Dark Horse Comics and Wendy and Richard Pini invite ElfQuest fans and those curious to learn more about this fantasy classic to experience ElfQuest: Hidden Years Gallery Edition, collecting the first five issues of the ElfQuest: Hidden Years series in a stunning oversized volume that displays the original artwork in vibrant detail. A rare, full-color gallery edition hardcover!
The highly acclaimed, quintessential fantasy comic series ElfQuest premiered in 1978 as a black-and-white independent comic book from legendary duo Wendy and Richard Pini. As the series grew, ElfQuest moved to full-color in the 1990s with ElfQuest: Hidden Years. Wendy Pini created those iconic pages in vibrant watercolor, with each brush stroke, line, and tint now shown in a unique gallery edition to present the full effect her original art pages, which are now permanently housed at Columbia University’s Rare Book & Manuscript Library for preservation and study.
Each of the five color issues within the ElfQuest: Hidden Years Gallery Edition are standalone stories, unlettered to offer an unprecedented look at Wendy Pini’s lush artwork, complete with her margin notes, color tests and behind-the-scenes material. This volume is a powerful example of the incredible world-building and visual storytelling in ElfQuest that has set the standard in fantasy comics for decades.
“A tribute like this is both wonderful and humbling,” said Wendy Pini. “I remember setting down every brush stroke in Hidden Years, but I know in looking through this spectacular volume I will feel like I am seeing it for the first time.”
Immerse yourself in the stunning colors of ElfQuest: Hidden Years Gallery Edition when the 176-page (12.125×17”) hardcover arrives in bookstores on July 14, and comic shops on July 15, 2026, for $149.99. Pre-order now from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or your local bookstore or comic shop. Visit Comic Shop Locator or Bookshop.org for more details and stores near you.
