Mouse Guard #4

Genre adventure Author David Petersen Publisher Archaia Studios Press External Links Official Archaia Studios Press Website

The Dark Ghost, issue four of the series of Mouse Guard, reveals a couple of surprises to our trio of Guards Mice. Kenzie and Saxon are saved from the outside elements, an old legend is found to be alive and the leader of The Axe is revealed to be someone the trio knows. Peterson keeps the mysteries going and keeps you interested with new twists and turns. In fact, it almost feels like Star Wars with the discovery of an old fighting force long thought dead.

Celanawe, an older mouse with some fight, has rescued Kenzie and Saxon from outside the city gates of Barkstone and brought them back to his home. Whether he was watching the gates by chance or heard about the banishment of these two is unknown, but he clearly believes they are the ones that stole his axe. In discussing his theory, he tells us that both he and the axe are the Black Axe. Kenzie and Saxon don't believe Celanawe, they believe the Black Axe to be dead. But when both sides reveal information and arguments as to their truths, they come to realize that each is who they say they are and agree to help each other. Sadly, in the midst of their scuffling and arguing, they have set Celanawe's hut on fire. No matter, they are off on their mission to rescue the black axe and besides, says Celawane, it leaked.

Meanwhile, Lieam is on the move. The Axe is off to meet the Commander and they are trying not to be late. Lieam wants to slip away and when he sees the merchant's grave, figures now is his best chance. He does not make it. Discovered and captured, the Green Mouse Guard is brought forth to the Commander. Left alone in his presence, Lieam recognizes the voice and the commander then quickly reveals himself as well. It surprises him but is left until next issue to be shown to us.

David Petersen is quite the storyteller. New plotlines and twists, and loops that come back from previously in the story are all well done. I am reminded of Dickens in the manner in which it is done. This comic continues to be for the whole family. The artwork has to take up a lot of his time, but it is clear the love and devotion Petersen has put into his work and it shows.