Mouse Guard, Vol. 4-6 (of 6)
Publisher: Archaia Studios Press
Story & Art: David Petersen

23 pages (each)

Rating: 4 out of 5

##

Premise: Events and storylines start coming together as we race towards our climactic moment.

Synopsis:

In volume 4, “The Dark Ghost,” a hermit mouse has retrieved Kenzie and Saxon from outside the gates of Barkstone and brought him back to his house. He has a long-secret identity that will assist the mice in saving Lockhaven and the Mouse Guard itself. Meanwhile, Lieam’s cover is blown, he becomes a prisoner of the Axe army, and he finds out who is behind this treachery.

In volume 5, “Midnight’s Dawn,” all parties march on Lockhaven, but Sadie arrives before the army and warns the watch, who are able to prepare before the Axe army arrives.

In volume 6, “A Return to Honor,” the Axe army storms the castle, and we have a showdown for the fate of the Guard in Gwendolyn’s quarters.

##

Review:

This series continues to amaze. My only complaint is that the ending seemed a bit rushed, but I suppose that in terms of how long this battle would actually be, it would seem rushed in real time as well, and Petersen is actually in the right. The ending is a just one, based on the story setup, and it leaves the door open for a second series.

Petersen’s story is great from beginning to end. Even though I have all six issues, I’m seriously contemplating buying the soon-to-be-released hardcover for posterity and ease of reading in one sitting. Now that I know how great this is, I may just wait for the hardcover for the second series as well.

Petersen’s art is just as amazing throughout the end of the series as it was in the first three volumes. Every panel is a pleasure to look at. He is able to capture the appropriate mood at all times, from frantic, to angry, to the forebodingly creepy doom in the bottom of the next-to-last page in volume 6.

Again, this may not be a story that I’d give the youngest kids, but it’s certainly one that a slightly older set could appreciate. It’s a story where good triumphs over evil, not just by virtue of being good, but through the preparation, ingenuity, and perseverance of those involved. It makes a much more palatable and convincing ending, and seems like less of a deus ex machina.

Highly recommended.