CONVENTIONS
Elfquest and Warp Graphics will be at these shows in 1995:
* Chicago Comic Con * June 30-July 2 *
Rosemont Convention Center *
(708) 852-2514 for info
* Dragon Con/NASFIC * July 13-16 *
Atlanta Hilton, Atlanta GA *
(404) 925-0115 for info
* San Diego Comic Con * July 27-30 *
San Diego Convention Center *
(619) 491-2475 for info
EQ ONLINE
Visit the brand new Elfquest World Wide Web homepage at http://www.elfquest.com/ where you can preview coming comics, order from the Warp*Store, join in the ongoing Q&A, get Elfquest news before anyone else, and get connected to the World of Two Moons and Warp Graphics!
From: RavvitEars@aol.com
Subj: About REBELS # 5
I loved the opening scene between Scorch and the one-armed farmer. Reminded me of that scene between Skywise and Sun-Toucher, a chance for a brash, young hotshot to learn a little something from an older, experienced, (and physically damaged) mentor.
Bern and Del, I guess a statement like that might make you wince; that you'd rather not be stuck forever in the shadows of the original series, but I did mean it as a compliment. And besides, I think REBELS is doing a great job standing on its own. There's enough touches for the diehard EQ fans to keep reading, and yet it's an exciting, - more importantly, it's an engaging, - storyline for newcomers with no idea about EQ.
I suppose it could be said that the spotlight was on Scorch this issue and he's really shaping up to be a fantastic character. To see his initial refusal to go into the algae tubes (nice term! Yuch!) and then change his mind after his conversation with Tomi, well, that was very Campbellian. Excellent hero-forging in progress for Scorch.
And Del, you give him some of the best facial expressions I've seen in a comic book in a long time. Of course, he gives you plenty to work with, what with those bushy red eyebrows, flashing green eyes, and big freckled cheeks. (Oops! "HE gives YOU"? I guess he's taken on a life of his own for me!)
One thing I like about the entire EQ universe is the portrayal of the 'bad guys'. Most times in literature or movies, we automatically assume that just because somebody is on the opposite side of the heroes, then they have to be totally, irredeemably evil. But not here on the World of Two Moons. Winnowill is probably totally gone by now, but there was a time when she at least showed care for her human pets. Barry Blair has done a great job over in NEW BLOOD to show that even Aramak and Door can show compassion and feeling.
Bern and Del are doing the same here. I really appreciated the scene at the hospital where Dr. Conglio and Commander Mora played with the boundaries of the laws so that Tomi could get through for treatment. You're right, it is a zugging poor law that lets kids suffer - I think we have a few here in the real world - and we needed to see there are those willing to circumvent them. (I suppose that as healers, Dr. Conglio and Tebo's conduct was a given. Mora made it all the more heartwarming. We don't always want to see human-bashing in these comics!)
On the other hand, we also saw that just because he is a rebel, L'Cota isn't all good guy. The good guys in regular literature would have found a way to silence Traino without the 'Mafia' tactics. A nice touch to show that the Rebels still should be on their guard with L'Cota.
I loved that parting note from L'Cota (as a big fan of the Trickster imagery, of course!) and especially that the word 'ravvit' was not only spelled right but highlighted several times in the dialogue.
Hrmmm, and we get a new mystery (actu- ally two - there's also the message crystal for L'Cota) in the series as well. Why did the Little Palace respond to Cosmo's wish and not to Chandra's wishes? I've finally come around to the belief that he's not a transformed elf! But then again maybe I was right and somebody set me up (via Rosie's pointing to Sarazen) to change my mind.
Rosie's a lot of fun! Although I gag every time I see her speak with those tendrils of wrapstuff spewing out of her mouth. Yeuch! And I find myself constantly referring to her as Rosie now. 'Rose' is just too staid for the girl!
I've got a question about her - if she was given human gen-map material (Abodean DNA - love it!), and now has an actual sexual identity unlike the original preservers, can she also reproduce with humans? Or at least enjoy the good stuff leading up to reproduction. She's too childlike right now, perhaps; it would be like taking advantage of the mentally challenged. But I find the possibility intriguing.
One last note - I liked that short scene between Chandra and the colonist. It let us know that she knows her way around. Nice to see that she's not some sweet little innocent that will have to be protected by the guys in the group. I suppose we've already seen her brash, worldly ways before in the spacedock, but that could have been more of a reckless adventurism. This really nailed it.
Well, I guess that should cover it. Always getting better, folks! Even if Halm was on my tail and I was low on re-mass, I'm enjoying the ride! It just hit me with this issue that THE REBELS is living up to the first part of its official name: ELFQUEST: THE REBELS. The major thrust of every series has always been the quest for elves. I've been tagging along for the ride since 1979 and I never considered the full ramifications of the title. Head full of wrapstuff, I guess.
Toby O'Brien
It's all connected, more than anyone yet knows! Keep those cards, letters and Campbellian connections coming, and we'll see you in 45! - RP