Comic Info
Comic Name: Mouse Guard: Fall 1152
Publisher: Archaia Studios Press
Writer: David Petersen
Artist: David Petersen
# of Issues: 6
Release Date: 2007
Mouse Guard #1
Reprints Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 #1-6 (February 2006-January 2007). A Mouse Guard patrol comprised of Saxon, Kenzie, and Lieam are sent out to find a missing peddler. When they discover the mouse was a traitor, the Mouse Guard must find out who he sold information to and prevent Lockhaven from being compromised. Another mouse named Sadie has been sent by the head of the Mouse Guard Gwendolyn to find out about the disappearance of one of the first defense line. When Saxon, Kenzie, and Lieam find the conspiracy might go deeper, they learn the legend of the Black Axe might fall into play.
Written and illustrated by David Petersen, Mouse Guard Volume 1: Fall 1152 is a fantasy adventure comic. The comic was released to critical acclaim and won the 2008 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids.
You cannot see Mouse Guard and question that it is a different style of comic. The style and look of Mouse Guard just is not on the same level as something like a monthly superhero comic…as a result, the comic is a must for fans of the genre, but those who also appreciate fun, fantasy art.
Mouse Guard #5
Mouse Guard‘s format is a bit different than other comics. It isn’t standard size and it sometimes causes problem to find it on comic shelves (and storage for that matter). The collections are nice because they often have bonus material that can’t be found in the comics including maps and sketches.
The art is what makes Mouse Guard fantastic. The details and colors are great and Petersen really puts life into the mice. The outside threats like crabs and snakes add for a lot of fun art opportunities and Petersen makes full use of them. Each issue is fun to see what is next in each issue.
The story of Mouse Guard is a little on the weak side…It isn’t awful, but it doesn’t live up to the amazing art. It moves really slow for the most part. In this story the first couple of issues are set up for the big battle in the second half. With so many mice characters it also is sometimes hard to tell them apart. Petersen kind of has a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle thing going on with the different colors to distinguish each mouse.
Mouse Guard‘s story might be a little slow, but the great art makes up the difference. If you want a different and unique comic book, pick up a Mouse Guard collection and start at the beginning with this book. Mouse Guard 1: Fall 1152 was followed by Mouse Guard 2: Winter 1152.
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