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.

Volume 2 introduces us to a new clan of elves by the name of the Sunfolk who live (predictably perhaps) in the oasis of a barren desert and who are very different from their Wolfrider kin. Not only are they brown skinned (The Wolfriders are quite pale as they dwelt among the canopies of trees and hunted by night.) but they are peaceful, spiritual, and live much longer lives. (Possibly due to the peacefulness of their people or something else? Yes, this is explored later.) They also possess different gifts from the Wolfriders and have among them a spiritual leader who resembles the mythologized High Ones. These two clans clash immediately and explosively as Cutter finds himself entranced by their leader's daughter who has a relationship with a male of her own clan. #drama ( )

What a gloriously colored graphic novel! The Donning editions are richly colored and well worth hunting up. You'll need to start with the first book if you want to keep the characters straight. Book 2 contains the start of another quest and ends on a cliffhanger scene -- you'll want the next book handy.

I like this book as we see not all humans are cruel. It brings a balance to the world. On to Book 3! ( )

Gorgeously drawn, engrossing fantasy series that reinterprets elves in an interesting way. Found it as a kid, still love it as an adult. Start with this book -- it's a better introduction than the first collection; the creators found their feet, both in terms of writing and artwork, with this story arc. Intelligent, sensitive and fun, with wonderful characters that stick with you.

The premise: Cutter, idealistic young leader to a tribe of elves, along with his wisecracking friend Skywise, go on a quest to (A) find others of their kind and (B) figure out why humans hate them so much. Along the way, everything they know is challenged. Also, it's got elves riding wolves. This is nerd catnip, people.

http://www.elfquest.com/gallery/OnlineComics/OQ/OQ06/DisplayOQ06.html ( )

Part two of the original Quest. Wendy's Photoshop skills are getting better all the time! ( )