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Elfquest Archives #3
Elfquest Archives, Vol. 3
This third thrilling volume collects Elfquest #11-15! The Wolfriders are taken as slaves into the towering and mysterious Blue Mountain, stronghold of the ancient elves called the Gliders. Featuring all-new lettering, a new cover by Wendy Pini and an introduction by David Wise & Audry Taylor!
216 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2005
62 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 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 16, 2019
Right off the bat, I was blown away by Wendy Pini who is an absolutely phenomenal artist. The entire thing is rich with color and a distinctive flair that I came to appreciate as Wendy's signature style. Another reviewer said that this series is born more of the heart than of the mind and I totally agree with them. [A/N: If you're looking for a cerebral sci-fi then you have made a wrong turn and need to look at your directions a little more closely.] Pini has created a true fantasy epic that is about the people just as much (maybe more so) than the journey they undertake.
And then came along Volume 3 where Cutter and his best friend (and possibly lover if you read between the lines) Skywise (my favorite character) are on a quest to find the rest of their Elvin kinfolk and the home of the High Ones (if such a place exists). Their quest leads them to foreign lands where they are met by humans who view them as gods instead of enemies and who speak of others who look as they do with pointy ears (but much taller). When they finally locate those that call themselves the High Ones (and who ride on giant birds) they are not welcomed with open arms but with scorn, distrust, and outright hatred. The group's elder wishes for them to stay but his adviser (and the power behind the throne) has other plans in mind. Winnowill possess the opposite of Leetah's gifts (Leetah is Cutter's mate) which means she has the power to hurt and even to kill so her threats are anything but empty. #dangeraplenty
This series looks in depth at these characters and examines their relationships, philosophies, and general way of life. We learn that appearances are deceiving because these so-called warriors are at their core simply a resilient little family just trying to find their place in the world. Full of romance, bloodshed, redemption, and definitely suspense I was shocked at how quickly Elfquest worked its spell on me. 10/10 and can hardly wait for Volume 4.
On with the Quest!!
And then came along Volume 3 where Cutter and his best friend (and possibly lover if you read between the lines) Skywise (my favorite character) are on a quest to find the rest of their Elvin kinfolk and the home of the High Ones (if such a place exists). Their quest leads them to foreign lands where they are met by humans who view them as gods instead of enemies and who speak of others who look as they do with pointy ears (but much taller). When they finally locate those that call themselves the High Ones (and who ride on giant birds) they are not welcomed with open arms but with scorn, distrust, and outright hatred. The group's elder wishes for them to stay but his adviser (and the power behind the throne) has other plans in mind. Winnowill possess the opposite of Leetah's gifts (Leetah is Cutter's mate) which means she has the power to hurt and even to kill so her threats are anything but empty. #dangeraplenty
This series looks in depth at these characters and examines their relationships, philosophies, and general way of life. We learn that appearances are deceiving because these so-called warriors are at their core simply a resilient little family just trying to find their place in the world. Full of romance, bloodshed, redemption, and definitely suspense I was shocked at how quickly Elfquest worked its spell on me. 10/10 and can hardly wait for Volume 4.
On with the Quest!!
September 13, 2025
The storyline continues to enthrall as previous characters grow and change and newer characters are introduced and slowly revealed. The artwork gets a little dark and monochromatic at times because so much of the setting occurs underground, but it is still gorgeously illustrated. The plot continues to build up and forward without collapsing on itself and retreading old themes without any actual overall progress. I can't wait to read the finale when the reissue comes out in November!
May 21, 2024
I thought I didn't remember the second book, but this book was completely gone from my memory. I remembered Winowill, obvs, because she was one of the great villains of my childhood (does she turn into a mermaid in a later book? Am I remembering that right?), but I had completely forgotten Voll, and the whole plotline about being trapped in the mountain.
I can't objectively review these, because my childhood affection holds them in too high esteem, but they were good then, and they're still good now.
I can't objectively review these, because my childhood affection holds them in too high esteem, but they were good then, and they're still good now.
July 27, 2019
I have nothing but good things to say about this series. The artwork is beautiful, the characters are well written, the world building is interesting, the plot is engaging...I am excited to dive deeper into this universe.
June 25, 2021
Sumptuous artwork, a rich story, deep characters, and complex themes. The ElfQuest saga hits its full stride in this volume, centered around Blue Mountain and the machinations of the nefarious Winnowill.
August 24, 2020
Me gustó como continúan las aventuras del grupo de elfos lobos por tratar de encontrar a los ancestros y la nueva tribu de elfos. Me quedé con las ganas de saber como sigue la historia.
October 31, 2025
Se lamenta que a un tomo del final no la completaran.
May 24, 2018
Edición española, tomo 3.
Aparentemente le fue muy mal, porque el cuarto y último tomo nunca se publicó en castellano y los tres existentes se consiguen de saldo por estos pagos.
Aparentemente le fue muy mal, porque el cuarto y último tomo nunca se publicó en castellano y los tres existentes se consiguen de saldo por estos pagos.
March 1, 2011
Elfquest Archives: Vol. 3 / 1-4012-0412-0
The quest continues as Cutter and his tribe and loved ones search for the High Ones. As I noted in my review for the first volume, these archives are massively colorful and detailed - with artistic drawings that draw the reader in and a sensitive and intelligent handling of all subject matter. Volume 3 takes off immediately after Volume 2, as Cutter and his people are forced into a confrontation with the powerful "Bird Tribe" of elves.
The Wolfriders, as we have seen, are close kith and kin to their wolves, and these Bird Riders present an interesting contrast. Similarly to the Wolfriders, they are deeply distressed when their mounts are wounded or killed; and in an interesting twist, we meet an elf who so wanted to be a bird that he was willing to give up much of his lovely form in order to gain wings. Yet these Bird Riders are cold and cruel, headed by a villainess who tortures the Wolfriders for pleasure and seeks to undermine her lord at every possible turn.
Interestingly, the point is made that the Wolfrider elves are related closely to the Bird Riders, despite their differences, and - like the recognition between Cutter and Leetah that symbolized the relationship between the tribes of the Wolfriders and the Sun People - there is a newly recognized couple that will similarly symbolize the interactions between Wolfriders and this new Bird Rider tribe. The Pinis shy away from easy answers and happy endings, though, as the strained relationship between the two tribes demonstrate over the course of this novel.
I've noted before that it's hard to know how to classify ElfQuest within a genre. Although Volume 3 doesn't lack for tense action, notably in the tribulations of the captured riders and in the skirmishes between the two tribes, there is a greater focus on philosophy and emotion. The villainess of the novel is particularly fascinating, and she is used to great effect to explore the origins of the Wolfriders, and Leetah's earlier reservations towards her lifemate. The new recognition romance is beautifully done, in such a way that handles prejudice and differences in culture neatly. Both of the participants come to understand that they have something meaningful to offer to one another, while never losing sight of those supportive loved ones who have been there behind the scenes all this time. And, once again, there will be differences of opinion on whether this volume is appropriate for non-adults, but I still believe that you'll likely not find a more thoughtful approach to the subject matter.
Because I'm a new fan, I can't speak to how this archive compares to the original old issues. Snippets of the old issues are included in the beginning and ending of each archive; sometimes in black-and-white panels, others in full color portraits and covers. I believe, however, that the spirit of the original was perfectly preserved, and I'm grateful for this availability of this issue.
~ Ana Mardoll
The quest continues as Cutter and his tribe and loved ones search for the High Ones. As I noted in my review for the first volume, these archives are massively colorful and detailed - with artistic drawings that draw the reader in and a sensitive and intelligent handling of all subject matter. Volume 3 takes off immediately after Volume 2, as Cutter and his people are forced into a confrontation with the powerful "Bird Tribe" of elves.
The Wolfriders, as we have seen, are close kith and kin to their wolves, and these Bird Riders present an interesting contrast. Similarly to the Wolfriders, they are deeply distressed when their mounts are wounded or killed; and in an interesting twist, we meet an elf who so wanted to be a bird that he was willing to give up much of his lovely form in order to gain wings. Yet these Bird Riders are cold and cruel, headed by a villainess who tortures the Wolfriders for pleasure and seeks to undermine her lord at every possible turn.
Interestingly, the point is made that the Wolfrider elves are related closely to the Bird Riders, despite their differences, and - like the recognition between Cutter and Leetah that symbolized the relationship between the tribes of the Wolfriders and the Sun People - there is a newly recognized couple that will similarly symbolize the interactions between Wolfriders and this new Bird Rider tribe. The Pinis shy away from easy answers and happy endings, though, as the strained relationship between the two tribes demonstrate over the course of this novel.
I've noted before that it's hard to know how to classify ElfQuest within a genre. Although Volume 3 doesn't lack for tense action, notably in the tribulations of the captured riders and in the skirmishes between the two tribes, there is a greater focus on philosophy and emotion. The villainess of the novel is particularly fascinating, and she is used to great effect to explore the origins of the Wolfriders, and Leetah's earlier reservations towards her lifemate. The new recognition romance is beautifully done, in such a way that handles prejudice and differences in culture neatly. Both of the participants come to understand that they have something meaningful to offer to one another, while never losing sight of those supportive loved ones who have been there behind the scenes all this time. And, once again, there will be differences of opinion on whether this volume is appropriate for non-adults, but I still believe that you'll likely not find a more thoughtful approach to the subject matter.
Because I'm a new fan, I can't speak to how this archive compares to the original old issues. Snippets of the old issues are included in the beginning and ending of each archive; sometimes in black-and-white panels, others in full color portraits and covers. I believe, however, that the spirit of the original was perfectly preserved, and I'm grateful for this availability of this issue.
~ Ana Mardoll
April 4, 2021
I never much cared for Blue Mountain or the story taking place there. Not that it's not good. It's a very interesting display of both what and who the Wolfriders are, and the different aspects of their lives, as well as love. I grew up reading ElfQuest #12 – What Is the Way? again and again every summer, not knowing the rest of the story, for that was the only volume we had at the family cabin, and I loved it! I loved how it portrayed creatures that were bound to wolves - my favorite animal - as if they were human - much like I felt about animals, especially canine - and it questioned death - which I did a lot of at that age - as well as show that one can love more than one person - which I at the time found some validation in that I late see reflects my own sexuality in a lot of ways.
But despite all that, I never liked the Blue Mountain or most of those living there. Which, as it turned out, was very accurate.
The art is good and I like how this book focuses a lot on characters and who's what and such, and what makes you who you are.
But despite all that, I never liked the Blue Mountain or most of those living there. Which, as it turned out, was very accurate.
The art is good and I like how this book focuses a lot on characters and who's what and such, and what makes you who you are.
December 3, 2016
In the intro, the Pinis describe their theme as not good against evil but understanding vs. ignorance. Which is what we see here: the Wolf-riders finds a tribe of elves living in a mountain, apparently wiser and more understanding than the Wolf-Riders can hope to be. But are the High Ones truly following the ancestral path of their fathers? Which is the true path for elves? Very good.
August 26, 2009
There's a lot going on in Blue Mountain. It’s all very exciting and mysterious. I wonder if recognition is ever easy for these elves.
June 16, 2014
Can't wait to get #4. Great story, fantastic artwork.
July 11, 2020
new adventure and new elves - the Quest is on
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews