Mouse Guard: Dawn of the Black Axe #1

by David Petersen, Gabriel Rodríguez (artist)

The origins of the legendary Black Axe are revealed for the very first time!

In celebration of its 20th Anniversary, experience the earliest tale in Mouse Guard history...

Adventure with the ancient weapon’s first mouse wielder and champion, Bardrick, as he sets off on an epic quest in the newest installment of the Harvey Award-winning series by Mouse Guard creator David Petersen and Eisner-nominated artist Gabriel Rodríguez (Locke & Key)!

Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2025

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

[Orrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Mouse Guard and this is an excellent prequel start!

I have all the books that have been published except 1 and hoping to get it soon. Was on looking for that Art of Mouse Guard Book when I saw that there was a new comic out after 20 years! It is a great story so far and love that we get to see how the Black Axe came to be! If you are a fan be sure to check out David’s website at https://www.mouseguard.net/ He has a lot of cool artwork for sale and even sign copies! I am not paid to say this, just a huge fan and want to make sure other fans of his work know about it.

[John B Reading · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty, and the aesthetic theme of the art and plot is great, but the elk spirit completely took the story away from the protagonist for no good reason.

Bardrick doesn't earn anything in the end, the elk tells him where to go, what to do, and even speaks on his behalf in a consequential way, taking the final fight out of his hands entirely. If you're going to tell a classic simple tale to keep page count down, at least keep the satisfying ending.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard a lot of positive things regarding "The Mouse Guard" over the years but never made the investment to pick a copy up. When this story hit the stands I decided to roll the dice & check it out.

The art throughout the issue is simply jaw dropping. The colors, attention to details is just magnificent.

The story was a basic one. A black axe, use it for revenge, overcome a terrible adversary and become a hero.

I'll definitely pick up the next issue.

[doowopapocalypse · Rating 2 out of 5]

The art takes much of the charm from the story.

[Jakub Dróżdż · Rating 5 out of 5]

The art is simply amazing

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is Redwall but violent. Amazing!