Originally appearing in 1978, Elfquest
broke new ground as a comics fantasy that mixed manga-influenced art with fantasy elements and an addictive, soap opera story line about brave, passionate elves trying to survive in a world beset with dangers. This volume collects stories from 1992 to 1998, featuring the elves against one of their toughest opponents ever: humankind. When humans make their new home near the elven holt, they mistake the new creatures for demons and believe their god wants them to annihilate the elves. This puts the humans in constant conflict with the elves, whose jovial teasing and trickery infuriate the humans. Luckily, the nimble elves have their wolf friends to help them escape and avoid the humans. But when the humans start poisoning the wolves and killing an increasing number of both the elf and wolf packs, things begin to look bleak. It appears as if this generation of Wolfriders may be the last. This edition's stories are drawn by a variety of artists, and creator Wendy Pini's are the most memorable, with their nuanced shadings and intricate detail. The writing, however, is consistently strong throughout. The writers weave an engrossing fantasy tale that should leave readers itching to see more. (Oct.)
