Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard, Vol. 2

Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard #2

by David Petersen (Writer / Artist), Various (Illustrator)

Inside the June Alley Inn, located in the western mouse city of Barkstone, mice gather to tell tales, each trying to outdo the other. A competition, of sorts, begins. The rules: Every story must contain one truth, one lie, and have never been told in that tavern before. With the winner getting his bar tab cleared, fantastic stories are spun throughout the evening! Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard collects the second volume of Legends of the Guard, a new Mouse Guard anthology series featuring the work of artists and storytellers handpicked by series creator David Petersen.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Comics, Animals, Adventure, Short Stories, Graphic Novels Comics

144 pages, Hardcover

First published December 3, 2013

About the author

Note: There are more than one David Petersen on GR's database. For catch-all profile, see here (dissambiguated via 7 spaces).

David Petersen was born in 1977. His artistic career soon followed. A steady diet of cartoons, comics, and tree climbing fed his imagination and is what still inspires his work today. David won the 2007 Russ Manning Award for Most Promising Newcomer. In 2008, David won the Eisners for Best Publication for Kids (Mouse Guard Fall 1152 & Winter 1152) and Best Graphic Album – Reprint (Mouse Guard Fall 1152 Hardcover). He is the creator of the Mouse Guard series and is excited to be working on projects he dearly loves doing. David and his wife Julia reside in Michigan with their dog Autumn.

Reviews

[Kitty G Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second volume of Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard that I have read and enjoyed. It's a collection or anthology of different authors and illustrators coming together to each tell their own fable or story in the Mouse Guard world (originally created by David Petersen). The collection of the first volume was excellent, with some truly stunning illustrations and whilst the stories are all fairly simplistic, they are all very beautiful in their own unique ways.

I had a couple of really stand out artists though whose work I would like to check out in the future (I think this anthology is great for introducing illustrators I haven't heard of before) and they are:
David Peterson himself (he illustrates the joining story of the tavern where these stories take place between each one very beautifully).
Alex Eckman-Lawn (whose style is subtle and soft with glowing colours and beautiful design).
Christian Slade (probably my favourite in this anthology even though he draws in just simple brown on yellowed paper an with lines. It's a hard style o get right, and his is perfect!)
Cory Godbey (who has a very colourful, digital-based style which was so surreal and beautiful at times I couldn't help but be impressed!)
and finally, Jackson Sze (who used a much more loose and scene-based style for his story, but was utterly enchanting and the character expressions so cute).

All of those I mentioned had excellent styles which were unique, quirky and very much to my taste. There were some styles which I didn't care for as much, as to be expected from an anthology, but it really worked as a whole. I gave this a 3.5*s which is a little lower than my rating for the previous, purely becuase there were a few more actual stories and illustrators that I really liked in the previous volume, but I would still say I am very happy to have read this one. Lots of mouse-y fun again, 3.5*s overall.

[Quentin Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this volume as much as Volume 2. I love seeing the different variety in art styles, and the range was wide here as almost every story had a totally different look and feel to it. Im not as much for the rhyming stories, but I know lovers of poetry would probably appreciate them more. Some of the stories are even silent, but the pictures tell the story without words. Overall, if you liked the first volume you'll like the second.

[Johan Haneveld · Rating 4 out of 5]

7 Sadly not as good as the David Petersen-books that tell a longer story, but as an hommage to the Mouse Guard books this is fun entertainment. It's great to see other artists drawing the heroic mice in their own style, and telling short fable-like stories, but the stories are so short that real connection to the characters is impossible and it's mostly the art that impresses. Also after only three main titles there is -to my mind- not enough mythology to really support these kind of extra tales. Short movies and stories in different styles can be told in the Star Wars universe, as that is big enough with a lot of background information and details about worldbuilding and characters to have an instantly recognizable framework. What I mean is: the short stories in e.g. Star Wars Visions (the anime) feel like a part of a whole, even if they're not in a part of the galaxy that has been explored before, just because items like light sabers and the Force are instantly recognizable. I don't think the Mouse Guard universe had enough recognizable elements yet to elevate the stories here from general animal fables to real 'Mouse Guard'-stories.
Still - a lot to enjoy in the art and a couple of stories made me smile. I'll look for the first and third volume in this series as well. Just because I am a fan of Mouse Guard. But I really hope Peterson will return to write and draw a full length Mouse Guard adventure one day!

[47Time · Rating 4 out of 5]

The new season brings a new edition to June the Innkeeper's contest. Several mice with outstanding tabs at the inn are invited to tell a story in hopes of impressing June enough to forgo their tab. The contest is popular enough that some contestants don't even care about winning, only to be entertained and to please others with their tales of heroes, unlikely alliances, love, war, superstition, coming of age, exploration and even song.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amo tantísimo Mouse Guard!!! Qué mundo tan reconfortante, chiquitino y mágico a la par que épico, emocionante y noble. Junta mis elementos y tropos favoritos en uno solo y la combinación es perfecta. Fantasía medieval de pequeñas (y no tan pequeñas) criaturinas forestales... 🐭🍂🏹 Tengo muchas ganas de seguir con el resto de libros.

[Kerry · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was only all right.

It's an anthology of a bunch of short stories, but most of them are SO short that I don't have time to care. I did like the art on the one that Willingham did. And I liked best the one that won the story-telling contest, the dialogue-less one about the mermouse. And I do like the interstitial art, by the actual Mouse Guard guy.

I want more Mouse Guard! Actual Mouse Guards, guarding things! Stop anthologizing and get with the guarding. Bring on Spring! Sheesh.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, I'm not sure what I thought I would get from this volume, considering how lukewarm I was about the first Legends book. This repeated the exact same scenario, this time with stories that felt even less fleshed out. Still love Mouse Guard...just going to stick to the main works in the series now.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great collection. Petersen has such great taste in artists to collaborate with. Highlights in this one for me are Stan Sakai, Ben Caldwell, Rick Geary, Cory Godbey, and Bill Willingham (writing only).

Anthologies are never going to be my preferred format, but like Volume 1, this is an excellent one.

[Charlos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Different authors/illustrators make it uneven but overall palatable.

[Rebecca Dawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I enjoyed this collection better than the first but legends are great in general!

[Book busy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Arguably an improvement upon the previous anothology. Each and every one of the short comics in this collection was beautiful to look at, like my eyes were being fed ambrosia (I'm such a sucker for a good colour scheme) . I'm going to have to read the final collection but I worry it cannot be topped by this one. I hold back one star because none of the comics delved into anything too deep or emotionally gripping and so this anthology series feels more like fables but it just so happens they're incredibly pretty and also 90% of characters are mice.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining and unique with its collection by different authors and illustrators. This analog of tales weaves a of variety of themes into one entertaining volume set in a world that could be middle earth. A downside is that my son lent me this book and now I feel that I must collect them all! Perfect for when you have just enough concentration to read something short but need a quick mind vacation. Added bonus, a hardcover version that is sturdy and snug enough to fit between work files. Not that I’m reading at work! Never 😂

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

The interconnecting art by Petersen between the stories was a nice idea, and seeing Willingham and Sakai is always a joy - but it's still an anthology with stories that were too short to care about, with one maybe two standing out. I'd hoped Petersen would continue the main series instead of these half-baked tries.

[karlipagemaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This anthology has so many wonderful stories and the many styles of art is insanely beautiful. The Mouse Guard world brings me so much joy and I know these are stories I'll visit again and again throughout my life.

[Fantasy Svet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prvá časť legiend bola viac-menej tajomná, okázalo expresívna a vážna. Len sem-tam sa stalo, že vybraní umelci vniesli do svojho rozprávania nejaký ten úsmevný šelest, komický prvok alebo jemnú satiru. Knihe to ale neublížilo, práve naopak, svojím tajomným nádychom zaujala čitateľov natoľko, až sa do nej úplne ponorili. Stalo sa, že medzi tými skvostami sa našli stránky, ktoré tak celkom nezapadli do celku, ale podobne, ako to je aj v tomto druhom prípade, i tam stále platí, že každý z nás má rád niečo iné.

Druhá časť legiend je odľahčená. Oveľa intenzívnejšie sa pohráva s rôznymi odtienkami komiky, koncami s morálnymi alebo iba trefnými ponaučeniami, harmonickou dynamikou a ilustráciami, ktoré sú tento raz dominantné a odsúvajú text do úzadia, či ho vôbec neobsahujú. Nakoniec, výber autorov, po ktorom Petersen siahol, hovorí o tom, že legendy s poradovým číslom dva sa budú niesť v duchu „obrázkového umenia“ a čitateľovej predstavivosti. Čítanie medzi riadkami, aj tými kreslenými, nie je ale touto skutočnosťou sťažené, práve naopak, motivuje k tomu, aby ste v jednotlivých avantúrach stále hľadali všetko to, čo vám po prvý raz uniklo. Táto zábavná činnosť je natoľko očarujúca, až vám príde ľúto, že tých 144 strán ubehlo tak rýchlo.

Viac sa dočítate na našej stránke Fantasy-svet.sk!

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard, Volume 2, is a great concept that works beautifully. Guest writers and artists were invited to tell tales within the world of Mouseguard. Instead of having stories and art that would seem strange in the context of the story arc, an unusual framing story is set up.

It seems that many of the mouseguard have been accruing debt in June Alley Inn, so an interesting story contest is proposed. The winner who tells the best tale will have their debt forgiven. This launches into a series of stories told by guest writers and artists. The art varies, but the stories all seem to fit within the world of Mouseguard and it's medieval world of mice, foxes and badgers. There are stories of bravery and fairytales, and even one song.

It's a delightful package and one of the better story collaborations I've ever seen. The art and stories are all top notch. Contributors include Stan Sakai and Bill Willingham among a whole host of others. Very recommended.

I was given a review copy of this graphic novel by Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this beautiful graphic novel.

[Koen Claeys · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another Canterbury Tales-esque anthology in which mice of all trades tell stories to June the innkeeper. The one who tells the most beautiful tale gets his bill wiped clean. I agreed with June's choice.
Like all projects by David Petersen the book feels and breathes craftmanship, a treasure of a book even if not every story is a gem. I even tried out the sheet music by Cliff Monear for 'The Timber Mice' on my piano. Sounds good.

[Sylvester (Taking a break in 2023) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Wonderful artwork and interesting story-telling combined. And how amazing to see the style of each artist in turn. A treat in every way - I usually enjoy stories in which small animals take on heroic roles, and this is another example of that. I recommend!

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely -- I liked this even better than the first Legends of the Guard collection. Now I just want to know when Petersen will come out with another REAL Mouse Guard story!

[Misha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brave little mice for the win :)

[Adam Šilhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oproti prvnímu dílu mi to přišlo překvapivě dobré. Buď střední, nebo vyloženě dobré příběhy.

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

You've no doubt heard tell of Tiernan the Brave's quest, and of the many adventures therein. His search for a cure to save his ailing queen has been retold the land over for generations.

His battle and subsequent friendship with Aiden the strong, deciphering the mysteries of the ancients in the old island temple, and his journey through the land of dreams.

But in his early days he was also known as Tiernan the Brash, a mouse who believed himself so strong that not even fate could have a hand in his quest, was he not? This title is almost as forgotten as the trial that changed it.

It's a story oft ignored, for it was the one time Tiernan's wit and strength were of no use. His adventure within the old island temple is an exciting tale all its own...

And here we are, I have finally gone full circle. I initially picked up this book in the Forbidden Planet sale, having liked the cover design, artwork, and general premise. I then went on a quest to find the original series, so that I could read the books in the correct order.

The premise of Mouse Guard is as simple as it is charming. Mice have their own society, hidden away in the cracks and crevices of old trees. Their society is protected by an ancient clan of guards, highly trained warriors that protect mice when they travel between trees, their towns.

Having completed the main series of books and with David Petersen on a hiatus, I knew I still had these 'Legends' books to read.

While he is otherwise engaged, Petersen has invited friends and fellow artists to come up with their own Mouse Guard tales. Set in the June Alley Inn, the owner offers to wipe the tab clear for the mouse with the best story. The premise allows the authors to have free reign of sorts as the stories, by their very nature, can contradict the main cannon.

Going into the second Legends book, this time I worried that it would be forcing the idea too far. Again my fear was unfounded. There appears to be a long list of contributors who want to explore the world of Mouse Guard and again they have poured their love of the original works into their stories.

A really enjoyable read and 5 stars again.

[Squirrel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Further disappointment. For me this was not as good as the regular Mouse Guard series, nor even as good as the first Legends book. Here again, my favorite entries were the connecting sections written by David Petersen, providing more depth and richer content than most of the guest stories.

Even larger chunks of stories told _only_ in graphic form, no text, no narrative. Defying the 'challenge' of the conceit - a story TELLING competition. A picture may be worth 1,000 words, but this violated the narrative for me. With the telling, we can imagine being in the bar and listening as audience. With the pictures alone, we are simply museum tourists. Are we to pretend the storyteller sat there and drew pictures while everyone watched? This was a big fail for me.

Further, the 'story' that 'won' was one of the language-free 'tales'. I found this a cheat - sepia (well, black and ivory) line drawings, no words, and somehow it won 'storytelling'. Right. If the author wants to present 'silent' strips, he should mock setup a competition for that, no?

Some of the stories were great (Leviathan, the 4 sons), some of the art true to the original, even though often these did not match up for me. Here again, I'd rather have read about June and Alley than many of these 'stories', and am glad to have encountered a few others.

[Tim Deforest · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume is every bit as delightful and fun as Volume 1. The premise is the same--mice in a tavern telling tales from the past. These tales may or may not be true--it really doesn't matter, because these are legends.

Each tales has a different artists and (when the artist isn't also the writer) a different writer. Part of the appeal is the way the visual style changes from story to story--with each style fitting the tone of that particular story.

All of the tales here are fun, though my favorites include:

"Love of the Sea," by Christian Slade--a sea-going mouse meets a mermaid (mer-mouse?) in a story about how love endures.

"The Thief, the Star-Gazer, the Hunter, and the Tailor," by Cory Godbey--Four brothers use their respective skills together to complete a quest.

"The Veteran," by Bill Willingham and Brad Thomte--an elderly and out-of-shape mouse outsmarts a hungry cat.

"Back and Forth," by Jackson Sze and Nate Pride--a mission includes a mapmaker and a guard mouse--who learn to respect each other's skills.

As I think I said when I read Volume 1, this choice of the best stories is very subjective. Every story is more fun than a barrel of Guard Mice.

[Sarah "Pippy" · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this book and the art work really caught my eye. I haven't read volume one so i'm not sure how much guarding was happening in that, however in this volume we see the Mouse Guards in their downtime, chilling out in their local inn.

You find out on page 1 the landlady invited each of the patrons with an overdue bar bill for a little competition & proposes to them all whoever can tell the finest, never been told before & in turn the best she has ever heard, story, she will have their slate wiped clean.

Thus the competition begins.

This is a collaboration of many different story tellers with illustrations to match each tale being told. I love how this flows together and enjoyed all 13 tales with scenes in the inn between each tale.
I'm really pleased this caught my eye, beautifully illustrated and fun tales to be read.

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mir hat das Lesen dieses Bandes viel Spaß bereitet. Ich finde den Mix aus verschiedenen Zeichenstilen sehr schön. Es ist wie eine Reihe kleiner Geschenke, wobei man immer wieder neu gespannt ist, was das nächste wohl sein wird. Die Geschichten sind sehr verschieden, von Romanze bis Krieg ist viel abgedeckt. Zusammen mit den verschiedenen Zeichenstilen werden so die Geschichten gut voneinander abgegrenzt.

I enjoyed reading this volume very much. I think the mix of different drawing styles is very nice. It's like a series of little gifts, where you are always curious what the next one will be. The stories are very different, with everything from romance to war being covered. Together with the different drawing styles the stories are well separated from one another.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Review: I have really enjoyed the Mouse Guard books in the past and have had this one sitting on my shelf for quite a while. I am glad I decided to pick it up finally. I love the way it is a collection of stories written and illustrated by various authors. The stories are a wide variety of Mouse Guard legends, some almost seem like myths and folk tales and even a mouse guard love story. It was entertaining to read and great to add to my collection.

[Marc Ramos Soler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sigue la competición de historias, pero en esta ocasión parece bajar ligeramente el nivel. Tanto en calidad de las ilustraciones, que parecen haber sido realizadas con prisas, como en las historias mismas.
Relatos la mayoría más simples y poco interesantes.
Eso no quita que de vez en cuando te encuentras con una de buena y bien trabajada, pero incluso la selección de las historias ganadoras ya deja entrever que no tiene tanta calidad como el primer volumen.
Veremos si remonta en el tercero.

[Artnoose McMoose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second year in a row that the mouse innkeeper holds a contest to see which of her regular customers can clear their annual tab by telling her the best story.

The stories are written and illustrated by people other than Petersen, so the styles vary widely, but I liked all of them this time around.

[Anie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful anthology collection from the world of Mouse Guard. Again, this is the type of anthology that's actually wonderful (as opposed to being a money-making ploy). Good writing and pacing from quite a few authors, with Petersen's lovely interludes featuring June and a plethora of engaging mice.