I am a newcomer to Elfquest and I would like to comment on the entire Marvel series. I have been a collector for 15 years and I have not seen better art, writing and general handling of comic's characters than in Elfquest.
Because of the Marvel color reprints I have become a true EQ fan. I am collecting all Elfquest comics and related material that I can get my hands on. But in the "Fun and Profit" section of the newest issue of Comics Feature we're advised that serious collectors should stay away from black and white comics because they are easily counterfeited. Is there any place that certifies a comic for authenticity?
Also, do you sell or have for sale original Elfquest art? I have been doing some collecting in this area and would like to purchase some EQ art if it is available.
Kevin Redden
Vanceburg, KY
Of all the comics collectors in the world, Wendy and I are probably two of the least interested in the collector's market, whether the books are black and white or color. Whatever we buy, we buy to read, period-- first printing or fifth, it makes no difference. I suppose the original publisher of a book would be able to tell whether or not a given copy was genuine. Right now there is no Elfquest original art for sale, and it'll likely be a while before any does become available. --RP
I've been reading and collecting
Elfquest from Epic issue #1
and it's fascinating! The artwork
is unusual in that it doesn't attempt
to be life-like and the various
characters are well-planned
individuals. I've liked Skywise
from the beginning but Strongbow
was the one to hit me in the
heart! The dark, sullen, handsome,
enigmatic, growly sort
have always attracted me. I fell
into the deepest of depressions
when you revealed that he had a
lifemate and son! Sigh!
In issue #17, however, my heart! my heart! Don't ask me why, but I've always been morbidly fascinated by the sight of heroes suffering. I have a friend whose interests run along the same line. When Luke Skywalker was writhing around in utmost agony under the Emperor's energy bolts, that made my heart melt in sympathy... Will Luke triumph? When F'nor of Anne McCaffrey's Dragonquest almost died, my heart bled again. Then when you showed good old Strongbow in pain while he was tortured by Winnowill-- those facial expressions, that courage, that indomitable will! Lovely! We've called it the "Hero Syndrome."
I am a beast, aren't I?
Janet Liew Wai Yee
Singapore
Not at all. In fact, what you call the Hero Syndrome has been a topic of some spirited (pun intended-- Will Eisner knew what he was doing) debate here; I even recall panel discussions being held at comics conventions. There does indeed seem to be that attraction you speak of. But what does it all mean? The debate goes on... --RP
The first issue of Elfquest I got
was #16, a while after I read the
novel. I now have issues 1
through 18 and am anxiously
awaiting #19. After reading
them over a couple of times, I
found a few questions. First of
all, I would like to know how the
Wolfriders befriended the wolves
and if possible the name of the
elf who first communicated with
them. Also, I was reading in the
letter column where a reader
asked about the little winged
creatures and halflings that
came down in the castle with the
elves and what happened to them
when the humans attacked.
Could it be that the winged creatures
are the ancient ancestors
of Petalwing and the other web-spitters?
And I noted that the
halflings looked a little like the
trolls. Could they be related? I
was also wondering exactly how
someone can sense recognition.
Jeremy Simser
Thunder Bay, Ontario
For the answers to your first two questions, about all I can say is read on; you will find what you seek. And one senses Recognition in much the same way that one senses being hit by a brick; the effects are generally undeniable! Since Recognition is a genetic urge and thus physically compelling, and not simply an emotional thing, those who Recognize must eventually give in.
See you all next time, and keep those letters coming in! --Richard Pini