Written by As the juggernaut that is SDCC week begins, the LxL would like to introduce a new series of articles. The League of Extraordinary Ladies is so grateful for visionaries that have come before us and who have inspired us to embrace our own strength, beauty and individuality. Today we discuss and talk with the extraordinary Wendy Pini. Several members of the LxL were lucky enough to share a meal with Wendy recently and we’d like to share a little something from that day.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
by Stephanie Thorpe
It’s fitting that I get to shepherd this piece as I as I have known Wendy through her art and stories since I was 8yrs old. In fact here is a picture of me and my parents in San Diego (at a fondue restaurant) on THE DAY I first encountered ElfQuest. I bought one issue with my allowance. Seeing how rivieted I was, my Mom went back to the convention and got several more while my dad and I thought she was in the restroom.
This year I have a panel at SDCC 2011 celebrating ElfQuest and the live action fan-trailer, ElfQuest: A Fan Imagining. Wendy inspired me and my producing partner Paula Rhodes to aspire to be the heroines we saw in her comics and pursue careers in the entertainment industry. So it’s a full circle for me: we hope you can all join us at SDCC on Friday, 7/22 in Room 4 at 8pm to celebrate Wendy, ElfQuest and the lasting impact her work has had on so many of us.
It’s difficult for me to introduce Wendy in a bite-sized way that does her justice, but here we go:
Wendy Pini is many things: Artist, Visionary, Edgy, Daring, Fiercely Intelligent, Kind, Extraordinary. To some, she is a household name and to others, this may be the first look you’ll get at this amazing woman. For those who grew up with ElfQuest, she has transported you to a realm of fantasy, romance and adventure with this series that has been going strong for over 30 years. Some of you may have learned about Wendy from her newest creation, Masque of the Red Death, an intense reimagining of the classic Edgar Allen Poe short story. This graphic novel, done in the Yaoi style, follows Anton Prosper, a scientific genius and son of a rich father famous for his lavish and lascivious lifestyle. Horror, romance, comedy and intense eroticism are all parts of this lush world that has allowed Wendy to show us a new side of her amazing artistic soul.
Here’s the experience of a fellow LxL Founder, Dina, who was recently introduced to her work:
”While I am a new fan of Wendy’s, she is just so darn cool and I’m really surprised I hadn’t heard more from her sooner. She got into fandom at age 16 and was cosplaying before that word existed. She would dress up as Red Sonja and do this amazing performance that became really well known. She entered masquerades early on and then eventually became a judge. I know Wendy would absolutely love to see some Masque of the Red Death cosplayers and I can hardly wait to see them too! The costumes that Wendy has designed in her story are stunning and just so opulent and interesting. She really is talented on so many levels. One last thing I was struck with is how dark Masque is and where that came from after the more optimistic ElfQuest. Wendy shared with us how she first got in touch with her “shadow” side back in high school and that’s always been a part of her. There are certainly dark parts to ElfQuest as well, but Masque really allowed her to delve into something so dark and ethereal. It is also so beautiful at the same time. It’s funny, after our lunch, I heard from my older sister, a truly talented artist who is so amazing at capturing life in her drawings. She told me how much Wendy’s work in ElfQuest had impacted her drawing style when she was younger and it sort of blew my mind that I had such a close connection to Wendy without realizing it.”
Christy, another LxL Founder had a few words to share as well:
“After spending the afternoon with Wendy and the League, I was struck by how genuine Wendy is. Not only in regards to relating her own experiences, but with connecting to others. To me, this is the heart that shines through her art. It was truly wonderful to have an honest conversation with other women regarding superheroes, life, art, love and the way we view the world.”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading Wendy’s work, please visit her websites. The vast majority of her work is now available for free online and it’s a great way to get introduced to both ElfQuest and Masque of the Red Death and then purchase the books when you inevitably fall in love with them.
http://www.masque-of-the-red-death.com/
On Twitter: @elfquest
You can also view ElfQuest: A Fan Imagining at: http://elfquestfantrailer.com/
Pingback: Journalism Round-Up | ladysteam