Elves take Over the Internet

By John Freeman on March 20, 2008

(via BoingBoing): Every issue of Elfquest — perhaps the oldest independent US comic — is to be made available free online, part of an initiative by Wendy and Richard Pini, owners of Elfquest publishing company Warp Graphics, to celebrate their 30th anniversary.

It’s hoped that by the end of the year, every issue ever will be available online for free.

Elfquest, which has a huge fan following, was one of the first independently published comics in the world and one of the most successful. First published in 1978, this tale of wolf-riding elves from outer space – a brief synopsis which does the 30-year-old title no real justice – is currently enjoying something of a renaissance, with renewed hope of a big screen film based on the epic fantasy tale.

DC Comics acquired worldwide publishing, media, and merchandising rights to Wendy and Richard Pini’s epic-adventure fantasy comic book series Elfquest back in 2003 but ended their relationship last year. Last November, Dark Horse released a series of limited edition busts based on the three primary characters from the saga.

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.