If you're a fan of Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, or any of the Three Musketeers stories, then you need to take a look at Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 by David Petersen. Petersen's imagination runs wild with the concept of mice in an epic adventure as the brave Lieam, Kenzie, and Saxon discover a plan of treachery against their hometown of Lockhaven. Forsaking their own personal safety, they risk everything to protect not only their city, but all of the mouse cities spread throughout their territory.
Petersen not only wrote the six chapters and epilogue but also created all of the artwork for the story. As pointed out in an interview with the author on the Around Comics podcast (episode 112), the mice and their environments retain a natural, organic feel. I particularly found the autumn coloring of the artwork striking and a perfect fit for reading this story during October. The main characters are not muscle-bound mice with human bodies and a tail. Rather, these characters look like real mice who have merely gained the ability to stand and walk on their hind legs.
In this collection of individual bi-monthly comic book issues, Petersen has created a full tapestry and background for the society of mice. With a seemingly exhaustive line of history for his world, the author includes quotes from past guardsmice, a map of the territories, and description of various mouse occupations in each of the towns. He utilizes his settings to the fullest as mice use pine cones as canoes and build entire cities in fallen logs. Also in his interview with Around Comics, Petersen revealed that he had mused over the characters and their society for nine years before the first book came out. He had plenty of time to flesh out each aspect of his story, and his efforts play out beautifully.
This book is described as an all-ages book, but parents should be warned that some of the mice, as well as a few other creatures - do not survive. Questions of death and sacrifice are sure to arise, and this story provides a great context for those sentiments without becoming preachy. Probably the best age range for this story would include elementary school aged kids through early teens.
The Fall 1152 series is merely the first in a string of series. Winter 1152 is currently under production, and the first issue (or chapter) has already been released and can be found in your local comic shop or online. This is a great chance to get in on the beginning of an epic story.
