Richard Pini

Right off the bat, I was blown away by Wendy Pini who is an absolutely phenomenal artist. The entire thing is rich with color and a distinctive flair that I came to appreciate as Wendy's signature style. Another reviewer said that this series is born more of the heart than of the mind and I totally agree with them. [A/N: If you're looking for a cerebral sci-fi then you have made a wrong turn and need to look at your directions a little more closely.] Pini has created a true fantasy epic that show more is about the people just as much (maybe more so) than the journey they undertake.

And then came along Volume 3 where Cutter and his best friend (and possibly lover if you read between the lines) Skywise (my favorite character) are on a quest to find the rest of their Elvin kinfolk and the home of the High Ones (if such a place exists). Their quest leads them to foreign lands where they are met by humans who view them as gods instead of enemies and who speak of others who look as they do with pointy ears (but much taller). When they finally locate those that call themselves the High Ones (and who ride on giant birds) they are not welcomed with open arms but with scorn, distrust, and outright hatred. The group's elder wishes for them to stay but his adviser (and the power behind the throne) has other plans in mind. Winnowill possess the opposite of Leetah's gifts (Leetah is Cutter's mate) which means she has the power to hurt and even to kill so her threats are anything but empty. #dangeraplenty

This series looks in depth at these characters and examines their relationships, philosophies, and general way of life. We learn that appearances are deceiving because these so-called warriors are at their core simply a resilient little family just trying to find their place in the world. Full of romance, bloodshed, redemption, and definitely suspense I was shocked at how quickly Elfquest worked its spell on me. 10/10 and can hardly wait for Volume 4.

On with the Quest!! show less

2018 Spring: I did a reread of the entire last series for the ending of the main arc of Elfquest (aka Cutter, The Kinseeker's story). I still love it so very much and I love taking part in the community this time while doing it. Finding all the shoutouts to Dreamtime and to previous moments in the series across all the decades: right up to solving mysteries of the future comic connections.

2015:
I love that there is a new long-running series for Elfquest even if it turns out to be the show more well-plotted ending to this series I have loved since I was five. I read the last 12 issues in one swoop again this week, so I'll be using the same review for both of these volumes as I put them up today.

I love that the love triangle between Ember-Mender-Teir has finally been resolved on all three parts, in a good way. I love seeing the children of everyone, both human and elven. I love seeing the many different paths people are beginning to take, especially Moonshade, Sunstream, Rayek, Two-Edge. A lot of things interest me and I was definitely shocked myself, too, by the big reveal at the end of this 12 issues, and I can't wait to see where this goes -- For Cutter and for "The Way." show less

Right off the bat, I was blown away by Wendy Pini who is an absolutely phenomenal artist. The entire thing is rich with color and a distinctive flair that I came to appreciate as Wendy's signature style. Another reviewer said that this series is born more of the heart than of the mind and I totally agree with them. [A/N: If you're looking for a cerebral sci-fi then you have made a wrong turn and need to look at your directions a little more closely.] Pini has created a true fantasy epic that show more is about the people just as much (maybe more so) than the journey they undertake.

Volume 2 introduces us to a new clan of elves by the name of the Sunfolk who live (predictably perhaps) in the oasis of a barren desert and who are very different from their Wolfrider kin. Not only are they brown skinned (The Wolfriders are quite pale as they dwelt among the canopies of trees and hunted by night.) but they are peaceful, spiritual, and live much longer lives. (Possibly due to the peacefulness of their people or something else? Yes, this is explored later.) They also possess different gifts from the Wolfriders and have among them a spiritual leader who resembles the mythologized High Ones. These two clans clash immediately and explosively as Cutter finds himself entranced by their leader's daughter who has a relationship with a male of her own clan. #drama show less

The Wolfriders travel north in pursuit of Lord Voll, who has kidnapped Cutter and his family. There, they encounter another tribe of elves who call themselves the Go-Backs. The Go-Backs are committed to regaining the lost Palace of the High Ones, which is now revealed to be in the hands of the sinister mountain trolls.

This is the second-last volume in the original Elfquest story arc, and it does a very nice job of setting everything up for the grand finale. We have all the requisite show more elements: the goal is close at hand, powerful new allies have joined the fray, and a formidable enemy stands in the way.

And, as always, the Wolfriders are forced to adapt to a new situation that brings them into contact with a different way of life. This time around, it's war; the Wolfriders and Go-Backs take the offensive against the trolls, and must reconcile this new approach with their old way of life. As Cutter says, his tribe are hunters rather than murderers; this perspective is new to them, but they're willing to change if it means regaining their ancestral home. The Pinis continue to handle this important, ongoing theme very well indeed.

Very good stuff. I highly recommend this entire series, but urge you to read the books in order so they have maximum impact. The Pinis wrote the comics as part of a larger story; each individual issue isn't meant to stand alone. show less