Touche Randy,
I’m not saying your comparison is wrong, I just don’t really like it because I hate the image of the Three Muskateers prancing around, striking ballet poses and hawking low-fat candy bars. Like you said though, you were talking about the author, not the Three Muskateers specifically.

Ouch. I’d forgotten all about the candy-hawking Musketeers. I can see where you wouldn’t want those thoughts brought up when reading… well, anything, really.

Also, I’m surprised none of the reviews or comments in the comic book world made the comparison to the work of Brian Jacques (Ie. Mossflower, Redwall) considering his works deal with sword-yielding mice. Some of the covers from past editions of his books look like they could be inserted directly into Mouse Guard. However, I am not trying to bang on David Peterson.

There’s definitely something to comparing Redwall to Mouse Guard… I would have mentioned it in this review, but I’d already written something talking about it in my Mice Templar blurb for Down the Line, and so I didn’t want to repeat myself.

And then I might have taken it out of my Down the Line blurb… I can’t remember.

Also, I’m surprised none of the reviews or comments in the comic book world made the comparison to the work of Brian Jacques (Ie. Mossflower, Redwall) considering his works deal with sword-yielding mice. Some of the covers from past editions of his books look like they could be inserted directly into Mouse Guard. However, I am not trying to bang on David Peterson.

Obviously I’m in the minority on this, but I was a bit disappointed by this book on a story level. I can’t deny the art is spectacular, but for me the story merely seemed to be a bunch of fantasy clichés dressed up in mouse clothing. I never felt that any of the characters were developed beyond a few superficial traits.

Likewise, I can’t say I was particularly drawn in by the traitor subplot since his identity had no real significance to the readers. Maybe it’s just a case of my expectations being set too high due to all the good things I had heard about the book before I read it.

I’m with you, I also didn’t find the story very unique and strong. The whole subplot about a traitor doesn’t have much or any impact on the reader since we didn’t knew the character in pre-traitor form.

The art does look nice, but in a way it’s just like the story; quite simple.
The backgrounds are very rare, mostly it’s the colors that make the backgrounds. But all in all it does look good, I just wouldn’t call it incredible.

I’m tired of seeing the “three muskateers” mentioned in a blurb about MouseGuard. Everytime I read that I try to get it out of my dome because I don’t agree with the comparison and it ruins my memories of the great read.

Wow. If the mere suggestion of a comparison you don’t agree with can ruin a read for you, it must be hell reading reviews of books.

To be fair, I wasn’t comparing specifics of The Three Musketeers, but generalities in the style of Alexandre Dumas, and I stand by that comparison.

Don’t butter the @$$ biscuits!!!

I say again… wow. Is this a saying now?

Likewise, I can’t say I was particularly drawn in by the traitor subplot since his identity had no real significance to the readers. Maybe it’s just a case of my expectations being set too high due to all the good things I had heard about the book before I read it.

The maps were a great addition. They made the reader feel closer to the fantasy world and overall story. I found myself flipping back to the first map every time a new territory was mentioned.

Looking forward to the next collection.

That said, damn you. Damn you for posting that second image. Specifically, the last panel, low-angel shot of the mice with the tree in the background. Now I have to drink a cheaper beer one night this week and brown bag it a couple of days. I just can’t resist any longer.

Why do I have the feeling that Mouse Guard is the great band that everyone liked before they got popular and I’m gonna end up being the guy coming around 6 months after the fact with the annoying “Hey, have you heard these guys? They’re awesome!”