Myths In Miniature - David Petersen Discusses Mouse Guard

For those who've never picked up an issue, Petersen describes Mouse Guard as "a comic series about medieval mice and their society’s struggle to survive in a world where every other animal wants to eat them."Beyond that summation the author has weaved a tale of intrigue, excitement, and bold heroism which has won the series two Eisner Awards - including "Best Publication for Kids." And while not a kids' book per se, Mouse Guard offers well-crafted stories readers of all ages can appreciate.

The third volume in the Mouse Guard saga, The Black Axe (#1: JUL100766F; #2: SEP100781F; $3.50), will begin September 29. While the first two series, Fall 1152 (HC: APR098448F, $24.95) and Winter 1152 (HC: MAY090647F, $24.95), comprised one storyline, Black Axe will take readers back in time.

"It's a prequel story," Petersen says. "The character Celanawe promises to tell of the day his paw first touched the Black Axe. This is my fulfillment of that promise."

Without spoiling too much for those who haven't read the first two series, Petersen is referring to a scene where the elder mouse Celanawe pledges to tell younger mouse Lieam the story of the titular weapon, and the heroic figure who first wielded it.

Along with Black Axe, the hardcover collection of the anthology series Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard (AUG100760F, $19.95) is set for release at the end of October. In the book, the mouse patrons of the June Alley Inn engage in a storytelling competition, each trying to outdo the other. The tales they tell are written and drawn by a different creator, each chosen by Petersen himself.

Petersen talked about both projects and the greater world of the Mouse Guard in this Diamond-exclusive interview:

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Diamond Daily: Since Black Axe is a prequel, was it more difficult to write, as you already had an established continuity it had to fit into?

David Petersen: There is some danger in doing a story like this where you already know the fate of the main characters. I just tried to focus on revalations I wanted to reveal that could skew how you view the books you have already read.

Daily: If someone hasn't read Mouse Guard before but wants to start, is this book a good place to start? Is there anything they'd need to know going into this series?

Petersen: I always tell readers to start with Fall 1152. I wrote it as an introduction story. I have had fans tell me they were intorduced to Mouse Guard with Winter 1152, and they had no toruble and still enjoyed Fall. So I may be proven wrong again and that Black Axe will work as an starting point, but I doubt it.

Daily: Mouse Guard is one of those series that seems appropriate for children and adults. When you were coming up with the idea, was that something you intentionally pursued, or do you think that's just something inherent to the concept?

Petersen: I think it started because of the inherent nature of the material and the types of stories I like which doesn't tend to have that 'adults only edge'. But as I went I certainly thought about how it was a good buisness decision to open up my target audience and not leave anyone out... which also means making sure it doesn't immediately come off like a kids book.

Daily: You recently had an anthology series, Legends of the Guard, where you had other artists tell Mouse Guard stories. What was it like seeing other creators' takes on your characters? Will the stories from Legends impact the main series?

Petersen: It was awesome! I handpicked the creators and I loved working with them. I tried to stay as hands off as possible when it came to letting them do their work, and I'm proud of the results. The stories from Legends won't have much of an impact... perhaps 1%. I may pepper the future of Mouse Guard with references back to a few of the tales, but they will serve more as easter eggs than cannon rules

Daily: Was Legends of the Guard just a one-time project, or is it something you'd like to do again soon?

Petersen: We announced that we will be doing another round of Legends after Black Axe. We have already lined up some cool folks like Kenneth Rocafort, Bill Willingham, and Stan Sakai.

Daily: What was the inspiration for Mouse Guard? Did you think it was something that would catch on the way it did?

Petersen: It started with an idea in high school to do something like Disney's Robin Hood, but as I developed it through college, it became mouse-centric with the scope and viewpoint that is Mouse Guard today. I didn't know it would take off like this, but when it came time for me to start a self published book to see if I could get my foot in the comics door, Mouse Guard was the most accessable project I had with the potential to be something big.

Interior Pages from Mouse Guard: Black Axe #1: