Mouse Guard Winter 1152

Mouse Guard, the surprise indy hit of 2006, returns with it's second series Winter 1152. For this story arc, creator David Petersen explores the effect the brutal winter weather has on the lives of his noble mice. As the seasons change and the weather cools, the guard of Lockhaven realize they are severely short on supplies. Consequently, Queen Gwendolyn sends the guard on a treacherous journey to retrieve important elixir to save the life of injured guard-mouse Rand. The Guard, led by Celanawe (the famed Black Axe), travel the dangerous snow-covered paths between villages and come under attack by a hungry owl. Yet, equally as threatening to their quest is the bureaucracy they face as their diplomat barters with the governor of Sprucetuck for the supplies needed for Lockhaven.

Petersen's art is as gorgeous as his debut effort Fall 1152. Still, he strengthens Winter 1152 with more dialogue and story, the only criticism I had of the last series. It appears a third series is already in the works as well. Called Black Axe 1099 - 1116, the only information on the official Mouse Guard website about this series is cover art (pictured below) and what you know of the character from Fall 1152.


If you missed the first story, issue one of six of Winter 1152 is the perfect place to get enthralled in Petersen's mouse fantasy.

-Jon