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[Afke]

Sonny Strait is asked to color the new Elfquest issues for Dark Horse.
Always good if a hardcore fan gets to do this; he'll get it right.

But he's asking for our help nonetheless.
He'd like critique on a few test-pages he's done so far.

Blue Mountain: http://fav.me/d6fkpo1
Moonlight dance: http://fav.me/d6fl090

Please leave your comment there on those pages, he'd appreciate it.

[Treefox]

Thanks for the information, afke!
Wow, looks pretty nice.

The how many-th coloring of OQ is this?
But I am especially happy that Siege and co. get a make-over, too!

[Afke]

I have no idea, but I've read a long time ago that Wendy never really liked the first coloring, because it was such a rush job. To me it's still perfect and I never liked one again after that. It has a certain atmosphere that to me belongs with those old stories.
But indeed, this only counts for the first 20 issues -- or first 4 books as I have them. I think whatever Sonny will do with those stories after that will be the best colors it has ever seen. Plus, he's really willing to listen to fans' critique. They are the ones reading / buying it after all.

[Treefox]

I loved that first coloring! That to me will always be the best version. I guess my early childhood imprinting of that coloring makes me totally biased.
Just when it got to Siege the coloring changed to that cell-animation style. I didn't like that at all. So it would be nice to see someone actually take care and do a differentiated coloring of Siege.
Still quite excited and amazed that they are also going to publish OQ again!

[Yavia]

I loved the first coloring, the handmade one, so much, I'm not sure to be the right critic...

After I made a little detour to the PC colored OQ I do say, the coloring of the background is much better in Sonnys here. The rage is not glowing in that panel of Cutter graps his swort. The panels are all separated. I like that.
But I missed, that Cutter has been brown from being in the sun. In the handcolored he's more tanned as Winnowill. Here he looks like he was never outside at all.

Ways better in my Opinion is the coloring of the dance. 
Now Leetah isn't green anymore like a troll 
I like Sonnys first Picture more. It shows what to focus. And it's miles better, as the first "try" of coloring Siege.
Both Dances are so much better Sonny! Thank you!

[Eregyrn]

So, wait... what exactly will he be recoloring?  I'm not sure what the Dark Horse issues are?

I get the impression that the two pages he's put up are only test pages?  So he's not recoloring the OQ... which would be good, because we really don't need an umpteenth recolor of that.  It was only a few years ago that DC put out the 4-volume hardcover set recolored by Wendy in Photoshop. I'd assume that should stand as the "definitive version".

(Re. the above -- I agree, my soft spot is for the original hand-coloring job.  Not as "realistic" in many places, but it's just... charming and sometimes delicate, and you can just tell it's hand-done.)

So, does it mean he's recoloring SABM and KOTBW?  Because man, those are the ones that sorely need it!

For me, looking at his examples: the first one is... fine.  I mean... that's like the 4th color version of that scene I've seen?  It's hard to care any more about yet another subtle recoloring.   I like the first version from the 80s.  Wendy's latest one is okay.  Sonny's doesn't seem THAT different from Wendy's?  I can imagine it being good practice for him, but it doesn't do a lot for me.

Now, the two versions of the dance from SABM?  WOW!!!     Fantastic to finally see that colored well! 

(Yeah, I'll go leave comments there too.)

[Afke]

I read his reply on your comment; seems he's coloring the final quest. I've edited my first post.
And yes, we could have a discussion here too, but if you want Sonny to read your suggestions, post it at his pages not just here.

[Eregyrn]

Yeah, I find it really interesting that he's coloring Final Quest.  Obviously, it looked like the Prologue was being both inked and colored by Wendy.  I think it's a REALLY good idea to split those duties, though.

[Afke]

I agree!