Mouse Guard: Dawn of the Black Axe

by David Petersen, Gabriel Rodríguez (Illustrator)

The origins of the legendary Black Axe and its first mouse wielder revealed for the first time!

Eisner Award–winning creator David Petersen joins forces with Eisner-nominated artist Gabriel Rodríguez to bring a brand new prequel chapter in the epic Mouse Guard saga to life—just in time to celebrate the series 20th anniversary!

Set at the earliest point in the series’ timeline, this epic reveals the origin of the legendary weapon and the courageous mouse to first wield it—Bardrick. As darkness encroaches and monstrous serpents threaten the fragile peace of the Territories, Bardrick must rise to a duty greater than himself and embark on a perilous journey of sacrifice, bravery, and legacy. But with such immense stakes at hand, can the first Black Axe survive the toll of his quest?

Featuring stunning sequential art from Rodríguez paired with colors by Petersen himself, this hardcover volume beautifully expands the Mouse Guard mythos with the untold history of its earliest heroes.

Collects Mouse Dawn of the Black Axe #1–3.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Fantasy, Anthropomorphic

96 pages, Hardcover

Published January 20, 2026

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

[Ben A · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very well done tale that featured an interesting story and art was very cool despite it not being David Peterson on those art chores.

Special Thanks to BOOM! Studios and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.

[Sem · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a very good, subversive take on the typical fantasy hero journey that manages to be thrilling and dramatic, but it's such a tiny morsel of story for this world and the art is just not up to par with the otherwise masterful storytelling. It's good, sure, but it's not as expressive and striking as Mouse Guard used to be.

[Kristina Butke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first experience with Mouse Guard and I'm blown away. This serves as a prequel, which is a great jumping-in point for readers like me who haven't read the series before, as no prior knowledge is needed to understand the story. In fact, upon reading this, I want to dive into the series!

This tale focuses on Bardrick, who leaves the Mouse Guard in order to wield the Black Axe. There are five areas where serpents rule, and they surround the areas in which the mice live, and the Black Axe was created in response to the murder of a family of mice, where the father/husband figure was the only survivor. His tears, his grief, his rage, and the souls of his loved ones fill the Black Axe, imbuing it with the strength to protect all mice from the enemies who would kill them.

MOUSE GUARD: DAWN OF THE BLACK AXE uses an epic narrative voice and eloquent language to give the story the feel of an ancient quest tale; the artwork is gorgeous and expressive. The quiet moments with the mice; the action sequences where Bardrick battles the snakes; the ghost Elk that provides guidance--all are beautifully rendered.

The art looks like the basis for the coloring comes from watercolor paints, while the inking over it reminds me of historical medieval and Renaissance etchings. Everything has a classic, yet vivid look to it and this has to be one of the more beautiful works I've seen of fantasy comics.

This story is filled with tragedy, grief, hope, and amidst all of the ups and downs, there's a sense of wonder to it, too. It drew me in emotionally and towards the end of the story, I felt like I was going to cry, I was that into it. It reminds me of the best of old epics like Beowulf or King Arthur in terms of tone, scope, and emotional pull.

It's hard for me to write more about this graphic novel because it was just so good. It surpassed my expectations and I want to read more.

Thank you to NetGalley and BOOM! Studios for an ARC of this work.

[Lila Danisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 rounded-up to 5 stars because this book made me cry! The first book in 2026 that made me cry deserve the roundup rating.

The idea of turning an ecological pyramid between mouse and snake into story was so refreshing to me. How the story highlights the heroism in mice side and the dastardliness of the snakes were mind-blowing, at least for me. Not to forget the way the author(s) created a slightly redemption arc in snake side by the end of the story was beautifully heartwarming. The simplicity yet meaningful story deserved 5 stars. However, I needed to take of half of the star for the choice of the fonts using in this book. For me, they were often confusing to read. Yes, they suitable for the theme of the story, but when it bothersome for my reading experience, I couldn't just forget about it.

I definitely would love to read this book to my son in near future as I know that the story is appropriate for kids. I may need to simplify the words and rephrase it for his better understanding.

Thank you to David Petersen, BOOM! Studios, Archaia, and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before the blacksmith's kin departed the Vulture's Flight in the Everafter of Seyan, his woe was forged in ore, a sorrow made solid, honed with an edge to carve away the pain.

But the earliest mouse to hold it aloft did not do so for vengeance sake. Lo, that mouse saw the ebon blade's true purpose, to champion the living so they may see a new dау.

Thus begins Bardrick's tale. First wielder of the axe.

What a joy to dive back into the world of Mouse Guard. It has been some time since any new work has been released but I didn't have to wait too long as I only recently found the series and enjoyed the initial works.

This is a great jumping in point for new readers and acts as a prequel to the main series. It chronicles the creation of the Black Axe, the rebellious mouse that abandons the guard to wield it, and of the terrors he faces to free the kingdom from the forces of evil that encircle it.

The artwork is once again outstanding and I can't imagine how long it took to do the detailed scales on some of the snakes. A real joy to read. 5 stars.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mouse Guard: Dawn of the Black Axe was such a pleasure to read. I absolutely loved stepping into this fantasy world of brave little mice, and I was surprised by just how epic their courage feels on the page. The artwork is gorgeous—the warm colors made me feel like I was wrapped in autumn, even though the story actually spans multiple seasons.

The pacing felt spot-on. The story moves quickly enough to stay exciting, but nothing feels rushed or glossed over. There was never a “wait, what?” moment—it all fits together so naturally. I also really enjoyed the background we get about the Black Axe—how it was created, why it matters, and how it’s been passed down over generations. That little bit of history makes the world feel so much bigger.

Honestly, whether you’re a young reader discovering graphic novels or a grown-up who loves a richly built fantasy world, Mouse Guard is one you should absolutely pick up. It’s warm, it’s adventurous, and it’s just… lovely.

[East of Reality · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reads like a mythic fairy tale about a valiant warrior defying common sense and embarking on a quest to kill the five great and evil snakes that threaten all mousedom. And it’s beautiful. There’s so much world building going on in the back of this book with the various mouse cities, with alliances with snakes, rivalries with snakes, and I liked that the mouse champion wasn’t able to understand the snake language and had to rely on a spiritual elk to translate.

Apparently this is a prequel or side story set in a larger universe, which means that I can now go and look for those other stories. Because the world, even in this small volume, felt so large and epic. I can’t wait to see what more there is to discover in the Mouse Guard.

Thank you so very much to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC!

[Shiritaku · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nawww, wie traurig schön 🥹🐭
Wir begleiten den Mäuserich Bardrick dabei, wie er mit der Black Axe die monströsen Schlangen bekämpft, um die anderen Mäuse und deren Territorien zu verteidigen. Der Weg ist lang und hart, so vergehen mehrere Jahre des Wanderns, Suchens und Kämpfens. Währenddessen kommen Zweifel in ihm auf: tut er das Richtige? Oder schadet er damit allen nur?
Ein schöner Comic, der mit tollen Zeichnungen besticht, einer klaren Storyline folgt, markante Charaktere beherbergt und tiefergehende Fragen aufwirft, als man zunächst denkt. Zwar sind es relativ wenig Seiten, doch man erkennt eine klare Linie und fühlt mit Bardrick mit.
Neben diesem Band gibt es noch einige mehr in der Mouse Guard Reihe - und ich hab jetzt richtig Lust, auch diese zu lesen. Werft doch mal einen Blick hinein, wenn ihr die Gelegenheit habt! 🐭

[Nitoy Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a minute there I thought this would be a boring read. The Old English and "the slow burn then quick" pace bothered me in the initial pages. I don't have any idea of what the other prequels or the main story is about aside from having a FCBD book of Guard Mouse from years ago. But before I throw the towel for this, the ending part got me into the story. I don't know if that's the author's strategy but he got me on that "Kirkman" style. If you are a casual reader, you'll like this one. This is a good "standalone" story that you can read, absorb but you'll think about this. The artwork is excellent.

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mouse Guard comics are fantastic. This one does not have David Petersen's art though. It does have the extremely capable artist, Gabriel Rodriguez of Locke and Key fame, stepping in though.

It tells the story of the first wielder of the Black Axe. About how he conquered the 5 snakes that were plaguing the area making it safe for the mice of the forest. The art in this is so freaking good and I love the stories of these little mice knights keeping their citizens safe from all the things that prey upon them.

[Engel Dreizehn · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Copy...It has been a while since I have leaped into the world of Mouse Guard so i feel honored to be able to read and review the ARC. Very much what from expect from the series...a riveting tale of heroics, in a high fantasy setting fit for any epic read only with some very bold mice as the protagonist. Interesting to see the origin of the Black Axe.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This felt so wonderfully epic in such a small page count. The story and art create a world that felt real and special. I haven’t read any other Mouse Guard stories but this makes me want to. It’s great for both kids and adults.

Note: ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Mouse Guard. This one was a bit more serious, focusing on themes of revenge and traveling a difficult, sacrificial, and violent path to protect the world he loved from threats. A bit bloodier than some of the previous stories but leaves you contemplating. I do wish it had developed some of his relationships more as there was a mouse at the end Bardrick knew but I had forgotten who he was.

[andrew y · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like Mouse Guard, as a former Redwall MUCK player*
This was a tiny bit repetitive and too short but the latter complaint is pretty constant for this series so should be discounted.
Beautiful artwork though. Never thought Locke & Key would translate so well.

* never as a mouse though

[doowopapocalypse · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC from Netgalley.

It's good but it doesn't reach the same heights the first volume did.

[Luciano Astudillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hermoso, tierno, heroico y sumamente triste.

Literalmente eso es Mouse Guard.

[Adrian Cothren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this because it reminded me of Redwall; I can say that it felt very much like that but in comic form.

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A straightforward easy read. Gorgeous artwork. Quite a moving story, though not tonnes of depth.

[Peregine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a tale of a deadly weapon and the brave mouse who wields it. When the vengeful blacksmith arrives seeking someone to wield his newest creation and avenge the death of his family, Baldrick defies his superiors and sacrifices his found family to embark on a one mouse crusade against the 5 snakes the threaten the lives of the mice. I really loved the art in this book. Especially, the medieval calligraphy, which I know something about, was very well done. The mice and their clothing was also well designed. I also liked how a lot of pages were given to the fight scenes, which were exciting. This is not for people with ophidiophobia as the snakes are very life like. The weakness is the dialogue, which with few exceptions lacks subtext and is a bit too direct.

Book was a free ARC