Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 is the first in a series about the Guard that protects mice against predators and keeps them safe. Once warriors, they are now escorts and pathfinders.

From the very first panels Petersen is able to immerse the reader in his world with beautiful drawings and an appealing set of characters in the Mouse Guards Kenzie, Saxon and Lieam. The plot centres on a mysterious betrayal that engulfs this trio and leads them to a battle for survival. Petersen manages to use this plot not just to keep the reader interested but also to paint in the detail and history of his mouse world.

It's very well done, and I could imagine a lot of children getting right into the Mouse Guard series. For me, it lacked a bit of originality, reminding me very much of Brian Jacques' Redwall series. I also found some of the captioning, in a thin copperplate font, very difficult to read. Still, this is a really good example of its genre. If I happen to come across the sequels, I'll certainly give them a read. ( )

Both the artwork and the story are fantastic.
Everything feels very consistent and it is a pleasure to enter this harsh but fascinating world of mice and the dangers they face. ( )

Short chapters, well drawn, in full colour. Obviously only a small part of a whole story, reminded me of a grown-up version of the Beatrice Potter books, with death, torture and fighting. ( )

Books read in 2022 #17 - “Mouse Guard: Winter 1152” by David Petersen.

In the aftermath of a recent war and suffering the effects of a freezing winter the leader of the city of Lockhaven sends her most trusted guards on missions to outlying communities in search of aid and medicines. On the way the guards encounter old enemies, new challenges, and revelations about their own characters.

This second volume of David Petersen’s Mouse Guard saga is skillfully told and stunningly illustrated as it builds a world beyond the panels that draws you in to the adventure. ( )

This is a beautiful comic. The art style is reminiscent of an old-fashioned English storybook for children. The story is well-told and has a sense of timelessness to it. Definitely recommended! ( )