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Mouse Guard: Belly of the Beast
Review posted: 10 Mar 2006
Writer: David Peterson
Artist: David Peterson
Publisher: David Peterson / ComiXpress
4.00 out of 5 Stars
Reviewed by Adam White
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I originally came across mention of David Peterson's Mouse Guard whilst browsing comics news during the summer convention season and became interested based on the few preview illustrations I saw. So I looked up Peterson's website and was then directed to a printer, ComiXpress, where I went about purchasing the book. Receiving it just today, I gleefully ripped open the package and set to reading this newfound treasure.
David Peterson is a true independent creator; he only recently got his Mouse Guard series picked up by a publisher, so Mouse Guard: Belly of the Beast was a one-man show with the exception of the independent printer. Peterson's story is simple yet effective: three mice of the Mouse Guard protect the mice citizenry and set out to find a missing merchant. They find more than they bargained for and have a harrowing adventure in the process. Sounds simple, but even at twenty-two pages it was entirely too short. The
The three main mice — Lieam, Kenzie, and Saxon — come alive with a surprising vitality that makes them enjoyable to follow.
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pieces of the plot are archetypal, yet feel fresh thanks to the personalities of the characters. The three main mice — Lieam, Kenzie, and Saxon — come alive with a surprising vitality that makes them enjoyable to follow. There's even an interesting plot twist at the end that, while a little out-of-nowhere, illustrates that this issue is but a small story of a much larger tale waiting to be told.
The other aspect that really makes the book and the story stand out is Peterson's vibrant art. Peterson's pages have the polish of an established pro despite his being relatively undiscovered. The art immediately draws you into the world and the story and leaves you needing to browse the issue repeatedly just to admire the visuals. The dimensions of the book more resemble an illustrated children's book than a typical comic, so that gives the art a broader layout in which to breathe as well. Peterson also manages to distinguish each character despite their realistic appearances (he thankfully avoids
This issue is but a small story of a much larger tale waiting to be told.
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overdoing the anthropomorphic qualities), making the story much more involving and fun than any company crossover.
Given that I ordered it a few months ago, it obviously took a while to receive it (even though I'm told that the ComiXpress people have gotten back on schedule now), but don't let that deter you from checking it out — it's inexpensive and well worth the wait. I'm very much looking forward to the Mouse Guard mini series forthcoming from Peterson, now published by Archaia Studios Press (look for it in February 2006). In the meantime, I'll have to settle for rereading this small book about small heroes created by someone with large talent. Books like this help give me hope that there are actually creators out there ready to take comics into the future and help transform them into an art form that celebrates more than just spandex and hooters.
Sally forth and track down Mouse Guard: Belly of the Beast.
—CCdC—
Cover image used without explicit permission in accordance with the "Fair Use" provision of US copyright law.
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