Dive Deep Into The History Of ‘Elfquest’ In A New YouTube Documentary
by Tito W. James
Matttt is a YouTuber who specializes in the independent/alternative side of comic book history. It’s a channel dedicated to exploring unsung creators and the events that shape comic book culture today.
In this episode, matttt gives a robust history of pioneer artist, Wendy Pini who went into business with her husband Richard to create Elfquest. The husband and wife duo succeeded in building an independent comic empire that allowed other creators to follow in their footsteps. It’s an amazing story and Wendy Pini should be known far and wide for her innovations to Geek fandom and comic book literature.
Wendi Pini worked as the definitive Red Sonya Cosplayer long before the contemporary stars of Yaya Han or Jessica Nigri. She also created a richly layered high fantasy world that explored mature themes before the fantasy boom in the ’80s and ’90s. Elfquest weaved together disparate artistic influences including Art Deco, Osamu Tezuka, Jack Kirby, and Jonny Quest.
The psychedelia, diversity, high stakes, and nuanced characters of Elfquest make the series relevant now more than ever. Thankfully, we are in a golden age of fantasy adaptations, Western animation is incorporating the mature elements of anime, and geek culture is now pop culture. Now that an Elfquest animated series is in the works, a whole new generation could be transported by this powerful and meaningful saga.
