WaRP Graphics
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 1977 |
| Founder | Wendy Pini, Richard Pini |
| Headquarters | Dutchess County, New York , United States |
| Products | Comics, graphic novels |
WaRP Graphics, later known simply as Warp Graphics, is a publisher specializing in alternative comics, most notably recognized for originating and publishing the Elfquest series. Established and incorporated in 1977 by founders Wendy and Richard Pini, the company's name derives from an acronym formed by their initials. Over time, the stylization evolved from WaRP to Warp as a deliberate design decision.
In addition to Elfquest, Warp was responsible for publishing other titles such as Robert Asprin's MythAdventures and Martin Greim's Thunder Bunny. Warp initially published Colleen Doran's A Distant Soil until conflicts emerged regarding copyright ownership, which Warp contested. Subsequently, the company initiated legal action against licensee Starblaze Graphics over unauthorized reprints of Elfquest, royalty disputes, and interference connected to A Distant Soil. These matters were resolved privately, resulting in the rights to Elfquest reverting back to Warp and ownership of A Distant Soil returning to Doran.
Apple Comics
Between 1978 and 1984, Warp released the original 20-issue run of Elfquest. During a period when artist Wendy Pini took a break due to hip surgery, CEO Richard Pini broadened the company's fantasy comics portfolio by bringing in various writers and artists. In 1986, Warp delegated publishing and marketing responsibilities to Michael Catron's Apple Comics, enabling Warp to concentrate on editorial work. Titles managed through Apple included the anthology FantaSci, Vietnam Journal, and Lee Marrs' Unicorn Isle.
By 1987, Apple Comics assumed full editorial control over all series while Warp focused on developing new Elfquest installments. After ending their collaboration with Apple in 1990, Warp introduced several spin-off series beginning with Hidden Years in 1992, inviting outside creators to participate. Starting in 1997, WaRP published some issues of Barry Blair and Colin Chan’s Elflord, who were also contributors to Elfquest. From 1992 until 2002, Warp worked with freelance talent on various Elfquest projects before scaling back operations in 2002 to dedicate efforts solely to canonical Elfquest content under the guidance of Wendy and Richard Pini.
Father Tree Press imprint
Warp established Father Tree Press, a book imprint named after the Wolfriders' original home tree in Elfquest, primarily focused on reprinting existing Elfquest narratives. This imprint also produced works such as Chroma, showcasing art by Alex Schomburg, and Law and Chaos, which documents Wendy Pini’s early adaptation attempt of Michael Moorcock’s Stormbringer series. Although Father Tree Press is not currently issuing new printed Elfquest volumes, it continues to distribute both existing and new Elfquest content digitally. Between 2007 and 2010, it also published Wendy Pini’s non-Elfquest graphic novel Masque of the Red Death, a futuristic reinterpretation of Edgar Allan Poe’s classic tale.
Partnership with DC
In 2003, the Pinis granted DC Comics worldwide publishing and media rights for the Elfquest franchise. Under this agreement, DC produced two complete manga-style digest reprint series, four volumes of archival reprints, a new graphic novel, and a four-issue comic miniseries titled Discovery. This collaboration concluded in 2007 when Warp opted not to renew its contract with DC.
Collaboration with Warner Bros.
In 2008, Warp granted Warner Bros. the media rights to Elfquest with the intention of producing a feature film. Rawson Thurber, who served as both director and screenwriter, was involved in the project. Multiple script drafts and concept artworks were developed before the option period ended in 2009.
Collaboration with Dark Horse Comics
Warp secured a global publishing license for Elfquest with Dark Horse Comics in 2012, distinguishing it as the sole independent comic series to be published by all three major U.S. comic publishers. Since then, Dark Horse has released the entire Final Quest storyline along with several editions of the Complete Elfquest series, with plans extending publication through at least 2020.
Published Titles
Key publications from Warp include:
- Blood of the Innocent (4 issues, 1986)
- A Distant Soil (9 issues, 1983–1986)
- Elflord (4 issues, 1997)
- Elfquest (1978–present; various miniseries and special editions)
- FantaSci (9 issues, 1986–1990)
- MythAdventures (12 issues, 1984–1986)
- MythConceptions (8 issues, 1986–1988)
- Return to Centaur (or: What Kind of Foal Am I?) (1990)
- Thunderbunny (12 issues, 1985–1987)
- Unicorn Isle (5 issues, 1986)
References