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Elfquest #4
Elfquest: Book 4
Leatherbound slipcased signed and nunbered
172 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1984
3 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Pini
614 books390 followersWendy Pini is one-half of a husband and wife team with Richard Pini that created, most notably, the Elfquest series.
Wendy was born in California and adopted into the Fletcher Family in Santa Clara County. Early on, she developed as an artist and was the illustrator of her high school year book. She submitted samples of her artwork to Marvel Comics at 17 that were rejected.
Pini attended Pitzer College and received her B.A. in the Arts and joined the Los Angeles Science Fiction Society.
In 1972, she married Richard Pini and began illustrating science fiction magazines, including Galaxy, Galileo, and Worlds of If. In 1977, Richard and Wendy established a publishing company called Warp Graphics to publish their first Elfquest comic. Elfquest was self-published for 25 years and in 2003, licensed to DC Comics. The comic series has won several awards, including the Ed Aprill Award for Best Independent Comic, two Alley Awards, the Fantasy Festival Comic Book Awards for Best Alternative Comic, and the Golden Pen Award.
Wendy has illustrated other works, including Jonny Quest in 1986, Law and Chaos in 1987, and in 1989, two graphic novels of Beauty and the Beast. Recently in 2007, she completed a graphic novel entitled The Masque of Red Death.
Wendy has received several awards over the last four decades, including the San Diego Comic Convention Inkpot Award, the New York State Jaycees Distinguished Service Award, the Balrog Award for Best Artist, and was inducted into the Friends of Lulu Women Cartoonists Hall of Fame in 2002.
Wendy and her husband currently reside in Poughkeepsie, New York.
Wendy was born in California and adopted into the Fletcher Family in Santa Clara County. Early on, she developed as an artist and was the illustrator of her high school year book. She submitted samples of her artwork to Marvel Comics at 17 that were rejected.
Pini attended Pitzer College and received her B.A. in the Arts and joined the Los Angeles Science Fiction Society.
In 1972, she married Richard Pini and began illustrating science fiction magazines, including Galaxy, Galileo, and Worlds of If. In 1977, Richard and Wendy established a publishing company called Warp Graphics to publish their first Elfquest comic. Elfquest was self-published for 25 years and in 2003, licensed to DC Comics. The comic series has won several awards, including the Ed Aprill Award for Best Independent Comic, two Alley Awards, the Fantasy Festival Comic Book Awards for Best Alternative Comic, and the Golden Pen Award.
Wendy has illustrated other works, including Jonny Quest in 1986, Law and Chaos in 1987, and in 1989, two graphic novels of Beauty and the Beast. Recently in 2007, she completed a graphic novel entitled The Masque of Red Death.
Wendy has received several awards over the last four decades, including the San Diego Comic Convention Inkpot Award, the New York State Jaycees Distinguished Service Award, the Balrog Award for Best Artist, and was inducted into the Friends of Lulu Women Cartoonists Hall of Fame in 2002.
Wendy and her husband currently reside in Poughkeepsie, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 7, 2008
I can't even look at the cover of this book without getting a little sad (if you've read it, especially the very beginning, keeping in mind the end of Book 3, you'll know why. Man...) This was back in Elfquest's heyday obviously. Fantastic story, amazing artwork, and a wonderful conclusion to the first story arc.
Elfquest has had some great storylines since then (Kings of the Broken Wheel being one) but this story, and this book in particular, is in my opinion the best of all of them.
Elfquest has had some great storylines since then (Kings of the Broken Wheel being one) but this story, and this book in particular, is in my opinion the best of all of them.
October 13, 2018
Elf orgy!!!!!!
Ok, yeah….I just wanted to see that in print, just because. You know…...elf orgy!!! “Elfquest” always had a bit of a spicy side, as much as they could reasonably get away with in a comic that was aimed at a mainstream audience. Hints of eroticism were there from the early issues on, but here in Book Four…..well, let me tell ya…...all is revealed, shall we say. And there are no longer any questions of the polyamorous nature of the elves, which was a way cool thing to see back in the early to mid-’80s. But enough of that for now…...I just wanted to write the words “elf orgy” because I’m mischievous that way.
So here we are at Book Four of the original “Elfquest” series. This graphic novel was the end of the original quest for Cutter and his band of Wolfriders, who had by now seen all sorts of things they never expected to see. In the real world, Wendy and Richard Pini had become legends in the independent publishing industry. “Elfquest” had opened doors for other artists and writers and even the Pinis themselves had begun to branch out, with WARP Graphics taking on another fantasy series by publishing Robert Lynn Asprin’s “Myth Adventures,” with artwork by the incomparable Phil Foglio. “Elfquest” had taken on a life of it’s own, and plans were now in the works to expand beyond the original 20-issue run that was now complete with the publication of “Elfquest, Book Four.” Subtle cracks were now beginning to manifest in the personal lives of the Pinis, but that won’t be explored here. Best to keep the focus square on the matters at hand.
The sense of darkness and heightened violence that we saw in Book Three is fulfilled completely in these final issues of the series. Cutter and his band pick up the pieces after a disastrous battle with Greymung’s trolls. They are taken in by a group of elves who call themselves the “Go-Backs,” and lo and behold, Rayek reappears as an adopted member of this new tribe. War with the trolls is imminent, as the Wolfriders are pulled now by the eldritch magic of the palace home of the original High Ones, nearby but guarded and held by the vicious troll army. Two-Edge, the mysterious half-elf, half-troll son of Winnowill, has his OWN plans for the group, and all sorts of skullduggery ensues. The battle is joined…...will the elves win out and discover the secrets of the palace of the High Ones? Only after we get a glimpse of that elf orgy….eat, drink, and be…..merry? For tomorrow we die…..or not…...but I’m not giving away any more spoilers.
These last few issues were a fitting end to the first series. Most, but not all, of the central plotlines get resolved satisfactorily, but there is ample room for future adventures. The Pinis did not shy away from the idea that war is ugly, and death here is depicted in visceral physical and emotional terms. There is bloodletting aplenty to be found in these pages, but there is also a sense that the original quest that Cutter forged was worth fighting and dying for. Having an identity and a space to finally call home has been the central theme of this series right from the start, and the ending surely felt good to the many fans who invested their time and passion in “Elfquest.” Coming home, wherever that may be, is a universal desire for every human, it’s baked into our DNA. There is a sense of place in “Elfquest,” yes. But there is also a message of love and belonging, a reinforcement of the idea that home is wherever we and our loved ones are at any given time.
The artwork in “Book Four” is spectacular. By this point in the series Wendy Pini knew these characters inside and out, and the art reflects that. The backgrounds are fantastic, and the main characters have gained a solid continuity. And as always, there is a sense of kinetic energy in every panel….these characters were meant to MOVE, and you can see that sort of blocking and storyboarding in each frame. There is more to this idea than first meets the eye. “Elfquest” grew out of Wendy Pini’s failed attempt to animate an “Elric of Melnibone” movie, and there were plans in place to do an “Elfquest” animated flick. That effort never took flight, but you easily get the sense that Wendy Pini had that idea in mind right from the beginning.
I can remember my friends crying at the end of the original “Elfquest” run. It was like closing the door on an old friend. You knew the story would end well, and you probably knew that you would see your old friend again, but as with everything, nothing is ever quite the same again. “Elfquest” would never again be that scrappy little independent publishing underdog fighting for rack space with the big boys. From here on out “Elfquest” was an established property, and expectations would be high for anything that came after.
So now it’s on to the second round of “Elfquest” stories, where new adventures await our familiar elvish friends. Hindsight is always 20/20, and I’m glad that I waited until now to pick this series up. I can look at it a bit more objectively and not get QUITE so emotionally wrapped up in…..well wrapstuff. If you don’t know what I’m talking about here, then you need to read the books!
Go….off with you…..shoo…...get thee to a library or a bookstore and get your elf on.
Ok, yeah….I just wanted to see that in print, just because. You know…...elf orgy!!! “Elfquest” always had a bit of a spicy side, as much as they could reasonably get away with in a comic that was aimed at a mainstream audience. Hints of eroticism were there from the early issues on, but here in Book Four…..well, let me tell ya…...all is revealed, shall we say. And there are no longer any questions of the polyamorous nature of the elves, which was a way cool thing to see back in the early to mid-’80s. But enough of that for now…...I just wanted to write the words “elf orgy” because I’m mischievous that way.
So here we are at Book Four of the original “Elfquest” series. This graphic novel was the end of the original quest for Cutter and his band of Wolfriders, who had by now seen all sorts of things they never expected to see. In the real world, Wendy and Richard Pini had become legends in the independent publishing industry. “Elfquest” had opened doors for other artists and writers and even the Pinis themselves had begun to branch out, with WARP Graphics taking on another fantasy series by publishing Robert Lynn Asprin’s “Myth Adventures,” with artwork by the incomparable Phil Foglio. “Elfquest” had taken on a life of it’s own, and plans were now in the works to expand beyond the original 20-issue run that was now complete with the publication of “Elfquest, Book Four.” Subtle cracks were now beginning to manifest in the personal lives of the Pinis, but that won’t be explored here. Best to keep the focus square on the matters at hand.
The sense of darkness and heightened violence that we saw in Book Three is fulfilled completely in these final issues of the series. Cutter and his band pick up the pieces after a disastrous battle with Greymung’s trolls. They are taken in by a group of elves who call themselves the “Go-Backs,” and lo and behold, Rayek reappears as an adopted member of this new tribe. War with the trolls is imminent, as the Wolfriders are pulled now by the eldritch magic of the palace home of the original High Ones, nearby but guarded and held by the vicious troll army. Two-Edge, the mysterious half-elf, half-troll son of Winnowill, has his OWN plans for the group, and all sorts of skullduggery ensues. The battle is joined…...will the elves win out and discover the secrets of the palace of the High Ones? Only after we get a glimpse of that elf orgy….eat, drink, and be…..merry? For tomorrow we die…..or not…...but I’m not giving away any more spoilers.
These last few issues were a fitting end to the first series. Most, but not all, of the central plotlines get resolved satisfactorily, but there is ample room for future adventures. The Pinis did not shy away from the idea that war is ugly, and death here is depicted in visceral physical and emotional terms. There is bloodletting aplenty to be found in these pages, but there is also a sense that the original quest that Cutter forged was worth fighting and dying for. Having an identity and a space to finally call home has been the central theme of this series right from the start, and the ending surely felt good to the many fans who invested their time and passion in “Elfquest.” Coming home, wherever that may be, is a universal desire for every human, it’s baked into our DNA. There is a sense of place in “Elfquest,” yes. But there is also a message of love and belonging, a reinforcement of the idea that home is wherever we and our loved ones are at any given time.
The artwork in “Book Four” is spectacular. By this point in the series Wendy Pini knew these characters inside and out, and the art reflects that. The backgrounds are fantastic, and the main characters have gained a solid continuity. And as always, there is a sense of kinetic energy in every panel….these characters were meant to MOVE, and you can see that sort of blocking and storyboarding in each frame. There is more to this idea than first meets the eye. “Elfquest” grew out of Wendy Pini’s failed attempt to animate an “Elric of Melnibone” movie, and there were plans in place to do an “Elfquest” animated flick. That effort never took flight, but you easily get the sense that Wendy Pini had that idea in mind right from the beginning.
I can remember my friends crying at the end of the original “Elfquest” run. It was like closing the door on an old friend. You knew the story would end well, and you probably knew that you would see your old friend again, but as with everything, nothing is ever quite the same again. “Elfquest” would never again be that scrappy little independent publishing underdog fighting for rack space with the big boys. From here on out “Elfquest” was an established property, and expectations would be high for anything that came after.
So now it’s on to the second round of “Elfquest” stories, where new adventures await our familiar elvish friends. Hindsight is always 20/20, and I’m glad that I waited until now to pick this series up. I can look at it a bit more objectively and not get QUITE so emotionally wrapped up in…..well wrapstuff. If you don’t know what I’m talking about here, then you need to read the books!
Go….off with you…..shoo…...get thee to a library or a bookstore and get your elf on.
August 28, 2019
It made me feel empty when i read this the first time--empty because my favorite world and the characters I had known and loved and held onto were finished. Reading it now, it still breaks my heart just a bit.
November 10, 2019
[Comics Canon Review]
A fantastic end to an incredible (and still wildly underrated) comic. This final book doesn’t have the mind-blowing art or setting of the third book, and its being set mostly in subterranean caves doesn’t give the Pinis much room to play with to create striking visual moments. Nevertheless, the action, drama, pathos, and adventure shine through the darkness.
Whether by choice or circumstance, the book does end on a jarring heteronormative note, but it still leaves plenty of unrequited homosocial and homoerotic connections alive—unfortunately, they remain hidden and suggested rather than explicit. And I say this not because every book needs to have a broad sexual politics, but because the book is so much about romance, love, connection, and interpersonal relationships. It’s also focused on undoing the habits and rules that become “natural” with time. It gets very close in certain moments (especially the pre-battle orgy sequence), but never quite crosses the line into showing a vision of true sexual liberation—even if it would make a strong parallel to the elves’ search for a new home.
Regardless of what things it doesn’t do, the book does end surprisingly well. I was hooked from beginning to end.
A fantastic end to an incredible (and still wildly underrated) comic. This final book doesn’t have the mind-blowing art or setting of the third book, and its being set mostly in subterranean caves doesn’t give the Pinis much room to play with to create striking visual moments. Nevertheless, the action, drama, pathos, and adventure shine through the darkness.
Whether by choice or circumstance, the book does end on a jarring heteronormative note, but it still leaves plenty of unrequited homosocial and homoerotic connections alive—unfortunately, they remain hidden and suggested rather than explicit. And I say this not because every book needs to have a broad sexual politics, but because the book is so much about romance, love, connection, and interpersonal relationships. It’s also focused on undoing the habits and rules that become “natural” with time. It gets very close in certain moments (especially the pre-battle orgy sequence), but never quite crosses the line into showing a vision of true sexual liberation—even if it would make a strong parallel to the elves’ search for a new home.
Regardless of what things it doesn’t do, the book does end surprisingly well. I was hooked from beginning to end.
May 14, 2016
I've read this series many times during the past 20+ years, and I've always been a big fan. This latest reading was perhaps the most enjoyable to date, though, which is a big indicator of just how well done everything is. The plot, the rich characters and the stunningly beautiful art combine perfectly with the depth of emotions on display within each issue. Elfquest never fails to make me laugh, bring me to tears and give me much to ponder. Wendy and Richard Pini achieved true comic book perfection with this first Elfquest series.
April 11, 2025
A personal favorite. (Originally borrowed from a friend in middle school. She later sold me her whole collection which is what I still have now.)
*****************
Second review, during my ElfQuest reread of 2025:
This is still a wonderful story, but this time I would give it 4 stars instead of 5 just because I found it dragged a bit in the middle. Lots of interesting things happen here and the initial quest, to find other elves and discover the elves' origins, is fulfilled.
*****************
Second review, during my ElfQuest reread of 2025:
This is still a wonderful story, but this time I would give it 4 stars instead of 5 just because I found it dragged a bit in the middle. Lots of interesting things happen here and the initial quest, to find other elves and discover the elves' origins, is fulfilled.
August 11, 2014
These are a series of graphic novels that I first read in my tweens and hold a special place in my childhood reading. I have since come back to them and re-read them several times, and for me, they continue to stand to the test of time. This series changed drastically in plot and voice after the eighth volume, and increasingly became more and more of the saccharine sweet fantasy fluff that I can't bear to read. The first eight volumes are literary treasures that I continue to cherish.
September 30, 2019
Read this series over and over again as a young teen and absolutely LOVED it, I got completely lost in the universe. Re-reading these was such at trip down memory lane <3
March 14, 2019
When I first picked this series up, I thought it would be one I would be quick to stop reading and get rid of, as the covers did not look appealing. However, the world was quick to immerse me, and I enjoyed some of the characters. These first four books have a unique take on elves, and I wanted to know the answers as much as Cutter did.
The art style grew on me as well--I wouldn't say that I love it overall, and there are some panels that still look quite ugly to me, but there are other panels where I really like how the character looks in that moment.
I do think this last book is my favorite of the bunch, as everything comes together really well, explaining why the world and creatures are the way they are, and explaining Two-Edge's motivations for everything he has done. I honestly felt sorry for the guy, at the end.
Vague to avoid spoilers, but... The actual truth to where the High Ones came from isn't completely unique (and has become a little bit of a trope at this point), but it was a little fresher of an idea back when this series first came out, and this book has enough of a spin on it that it still stays interesting. It also then leaves plenty of questions for the future of the elves--and all others involved with the High Ones.
I do wish these books had included a picture/roster list of all of the characters, and maybe a little bio about each (especially the elves), as I honestly had a hard time remembering who most of them were, seeing as many of them only had moments of importance before fading away into the background again.
As for the ending itself, it does wrap things up well, while still leaving plenty of questions/uncertainty about the future. I do want to know more, but I also want to be done with this series. I have been rating the books four stars, and I think they deserve that, but I also don't think this is a series I'll ever re-read. I do love Skywise, though.
So, maybe I'll read the rest, maybe I won't, but while I enjoyed the series, I'm not going to be keeping it.
The art style grew on me as well--I wouldn't say that I love it overall, and there are some panels that still look quite ugly to me, but there are other panels where I really like how the character looks in that moment.
I do think this last book is my favorite of the bunch, as everything comes together really well, explaining why the world and creatures are the way they are, and explaining Two-Edge's motivations for everything he has done. I honestly felt sorry for the guy, at the end.
Vague to avoid spoilers, but... The actual truth to where the High Ones came from isn't completely unique (and has become a little bit of a trope at this point), but it was a little fresher of an idea back when this series first came out, and this book has enough of a spin on it that it still stays interesting. It also then leaves plenty of questions for the future of the elves--and all others involved with the High Ones.
I do wish these books had included a picture/roster list of all of the characters, and maybe a little bio about each (especially the elves), as I honestly had a hard time remembering who most of them were, seeing as many of them only had moments of importance before fading away into the background again.
As for the ending itself, it does wrap things up well, while still leaving plenty of questions/uncertainty about the future. I do want to know more, but I also want to be done with this series. I have been rating the books four stars, and I think they deserve that, but I also don't think this is a series I'll ever re-read. I do love Skywise, though.
So, maybe I'll read the rest, maybe I won't, but while I enjoyed the series, I'm not going to be keeping it.
January 9, 2024
ElfQuest is a beautiful exploration of people and culture in a fantasy world that started back in the 1970's and still runs to this day. On this world humans are still very much in their barbaric cavemen days while elves are the fierce hunters but also fun loving children of the forest who just want to be left alone. We meet Cutter and his clan of Wolf Riders just as they're escaping a deadly clash with the humans of their area that results in them burning down the whole forest and its through these elves' eyes that we get to explore this lush world and storytelling.
Back when I was introduced to this world in middle school by my cousin, I was immediately taken with the stunning artwork and the way these characters were portrayed. The Wolf Riders and the other elves in the story are very obviously part of the same race, but show a wide variety in every aspect of their design depending on where in the world they settled (much like actual humans in our world). From the beginning we have a large handful of characters to keep track of, elf, troll and human alike, and yet it never felt like a struggle to keep track of them because of their design and how their names just fit them so well...
Read my review on the full series at Well, Are They? A Queer Review blog
https://wellarethey.blogspot.com/2022...
Back when I was introduced to this world in middle school by my cousin, I was immediately taken with the stunning artwork and the way these characters were portrayed. The Wolf Riders and the other elves in the story are very obviously part of the same race, but show a wide variety in every aspect of their design depending on where in the world they settled (much like actual humans in our world). From the beginning we have a large handful of characters to keep track of, elf, troll and human alike, and yet it never felt like a struggle to keep track of them because of their design and how their names just fit them so well...
Read my review on the full series at Well, Are They? A Queer Review blog
https://wellarethey.blogspot.com/2022...
April 11, 2023
The final volume of the original quest. The Wolfriders meet the Go-Backs, a mountain tribe of elves who are at war with the trolls who stand between them and the palace. Two-Edge continues to manipulate both sides. The Wolfriders join the fight to get through the trolls and reach the palace and finally discover the secrets of the elves.
I'm reading the black-and-white version. Up to now everything was rendered by hand, and there's still plenty of that, but also Wendy Pini's art finally succumbs to using tones. Or, there are "assistants" in the credits in some issues. Maybe the assistants took the lazy way out.
The characters remain distinct and easy to follow (mostly). The characters are unique and have their own personalities and motivations. I feel like the war should have hit the Wolfriders harder. We get a good amount of time dedicated to the palace, the origin of the elves, and the falling action, which I appreciate.
I'm reading the black-and-white version. Up to now everything was rendered by hand, and there's still plenty of that, but also Wendy Pini's art finally succumbs to using tones. Or, there are "assistants" in the credits in some issues. Maybe the assistants took the lazy way out.
The characters remain distinct and easy to follow (mostly). The characters are unique and have their own personalities and motivations. I feel like the war should have hit the Wolfriders harder. We get a good amount of time dedicated to the palace, the origin of the elves, and the falling action, which I appreciate.
April 13, 2023
Yet another family favorite. And thus impossible to rate on its merits, given its load of memories. And there's a lot in this. War and mayhem and magic. An origin story and an orgy. And always the distinctive detailed art.
December 12, 2025
The end of the first arc. And possibly the strongest volume of this storyline.
I will say that the ending is a little... not rushed, but it's very much "here's a massive lore dump... and now, the end".
But I still enjoy it.
I will say that the ending is a little... not rushed, but it's very much "here's a massive lore dump... and now, the end".
But I still enjoy it.
June 28, 2017
A satisfying end to an epic story.
September 2, 2021
I'd forgotten how much I loved Elfquest. Along with Bone it remains one of the two finest comic series ever.
October 5, 2022
Bok 4 som favner heftene 16-20. Her følger vi ulveflokken frem til palasset og det de finner der. Får skikkelig nostalgi av dette altså så mange år etter første gang jeg leste dette.
December 25, 2022
GAAHHHHH THIS ONE!!! The emotion! The fight scenes! Kahvi! Cutter! Scouter! Redlance and Nightfall! mwah mwah mwah I love them all please never leave me...
October 21, 2014
Trying to review these without getting spoilery is HARD. But book four is a good stopping point: some questions remain, but Cutter's original quest, to reunite the tribes and discover what happened to the High Ones, is finally within reach here.
It's interesting; this quest to figure out where the elves come from is really a quest of self-discovery on many levels. In the four books, we meet four different tribes of elves, and at each meeting, the elves are forced to confront the choices they've made for survival. The Wolfriders embraced their animal side, focused on the "Now" and on the strength of the pack. The Sun Folk retreated from human threats and kept their intellectual culture and their longevity, but this made them less able to deal with change or danger. The Gliders were an extreme version of the Sun Folk, living forever and pushing the boundaries of possibility with magic, but corrupted by their stagnation. And the Go-Backs are the extreme version of the Wolfriders: eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we may die. They're so focused on battle and the needs of the moment that they refuse to weep for their dead. Each new tribe offers the main characters new ways to be in the world, and even those who choose to remain the same are now making a conscious choice.
It's interesting; this quest to figure out where the elves come from is really a quest of self-discovery on many levels. In the four books, we meet four different tribes of elves, and at each meeting, the elves are forced to confront the choices they've made for survival. The Wolfriders embraced their animal side, focused on the "Now" and on the strength of the pack. The Sun Folk retreated from human threats and kept their intellectual culture and their longevity, but this made them less able to deal with change or danger. The Gliders were an extreme version of the Sun Folk, living forever and pushing the boundaries of possibility with magic, but corrupted by their stagnation. And the Go-Backs are the extreme version of the Wolfriders: eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we may die. They're so focused on battle and the needs of the moment that they refuse to weep for their dead. Each new tribe offers the main characters new ways to be in the world, and even those who choose to remain the same are now making a conscious choice.
November 19, 2015
Quest's End takes place directly after Captives of Blue Mountain. Even more elves are introduced in the this book, the Go-Backs. They are a warrior-like race of elves that have been battling Guttlekraw's trolls for years. I was disappointed that none of these new elves really stood out.
I did enjoy this completion of the storyline that has been building through the other three books; Fire and Flight, The Forbidden Grove and Captives of Blue Mountain. I also enjoyed having Rayek back. Sure, I never really liked him all that much . . . you weren't supposed to, but he adds a lot to this story.
As usual, the artwork of Wendy Pini is great and the color really adds to the global feel of the book.
Overall, I was happy to finally see Cutter's quest finished. And since I cannot give away the ending, let's just say that it didn't end the way that I hoped or expected.
I rated this book a 9 out of 10.
I did enjoy this completion of the storyline that has been building through the other three books; Fire and Flight, The Forbidden Grove and Captives of Blue Mountain. I also enjoyed having Rayek back. Sure, I never really liked him all that much . . . you weren't supposed to, but he adds a lot to this story.
As usual, the artwork of Wendy Pini is great and the color really adds to the global feel of the book.
Overall, I was happy to finally see Cutter's quest finished. And since I cannot give away the ending, let's just say that it didn't end the way that I hoped or expected.
I rated this book a 9 out of 10.
October 3, 2012
It is truly wonderful how the Pinis have given the different tribes of elves distinct characteristics, but also allowed the commonality that makes them 'elves'. I was happy to find that Rayek had not perished, and the Go Backs are truly more human like than most of the other elven tribes. They live for the moment, but not the 'now' of wolf thought. It is more like 'eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die'. They are also a bit rougher around the edges than even the feral Wolfriders -- their features are more blunt and human like. I was honestly pleased to see another strong female chief. I like the way Wendy keeps her elven women strong forces of nature, even when they're evil like Winnowill.
January 8, 2021
I know I bought this book in June 1986 but I have no record of how many times I have read it since. I had been a fan of the comics but for some reason had missed one of the issues (19 I think) and never managed to find a copy so this collection of issues 16 to 20 (in colour) filled me in on some of the events I had missed. This concludes the original story and I was a bit disappointed with the ending at the time. This time around I was still disappointed so it gets a star less than the previous three books. If you have read the earlier books you still need to read this though.
I did read the next Elfquest comics series and started to read the one after that before I gave up. I suppose for me the authors just ran out of steam.
I did read the next Elfquest comics series and started to read the one after that before I gave up. I suppose for me the authors just ran out of steam.
March 8, 2011
The first Elfquest quest ends with quite an exciting finish, with many of the characters learning more about themselves, their abilities, and each other, each of the tribes sharing their strengths and sorrows. The story remains cohesive throughout these four volumes, and Wendy Pini's art and story is drawn with an eye and mind toward continuity.
September 17, 2023
The Wolf Riders are saved by the Go-Backs. The two tribes unite against their common enemy the Trolls. The Trolls are blocking their way to the Elfen Palace. One-Eye is dead and the tribe has to mourn and move on. This volume is emotional and intense. The final tribe in the Quest the Wolfriders and the Go-Backs find many commonalities. This is one of my favorite volumes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2016
This is the perfect resting place for the series. Spoilers are hard to avoid in discussing this book, so all I will tell you is that I cried in sorrow several times and rejoiced several times. There is more to come, but you could stop here and be content.
You'll need to have read the other three books first. Do savor the artwork; there are hints there.
You'll need to have read the other three books first. Do savor the artwork; there are hints there.
September 1, 2016
Book 4 concludes the wolfriders quest, hands down the best book in the series, got tons of action, emotions & drama. The origins and history of the elves are reviled and it’s not what I would have expected. Amazing plot, concepts, storytelling and art work. I would call the ending perfect & conclusive and at the same time it leaves the option open for prequels and sequels.
February 4, 2008
Let me wash you clean of sights you should never have had to see-- of deeds you should never have had to do! I am the sword, the spear, the arrow. You are the flower, the tree, the vine!
June 14, 2010
I know these books are dated and silly in some cases, but they were the first comics I really got into and helped me shape my love of fantasy. I also thought it was kinda cool that Cutter and Leeta were basically an interracial couple. Fitting for the way I turned out I guess.
May 15, 2009
Read review for Book 1
November 8, 2010
No, no, no! It can't be the end! Pheew, there are more. Okay, I'm calm now...
August 13, 2012
Not the best ending, but not the worst: Rayek sees his place in the world, while the world seems to expand and victory is fought for by blood and blade.
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