I remember when I first heard of Elfquest back in 1982. I read about Cutter and the Wolfraiders in a magazine, and the story struck a chord in me. I never was too big on comic books, but I was willing to make an exception. I rushed out to buy a copy, only to discover that it was only available in a large, high-quality but costly book. Those reading this edition for the first time should be doubly grateful: first, that Elfquest is transformed into an affordable color format; and second, for the creative know-how that has brought so many people so much joy for so long.
Paul Rigsby
Jacksonville, FL
Welcome to the quest, Paul,
and glad to have you aboard.
One of our goals from the beginning
was to try to share this story
with as many readers as possible.
The different formats-- and
now especially Epic's newsstand
edition-- make that possible.
--R.P.
Until I purchased the first issue
of Elfquest my only previous
knowledge of the book came
from occasional ads on the back
of Savage Sword of Conan magazine.
So you see, I really had no
idea what I was buying or why I
was buying it.
Elfquest, however, was a surprise. This book differs from most comics on the stands these days in that it comes more directly from the creators' pencil and pen. Both story and art flow in a casual and unrushed manner which I find appealing. But is the book a classic? I'm not sure yet, but I do know I'll be around for the duration of the series.
I do have a couple of questions. First, were the original Elfquest books actually comic book length, or are they being "chopped in half" to fit the standard page count? Also, since these books were originally published as direct-sales only, are any portions of the story censored for the Code-approved newsstand editions?
Chris Schillig
Homeworth, OH
"Chopped" is such a harsh
word, Chris. Actually, Wendy and
Jo Duffy are working closely
together to divide the stories
into "standard" lengths, and
then Wendy creates new pages to
smooth the transitions. We're
not censoring anything on this
end. If the Code Authority objects
to something, then we'll
discuss it, but we don't feel
there's anything in Elfquest that
won't pass muster.
--R.P.
Once, not so long ago, a
friend got me started reading
Marvel Comics. Mentioned in
one of the ads was Elfquest! My
curiosity knew no bounds, so I
bought the first of your graphic
novels. After reading the next
three, I became a fan for life of
Cutter and the Wolfriders.
When Marvel brought them out
in the Epic Comics line I didn't
plan to get them (after all, I have
the entire story). But as I flipped
through the new issue I saw
scenes I'd never seen before.
Thank you for the additions. I
eagerly await the next issue, and
the next, and the next...
Beth Hlabse
Richmond Heights, OH
A surprise in every box! A
number of people commented
to us (before Epic's EQ #1 came
out) that they felt there'd be no
reason to pick up the new edition,
as they'd already collected
the WaRP Graphics magazines.
We hope that these folks at least
give the new art and story a try--
it fills in some gaps left in the
original due to lack of space. Enjoy,
Beth!
--R.P.
I have just read Elfquest #1 for
the third time today, and I want
to tell you that this book is the
answer to all of my dreams. The
reason for this is that the characters
have no special powers except
raw courage and wit. Also, I
would like to compliment you
on the great artwork. But I have
one suggestion-- more action
Not that there is anything wrong
with the book, but the way I see
it the more action the better.
Robert Paquin
Lowell, MA
Only one word can describe
the pages I have just finished
reading-- fantasmical! I've seen
the deluxe editions in bookstores
before, but by the time I
got around to buying them, they
were gone. It's great to see Elfquest
now in comics form. I intend
to buy every action packed
issue from now on.
Being that this is my first encounter with the elves, I have some questions. Do they have 4 or 5 fingers? I can't tell too well because their hands are always encircled around some object or in shadow. Whatever happened to the castle that appeared in the sky? Did the humans destroy it? Finally, what happened to the small halflings and white fairies that came along for the ride?
Liz Halo
New York, NY
Robert ("want more action"), meet Liz ("Action packed")! All your questions will be answered eventually. Elfquest is a long story-- a novel, really-- that will unwind for you, issue by issue, for quite a while. We'd hate to give something interesting away before its proper time, so we hope that you'll stick with us for the entire ride.
See you next issue! --R.P.