Imagine Les Trois Mousquetaires as written by J.R.R. Tolkien, in graphic novel format with fantastically drawn and colored animal characters. On the surface, this may look like a children book but don't let that fool you. It's serious and at times dark; full of adventures and realistic dangers. Despite having a good story, I suspect it's the attractive, vivid artwork that will keep you coming back for more. Certainly one of the most beautiful graphic novels I have ever read. Support the authors, buy the books, if you can. There is a RPG based on this comic that will be released soon. According to some of the previews I have read, the game is as good as the books. I am definitely getting it.

Here is a short review for Mouse Guard Fall 1152, from x-librarian.com:

Mouse Guard is a beautiful book, even the physical presentation is something to behold. A fairly large square-book format it will probably cause some librarians angst in regards to shelving but that should dissipate once you see the book. With vibrant autumnal colours on a matte dustcover and a cover picture of three earnest mice with swords and capes, the presentation leaps out at the reader and is instantly appealing.

Originally released as a 6 part comic series in 2005-2006 Mouse Guard was an instant hit with various issues selling out, being reprinted and then selling out again. Much like Bone by Jeff Smith, Mouse Guard starts with a deceptively simple beginning. The three mouse protagonists are sent to search for a lost mouse that failed to arrive at his appointed destination. Like all good mysteries, this small act reveals a clue that bigger things are afoot and soon the story expands into a tale that reaches into the history and mythology of the Mouse Territories.

It is a fairly sombre book, with focus on the quest of the three mice intertwining with a larger war situation later in the book . However the violence depicted is fairly minimal, with no gratuitous shots and minimal blood. Younger readers may find it all too serious and heavy despite the cute protagonists. The ideal minimum age would be approx 11+.

For me, its the art that drew me in, and keeps me coming back. You can see some internal art from the series at David Petersen’s website. Make sure you check out his other work , such as the covers he is doing for the latest Muppet comic series from Boom! studios.



http://rapidshare.com/files/305865525/Mouse_Guard_-_Fall_1152.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/305878183/Mouse_Guard_-_Winter_1152.rar