I’d like to start by saying that I really don’t prefer the science fiction/fantasy genre. You won’t ever find me reading Japanese manga, and those box office hits adapted from famous comic strips aren’t worth the nine dollars I pay to see them. I knew that finding an interesting graphic novel to read was going to be a challenge, so I decided to revisit Wendy and Richard Pini’s Elfquest series, which I remember reading ten years ago. Upon taking a (very long) stroll down memory lane, I soon discovered I had a hard time putting this book down and read the entire thing over the course of the afternoon. Although I wonder if I still would have liked this graphic novel had I not read it once before, the first Elfquest Archives edition is enjoyable because of its sophisticated grammar, original storyline, and amazing artwork.
Elfquest tells of the young elf chief Cutter and his very toned and good-looking tribe of woodland elves who ride around on the backs of wolves and share the forest with a clan of human Neanderthals who relentlessly torment these “demons.” When the humans set fire to the woods, the elves are forced to escape to the cavern of the trolls, who are inhospitable and untrusting of them as well. King Greymung deceitfully leads the elves to the end of a tunnel where he promises they will find a forest, but instead they discover a barren desert. After three days of traveling by night, the elves are shocked to find a small village of their own kind nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains. Compared to Cutter’s Indian-like tribe, the Egyptian-looking desert elves living in the valley known as Sorrow’s End are more civilized and initially frown upon the Wolfriders’ “barbaric” ways before learning to accept them. Further trouble arises when Cutter “recognizes” an elf named Leetah as his soul-mate. Unfortunately, the reluctant Leetah already has a suitor, who Cutter must challenge him to try and win her as his mate.
I believe that Elfquest will interest male adolescents in addition to female readers. Boys will appreciate the action, fighting, and images of bloodshed, while girls will favor the story’s romantic side. However, I would not recommend this book for any age younger than twelve because of illustrations depicting sex, violence, and nudity. I actually think the somewhat graphic nature and shocking nature of the novel makes it more intriguing, adding a sense of mystery and flavor to the story. For example, the Pinis illustrate and narrate the very liberal nature of elves, such as a nude bath scene, group sex, and a part that may leave the reader wondering if Cutter and his best friend Skywise are having sex and are in fact bisexual.
Although I am unaware if the other books in the series are as good as the original, Wendy and Richard Pini’s Elfquest Archives: Volume 1 is a fairly quick and entertaining read for those who appreciate great artwork and would like a break from reading extensive novels that lack visual appeal.
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