Mouse Guard: The Black Axe #1 (Archaia – Petersen)

David Petersen The Eisner Award-winning Mouse Guard returns with The Black Axe, a third volume to be told in six bi-monthly issues. Set in 1115, this prequel to Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 fulfills the promise the wise oldfur Celanawe made to Lieam the day his paw first touched the Black Axe: to tell the young warrior about the mouse who first wielded the deadly weapon. The arrival of distant kin takes Celanawe on an adventure that will carry him across the sea to uncharted waters and lands, all while unraveling the legend of Farrer, the blacksmith who forged the mythic Black Axe.

This has me so pumped!  Every since I was first introduced to it back at the Motor City Con, I have been in love with Petersen’s Mouse Guard world.  While I did enjoy the “Legends” series that just got done, the majority of the stories were from guest writers – and I am just happy to have David Petersen’s story-telling front and center again.

Whether you are a long-time fan or have never heard of Mouse Guard, within a few pages you will immediately be transfixed on this dangerous and adventure-filled landscape.  The magic of these books is that is a high level blend of fantastic story and truly beautiful artwork.  As far family-friendly tales of honor and valor go, Mouse Guard is easily place on the same shelf with Narnia and Middle Earth.

This series sets up the 1152 series or very easily could be read on it’s own.  Click here for sample pages!

Issue Grade: A