Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard, fabulous all age comic greatness

Mouse Guard is the best all age comic that I hadn’t read. My first interaction with Mouse Guard was a couple of years ago when they released something for Free Comic Book Day. That brief comic was amazing, the art was some of the prettiest that I’d seen, the story was cute and simply perfect for everyone.  I must get the graphic novels that came before this I said. Alas, time passed and I forgot.  Although I still read that free comic, I wanted more Mouse Guard.  It is here and it is awesome.

Mouse Guard: Legends of The Guard, Volume Three #1 is the first of four in this limited series.  This issue consists of three short stories that have a common thread through each of them.  Each story and art is done by someone different, giving the comic a fresh perspective through the size of their panels, art and communication style.

It all starts out with June, the owner of a hotel summoning guests down to the bar area for a competition.  Each person owes June money for food, lodging or drink.  The mouse that tells the best story will get their debts erased.  The other two will have to pay within seven days or their debts will be turned over to the Barkstone Magistrate.

The first story is done by Mark Buckingham and evokes a classic story and feel in the art, a la, Classics Illustrated.  A goose is guarding a farmhouse and Roland has been called in to get rid of said goose so that the mouse can keep snacking.  Roland brandishes his sword, but the goose quickly dumps a bag of flour on him, stopping him in his tracks. In the end Roland dupes the goose into thinking he’s a ghost,

The second story features the distinctive art of Skotie Young.  It’s a short story about dreaming big, optimism and doing things on your own.  The panels are huge; some taking up an entire page and the art is big, wondrous and fun.  It’s all Skotie and a simple story that goes beyond where it otherwise would’ve without his influence.

The third story is done by Hannah Christenson and goes back to the classics, a shade darker and more ‘real’ than the first story.  It could easy be called Battle Knight.  It’s the story of a metalworker mouse who made a suit of armor for a knight.  He doesn’t realize the power that he possess until a traveler mouse stops by to make him understand that power-and courage come from within regardless of what you do.

Wait, I’m supposed to believe that a comic about mice, telling stories about other mice is entertaining for all ages?  Moreover, is my 9 year old that loves superheroes going to like this?  Yes, Mouse Guard is awesome.  It’s thoroughly enjoyable and a pleasure to look at, as much a work of art as it is a consumable comic.

The older readers will love the detailed art and subtle lessons that the mice in the book teach.   The younger readers will love the scaled down reality, new vocabulary and detail that the comic has.  It’s one of the few all age comics that people of all ages can enjoy for the same reasons.  The book’s square shape is also unique that makes it simple for small hands to grasp.