Feature Article
Strange New Worlds Issue 11 - December 1993
Elfquest:
An "Indy" Success Story
In the 1970s a new phenomenon was born in the comics industry as a wave of independent
black-and-white comics publishers sprang into existence. Two of the "indy"
pioneers were Wendy and Richard Pini and their creation, Elfquest.
Elfquest found its beginnings in 1978 through the vision of husband-and-wife
creative team Wendy and Richard Pini. A self-trained artist, Wendy can trace her
fascination with the world of elves as far back as a doodle she whipped up at the age of
two. Wendy and Richard took this, and thousands of other "doodles," and turned
them into Elfquest, one of the most successful of today's independent comics. Elfquest's
"fantasy with teeth" offers its readers everything from spiritual magic-weavers
to warrior chieftesses. Owing to its award-winning artwork and storylines, the
ever-expanding Elfquest Universe offers something to everyone adult and
child alike.
In the fifteen years since the Pinis launched Elfquest, they have sold millions
of their comics and graphic novel collections. Heralded by the American Library
Association as one of the most important works in American Fantasy, Elfquest is
used in classrooms to motivate uninspired young people to become avid readers. Elfquest
is an integral part of the ongoing Cartoonists Across America and Planet
Literacy efforts (endorsed by Barbara Bush). The Pini's creation has been the subject
matter of university courses in contemporary mythology.
Wendy and Richard met in 1969, appropriately enough, through the fan letters column of
a comic book. In creating Elfquest they outline the stories as a team; then Wendy
creates the final artwork and Richard handles the business of publication. They are
currently developing an entire Elfquest Universe from the original concept. In
addition to the comic books and graphic novels, they are, with the aid of Creative
Artists' Agency and The Beanstalk Licensing Group, developing such projects as prose story
anthologies and novelizations, an illustrated series of children's books, animation for
both television and motion pictures, and the licensing of Elfquest properties and
characters.
Elfquest contains fantastic artwork, strong characters, romance, adventure,
humor, and spirituality. Perhaps its most distinctive feature is that Elfquest,
written and drawn by a woman, appeals to other women, something most other comics just
don't do. l
Elfquest
â, ä, and ã 1993 Warp Graphics, Inc. All rights
reserved.
Issue 11 ã
1993 by Strange New Worlds. No portion of this publication may be reproduced
without prior express written consent of the Publisher. All rights reserved. All materials
are believed accurate, but we cannot assume responsibility for their accuracy or
application. We do not endorse any products or services advertised in this publication.
STAR TREK TM & ã Paramount Pictures.
STAR WARS is a registered trademark of LucasFilms, Ltd.
(LFL)
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