Customer Reviews

Ascent (Elfquest Reader's Collection, Book 12)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The present book, "Ascent", covers the first part of the story of the Wolfriders' attempt to win the Palace of the High Ones back from their old enemy Winnowill - and a new one, the dictator Grohmul Djun.

First, it must be said that this is the darkest EQ tale yet. Given that the story deals with two would-be Stalins (take a guess, fans), this is inevitable - but fair warning, the opening scene (the first three pages) is NOT for children! That said, this is a dramatic, well-paced story, much more unified than that in the companion volume "Legacy". Too, the artwork is far more consistent, it having been entrusted to only one team of artists. (The use of several teams for "Legacy" is that book's weakness; art and story are very diffuse in that volume.)

It is a measure of the quality and "4-D-ness" of the story that grim, even frightening events share the stage with moments of lightheartedness, each appropriate to the story. Try, for instance, "Wood" (issue 2 of the series),the sequence depicting the Wolfriders and the trolls.

In short, despite the often-depressing story line (which will become even more so in "Reunion", the upcoming sequel), this book is a story well told with artwork well drawn - and a very affecting ending.

I can't believe that Wendi and Richard sell their story like it was some cheap....@#$!*&^!!! They receive my ultimate praise for the first four compilations (the original #1-#20)which are the best fantasy epic that I have ever read but anything after that I do not bother reading. The quality of the artwork has gone way down and it is as if some giant tornado has come along and swept up all the characters I knew and replaced them with the X-men! Please Richard and Wendi save the characters we all know and love and bring them back to us!

What the hell is this? I opened up this thing in the store andnearly dropped my teeth. The is a PROFESSIONAL publication? I couldliterally take the original comics and do the same thing for about the same price. The only redeeming quality is the fact that the story is part of the main mythos. Why are they doing this to their work? . . .they ought to ask for a friggin'handout and be done with it. It's darn pathetic! Buy it if you want ot know what happens to Cutter and crew but PLEASE don't look at the originals first . . . it looks even worse then.

I had almost decided not to read any more Elfquests, but these artists draw the characters almost like Wendi Pini does (YAY!) and the story really grabbed me. Yes, it is black and white, but that's why it's so affordable, and it's a lot longer than the color Elfquests that cost twice as much. The lack of color didn't bother me at all. My biggest complaints: Aroree doesn't look or act like she did in previous books, the story contains nudity and a lot of people in trashy clothing, and (surprisingly) there's an element of dog abuse in this volume. But I still recommend it for Elfquest fans.

This is more of an action story than anything. The original books also had action but the characterizations and relationships were a lot more "fleshed out". There are some exceptions, compared to previous human characters, the human "villian" (Gromhul Djun) is fairly well developed amd the interplay between him and Winnowill is quite interesting. Winnowill actually has a grudging respect for his viciousness and ruthlessness as a leader. Despite his human limitations, the Djun, is a match for her and is not fooled by her at all. The story also has a much darker tone, Winnowill seems to take an almost sexual delight in the pain and suffering of others.

The only thing that dissapointed me is the use of artists other than Wendy Pini, this was a dissapointment and might have contributed to the story's weaknesses.

Its not the Elfquest I remember but it moves fast and will keep your interst.

Since I read this book in it's original form (comic books) I don't know what the black and white version is like, but I loved this story. It's the most intense Elfquest story yet (and there is some gore - probably not suitable for children)! But if you get this book, you should also read it's sequel to find out what happens. The ending is great!