I AM WRITING this editorial in the lull between Christmas and New Year's, just so you know, since those of you who read this page won't see it until February. (And by the by, even though you'll receive this after the fact, our thanks to everyone who sent a card or note to the elves and us - we all appreciate it!) This is a particularly quiet time - the flurry of holiday shopping is over and the chaos of New Year's Eve is still to come. It's a good time to sit back and think.
THIS PAST YEAR has seen a lot - the writing of the first ELFQUEST novel, the coloring and publication of the first color volume, three issues of the comic, an incredible amount of traveling. Your response to the color book has been very gratifying - the softcover has had to go to a second printing - and this is as good a place as any to thank all of you who've written to them and to pass our own thanks to the Donning Company, the publishers of ELFQUEST - BOOK ONE for the excellent job they did.
IT'S HERE!!! The ELFQUEST GATHERUM is out too, after a wait that nearly drove us all crazy, and it's better than we could have hoped. Once again, we're a couple of very proud "parents," and the crew at Fantagraphics deserve the bow we expect them to take.
COSTUMES AND THINGS. We know that many of you out there are costumers - amateur or pro - and it occurred to us that many costumes use fur in one way or another. Rather than use real fur in the costume - fur that its previous owner probably didn't want to give up! - why not use fake fur? It's less expensive, easier to work and sew, and it doesn't require the killing of a living animal (which is probably on an endangered list anyway). How about it? Save a wolf, or a leopard, or a seal, or...
Last notes - SUBSCRIPTIONS AND CONVENTIONS, information is on PAGE 37. And be sure to watch this space next issue for an important announcement!
Richard
***** Generally, the letters we print here are edited down from what readers send us, mostly for reasons of space. Every so often, however, we get one that is so on the mark that we want to share the whole bundle of thoughts with you...
I just received ELFQUEST #11 in the mail, and
as always, all work stopped while I read, and absorbed...
Correspondence is not one of my stronger virtues, but EQ #11 was so remarkable I felt compelled to write. Issue #11 is an extremely important issue to the ELFQUEST saga, and reading it filled me with a myriad of thoughts.
I identify strongly with Cutter and experiencing the story through his eyes left me exhausted emotionally. Looking back on it all, so much as happened to him, and so fast. Cutter's life has literally been one turmoil after another. The young cub was thrust into the responsibility of chieftainship at an early age, and almost at once was burned out of his home and past by fire. Since then he has had to face ordeals of ever-increasing magnitude. Of course, we know the tough li'l sonofagun can take it, but lately I've noticed the kid looking so tired.
Both Cutter and ELFQUEST have come a long way through the issues, and with EQ #11 it is now clear that many things are happening. The overall story is taking on a more serious tone, and the people are more complex. There just aren't any simple solutions any more, and Cutter, understandably, is getting more and more weighted with decision. ELFQUEST is beginning to evolve into a complex tale that no longer simply deals with neat-looking fantasy creatures, but is exploring in depth the thoughts and emotions of those creatures, making them more whole and alive with each issue.
I think Cutter personifies the very heart and spirit of the work; all too clear are memories of Cutter's lighter times of innocence in the Holt, the trauma of leaving everything, meeting new people, the fathering of children, and the constant questioning of a compelling, irrepressible drive burning deep within him, continually pushing him forward against all instinct and judgement.
Yet, with each new trial, each loss, each lesson, both Cutter and ELFQUEST grow a little more. Although Cutter is constantly pressured to return to the "old ways," it is obvious that no matter what Cutter's decision, it can never happen. ELFQUEST is "coming of age," and like Cutter, is losing that element of innocence and naivete; for better or worse, they have come too far, and things can never really be as they were again.
Through Cutter, the story is beginning to bring forth the awful paradoxes that accompany any selfless conviction to a goal, not the least of which is "Am I right?" Many weighty emotional factors are assembled in #1.
Originally the quest was a personal decision, and Cutter set out alone. But now it's no longer a lone gamble, and it endangers not only the tribe, but his dearest possessions - his lifemate and children. Is it worth the risk? If Cutter is right, all will live in peace and happiness they've never know. However, if he's wrong...
Cutter has befriended Humans, for which he has been ridiculed and even despised, often asked by his closest friend, "Why?" Never has there been a really clear answer. Cutter is not sure himself.
And now, eleven issues later, after a weary trek, things are becoming more confusing. Humans are becoming friends and elves potential enemies. If Winnowill is not lying, and the Gliders are indeed the High Ones, are these perverse people the reward for such a long journey?
At once a million arguments, pro and con, crop up on each of these points. And that is what makes ELFQUEST so special, because the real answer, like reality, will no doubt be totally different than everyone's expectations. I imagine it bugs a few people because of that.
In closing, I'm going to make an observation that may be a crock o' rocks, but it's an observation I've made coupled with a gut feel. I sense that with each new decision he makes, Cutter is behaving less and less like an elf. There is something different in him which is setting him apart from the Sun Folk, from his own tribe, even from the High Ones themselves. It's an element that's so far vague and unrecognizable, but is steadily growing within him, and it's slowly drawing him away from the others in thought and nature; even Skywise can sense his pal getting more distant.
Whether this is happening from the quest or because something else we don't know about is taking shape I can't say - I don't think Cutter is even aware of it yet. But the change seems to continue, and I feel that soon Cutter will be in many ways very much alone.
I can't help but wonder if your readers sense this too, but in a manner that is more like the rest of Cutter's tribe. Pike, Skywise, Strongbow and the others are all very clear personalities and are pretty much set in their ways, and therefore easy to identify with. But Cutter is full of change and turmoil, not to mention the massive weight of leadership. Do you think your readers see these things in Cutter, or like his tribe, view him with uncertainty and doubt, watching and waiting.
One last note before I go - an appeal, really. Looking back at Cutter's earlier years, I see a much happier elf. Now, his face is filled with grim determination; the quest is taking its toll. Cutter has a long way to go before his quest ends. I hope the journey doesn't burn out that fiery sparkle that shone so brightly in his eyes before. Cutter is a delight to watch when he's just foolin' around. I hope the quest lets him come up for air occasionally.
Robin Leyden
Canoga Park, CA
***** In many ways, Cutter's (and the Wolfriders') quest is a mirror of our own evolution as we tell the story; It's eerie sometimes. Don't worry, though; we have a strong suspicion that the sparkle'll be there to the end.
I am a Marvel maniac, and being such I read X-MEN
#153 ("Kitty's Fairy Tale"), and to my amusement
and distaste Claremont, Cockrum and
whoever else decided to do so completely ripped
you both off. There was Kitty's T-shirt and a guest
appearance by Petalwing, and no references to
you or your book, although Nightcrawler mentioned
your name. I am appalled and flabbergasted.
William Loua
White Plains, NY
***** Gee whillikers, there's no need to be all that! We know many of the good folks who work at Marvel, and knew months before it came out that there was going to be some ELFQUEST craziness in the X-MEN. We loved it! In fact, being friends with Chris Claremont, the writer of that book, sometimes has unexpected benefits - as when he passed along to us the following letter from a very special EQ fan...
I just returned to school from a long trip and
found the latest ELFQUEST (#11) waiting for me.
WOW! It was neat! There's so much about it
that's good, I don't know where to begin. I've been
reading the series since it began and it's been getting
better with each issue, to the point where I'm
on tenterhooks waiting for succeeding issues, so
I can learn what happens next. (By the way, what
does happen next?! Huh?! Please! I mean, Winnowill
a High One??? Granted she looks the part,
but really!)
My friend Peter's little sister, Illyana, has been staying with us and I've begun reading your stories to her - translating them into Russian, as she doesn't speak English; boy, does your stuff sound weird that way - and she loves them too. And my other friend Kurt says that some of your concepts aren't anywhere near as far-fetched as some people might think - and if anyone should know, he should! Think of it, guys, to actually meet a real live elf. That would be neat!
I could bable on forever about ELFQUEST. I love it so - but I've got homework, and my Professor is a real slave-driver. Gotta run, but I'll write again.
Keep up the great work!
Kitty Pryde
Prof. Xavier's
School for
Gifted Youngsters
Graymalkin Lane
Salem Center, NY
***** Hey, we're big fans of you and your friends too! One of these days we'll have to see if we can't get everyone up here to Poughkeepsie for a real shebang; the neighbors are real understanding. And tell Kurt the next time he's passing through - or trying to - to bamf in and say hi.
***** And now on to this issue's main topic of controversy...
WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH DEWSHINE?????
Lots of People
All Over, Everywhere
How is it that nobody (not even Treestump or
Scouter, fer gosh sakes!) noticed the absence of
Dewshine from the battle? And why oh why! does
she look so desolate? (Keep in mind that I'm on
my knees as l ask this!)
Bunnie Lesser
Colorado Springs, CO
Some time ago, I made a prediction to some
friends. I said that one of the Wolfriders would
recognize one of the Bird Spirits. As a first guess,
I said it would probably be Nightfall or Redlance
due to the big issue made about Recognition in
issue #5. Well, as a second guess, I now say that it
is Dewshine who has Recognized. Further, I will
say she has Recognized Tyldak. See the last panel
on page 14 and look at the pillow.
Robert Kadanka
Watsonville, CA
In the words of Suntop, "I've got that magic
feeling." And the feeling is fearful. Based on the
last two panels on page 14 of issue #11, which
portray Scouter and Dewshine, I feel some disturbing
revelations.
First, Dewshine is not jumping for joy at the news of Cutter's sending. Second, she is sitting on what appears to be a couch or bed. Third, the cushion in the last panel has the image of a bat-like creature. Fourth, Dewshine's facial expression and body language exhibit pain, guilt and shame. What does it all look like? Rape. Dewshine appears as a violated elfln maiden who did not give her love out of Recognition, but submitted, possibly for the life of Strongbow. Who could be the violator? From the symbol on the cushion, it could be Tyldak. The potential crisis is in how the Wolfriders (especially Scouter) react, not to mention the Gliders.
Roy C. Marlen
St. Meinrad, IN
As usual, everybody's guesses on Dewshine's
melancholia will be totally wrong and it will be
seen that she is in fact jealous of Clearbrook's extravagant
hairdo. Here we go again!
Alison Sloss
Yorkshire, England
***** Well, not quite... Assuming you've all read this issue's story first, you know that Recognition has indeed taken place between Dewshine and Tyldak, that there's been no rape (other than the "violation" of Recognition itself), and that everyone did notice her absence from the battle - we think they were too embarrassed to know how to explain to Cutter what had happened. As Savah said, long ago, "Poor child! Recognition is not always easy." She had no idea how true those words would turn out to be.
***** Few characters have stirred up as much comment in so short a time as a certain black-clad lady ..
Winnowill is a beautiful character. I would not
call her evil, but she is very, very wicked. A true
"Venus in Fur." I am not sure if these bird-riders
are the real High Ones or not. I would not put a
teasing lie above Winnowill's capabilties. Who
knows? (Well, on second thought, I guess you do!)
Bill Hyland
Staten Island, NY
It look about six re-readings of the story to appreciate
Winnowill's point of view. She was
punishing a "criminal," of course. The change in
her attitude when Leetah displayed elfin powers
was remarkable (so I'm remarking on it). Before,
the Wolfriders had been "savages." Suddenly
they became "people."
June Moffat
Downey, CA
I wonder how we can judge Winnowill as
sadistic. Such an old (and stagnant) civilization
would have a different interpretation of good or
evil behavior. Even Cutter has shown a mean
streak, at least as far as Petalwing is concerned.
Dave Reithmeier
Rochester, MI
Speaking of Madcoil's little cousin (Winnowill,
of course), she is a first for your story; unalloyed
evil, and will have to either be killed or cured.
Kurt Krohn
Albuquerque, NM
I do not like Winnowill at all. She is deeply
mired in that special hell reserved for heartless intellect;
knowledge without joy, learning without
wonder, power without happiness, and living
without loving. Her very mode of dress
(provocative on the left - sinister - side, reserved
on the right) reinforces her manipulative attitude.
She wears that patronizing, affected air of
superiority as a weapon and a shield, and I have
no sympathy for her; she could still choose to be
otherwise.
Peter Sartucci
Lamar, CO
***** All we can say is, stay tuned. Winnowill is starting to reveal layers and aspects of personality that even we didn't know were there. If you feel that she lends a spooky and somehow discordant air to Blue Mountain and to the story, you're not alone!
I have to admit I wasn't surprised at Winnowill's
revelation that the Gliders were the High Ones.
Actually, considering the many hints you dropped
here and there from issues #1-10, it is probable
that I'm not the only one who concluded this.
In fact, I'd venture to say that the mountain was not hollowed out in trollish fashion. Rather, it is the "lost dwelling of the High Ones." For some reason, the Blue Mountain (as shown on the cover of #6) resembled the dwelling, plus a High Elf was beckoning toward it. But the real giveaway was in EQ #1, when the dwelling was referred to as the mysterious "mountain-thing." Hit us over the head with it, why don't ya! It was from this that I assumed some surviving High Ones still lived inside the dwellings which, after thousands of years, had been encased inside a mountain.
Timothy Fay
Fridley, MN
***** Then, that must mean that we're all through telling the ELFQUEST story, and we don't have to do any more issues! Hey, Wendy! Put down the pencil - we can start packing for that three-year round-the-world cruise!
" " In other words, I'm speechless
about the color album.
Jim Shoop
Santa Rosa, CA
What can I say but, hot spit and huzzah! The
ELFQUEST GATHERUM was everything I expected
(and than a tad more). I thought I was gonna
go off my nut waiting for it, but I love it!
Kate Coffee
Indianola, OK
Read, devoured, and digested the ELFQUEST
Color Volume - best tasting thing I've come across
in years. Was gorgeous! Felt good all over.
The GATHERUM was an experience! Felt like discovering EQ all over again (like first real kiss - shivers, tingles, fireworks! Good stuff). Loved the character of Quickblade - hope he turns up somewhere.
Etsuko Hattori
Pullman, WA
***** We're very happy that people are enjoying these two related books as much as they say, but don't just write to tell us. Drop a note to the publishers, too - their addresses are on their ads elsewhere in this issue - after all, they're the ones who took the ideas and turned them into the realities. And if you can't find either book at your local comics shop or bookstore, ASK for it by name - and keep asking.
I realize that your elves are underpopulated, so
what I ask may be swept aside by natural selection,
of a sort. Still, there can be wide diversity in
small groups (one would hope). No more beating
around the dreamberry bush: are there any bisexual
or gay elves?
Thornton Kline
Minneapolis, MN
***** No, only liberated ones. Remember in issue #5, when Savah suggested to Rayek that he, Leetah, and Cutter form a three-mating? Rayek declined, but only because he couldn't get along with his rival, not because of any "social stigmas" against one's sexual preferences. Our elves just do not have the same concepts of (and prejudices about) morality - and love, time, aging, and sex roles for that matter - that we do. It's very important that that be kept in mind in dealing with the elves' actions. Witness the next letter...
I would like to voice an opinion. I just got ELFQUEST
#11 in which you reprinted Plate One, "The
Lure," from the portfolio. Though it quickly
dissipated I had a very disturbed reaction to the
piece. Not for the human caught in the bog, but at
the lure itself. The trap is a very logical one; it's
just not as subtle as I've come to expect from you.
Of course, it's still rather subtle, with strategically
placed branches and vines, but it did catch me off
guard. I just always assumed Moonshade was a
little prudish for this stunt, that Dewshine saved it
all for Scouter when her father or his parents
weren't around. And even though I easily believed
Nightfall capable of that kind of stunt, I was proud
of her for literally keeping her pants on.
Stephen Clark
Denver, CO
***** Sigh. Prudishness, shame of one's body, "saving it all" for someone (saving what all, we might ask) - these are all things we humans have managed to hang ourselves up with. The elves just don't think like we do in those ways. This is perhaps the most difficult thing to remember in dealing with the characters; we like to identify with this one or that one, but have to keep in mind the differences that are always there.
By the way, I just noticed that the elf-maidens in
"The Lure" bear a striking resemblance to Moonshade,
Dewshine, and Nightfall. Is this an adaptation
of the old Roman and Greek legends of
sirens, tree-nymphs, and dryads?
Bruce Marchadie
Chalmette, LA
***** Exactly. If you look through the literature, most of those "classic" elfin characters have a streak of heartlessness In them; J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan is a prime example.
Let me comment on ELFQUEST. To be sure, I
really appreciated your series. In fact, it was the
very first I really liked.
Unfortunately, at least to my taste, you ruined the whole story when you did not allow Cutter to ask Petalwing (issue 10) what it tried to protect everybody from and made Cutter look more stupid than he really is. The same was true, to some extent, when you made Suntop forget what he had to tell his father, thus making way for lots of completely unnecessary dangers yet to be faced - and issues yet to come.
The impression you thereby created was that you were much more interested in making money the cheap, serialized way rather than in telling a thrilling story. Your announcement that your story would be told by #15 was too good to be true, anyway. Nevertheless, I dared hope it were true. Now, however, I will have to throw away #6-10 to enjoy a fairly complete, self-explanatory story and forget about the rest.
Dr. Reinhard
Scheerer
Alexandria, VA
***** We're sorry you feel that way, but must address some glaring misconceptions in your letter. First, Petalwing never specifically mentioned a thing about protecting anyone; and while its words may have seemed to imply protection, it appeared to be such a silly, flighty character that no one was likely to take it seriously. Certainly not Cutter. Second, Suntop never forgot what he was to tell Cutter; he just didn't "know how to do" whit Savah told him. Also, Suntop is trying to express a feeling of danger twice filtered, once through Savah's mind and then through his own. Have you ever tried to remember a nightmare exactly days later?
Finally, the accusation that we are "more interested in making money, etc., than in telling a thrilling story" is out of left field for us. Not every reader may find every issue thrilling, but we absolutely are not (as you seem to imply) padding ELFQUEST with situations or issues to make a few more dollars. Every event in ELFQUEST has been plotted and on paper since early 1977, when we came up with the idea; every event is important to the ultimate realization of the story around issue #20. There is no fat to trim; we simply underestimated the richness of certain sequences, and so added five - and only five - more issues to give ourselves room. But ELFQUEST is a complete story and will have a conclusion; we've said that at least half a dozen times in print, but we guess we can't force anyone to believe it if they don't want to.
A few years ago I had a little friend of about 5 or
6 years. One day, while playing in the sandbox in
his back yard, we found a little stone. It was quite
ordinary; at least I didn't see anything special
about it. Yet he took it and ran into the house and
washed it carefully and brought it back and gave it
to me. When he was sure that it was safe in my
pocket he told me, very seriously, that it was an
enchanged stone and had been left by elves of
long ago.
Becky Slocombe
Toronto, Canada
***** Hmmmmm...
I thank you for saving my sanity. How? I have a
German Shepherd dog, Samatha, descendent of
wolves, 15 years old. Your realistic approach to
Nightrunner's old age gave me courage to face
the inevitable. Through Cutter's eyes, I have also
seen Samatha's old bones aching, her coat dull
and dry, eyes bad, how truly tired she really is - as
I have never seen before because I didn't want to
face what was happening - as depicted so sensitively
in issue #9.
I now realize I was doing an injustice to Samatha by holding on to her. Your story made me face the issue that my love for Samatha is to let her go when it is her time to go to her final resting place.
Bernadette Reilley
Browns Mills, NJ
***** "You see? No shock. No engulfment. No tearing asunder. What you feared would come like an explosion is like a whisper. What you thought was the end - Is the beginning." From the TWILIGHT ZONE episode "Nothing in the Dark," written by George Clayton Johnson.
"That's 'the way'... and it's a good one. Nightrunner understands."