Elfquest: The Final Quest (2014), Volume 2

Starred review from July 1, 2016

Begun in 1978, the wonderful, immersive, mythic fantasy Elfquest was one of the first American comics influenced by Japanese manga, and one of the first collected in graphic novel form. After many detours and hiatuses, the story from husband-and-wife team Wendy and Richard Pini returns to its major plotline here, as the many tribes of elves must decide whether to stay on the World of Two Moons or leave in the Palace, the now-restored starship that their ancestors crash-landed millennia earlier. Surprises still abound, and Wendy's artwork retains its beauty and polish. Truly epic, not only in its vast timespan, ever-branching plot, and huge cast, but also in its emotional depth, the series encompasses alliances, goals, and feelings that are complicated and changeable; life can be brutal and heartbreaking, and the way forward is never clear. Still, instead of doom and gloom, there is a spirit of kindness, optimism, and joy. To help new readers catch up, the authors have posted most of the series for free on elfquest.com, and Dark Horse is republishing the brilliant early stories in the Complete Elfquest omnibuses. VERDICT A satisfying revival of a grand saga.--SR

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