ElfQuest: The Final Quest #8

Writer – Wendy Pini, Richard Pini
Artist – Wendy Pini
Colours – Sonny Strait

Last issue, Shenshen requested to be transformed into a human and her wish was fulfilled.  She is happy of course and so are some of the others, but there are some elves who are not, Strongbow among them.  But the time has also come for the castle to be moved to a safer location which Timmain lets Cutter know is in the shadow of Blue Mountain, or at least what is left of it.  It is also time for the call to go out, the one that will summon all of the elves on the world of Two Moons to come together, at least those who answer it.  Wendy and Richard Pini have been consistently delivering solid tales featuring Cutter and the elves and it continues so here as Cutter prepares himself for a gathering of tribes, the largest to have ever been called.  There are some great character moments featuring a number of the cast, one being between Cutter and Skywise, brothers if ever there were any with Skywise more than a little sad at being separated from his friend.  Another sees a cast member long absent in the form of Rayek.  He still bears the burden of the Black Snake on his consciousness and he hears the call go out, as does Winnowill.  She has been trapped there for far too long for her liking and she aims to be free at all costs.  Though deep down Rayek wants to return to the elves, he knows that if he should, he brings more than just trouble with him, he brings death as well.  It will be interesting to see just what will transpire during this meeting and who all will show up.  Will Rayek eventually show his face?  Will Two-Edge join the Go-Backs as well?  What if the Djunn or some humans find them and battle ensues?  It is going to be a big day, a momentous day and it is hopeful that Cutter is prepared for every eventuality.  As dependable as ever is the great artwork from Wendy Pini as well, with the only drawback for the book being its bimonthly schedule.  A monthly release would be great, but as long as there is an ElfQuest comic on the stands, then all is right with the world.

4.5 out of 5

Inhuman #13

Writer – Charles Soule
Artist – André Araújo
Colours – Richard Isanove

The latest chapter of the Inhumans is entitled Lineage which is apt as it features the character scheming against Medusa and company, for what reason is unknown but is sure to come to light at some point.  The Nuhumans are relaxing and getting to know each other when they are called away to go on a mission to investigate an old Kree research facility and it is then that Lineage starts to put his plan in motion.  Charles Soule has been creating a very fun and very exciting book and with every issue, the Nuhumans have become more relatable and interesting.  But no matter how much focus he puts upon them, it is the royal family that screams for your attention, much like they always do when they appear in any book.  While Lineage is turning out to be quite the dastardly figure and it is hard to know what his motivations are at this point as so little is known about him.  The way he has weaseled himself into Medusa’s graces and to those other Inhumans in the city was masterful but as the story progresses, his deceit is made known though there may be nothing Medusa or anyone else can do about it.  The ending of this issue has been the best one out of the series so far.  There was one shocking moment and then there was also a reveal.  The scene that was shocking was not seen coming though you know that everything will be fine.  The very end of the book was different though, unexpected in a way and knowing Marvel you knew that it had to happen at some point in time.  As it is though, that last page is absolutely fantastic, especially the words that Soule puts to it and if nothing else, it will make you impatient to get your hands on the next book.

4 out of 5