In the world of Mouse Guard, mice struggle to live safely and prosper amongst harsh conditions and a host of predators. Thus the Mouse Guard was fo...
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reviews
May 19, 2008
Jessica
rated it: 
Sincerity and simplicity are endangered concepts in much of today's fantasy offerings -- be they books, movies or games -- but "Mouse Guard" recalls the fare of my youth, like "Watership Down" and "The Secret of NIMH," where even the most unassuming creatures face epic trials of life and death and morality.
Think of it as a "Lord of the Rings" for mice, but instead of battling balrogs, these warrior mice struggle against snakes and crabs, and instead More...
Think of it as a "Lord of the Rings" for mice, but instead of battling balrogs, these warrior mice struggle against snakes and crabs, and instead More...
Jan 30, 2008
Becky
rated it: 
Gorgeous book. The story owes a huge debt to Redwall, but the artwork is the real reason to read this book (and slowly). One review called the illustrations "sumptuous," and I can't beat that word. The colors are lush and glowing, and pattern & texture are used to great effect to show depth and distance.
I noticed that David Petersen earned his BFA in printmaking, which would explain the care taken in composing each panel. Even though these aren't prints, I can imagine that More...
I noticed that David Petersen earned his BFA in printmaking, which would explain the care taken in composing each panel. Even though these aren't prints, I can imagine that More...
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Jun 25, 2008
Icats
rated it:
This graphic novel was written for children but also entertaining for adults. The Mouse Guard was formed to protect the mice against the world’s harsh conditions and predators, but who knew their greatest enemy would be from within. A traitor mouse threatens to bring down their villages and the Guard itself. The illustrations are bold and detailed giving life to the majestic territories of the mice. Though the premise of little warrior mice may seem cute, these mice are fierce fighters and their
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(2 people liked it)
Dec 14, 2008
Nicholas
rated it: 
A book about warrior mice comes off as the sort of comedy comic I'd pick up in the 90's, flip through, and put back dismissively. There's been a certain disdain for talking animal comics among serious comic writers for about as long as the comic industry has existed in America.
What sets Mouse Guard apart is that the creatures don't seem all that anthropomorphized. The author basically took a step back and observed that life for a mouse civilization would be much scarier and more diff More...
What sets Mouse Guard apart is that the creatures don't seem all that anthropomorphized. The author basically took a step back and observed that life for a mouse civilization would be much scarier and more diff More...
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(3 people liked it)
Nov 11, 2011
Abigail
rated it:
Small creatures in a large and threatening world, the mice of the Territories must constantly guard against danger, both from within and without. Having emerged victorious from the winter war of 1149, in which they repelled a weasel warlord intent on seizing their land, the Mouse Guard - an elite band of warriors sworn to protect their fellow mice, whether as soldiers, escorts and pathfinders between the far-flung and often isolated settlements of the Territories, weather watchers and scouts, or
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Mar 03, 2008
Burt
rated it:
I don't like anthropomorphic stories. The Secret of NIMH never did it for me. I never finished Watership Down. Animal Farm was way too clever and even its political similies were lost on me when I was 15. I have seen and heard and spoken with Brian Jaques, but I haven't cracked the cover of Redwall yet.
Lieam, Saxon, and Kenzie are the primary characters of Mouse Guard and they are, yes, mice. So are Gwendolyn and Sadie and Conrad. Ditto Celanawe. Mice. I hate stories with mice in the More...
Lieam, Saxon, and Kenzie are the primary characters of Mouse Guard and they are, yes, mice. So are Gwendolyn and Sadie and Conrad. Ditto Celanawe. Mice. I hate stories with mice in the More...
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Jun 25, 2007
Jordan
rated it:
This was the biggest out-of-nowhere indie hit of the comic book world last year. With comparisons to "Bone" and "The Secret of NIMH," I knew it would never live up to the hype. But I enjoyed it nevertheless.
The art was terrific, the world felt authentic, and the characters were instantly likable. I just think the story he was trying to tell was a little more epic than he gave himself room for. A lot of important stuff got skipped in "meanwhile..." chapter More...
The art was terrific, the world felt authentic, and the characters were instantly likable. I just think the story he was trying to tell was a little more epic than he gave himself room for. A lot of important stuff got skipped in "meanwhile..." chapter More...
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Dec 16, 2009
Jon
rated it:
One of the greatest achievements in comic art of the last 10 years.
A tale that works on so many levels it is the true All ages comic. Young and old will get something out of it.
It's the cavalier worlds of derring-do, Robin Hood and the like transferred, and reduced to the world of mice.
The surface of cute anthropomorphism it has underneath it a stunning mix of intrigue and adventure. The art is wonderfully rendering with care and attention to detail instantly recalling all the More...
A tale that works on so many levels it is the true All ages comic. Young and old will get something out of it.
It's the cavalier worlds of derring-do, Robin Hood and the like transferred, and reduced to the world of mice.
The surface of cute anthropomorphism it has underneath it a stunning mix of intrigue and adventure. The art is wonderfully rendering with care and attention to detail instantly recalling all the More...
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(1 person liked it)
Jan 08, 2012
Andrew Shuping
rated it:
There are a few things that I look for when reading a new comic or a graphic novel: 1) it has a great storyline 2) compelling characters 3) great artwork 4) it’s a continuing series (provided it meets the other criteria, it just means that I don’t have to say goodbye to new friends so quickly) and 5) that it’s got a little bit of something in it for everyone. And Mouse Guard definently meets that criteria for me...and that last one is probably the most important one. I like being able to take
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Jan 05, 2012
Karissa
rated it:
I picked up a copy of this book at the used book store. I had been wanting to read this series forever and thought my 5 year old son would also enjoy it. It was very well done; both the story and the illustration was top notch.
Mice struggle to survive with the tangle of predators around. Thus the Mouse Guard was formed. The Mouse Guard guard the paths between villages to ensure that mice can travel safely. When a merchant mouse goes missing Kenzie, Lieam, and Saxon are sent out to More...
Mice struggle to survive with the tangle of predators around. Thus the Mouse Guard was formed. The Mouse Guard guard the paths between villages to ensure that mice can travel safely. When a merchant mouse goes missing Kenzie, Lieam, and Saxon are sent out to More...
Dec 02, 2011
Cornerofmadness
rated it:
This is the first in the series (I have read the second by accident) which is a graphic novel about Mice in what looks to be the Middle Ages. The Guard is the legendary mice who protect the hidden Mouse villages from predators, which, when you’re a mouse, are numerous. It opens with three guards men Lieam, Saxon and Kenzie going to find a lost merchant only to stumble onto the fact there are traitors seeking to expose Lockhaven, the capitol city where Gwendolyn, the head of the guard d More...
Aug 18, 2011
ηicolε
rated it:
Another great release by Petersen. I figured I’d read this volume seeing as I’ve already read Winter 1152 and Legends of the Guard. Fall 1152 was a fantastic volume and probably my most enjoyed over all.
For the first time, Saxon, Kenzie, and Liam travel together as Guards-mice of Lockhaven to search for a traitor before ’the axe’, a militia quite known to them, destroys their village. Again, a wonderful display of these characters. Each character has their own flaws (Kenzie being too More...
For the first time, Saxon, Kenzie, and Liam travel together as Guards-mice of Lockhaven to search for a traitor before ’the axe’, a militia quite known to them, destroys their village. Again, a wonderful display of these characters. Each character has their own flaws (Kenzie being too More...
Jan 05, 2011
Ben
rated it:
I was a littlw wary of this book when I first saw it online. I'm a big fan of non-mainstream graphic novels, but I wasn't sure this would be good enough for me. Looking at the preview available on Amazon, it didn't look very good. Eventually, I went out on a limb and bought it anyway, and boy am I glad I did! It was one of the best graphic novels I've ever read.
The storyline has such a wonderfully strong basis, and the characters are deep, meaningful, and likable. By halfway through I More...
The storyline has such a wonderfully strong basis, and the characters are deep, meaningful, and likable. By halfway through I More...
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Aug 09, 2010
Nancy
rated it:
Mouse Guard: Autumn 1152 tells the story of three mice, Liem, Kenzie, and Saxon, members of the Mouse Guard. While on a mission to find a missing grain merchant, they come across evidence of betrayal. The three travel back to the capital to warn Gwendolyn, the matriarch of the guard. On the way the three will encounter legendary warriors, and face dangerous traitors before they hope to save the city of Lockhaven.
As someone that reads more fiction than comics, when reading a graphic n More...
As someone that reads more fiction than comics, when reading a graphic n More...
Apr 04, 2010
GateGypsy
rated it:
I purchased this, and its sequel, while on vacation this spring. We also purchased the related role-playing game.
From the backleaf:
" 'Petersen Manages to create a fascinating world in a brief amount of space... the art is simply wonderful... Mouse Guard feels very much in the vein of classics like Watership Down.'
The forest is a dangerous place for any animal, especially one as small as a mouse. In the past, the mouse world endured a tyrannical Weasel Warlord until a noble b More...
From the backleaf:
" 'Petersen Manages to create a fascinating world in a brief amount of space... the art is simply wonderful... Mouse Guard feels very much in the vein of classics like Watership Down.'
The forest is a dangerous place for any animal, especially one as small as a mouse. In the past, the mouse world endured a tyrannical Weasel Warlord until a noble b More...
Oct 28, 2009
Seth
rated it:
David Petersen's Mouseguard is a so-far-incredible series that pits medieval mice against both their common predators (snakes, owls, weasels, etc.) and their own kind. As the series is yet to be completed, it's hard to judge how well the series-as-whole will hold up—but if Petersen continues to show the kind of storytelling attention and illustrator's care that we see in the first two volumes, the final result will be worthwhile indeed.
With Fall 1152, Petersen introduces a world with More...
With Fall 1152, Petersen introduces a world with More...
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Sep 21, 2010
Megan
rated it:
This story is well worth reading for the art alone. The panels are gorgeous - the colors are rich and the drawings have such incredible details. The action and movement between panels is such that it seems like you're watching a film with great shots and excellent cinematography. I'd say the art is close to as good as it gets when it comes to this style of graphic novel.
And while I knew going in that the art would impress me, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the story. I've More...
And while I knew going in that the art would impress me, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the story. I've More...
Feb 26, 2009
Monique
rated it:
This story of mouse warriors is beautifully drawn. Text is minimal but keeps the story moving while the action of the brave mice and their foes plays out in the panels. Dominated by earth tones, the illustrations conjure a natural world of autumn undergrowth and hidden civilization. The mice are dressed in splashes of color which help identify them. They courageously face natural dangers such as a large serpent, and huge crabs, but it is the traitorous foes of their own kind which present the
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Jan 26, 2010
Neill
rated it:
"In the world of Mouse Guard, mice struggle to live safely and prosper amongst harsh conditions and a host of predators. Thus the Mouse Guard was formed: more than just soldiers that fight off intruders, they are guides for common mice looking to journey without confrontation from one hidden village to another. The Guard patrol borders, find safeways and paths through dangerous territories and treacherous terrain, watch weather patterns, and keep the mouse territories free of predatory infe
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Nov 18, 2010
H
rated it:
Beautifully illustrated with a martial plot that will appeal to boys, fantasy lovers, and graphic novel fans, this is the story of a treacherous plot to overthrow the Mouse Guard and replace them with a despotic militaristic ruler. The Guard seeks to continue to protect the weak while still allowing the weak to rule themselves. Will the Guard prevail? My frustration with this book is strictly A.R. based - I don't think some of the kids that A.R. says this book is for (it is listed as a 3.4 l
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Feb 17, 2011
Joffre
rated it:
If you write a book involving sword-wielding mice, I'm in. If you include seriously intense graphic renderings of mouse badassery, and include the occasional battle-axe, I'm all in.
The art in this graphic novel was absolutely amazing. Petersen draws with a really gritty line, allowing the native cuteness of mice in armor to soften the edges on its own. The realistically rendered snakes and crabs the mice fight in the beginning of the book make the swirling cloaks and tiny daggers of th More...
The art in this graphic novel was absolutely amazing. Petersen draws with a really gritty line, allowing the native cuteness of mice in armor to soften the edges on its own. The realistically rendered snakes and crabs the mice fight in the beginning of the book make the swirling cloaks and tiny daggers of th More...
Mar 18, 2010
Jeremy
rated it:
Synopsis - mice are to protect their people from the evil things that are out to kil them and then a strike back when some of the mice want to kill their own people becase they do not follow a certain leader.
Classification -
Audience: 10+ boys and girls
Purpose: relate to world war 2 i thought possibily for entertainment
Medium: Graphic Novel/cartoon
Genre - Setting: Fantasy
Genre - Style: Tragedy
Genre - Plot: adventure
Criticism:
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Classification -
Audience: 10+ boys and girls
Purpose: relate to world war 2 i thought possibily for entertainment
Medium: Graphic Novel/cartoon
Genre - Setting: Fantasy
Genre - Style: Tragedy
Genre - Plot: adventure
Criticism:
More...
Feb 27, 2011
Olduvai
rated it:
Awww… how adorable, was my reaction on seeing David Petersen’s Mouse Guard Volume 1: Fall 1152 (v. 1) in the library. A mouse civilisation? Mice with capes and swords? Cute little mice fighting? How can anyone resist?
Lieam, Kenzie, and Saxon, three Mouse Guards, are sent to pick up the trail of a missing grain merchant, whom they realise is part of a bigger conspiracy to overthrow the leadership. These mice are Ferocious (yeah with a capital ‘F’)! Snakes are no mean feat for them, let More...
Lieam, Kenzie, and Saxon, three Mouse Guards, are sent to pick up the trail of a missing grain merchant, whom they realise is part of a bigger conspiracy to overthrow the leadership. These mice are Ferocious (yeah with a capital ‘F’)! Snakes are no mean feat for them, let More...
Aug 15, 2011
Coco
rated it:
Wow, wonderful! This comic series hearkens back to my childhood reading of the "Redwall" series and "Watership Down". Fans of those novels will surely enjoy this.
The Mouse Guard protects travelers while in the open country between hidden settlements from predators and the like. The warrior mice fit very neatly into an interesting and complex little culture made up of creatures that face an inordinate amount of threats. Saxon, Kenzie, and Lieam are fantastic characters--their More...
The Mouse Guard protects travelers while in the open country between hidden settlements from predators and the like. The warrior mice fit very neatly into an interesting and complex little culture made up of creatures that face an inordinate amount of threats. Saxon, Kenzie, and Lieam are fantastic characters--their More...
Dec 11, 2011
Timothy
rated it:
Despite the silly premise, I'm already sold on the world that Petersen has thought up; kudos for providing just the right amount of history and some fun extras like a map at the end. I loved the artwork, which is stylized but not so abstract that it ever makes the narrative hard to follow. In particular, the section that depicts the evil mouse army marching through the rain was so pretty that I wanted to linger on it for a while.
Unfortunately, the writing is fairly lacking. I like More...
Unfortunately, the writing is fairly lacking. I like More...
Dec 29, 2011
melo
rated it:
c'è poco da fare, mouse guard è il fumetto più bello che mi sia capitato per le mani da anni. alla faccia dela scuola franco-belga, di tutto il mondo dei comics in Italia, questa è una piccola perla che sono contento di aver messo in libreria.
è semplice. diretto. pulito. disegnato da dio.
certo, sono storie di piccoli topi.
ma sono topi che si sbudellano l'un l'altro, che lottano contro le stagioni e le bestie, e non hanno paura di sporcarsi i guanti gialli di fango e di sangue.
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è semplice. diretto. pulito. disegnato da dio.
certo, sono storie di piccoli topi.
ma sono topi che si sbudellano l'un l'altro, che lottano contro le stagioni e le bestie, e non hanno paura di sporcarsi i guanti gialli di fango e di sangue.
More...
Dec 26, 2007
Leah
rated it: 
This book should get a 4-5 stars for the art work. It is worth checking out at the library to see the illustrations, but the story isn't very deep the characters fit perfect character molds--the dangerously brave, the wise, and the novice. Maybe the plot isn't so bad, but with such great artwork, your expectations for the whole thing get very high.
Oct 01, 2011
Fran
rated it:
I had previously read this book when it first came out. The first issue caught my eye in the comic store, and I bought them all as they came out and read the story over the long period of time as it was published. Not the best way to read it. This really benefited from a 2nd read, done in one go, and then I followed it up by reading Winter 1152 straight after. Vastly improves the enjoyment of the work.
There's something charming about these books and the world that David Petersen has c More...
There's something charming about these books and the world that David Petersen has c More...
May 16, 2010
Laura
rated it:
After skimming through several other reviews, I found that I agreed with a good deal of them in that while the artwork is simply stunning, the story itself leaves me wanting a little more. The mice in Mouse Guard are doughty little creatures with their own rules and laws. Traitors are punished, and members of the guard are fierce and intelligent. I felt like the story went a little bit too quickly, before some of the characters could develop beyond the idea the author had for them. However,
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Dec 12, 2009
Sarah
rated it:
David Petersen is an incredible artist. I have yet to see something he has drawn that does not blow me away. Yet the story behind Mouse Guard was lacking for me. I enjoy the idea behind it: mice are tiny and vulnerable and thus there is a group of mice whose responsibility is to protect the others. However, I felt that much of the story needed to be further fleshed out. There was so much story to tell within the boundary of the larger narrative that I often felt cheated. Mouse Guard read to me a
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