The Complete ElfQuest Volume 3 Trade Paperback

Dark Horse

Writers & Artists: Wendy & Richard Pini

It’s been a long while since I’ve run with Wolfriders and gazed up at the twin moons of ElfQuest. Dark Horse again has gathered a tome of magical delights and transported me back into the real of Wendy and Richard Pini’s vivid imaginations. This volume collects Dreamtime, and Hidden Years together for us to reminisce of days gone by.

The writing of ElfQuest has always been curious to me. Curious in a good way.

I’ve always enjoyed the somewhat formal and descriptive manner they name things, the common and secret names, the way they communicate with both spoken words, and by sending. It is a type of writing that transports you into a different world, not just one of fantasy, but also one of deep insight.

The Pini’s explore deep questions, amidst seemingly simple surroundings. What does it mean to belong to a group? What are the boundaries of our world? What is the realm of dream and thought?

Using a highly stylized artwork helps to set these same themes firmly in our minds. The small bodies, with large heads, and overly large almond eyes, remind us of children, and of the innocence of childhood.

Yet, they do not permit the illusion that childhood is all innocent. We see great conflicts with the humans, or even among tribes. Strife and jealousy are just as present as are joy and healing. The images they craft onto these pages reinforce all of these sentiments with subtle expressions, or quick action, with blood, tears, and a world scape that is large enough to hold it all in.

It is no wonder that ElfQuest has had such an enduring legacy. The care and crafting of the stories, the development of the characters, the wide range of meticulously depicted settings draw us in even years after we’d last cracked open an issue. Whether in brilliantly colored splendor, or in carefully shaded black and white, we don’t lose the vibrancy of either the persons nor the places.

For anyone who remembers reading these stories on rainy days when we couldn’t go outside and play, this volume will help bring back those sweet memories. With these two stories, in particular, get a nice comfy seat and some warm coffee, or hot chocolate, and indulge yourself once again in this world with two moons and enjoy.

Writing: 5/5

Artwork: 5/5

Overall: 5/5