Somehow the shape of this book enhances the ancient feel of it, as if we’ve recovered these issues from an archaeological dig. Petersen proves that you can make comics any way you wish. Mouse Guard is both timeless and timely in an era where there are few new epic heroes being created.Īrchaia books are known for their quality packaging, and whereas I once thought the odd shape of this book would bother me, I have grown to long for all comics to be this creative in how they present their literature. It’s as if Petersen has the ability to stretch back into time and pull scrolls of ancient history into the present. The level of detail in every panel, paired with Petersen’s exquisite coloring, makes this book an absolute work of art in every sense of the word. Petersen has proven that he is a master of storytelling, not just in his words, but in his immaculate artwork. Somehow, in an Tolkien-esque way, he manages to also elaborate on the clandestine history of the former bearers of the Black Axe weapon and moniker. This issue ends very satisfactorily, leading not only into the status quo of the first Mouse Guard books, but also setting up future ones. Petersen has done a splendid job of taking Celenawe on the classic “hero’s journey,” but adds many twists and turns all along the way. Drunken sea-mouse Conrad also appears in this issue, and once again plays a vital role in the legend Petersen is crafting. Heart-broken after losing his last remaining relative Em, and then his secret love Bronwyn, Celenawe sets his face toward finding the next wielder of the legendary weapon the Black Axe, and what happens may surprise you. Without spoiling anything in this issue, we continue to follow the journey of the former Mouse Guard Celenawe to meet his destiny. In a market where quantity is constantly preferred by publishers over quality, this issue reminds us that there are some creators who value the craft of comic-making and won’t sacrifice their work on the altar of our consumerism.
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It’s hard to believe that the first issue of this series was released in December of 2010, but despite the long delays David Petersen gives us nothing but his absolute best. This prequel to the highly successful Mouse Guard series’ Fall 1152 and Winter 1152 finally comes to an end.