Long before I met David Petersen and he sketched me a picture of Liam from Mouse Guard, I had been a fan of the series. I absolutely love the comics and would recommend it to children and adults alike. The comics are incredible. This issue was no different. Please note that Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard was released last week, July 2nd, 2010.
The Good
While "Legends of the Guard" is out of the continuity of the Mouse Guard series, it is very much a story deeply seeded in the Mouse Guard Universe. If I can call it that. If you are unfamiliar with the Mouse Guard series, I should mention that it is a universe and set of stories created, illustrated and written entirely by David Petersen. The series is absolutely stunning- a true masterpiece. In Legends of the Guard, Petersen has taken the world he has created, and allowed other creators to get in on the fun and tell their very own Mouse Guard stories. This four part mini series is perfect for people who are unfamiliar with Mouse Guard but have always had an interest in reading the series due to the fact that the issue requires no additional reading. The art is gorgeous, and alternates between three different artists. While the writing and artistic style shifts from one story to the next, you hardly feel the change. The flow of the storytelling in this issue remains consistent and will hold the reader's interest. The story is stunning. One particular panel that sticks out in my mind is the way Peterson managed to intertwine the narrative into the art in a scene where two mice prepared to fight. The art is amazing and breathtaking, and the story is masterful and well written.
The Bad
I honestly can not think of a bad thing to say about this book.
The Verdict 5/5
David Petersen does it again, with a little bit of help from Jeremy Bastian, Ted Naifeh, Alex Sheikman and Scott Keating. The issue is the first part of four. The story is so good, and I was so immersed in the universe, that I did not want it to end! I cannot wait for issue two and would recommend this to children and adults alike. If you appreciate fantastic art and brilliant storytelling, Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard is what you have been searching for.
