ElfQuest: The Original Quest: Book 4--The First War

The Wolfriders face war with the Northern Troll Warriors in the fourth and final book of the original ElfQuest saga—in full color for the first time from Dark Horse Comics!

“Do you know what war is?”

With that question, Cutter and his companions are plunged into the most dangerous, life-threatening conflict they could never have imagined. In their quest for the legendary lost Palace of the High Ones, they are betrayed by the Gliders of Blue Mountain and left to perish on the snow-swept wastes of the Frozen Mountains.

Now the Wolfriders must face savage Northern Troll Warriors who stand between Cutter’s tribe and their goal. Even if they are able to join forces with the pugnacious, stag-riding Go-Back elves, can any elfin alliance survive the sheer force and brutality of the troll army? 

Collects ElfQuest: The Original Quest #16–#20

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs