ELFQUEST - AN EXAMPLE OF BREAKING THE TRADITIONAL FANTASY TROPES

 

If you have followed comics and fantasy for the last 30+ years, you likely know of "Elfquest". Whether you were a fan of the comic or not and whether or not you played the TTRPG, you are likely at least partly aware of it. If nothing else, you know the look and the stylings of the characters in the comic. This will not be a deep dive into the comic, it's characters, stories or themes, but I will be using Elfquest as and example of a setting that tinkers with, quite successfully, in playing with the common tropes and themes of the fantasy genre.

At it's core, Elfquest is both an example of paleo-fantasy and a fantasy setting that turns the usual mix of fantasy races on it its side (not quite on its head). In The World of Two Moons, there are only humans, and three fantasy races - elves, trolls, and preservers (faeries). Of these three fantasy races, the elves are the only ones that would be considered "core" races for use by players as characters. The official TTRPG for the game did offer rules for playing humans and trolls as well, but the comics very much focus on the perspective of the elves (it is called Elfquest).

In this setting we are presented with elves who are both familiar and new. Wild elves, civilized elves, warlike elves, peaceful elves, even elves of widely varying degrees of magical and natural ability. If we look at the 5E races for D&D, the Elfquest elves might be achieved by using the existing elves but also some of the non-elven races. While the High Ones would easily fit with the high elf sub-race, the Wolfriders might better be portrayed by the the Wood Gnome as they are small in size and have an affinity for their wolf companions. Still other elves of the World of Two Moons elves might be represented by halflings. Certainly, the comfort-seeking, peaceful and warm Sun Folk fit the bill. The trolls of Elfquest are very much more akin to dwarves, being grumpy, industrious, bearded subterranean folk known for their greed and crafting of fine metal goods. Still other elves of the World of Two Moons elves might be represented by halflings. Certainly, the comfort-seeking, peaceful and warm Sun Folk fit the bill. The trolls of Elfquest are very much more akin to dwarves, being grumpy, industrious, bearded subterranean folk known for their greed and crafting of fine metal goods. 

While none of these simple reskins of existing D&D races truly do the Elfquest characters justice, they do serve as an example of how the common tropes of fantasy can be skewed into something new and interesting. In this World of Two Moons, we only have the three fantasy races, but they come in such a wide range of cultures, shapes and character that they really are very different races. As the accompanying image shows, there is a noticeable distinction between the physical statures of High Ones and Sunfolk.

Another Blast(er) From the Past

Star Slammers is a great book from 1983. In this graphic novel, Walt Simonson brings us a story of interstellar mercenaries fighting for their honor and their lives against all odds.

This is another one of those great bits of 80's Space Opera where big guns, bright colors and ultra-fancy tech really shine. I cannot help but feel there are some similarities between the basic concept here and the Hammer's Slammers but then again, one could draw comparison to the Seven Samurai, even if there are only three Slammers.

The depictions of future combat in here are just so wonderfully over the top as to ring on a truly heroic level. Three heroes clad in what seems like power armor with big guns and even some gimmicky weapons (sling grenades!) take on an enemy much greater than themselves, laying low the forced of tyranny.

I can't help but think my friends and I tried playing this as an RPG when we were kids. If not, we at least borrowed content and inspiration for our sci fi games. 

-Eli

Childhood Memories at the Speed of Light

Hey all,

Been a while since I have posted anything about a purchase but I had to share this one.

When I was a kid, around junior high, I was really into games like Star Frontiers and just about anything Space Opera. Being of the Star Wars generation, strange and wondrous futures were in my blood. "Lightrunner" is a graphic novel that captures that same laser-slinging, faster than light fantasy anyone from that time will appreciate.

I had owned this graphic novel as a kid and was originally drawn to it by the cool art, space babes and aliens. But the story is pretty cool, involving a plot built around a spaceship that defies the conventions of its universe and is central to a political scheme that entangles the heroes who come to take possession of the titular vessel.

After losing it when I moved out on my own, I had forgotten about the book for years until recently I found myself in the grips of a sort of self-induced Space Opera revival. I found myself going back to titles like Alien Legion and some of my old Heavy Metal comics and then I remembered this one. I figured it was obscure enough that it would be impossible to track down, much like many of the oddball one-offs I found as a kid (e.g. Space Infantry RPG). Boy was I thrilled to see several copies on Ebay, including the one I picked up that cost me around $6 after shipping. It isn't perfect, but it's in better condition than the one I owned, though I think my cpy had a green cover, but that could just be a trick of memory - perhaps confusing it one of the Elfquest Graphic Novels.

I recommend Lightrunner to anyone looking for a nicely illustrated, space adventure.

I mean, come on, they don't make space henchmen wearing leather boots with fringe anymore!

-Eli