This is the basic vocabulary and list of facts - the absolute necessities to understanding Elfquest, this site, and the fans.
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A. Elfquest
Elfquest is the title of a comic book series. The series fits
into the fantasy genre. The basic premise of the series: a quest
taken by elves to find out more about themselves.
One will often find Elfquest abbreviated "EQ." Some people
capitalize the "Q," but the title should not be spelled as two words.
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B. Comic(s) and Graphic Novels
By "comic," "comics," or "comic books," I mean the same basic thing.
Though the terms have different connotations, the differences are
subtle at best.
Essentially, comics are stories told through illustrations and
dialogue. That may be a simple definition, but that's what comics are -
stripped of cultural prejudices, of course.
By "graphic novel," I am referring to an anthology of comic book
issues. Most graphic novels can be considered "director's cuts" of
comics, for extra elements are often added to justify the price tag.
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C. Creators
Elfquest was created by the wife-husband duo Wendy and
Richard Pini. Since the series was launched in 1978, they have had
creative control of the comic. The comic is self-published. Their
company name, Warp Graphics, derives from the creators' initials.
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The comic is well-represented on the Internet. The following is only a
brief sampling of Elfquest-related material...
On the Web, the most important source is Warp Graphics' site: Elfquest
dot com. In operation since 1995, the site contains everything that
can be considered official. Besides information, pictures, legal
statements, and an online shop, Elfquest.com has a vast amount of
fan-specific resources.
Fan websites are, as one should expect, diverse and varied. None can
legally claim to have the official viewpoint on anything
Elfquest-related, but there is a wealth of information,
humor, pictures, writings, online games, etc. to be found.
On Usenet, the primary EQ resources are EQUEST-L and
rec.arts.comics.elfquest. Beyond those, one can find a number of
low-traffic or more diverse newsgroups, as well as several MUSHes and
MOOs.
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In this section, I've listed some basic information about the comic
itself.
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A. Collections, Series, and Spinoffs
The many issues of Elfquest have been collected into graphic
novels. Each graphic novel (or GN) has a name and a number.
News, March 1999: Until
recently, every GN was printed in color, even if the original comics
were in black-and-white. The most recent edition, published by
Wolfrider Books, is being printed in black-and-white, and initially
in "softcover" (not hard-bound). The Wolfrider
Books edition of GNs also includes a vast number of issues that have
not previously printed in graphic novels. For a better explanation
and more information, see Warp Graphics'
Guide to the
most recent releases.
Elfquest, though it can be considered one series (it has
never blended with another comic or novel, except in noncanonical
stories), has over a dozen separate series. For a better explanation,
see Warp Graphics'
Decades
in Print page. I'll try to illustrate the series outline below...
| Original quest (GN 1-4): 1978-84 | |||||
| "Siege at Blue Mountain" (GN 5-6): 1986-8 | |||||
| "Kings of the Broken Wheel" (GN 7-8): 1988-90 | |||||
| "Hidden Years" first story arc (issues 1-15, "Hidden Years," "Rogue's Challenge," "Shards" GNs): 1991-3 | "New Blood" first series (issues 1-10): 1992-3 | ||||
| "Hidden Years" second story arc (issues 16-29): 1994-6) | "Shards" (issues 1-16): 1994-6 | "New Blood" second series (issues 11-35): 1994-6 | "The Rebels" and "Jink" (issues 1-12 each): 1994-6) | "Blood of Ten Chiefs" (issues 1-20): 1994-6 | "Kahvi" and "Two-Spear" (issues 1-6, 1-5): 1995-6 |
| "Metamorphosis" bridging issue (1): 1996 | |||||
| "Elfquest (Volume Two)" compilations (1-present): 1996-present |
Since the "Metamorphosis" issue, the EQ comics were monthly anthology titles. Several series and one-shots were in them, including "Fire-Eye," "Wolfrider," "Dreamtime," "Wild Hunt," and a new incarnation of "Wavedancers."
News: March 1999: As the above paragraph suggests, the monthly comic series has ended. In Issue 32, and on Equest-L (around mid-March), Richard Pini explained the reasons for this abrupt change. However, Elfquest is not dead. The artists and writers are continuing their series. Currently, Warp plans to release graphic novel-size anthologies of the most recent material in place of comic issues. No release dates have been set at this time, but along with the re-issue of old GNs and more recent GNs, one would expect to see the 1999 material in a few months. Consult Warp Graphics for official information.
That's all I know at this time. If I left out that little mini-series you love, or if you *know* you have a "Blood of Ten Chiefs" issue from '92, tell me. My e-mail is ChrOtaku@xoommail.com.
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B. Canon
What is part of the official Elfquest story? Simple answer: anything sanctioned by Warp that's not a parody. There are a few exceptions, such as New Blood issues 1-10, and the book "A Gift of Her Own."
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C. Elves, Trolls, Humans, and Preservers
Those familiar with the conventions of fantasy fiction will find that the races and species are a bit different here. Here's some brief explanations...
*Elves* come in many varieties. Some have amounts of wolf blood, shortening their lifespan, but enabling them to communicate with wolves. Purebloods, however, can live for an indefinite amount of time. Like typical elves of modern fantasy, elves generally spurn humans, and often are in conflict with them. They have large, pointed ears, and tend to be slender in build. With the exception of one tribe, they are unconcerned with day-to-day existence. Unlike typical elves, EQ elves can not breed with humans. Also, elves tend to be recluses, completely separated from human society. As such, they are few in number.
*Trolls* are underground-dwelling humanoids. They can not live and prosper in sunlight. Trolls have specialized skills at metal and mechanical things, but few other strengths. They are even fewer in number than the elves. Unlike typical trolls, they can not regenerate damaged body tissues.
*Humans* are... well, humans. In the early EQ books, most are still in the stone age of development. Later stories show the humans' later eras. As stated above, there is a perpetual animosity between elves and humans. A few humans worship elves, or hold them in respect, but many fear - if not hate - elves.
*Presevers* are creatures indigenous to the world of Elfquest. They resemble nothing more than small, hard-bodied, winged fairies. However, preservers have the unique ability to spit a substance called "wrapstuff." In this web-like goo, a creature can be stopped from aging. Also, preservers are asexual.
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III. For the Fans
Interested in Elfquest? Need some place to find it? Start here.
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Elfquest issues can be found in many comic book shops. But unless you have access to an extremely good one, you are not likely to find anything but the most recent issues, and a few scattered back issues. That's no way to get introduced to a comic with a twenty-year history. Ask a local comic book dealer to special-order the first graphic novel (Fire and Flight) - the best place to begin with the story.
Some large bookstores carry graphic novels. If not, they may be willing to special order them. Try to encourage dealers to look past the typical "shallow superhero" stereotype of American comics.
If all else fails, Warp Graphics has a phone number for orders, as well as an online store. Get the information and data at the Wolfrider Shop's entrance.
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B. Stores, Catalogs, and Web Shops
Which is best? I realy don't know. I've never ordered any EQ stuff through the mail - and I don't plan to. Go to some fan sites, and ask someone else if the latter two are safe.
Another option is to look through fan sites and Internet auctions. Some good bargains and rare products might be available - but be on your guard. Scams are everywhere.
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Thanks for wading through this. If you have any ideas, suggestions, or complaints, please reach me at ChrOtaku@xoommail.com. My alternate e-mail is crf_riggsja@curf.edu.
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This page was last updated, by Alan (John Alan Riggs), on March 31, 1999. Please refer to the Disclaimer page for legal information.