MOUSE GUARD: Legends of the Guard #1 (of 4)

David Petersen (Author, Artist), Jeremy Bastian (Author, Artist), Alex Sheikman (Author, Artist), Ted Naifeh (Author, Artist), Guy Davis (Author, Artist), Katie Cook (Author, Artist), Karl Kerschl (Author, Artist), Craig Rousseau (Author), Mark S. Smylie (Author), Lowell Francis (Author), Alex Kain (Author), Gene Ha (Author), Sean Rubin (Author)

published by Archaia Entertainment

(2010)

reviewed by Jordan M. Bobé

06.01.10

            The first volume of the Mouse Guard series sets up a unique scenario. All of the mice that have been accumulating a tab at June Alley Inn are given the task of telling June a story that cannot be completely true, nor can it be completely false, and must be something that he has never heard before. The mouse that tells the best story will have his tab forgiven, while all of the losers will have only seven days to pay what they owe.

            The remainder of the comic is three stories, each written and drawn by a different artist.

            The first is a tale of slavery and battle written and drawn by Jeremy Bastian. It is entitled “The Battle of the Hawk’s Mouse and the Fox’s Mouse.” Though the story is but a few pages long it is full of marvelous artwork and has a deeply moving moral. It was my favorite of the three stories.

            The second is a story about true bravery written and drawn by Ted Naifeh. “A Bargain in the Dark” is a yarn about love and the strength and courage it can afford you. It was equally well written and, though the art was a bit different than the rest in this story, it was very well drawn.

            The third story is entitled “Oleg the Wise” and is written and drawn by Alex Sheikman, with coloring done by Scott Keating. The third and final tale in the collection is a brilliant way to end the first comic in this series. Alex’s art flowed the best with the artwork in the interludes and introduction done by David Peterson.

            All in all, it was an incredibly well written book appropriate for all audiences with morals that should be passed on to our children. While I am sure that it will make you think it will also entertain you. I cannot think of anyone who would not find this comic enjoyable.