lets a self-conscious lad remodel himself into “Luis 2.0.” Though done in different styles, the art features consistently clean lines, clear colors, easy-to-follow action and individually distinct characters.

Another worthy entry in a series of themed collections that places production and storytelling on equally high pedestals.