Art Thread: Petersen Artwork (and Mouse Guard Thread)

[Ken O]

The ones I first asked about were taken. But I wonder if the one that says: I didn't tell Saxxon he was a spy cause he would have killed him. is available. That page makes me smile.

[Petersen]

T: That one sold to family. She liked how 'cute' Lieam was in his panel of that page.

I like how Saxon looks angry...like me might be more angry that Kenzie is right about him than the situation at hand.

[Ose]

My Mouse Guard page arrived a couple days ago. It's gorgeous! Now I just need to find a frame for it!

[Petersen]

Laura,
I'm glad you like it.

[fitzroy]

Where's mine? :D
Will you be selling the pages at the con?

[Petersen]

I'll bring what I have left

[Ken O]

I completely forgot to mention I got my page. Thank you so much. Looks great.

[kid cthulhu]

Those are totally amazing!

I've been slacking on your thread for far too long, Petersen.

And on that note, I'm going to wade through this thing to find out how I can get a book.

Unless someone wants to tell me? :)

[Petersen]

Kid C: I sold out of the book, but I have more on order. I should be getting a shipment any day now. Also the printer (comixpress.com) should have it available in their online store soon too. I will let you know with both of these events happen.

[kid cthulhu]

Thanks. I went back and realized that I HAD read that you were out, just forgot. Looking forward to it!

[Petersen]

Mouse Guard books are now availible from www.comixpress.com !!!!!

and only 12 days 'till SD!!!

[kid cthulhu]

Awesome!

Thanks Petersen.

[Petersen]

Over the long weekend, I was able to start working on Mouse Guard again. Feels good to be back at it....

[kid cthulhu]

That is just beautiful.

[Maija]

He's a maaaaaniac, maaaaaaaniac of a drawer
And he's drawin' like he never drew before...

That's really gorgeous, Petersen. Kinda makes me wanna go paddlin' too.





Starin' at my turnip-top... that's a paddlin'...

[E. Spears]

whoaa. that is what it is to be called awesome. Your drawings are as amazing as your paintings, and that's pretty sweet.

-ers

[fitzroy]

That's fantastic.

More.

[Tad]

All the Mouse Guard stuff if fantastic, David. Will you have copies to sell at SDCC? Forgive me if the info is elsewhere.

[Petersen]

Thanks Tad! I just got the e-mail today letting me know I'll get the shipment in time for SDCC, so yes, I will have copies!

[crossstreetartist]

So I didn't see you on your birthday, and I figured I would have seen you shortly there after...strangely that didn't happen...so instead of contining to wait and give this to you in person, I'll post it here and give you the original next time I see you.

Happy Belated Birthday Dave!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y36/crossstreet/mousethief.gif

[Petersen]

Thanks Jess. What's the little guy stealing? an ancient mouse idol of some sort?

I don't know if I'll make art-night tomorrow. Julia and I are painting/wireing/carpeting/finishing the basement in anticipation of Ashley's move-in this Saturday.

[Petersen]

Just a little experiment.....

[morna]

awesome David! nice restraint !!

[BKole]

Wow, Mr Peterson, thats pretty bloody Awesome.

[Ose]

The colours look great David! Mouse Guard looks good in colour!

[Ken O]

Sir, that is absolutely beautiful.

[fitzroy]

I cincur. Tremendous stuff

[Ivar_L]

I think they look better in black and white. In fact, they look fantastic in black and white!
:)
No need for another color, if, then only some nice paper texture.

One thought - I'd like to see them colored the same way as Ghost World book - duotone I think it's called. It could be interesting if the same picture is inked twice, with black and with another color. Even better if the another is not solid areas but also detailed pen drawing (I hope you can understand what I'm trying to say here in my not so perfect English...)

[Petersen]

Thank you all

Ivar: I understand. I have a fondness for the b&w originals myself. There is talk about printing Mouse Guard in color...this was a test.

[Rob H]

Beautiful work, Petersen.

[Tad]

I think the color adds a delicacy to the artwork, especially using the green on the bg foliage. Very nicely done.

Here's to better printing quality in the future!

[Petersen]

Thank you for noticing that Tad. I was struggling with the color on that top panel of page 4 (and as you know, I have a great deal of that type of space in the book). The black line with the color behind was very harsh. So I decided to do the 'color stay' (is that the right term?) to soften it. It was the part of the coloring I was the most proud of.

[fitzroy]

You should be proud, it looks great

[Petersen]

This book is going to be a rush...Birthday party is Sunday...

Niece Kate is turning 3!!!!

[Ken O]

Again your talent humbles me. Incredible.

[Tad]

So durn cute!

[Petersen]

Thanks guys!

This week I'm submerged in 'cute'

[fitzroy]

Just like you Cuteysen.

Excellent stuff

[JohnThompson]

The cute! It burns, it freezes us Precioussss!! :eek:

Keep 'em coming, David!

[Maija]

CUTE!!! TO THE EXTREEEEEEEEME!!!!!!

Those are really lovely, David. Once again you're making a gift that will be a heirloom.

[Petersen]

This one took a long time!

btw: the story has more words with no pictures on the opposing page. It's about Kate in "time-out" drawing her way out on paper, with the help of Lamby

Our dog auggie is going to try and stop her:

[Tad]

Okay, cuteness went out the window! Now the poor kid will toss and turn with nightmare visions of the family pet... or animated plush toy. It's Godzilla-Augie!!! Run with bad lip sync!!! Aieeee!!!

[E. Spears]

Those are really cool Petersen. Wonderfully cute!

-ers

[JohnThompson]

David, have you ever heard of childrens book author/illustrator Dav Pilkey? The Auggie page reminded me of Dav's book "Dogzilla" (http://www.pilkey.com/pic.php?img=books/dogzilla_1.jpg) : it seems right up your alley, with little mice characters and all!

I think you have a future in this! :)

[Petersen]

Tad: I'm a little worried about how odd Auggie looks in this page...scary, creepy, and those eyes!!!!! I have more pages to go, but IF I get a chance, I'll work on making Auggie just big imposing and excited, instead of zombieish

Cure: Thanks man!

John: I know of his Cpt. Underpants stuff. The Dogzilla stuff looks fun. I like how calm Dogzilla looks in all the images. Like how patient all of the dogs in William Wegman's photos are.

Go mice go!!!

[Maija]

Haha! Auggie does look rather intense.

Captain Underpants rules. That Dogzilla book looks great. I agree with Petersen's Wegman comparison. In one photo of the dog "attacking" it looks like he was photographed laying down on the floor! Too funny.

[J. Bastian]

Yeah.....um...that dog looks a bit creepy, ........and that's coming from me. But ya know it's all good.

[Maija]

Yeah.....um...that dog looks a bit creepy, ........and that's coming from me. But ya know it's all good.Heh heh... if JEREMY finds it creepy :eek:

I think if you make his tongue loll off to one side, remove the top teeth, make his smile more smiley and squint up his eyes so it looks like he's laughing, it may be less creepy.

Maybe close his mouth a bit too and drop his front paws so he looks more like he's just standing up than lunging in for the kill.

[Petersen]

I tried making some adjustments...can't do much more than this without re-doing it.

I'm moving forward now.






yeeesh Jeremy thought it was creepy

[Tad]

It was the fangs I think. Now I find it hilarious. What every dog wants... throw da ball! throw da ball!

[gary bolt]

Wow, what a transformation. That dog is way less nightmarish now. More in line with the overall cute that saturates the other images for your lucky nieces book.

[Johann]

I'm really getting hooked on these books. They're so much fun. I can't wait to see the next installment.

[Petersen]

I'll try and have Kate's book online tomorrow....
until then, a b-day present for my Dad...
a trade sign for his workshop:

[hellboyone]

Goddamn, you're one talented s.o.b.

R.

[Petersen]

Thanks Rick!


http://www.materialsunlimited.com/petersen/illustration/katesm.jpg
Here is the complete Kate book. (http://www.materialsunlimited.com/petersen/illustration/kate/1.htm)


The text only pages were oposite the illos in the book, but if I did that online the illos would be to small.

[Ken O]

That is a wonderful book.



Although, if she draws on the wall with a crayon your ass is going to be in hot water. :D

[gary bolt]

Beautiful little book. Lucky Kate to have an Uncle David.

Escape crayon, heh heh.

[Petersen]

Although, if she draws on the wall with a crayon your ass is going to be in hot water.
my mother said the same thing. (odd I never figured My mother and T-Wyrm would have similar words of advice for me)

I tried to clarify that by having the wall clean on the last page and scribbled on paper scattered on the floor. (please kate, please....look at that last page)


Beautiful little book. Lucky Kate to have an Uncle David.
Escape crayon, heh heh.


Thanks Gare. I feel really lucky to have them as an audience.
We have all 3 nieces next weekend. yay!

[JohnThompson]

What a great book, David, and something Kate will probably always cherish. Or maybe she will think all kids get to star in their own storybooks!
odd I never figured My mother and T-Wyrm would have similar words of advice for me
Doesn't this mean the seventh seal has been broken, and Armageddon is about to begin? :D
We have all 3 nieces next weekend. yay!
3 nieces? That means there's another book to be done! More Petersen picture-bookey goodness to come!! :D

[Petersen]

warm-up

pencil and photoshop:

[Ken O]

Awesome! HB in Detroit? Are you going to be using the Red Dwarf?

[Petersen]

Thansk T, nope Fir Darrig is sitting this one out. I do have the idea fo the story though, and it does take place in Detroit (not the train station though)

[kid cthulhu]

Wow, another beauty, Petersen!

[Mike Cross]

That's awesome in so many ways..you're doing your story solo aren't ya?

Mike

[Johann]

Sweet warm up, is this for the Fan comic?

[Otto66]

Mr. Boy comes to Detwa? Hmmm...

[Maija]

Cool stuff, Petersen! Are you planning to do the whole story in this style? Will it be the same monochrome red or will you shift back and forth with other colours over the course of the story?

Or, you can let that be a surprise. ;)

[Petersen]

Thanks for the compliments folks. Yep, it's for the story

The story will be done in this style. I don't know if all of them will be the monochrome red or a different color, or switch between colors as the story dictates...I guess it will even be a supprise for me!

[Maija]

The mice will tell you what to do.

[Ken O]

Got my wordless prize in the mail last night. Thanks so much. Just need to get it framed so I can hang it next to Liz.

[fitzroy]

That's great, how many more styles do you have?

More!

[Mike Cross]

Yup, i'm eagerly awaiting this story methinks..don't take my opinion for more than what it is..opinion, but switching colours as it dictates would look pretty cool

[E. Spears]

detroit hellboy is badass. i'm pumped about this story.

really great drawing.

-ers

[Petersen]

Thanks folks...I hope the story can live up to the hype.

Do we have a time frame on the release of these? Are we shooting for fall, winter,.....spring?

I don't know when I'll have stuff to show for a while. Most of my crative energy is going into some Mouse Guard stuff for the MCCC. but I hope to do another series for this con (like Arkham & Jedi) based on 'The Dark Crystal' I got the newest 'art of' book on the movie with tons of Brian Frouds sketches of cosmic alignments and magical diagrams (wish there were more skesis & mystics..)

I'll post what I can, as I can

[fitzroy]

No rush, really, no rush at all.

[Mike Cross]

Agreement with Fitz, no rush. When it's done, it's done..we know it's out there, let's say ..how about before Hellboy 2 comes out? I figure that's what... 2 years off?

[morna]

A little unpublished (but thoroughly publishable) Mouse Guard from the sketchbook session at SDCC 2005. Proud owner...? - ME!


Thanks so much David ya sweety!

:)

[Ken O]

Going to have some friends at Motor City, but I just used my last vaction day to make sure I can see the Red Wings play Tampa. Are you going to be selling new mouse stuff? If so I'll send them with a shopping list. :D

[Petersen]

Morna: Thank you, I'm glad you like it.

T: I will have a new Mouse Guard Sketchbook, the original art from said sketchbook, and perhaps a page or two left from the 1st book

[Ken O]

I send them with orders for a sketch book. I'll say, "Go yonder into the city of motors and the town of hockey and do not return to this kingdom with out the tome of rodents!"

And they'll say, "wha?"

And I'll say, "Get me a Mouse Guard sketchbook"

[Petersen]

and I shall say,"Relate to dear Tequilla of the Wyrm, I doth appreciate thy business and generosity of spirit. Then give him a hearty shake of the hand and a greeting of merriment"

and they will say "Wha?"

and I will say" Tell him thanks and hello!

[Petersen]

Official Announcement:

Mouse Guard has been picked up by Archaia Studios Press!
6 issue mini-series, full color, starting in Feb. 06

Newsarama picked up the press release:
http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=43280

[Griffin]

Congrats!!!

[Ose]

That's wonderful news David! I'd say I envy your luck, but you and Mouse Guard certainly deserve the recognition!

[gary bolt]

Woo hoo!!!

Great news David. You deserve it.

[Mike Cross]

Dave, that's just great.
They seem to be savaging you a little on the replies about the font though..for me , it looks great, fitting with your vision for the Mice..

Mike

::Sniff:: Yeah, i knew him before he was a multi-media superstar!

[Ken O]

You are so deserving of it buddy. Thats awesome news.

[JohnThompson]

Great news, David! It must feel great to have a publisher feel so strongly about your work. You've got your foot in the door, and are set to burst it open wide! This will be fun to watch. I just hope you remember all us little guys when you're at the top. ;)

[morna]

Squeeeee!!! yaaaayyyy ... finally it's official - nice press release and those comments are sweet! ... and multitudinous! small quibble about the font - I never noticed anything myself .. but if that's the worst they can come up with ... hey! There's a lot of genuine enthusiasm there!

I'm so glad they recognise what a quality thing it is. Congrats David! big hugs

[kid cthulhu]

That is great, great news!

And I can one day say, "I 'knew' him when..."

Props, Petersen. (Cyber high five)

[Ose]

My theory on the quibble about the font is that people are used to "normal" comic type fonts in their books. They aren't used to seeing something that doesn't fit inside that definition.

I applaud David for going outside that box, because I honestly think that the more "comic" looking fonts wouldn't suit his work as much as the fonts he does use do.

[Jan Bentzen]

MOUSE GUARD featured at NEWSARAMA

This is really great news for you David - I´m looking forward to this amazing tale. (And I got to get my copies signed by the artist) :)

Mouse Guard (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=43280)

- Jan

Edit : Hey - And some cool Peter Bergting news in the same article.

[happytramp]

MOUSE GUARD featured at NEWSARAMA

This is really great news for you David - I´m looking forward to this amazing tale. (And I got to get my copies signed by the artist) :)

Mouse Guard (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=43280)

- Jan

Edit : Hey - And some cool Peter Bergting news in the same article.

wow! that mouse guard looks great, where will it be released?

[Myron L]

MOUSE GUARD featured at NEWSARAMA

This is really great news for you David - I´m looking forward to this amazing tale. (And I got to get my copies signed by the artist) :)

Mouse Guard (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=43280)

- Jan

Edit : Hey - And some cool Peter Bergting news in the same article.

Damn, Petersen...that is absolutely awesome !!! I remember you showing us some art from your book...but to be published ????? That is just great ! I hope I can get ahold of it....

[jnapper]

MOUSE GUARD featured at NEWSARAMA

This is really great news for you David - I´m looking forward to this amazing tale. (And I got to get my copies signed by the artist) :)

Mouse Guard (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=43280)

- Jan

Edit : Hey - And some cool Peter Bergting news in the same article.

Woo hoo!!! Way to go, Petersen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[morna]

Hey - And some cool Peter Bergting news in the same article.


ya that IS kool - good company David!

[jscott]

MOUSE GUARD featured at NEWSARAMA

This is really great news for you David - I´m looking forward to this amazing tale. (And I got to get my copies signed by the artist) :)

Mouse Guard (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=43280)

- Jan

Edit : Hey - And some cool Peter Bergting news in the same article.

I saw that this morning...that is just plain awesome!
I was kind of irked by all the Mice Templar stuff in the talkback...what was the point a' that? Mr. Self-Promotion strikes again... :p
Anyways, very great news! The book looks beautiful.

[JohnThompson]

I was kind of irked by all the Mice Templar stuff in the talkback...what was the point a' that? Mr. Self-Promotion strikes again... :p
I was irked by that as well, until I realized that David's Mouse Guard art looks that much better when compared to the Templar pages. Its substance vs. style, and David's work comes out on top. :cool:

[hellboyone]

I saw that this morning...that is just plain awesome!
I was kind of irked by all the Mice Templar stuff in the talkback...what was the point a' that? Mr. Self-Promotion strikes again... :p
Anyways, very great news! The book looks beautiful.

Yeah...see. Don't read the Talkbacks. They're stupid. :)

Way to go, David!

R.

[Ken O]

MOUSE GUARD featured at NEWSARAMA

This is really great news for you David - I´m looking forward to this amazing tale. (And I got to get my copies signed by the artist) :)

Mouse Guard (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=43280)

- Jan

Edit : Hey - And some cool Peter Bergting news in the same article.

I don't get Previews, can someone remind us when Mouse Guard is listed in Previews? I need to make sure my Comic Shop orders a ton of them.

[Petersen]

I don't get Previews, can someone remind us when Mouse Guard is listed in Previews? I need to make sure my Comic Shop orders a ton of them.

Thank you all!!! very very very much. It's the type of support that can be found on this board that allows me to feel like I *can* do this.

I will let everyone know when it hits previews.

[shonokin]

Thank you all!!! very very very much. It's the type of support that can be found on this board that allows me to feel like I *can* do this.

I will let everyone know when it hits previews.

hey man, you obviously can do it, and very well too. I remember when you first started posting about the story a ways back. Always liked the style you are using for this. Congrats!

[Ose]

Thank you all!!! very very very much. It's the type of support that can be found on this board that allows me to feel like I *can* do this.

I will let everyone know when it hits previews.

David, I'm sure Jamie and I can convince at least one of the stores we frequent to get a few copies in when Mouse Guard hits previews. Heck, even if they don't order a bunch, I know the one place at the very least will order in a copy for each of the two of us.

Hehe, not that I have your luck David, but all this is making me eager to start working on my comic short again!

[kid cthulhu]

MOUSE GUARD featured at NEWSARAMA

This is really great news for you David - I´m looking forward to this amazing tale. (And I got to get my copies signed by the artist) :)

Mouse Guard (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=43280)

- Jan

Edit : Hey - And some cool Peter Bergting news in the same article.

Congrats, big time, Petersen! Very happy for you. Can't wait to see this.

[Johann]

MOUSE GUARD featured at NEWSARAMA

This is really great news for you David - I´m looking forward to this amazing tale. (And I got to get my copies signed by the artist) :)

Mouse Guard (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=43280)

- Jan

Edit : Hey - And some cool Peter Bergting news in the same article.

Cool, congratulations David! Now i may have a chance of picking this up.

[BKole]

MOUSE GUARD featured at NEWSARAMA

This is really great news for you David - I´m looking forward to this amazing tale. (And I got to get my copies signed by the artist) :)

Mouse Guard (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=43280)

- Jan

Edit : Hey - And some cool Peter Bergting news in the same article.

If its available in england, ill get it Mr. Petersen, and I wouldn't worry about those Idiots on newsarama, they always complain about everything. They'd complain about Air quality if there was an aritcle about it.

I hope you well! Very well! Congratulations on Getting Published!

[fitzroy]

If its available in england, ill get it Mr. Petersen, and I wouldn't worry about those Idiots on newsarama, they always complain about everything. They'd complain about Air quality if there was an aritcle about it.

I hope you well! Very well! Congratulations on Getting Published!

BKole, my comic shop will be getting them in, so I can arrange (if needed) to send you one.

And again, CONGRATULATIONS, I'm officially stoked for you

[Myron L]

I saw that this morning...that is just plain awesome!
I was kind of irked by all the Mice Templar stuff in the talkback...what was the point a' that? Mr. Self-Promotion strikes again... :p
Anyways, very great news! The book looks beautiful.


Yeah....The whole Oeming thing was bothersome....David...your stuff looks WAY better ! ;)

[Brian Cronin]

MOUSE GUARD featured at NEWSARAMA

This is really great news for you David - I´m looking forward to this amazing tale. (And I got to get my copies signed by the artist) :)

Mouse Guard (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=43280)

- Jan

Edit : Hey - And some cool Peter Bergting news in the same article.

This is excellent news, David, and well deserved!

-Brian

[Maija]

WOOHOO!!

That is awesome news, David!

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyy!!!

I'm so very pleased for you. :)

[Maija]

MOUSE GUARD featured at NEWSARAMA

This is really great news for you David - I´m looking forward to this amazing tale. (And I got to get my copies signed by the artist) :)

Mouse Guard (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=43280)

- Jan

Edit : Hey - And some cool Peter Bergting news in the same article.

Congratulations again, David.

You certainly have the talent and (enviable!) drive to succeed with this.

GO FORTH, MICE, AND CONQUER!!

[Ken O]

Oh yeah, it's been confirmed. I will have people hunting for you at Motor City.

[Gene Poonyo]

MOUSE GUARD featured at NEWSARAMA

This is really great news for you David - I´m looking forward to this amazing tale. (And I got to get my copies signed by the artist) :)

Mouse Guard (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=43280)

- Jan

Edit : Hey - And some cool Peter Bergting news in the same article.

Congratulations Petersen! Can't wait to read the book.

[+ uniform.grey +]

Definetly a big congrats on Mouse Guard going as far as it has and I hope it goes even farther!

I'm totally rooting for these brave little guys all the way!

Hopefully at Motor City Con this year I can get my hands on some Mouse Guard-ness of my own when I can sneak away from my table.

The inking is fabulous and the characters have fantastic appeal; nertz to the people who complain about hand lettering! Its an art form that deserves a little more respect than it gets I say.

I'm really glad that your hard work and development is paying off.

[howyadoin]

My theory on the quibble about the font is that people are used to "normal" comic type fonts in their books. They aren't used to seeing something that doesn't fit inside that definition.

I applaud David for going outside that box, because I honestly think that the more "comic" looking fonts wouldn't suit his work as much as the fonts he does use do.I have no problem with the font itself, but I think upper-and-lowercase would be easier to read than all caps.

Not that it'd stop me from buying the book either way, though...

[JohnThompson]

Look what I got! Gorgeous new watercolor original from David (thanks again, pal! This will hang in a place of honor once I get it framed!) Simply amazing, and I'm still drooling over it.


http://indeestudios.com/hellboyweb/Petersen_death.jpg

[Ivar_L]

This picture, as all the other watercolors (and bw mouse stuff of course) is unbelievably cool. I'd like to draw like this...

[Ken O]

That is bad ass.

[morna]

yeah and you KNOW I love it!

[howyadoin]

http://indeestudios.com/hellboyweb/Petersen_death.jpgI really, really like the layering of the watercolour.

Really.

[Petersen]

Thanks guys! JT, I'm very happy you like it.

I was going to do another watercolor series for the MCCC, but the sketch got a little carried away.....

[Ken O]

Completely bad ass. There is a horribly dirty story about something my friends and I now call a "Gefling" but I'll have to tell you about it later, off the boards.

[Ose]

David, that's worthy of Brian Froud himself! The sketch is beautiful!

[Maija]

That's wonderful, David! Is the original in graphite and then you coloured it in Photoshop?

[Johann]

Fantastic, David! I love the Skeletons and urru is great.

[hellboyone]

Takes me back to visiting the Jim Henson shop in London and barely being able to contain my nerditude when I was sitting in their lobby next to a skeksis. Nice work!

R.

[Petersen]

I'll be doing more of these, so I'm glad you like them. Dark Crystal is one of my favorite movies.

T: yikes....."Vital essence"?

Ruta: yes. 2 drawings: the Mystic and the symbol in the background. Composited & toned in Photoshop.

Rick: WOW! I freaked out at a traveling show of JHP stuff when I got to see Augrah(sp?) and a Garthim. I would have loved to see a skesis....was your visit at tourist tour (do they even do those?) or an inside meeting? either way color me VERY jelous!

[Otto66]

Official Announcement:

Mouse Guard has been picked up by Archaia Studios Press!
6 issue mini-series, full color, starting in Feb. 06
Great news. Best of luck with the series. Wonder if the little critters
have a "GdT" in their future?

[gary bolt]

David, I took this photo last week and it made me think of Mouse Guard.

[crossstreetartist]

I don't know if you overdid that sketch david, it looks fine to me! cant wait to spend some time with you at the con!

[Janshi]

I really am at a loss for words on how to describe your artistic style.

I love it so.

It might have to do with the fact that it is 11 PM here and I'm dying of lack of sleep..blargh.

[Petersen]

Otto: Thank you. perhaps...perhaps.....

Sir Ed: Wonderful Photo...did that snake catch a grain mouse too?

CSA: See ya there

Janshi: Welcome..I'm glad you like it...now get some sleep!

Here are updated versions of the Dark Crystal drawing series I have been working on....

[Ose]

David, you do realise Jamie and I are going to completely geek out when we see these in person, right? :p

[Petersen]

I look forward to seeing you both again, Laura.

I hope the graphite drawings live up to the adjusted and tinted versions you see here.

Kira is finished!

[fitzroy]

Petey that is gorgeous

Kat wants likeness rights for the pic featuring Darla

[howyadoin]

Goddamn. This new stuff is cool beyond words.

[Special K]

WOW!!! very impressive! I married into a Petersen family, so your name caught my eye, and now your art's got me hooked!! Let's see more!

[crossstreetartist]

love the others, although ther one you were doing last night is by far my favorite, cant wait to see it finnished.

[Petersen]

Thanks for the kind words

So far this one is the drawing I feel best about of this series

One more to go......

[gary bolt]

Fantastic! Besides being a "Hell-geek" I'm also a "space-geek" and those mechanical planetarium thingmees in the background are too cool.

[morna]

nice one David! It's my favorite too - but they're all excellent!

[Johann]

Jen and kira are both absolutely beautiful. I realy need to see the Dark Crystal again. Some amazing detail on that last one, also.

[J. Bastian]

You guys've gotta see them up close (maybe not aughra though......she'll poke your eyes out with those things....jeesh get a bra why don'cha) Kira's by far my favorite.

[J. Bastian]

booshay booshay booshay!

[Petersen]

booshay booshay booshay!

HAHAHAHAHA!!!

The last one is done...and I forgot to post it while I was at home. I have a few things left to do before MCCC...

which means no new art for abit... :(

[Petersen]

Here is the last of the Dark Crystal series:

[zefo]

i like urru best.

[Maija]

See, you've captured why I was not a big fan of the Dark Crystal as a kid: freaking creepy stuff man!!! I think I had serious nightmares for a while after seeing that movie.

In that last drawing, the lower right portion of the drawing where the claw is reaching for the fleeing thing-a-ma-who (don't know DC well enough to know what he's called) is a really compelling bit of graphic narrative. I'd like to see the drawing with a background that is dark and shadowy around the roach-a-ma-whatsis to make it even more ominous and threatening and light around the thing-a-ma-who to draw focus to just that area. You could try it on digitally.

[Ken O]

The last one kicks. I always wanted my own army of giant beetles.

[fitzroy]

They are all fantastic Petey. What medium did you use?

[Petersen]

Thanks folks!

Ruta: Funny, none of the Froud/Henson stuff ever creeped me out...
I tried messing with the roach-a-ma-whatsis, but photoshop 5 doesn't have what I need any my home PC is locked up at the moment...

T: I got to see a Garthim (roach-a-ma-whatsis) costume at a World of Henson exhibit. It was pretty cool....me, I'd rather have an army of Fizgigs

Fitz: Thanks! They are all .05 HB mechanical pencil & eraser. I scan them and tint them in photoshop.

[Ken O]

Long long ago I saw a muppet exhibt at the Detroit Museum. All I really remember from it was being disappointed that I didn't get to see Animal and that there were alot of puppets from Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas.

[Petersen]

Got back from the Motor City Comic Con. It was at a new facility, a little nicer than the old one. The set up was different this time. All the rows were partitioned withe the red & white curtains you typicly see in the celebrity area. It was nice to force people to walk down each aisle to see what was down it...but it felt a bit claustrofobic and made it hard to gaze across the geekdom and see if somethign catches your eye

It was also pretty slow. The Fall MCCC is always smaller (both in days, 2, and it physical size) and it was prett slow this time. I heard a lot of folks in artists alley didn't make thier table fees back.

But it was nice to see some familiar faces...Jeremy Bastian, Laura Whent (Ose), Jamie (+uniforgrey+),Guy Davis, Rosemary VanDuren, Vince Locke. And good to see some con attendees that remebered me and Mouse Guard.

I have plenty of sketchbooks left for sale. They run $3 +shipping.
PM/email me if you are interested.

and now..the photos:

[Maija]

Sorry to hear that it was so slow. Your set-up looks great though and I'm glad they're treating you like celebrities now ;)

I can see Guy and Rosemary as characters in The Marquis for some reason (in different costume of course).

[JohnThompson]

David, sorry you had a slow weekend. I really hope that once the book is ready to ship from the new publisher, the sales will jump. I'll be twisting arms in my area to make sure that happens!

Great setup, and I love the sculpture display! I want to see some tighter shots of that!

I can see Guy and Rosemary as characters in The Marquis for some reason (in different costume of course).
Hmm.... now that you mention it, so can I!











http://indeestudios.com/hellboyweb/guy_rose.jpg









My deepest apologies, Guy and Rosemary! I have these fires burning inside me, and I can't help myself! :o

[Ken O]

I did my best to keep you busy! I can't wait to see what ended up in my sketch book. :D

[Maija]

Hmm.... now that you mention it, so can I! Ahhh, JT, brilliant once again!!

Yeah, that's exactly what I was picturing. hehehe

[Otto66]

as always...

[JohnThompson]

Right. 'Cause we all know how moblike Iowa artists are. :rolleyes:

Yo, Giedo. Pass the corn. :D
Ah, I'm going to miss the civility that abounded on this forum during your absence. "Tick tick tick" indeed.

[Otto66]

as always...

[Petersen]

I really hope that once the book is ready to ship from the new publisher, the sales will jump. I'll be twisting arms in my area to make sure that happens!

Thanks John!! I really appreciate it. every store ordering helps! Looks like Mouse Guard issue 1 will be in the Dec. Previews for a Feb. ship date!!!

oh and just for sake of record, here is my exchange piece:

[morna]

that is really an awesome piece! love it!

[gary bolt]

Great piece David. Damn those Lilliputians!

[Tad]

"I hate them meeces ta pieces!" -- Hellboy



But the painting is great!

[Petersen]

This is a pinup for Image's Season of the Witch.

watercolor 7" x 11"

[Ken O]

That is stunning. I haven't heard of that Image book before.

[Johann]

Just fantastic, the pin-up and the exchange piece.

[J. Bastian]

That turned out great! good job Petersen I need to get one of your sketchbooks too.

[Petersen]

Decided to play with watercolor pencils and toned paper

[Tad]

David, that's one of the sweetest looking things you've ever posted!

[Maija]

Decided to play with watercolor pencils and toned paper ...with lovely results!

Play more! Play more!

[Ivar_L]

...and what's this?

link (http://previews.diamondcomics.com/default.asp?t=1&m=1&c=23&s=126&ai=23643)

Congratulations!
:)

[Tad]

Yay! Nice to see artists taking their first steps into a much wider world.

[Ken O]

Love the new technique. Is Mouse Guard in previews now then?

[Petersen]

Thanks folks!

Mouse Guard #1 is in the Dec issue of previews (due to hit stores Nov.23rd)
It's also been chosen as a Featured item and is listed in the Staff Picks!

Mouse Guard #1 appears on page 223 and is item DEC052813

Needless to say, I'm very excited, and thank you all for the support.

[Ose]

I'll have to let Jamie know about that! She's now working at the place that we figured we could convince to order a few copies of Mouse Guard in. I'm quite sure that now that she's an employee, she can sway the owner to order in a few extras rather than just a copy for her and myself ;)

[hellboyone]

Right on, David. I'll make sure my local comics monger orders 'em up.

R.

[fitzroy]

Woohoo.

Also, great Kenzie pic

[Petersen]

Previews is out today! I am headed out to pick up a copy.

and to keep this on topic...
Found this in a file cabinet. It's the 2nd drawing I ever did of the guard. It's pen & watercolor pencil on a scrap of matboard. This was done in '96

[Petersen]

Playing with a design:

[fitzroy]

Very, very cool. What's it for?

[Jan Bentzen]

Great work David - and yes, what´s it for ?? Me ?? :)

- Jan

[Tad]

The hands seem a little small but I love the overall vibe. Verrry spooky.

[Petersen]

10 page preview of Mouse Guard in color over at Newsarama.com

http://www.newsarama.com/ASP/MouseGuard/MouseGuard01_Pre.htm

[Mike Cross]

Very nice colours..i wonder who writes, draws and colours that particular funnybook?

[Maija]

Beautiful colour job, David!

Everyone: Click on "Discuss this preview" to read the raves.

Yay David!

[hellboyone]

I told the bums at House of Secrets in Burbank to order liberally, David.

R.

[morna]

I still can't get the page to come up

:(

[hellboyone]

I still can't get the page to come up

:(

Maybe if you sweet talk it. :o :)

R.

[Ose]

The colours look great David! And by the way, Jamie's got her boss at her new job interested, so it looks like at least a couple extra copies will be showing up at her store.

[Ken O]

Pick of the Month over at the 4th rail!

http://www.thefourthrail.com/features/1205/downthelinedecember.shtml

[Petersen]

Thank you one and all. I appreciate all the Comic shop nagging!

More on that design from before:

[gary bolt]

Wow, that's awesome! I could almost imagine it cast in glass. ;)

[rhboyd]

What a treat!!!!

Mouse Guard #1 on the featured page in this month's previews!!!

Way to go David!!!!

Very happy for you, m'brother!!!
-r!

Flipping through the book more... and there's a DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD on the book!!!!

Oh man!!!! "I knew him when..."

[Maija]

What a treat!!!!

Mouse Guard #1 on the featured page in this month's previews!!!

Way to go David!!!!

Very happy for you, m'brother!!!
-r!

Flipping through the book more... and there's a DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD on the book!!!!

Oh man!!!! "I knew him when..."

Heh heh heh

Yeah, I hope he remembers us little people. :rolleyes:

:)

[morna]

What a treat!!!!

Mouse Guard #1 on the featured page in this month's previews!!!

Way to go David!!!!

Very happy for you, m'brother!!!
-r!

Flipping through the book more... and there's a DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD on the book!!!!

Oh man!!!! "I knew him when..."

Ah, nice to see well deserved recognition coming to someone I know. Yaay!

[Griffin]

MOUSE GUARD featured at NEWSARAMA

This is really great news for you David - I´m looking forward to this amazing tale. (And I got to get my copies signed by the artist) :)

Mouse Guard (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=43280)

- Jan

Edit : Hey - And some cool Peter Bergting news in the same article.

Way to go Petersen!! Can't wait to get my hands on the book. I'm in for at least 3 copies: One for me, one for my son and another for my girlfriend. She was cooing at the preview pages on Newsarama while I checked 'em out. Exciting stuff, man. Best of luck!!

[kid cthulhu]

MOUSE GUARD featured at NEWSARAMA

This is really great news for you David - I´m looking forward to this amazing tale. (And I got to get my copies signed by the artist) :)

Mouse Guard (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=43280)

- Jan

Edit : Hey - And some cool Peter Bergting news in the same article.

Awesome, awesome, awesome!
Congrats, Peterson.

I do NOT want to sidetrack this thread, but have you seen this? I always find it interesting when things (stories, movies, etc.) are developed completely independent from each other, yet are similar in many ways.
I like Mouse Guard much, much better.
Mice Templar (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y156/jemaha/Oeming.jpg) page 1 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y156/jemaha/MiceTemplar01_lg.jpg)
page 2 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y156/jemaha/MiceTemplar02_lg.jpg)
page 3 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y156/jemaha/MiceTemplar03.jpg)
page 4 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y156/jemaha/MiceTemplar04.jpg)
page 5 (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y156/jemaha/MiceTemplar05.jpg)
end cap (http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y156/jemaha/MiceIntro1.jpg)

[petriacce]

Wow David, you've posted a lot of great work lately. Beautiful color on Mouse Guard.

The attached pic was in an email sent to me the other day and I thought of you and MG.

[morna]

hey! it's a pika! they're so cute!

[craig rousseau]

can't wait to get my copy... made sure my local shop ordered a few extras for the shelf.

beautiful stuff!
-c

[Petersen]

What a treat!!!!

Mouse Guard #1 on the featured page in this month's previews!!!

Way to go David!!!!

Very happy for you, m'brother!!!
-r!

Flipping through the book more... and there's a DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD on the book!!!!

Oh man!!!! "I knew him when..."

Thanks for the thread Ron!

Ruta: No need to worry 'bout that
Morna: Thank you!
Griffin: Wow! Enjoy the books when they ship!
Kid C. Thank you for saying so.

[Otto66]

What a treat!!!!

Mouse Guard #1 on the featured page in this month's previews!!!

Way to go David!!!!

Very happy for you, m'brother!!!
-r!

Flipping through the book more... and there's a DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD on the book!!!!

Oh man!!!! "I knew him when..."

And for the link to the Previews page...
http://previews.diamondcomics.com/default.asp?t=1&m=1&c=23&s=126&ai=23643
Guess it'll be just a matter of time before the Mouse Guard
t-shirts, action figures and lunch boxes start to show up. :D

Best good luck to you, David. The Previews interview, 2 page
spread, being a "Staff Pick" and "Featured Item" all very cool.

[Celtic_Fiddler]

What a treat!!!!

Mouse Guard #1 on the featured page in this month's previews!!!

Way to go David!!!!

Very happy for you, m'brother!!!
-r!

Flipping through the book more... and there's a DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD on the book!!!!

Oh man!!!! "I knew him when..."

I. Love. It.

Andrea

[Myron L]

What a treat!!!!

Mouse Guard #1 on the featured page in this month's previews!!!

Way to go David!!!!

Very happy for you, m'brother!!!
-r!

Flipping through the book more... and there's a DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD on the book!!!!

Oh man!!!! "I knew him when..."

Went and bought previews just to say..."hey I know that guy (kinda)"....lol !

[Otto66]

I. Love. It.
Andrea
Sure, ya say that now. But just let one of those
little critters show up in yer basement and... :D

[Jan Bentzen]

I wonder - do you have to go to Michigan to get a signed copy of Mouse Guard # 1 ?? Some day that would finance my next house ;)

- Jan

[Celtic_Fiddler]

Sure, ya say that now. But just let one of those
little critters show up in yer basement and... :D

My basement is a welcoming spot for mice. Washer, dryer, ironing board, television, a little music room off to the side.... and the cat's dining room!! Bwaaaahahahahaha!

Andrea

[Myron L]

My basement is a welcoming spot for mice. Washer, dryer, ironing board, television, a little music room off to the side.... and the cat's dining room!! Bwaaaahahahahaha!

Andrea

I've missed that laugh !

[Tad]

Newsarama (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=53620)
has an interview with the Hellboard's own Petersen.

[Jan Bentzen]

Newsarama (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=53620)
has an interview with the Hellboard's own Petersen.

With all this positive exposure, David - there´s no way Mouse Guard shouldn´t be a huge succes. Good luck.

- Jan

[Rob H]

Newsarama (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=53620)
has an interview with the Hellboard's own Petersen.

Good luck, mate. I wish you all the best.

Great job on the interview.

[fitzroy]

Newsarama (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=53620)
has an interview with the Hellboard's own Petersen.

Great interview

*sigh* I knew him when he was just a small childhood chimney sweep

[Myron L]

Newsarama (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=53620)
has an interview with the Hellboard's own Petersen.

Awesome ! Can't wait to see it !!!

[gary bolt]

Newsarama (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=53620)
has an interview with the Hellboard's own Petersen.

Yay, more good news! Congratulations David, good interview.

I posted on the Newsarama page as "Gare".

[hellboyone]

Newsarama (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=53620)
has an interview with the Hellboard's own Petersen.

How many Mouse Guard threads does this effin' board need?!?!?!? :) :) :)

R.

[Jape]

Newsarama (http://www.newsarama.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=53620)
has an interview with the Hellboard's own Petersen.

Congratulations, MouseGuard looks very interesting

[Petersen]

How many Mouse Guard threads does this effin' board need?!?!?!? :) :) :)

R.
HAHAHAHa! True! I have tried to keep MG info on the Indy forum or my thread. Jonell: feel free to do some clean up with the threads.

Thank you Tad for the attention and to everyone here who supported and helped Mouse Guard along!!

[Otto66]

My basement is a welcoming spot for mice. Washer, dryer, ironing board, television, a little music room off to the side.... and the cat's dining room!! Bwaaaahahahahaha!

Andrea
Any reply to this posting would only continue the serious
sin of threadjacking. Therefore, I offer no reply.

(hmmm... there is already an "Off-topic" thread. maybe a threadjacking thread...)

[Petersen]

Little christmas present for J. Bastian....hope you don't read this 'till it's in your hands!

[Tad]

Very nice piece, David. Yar, ye've got sum talent in them fingers, ye do!

[Myron L]

I just got this month's Wizard magazine (#173) in the mail and , lo and behold, there is your friend and mine, David Petersen reviewed under the "Indie Buzz" Headline....a great, colorful commmentary....I have the folks at my local shop wound up for the book...they ordered extra to be safe !
Way to go, my friend !

[Ose]

I just got this month's Wizard magazine (#173) in the mail and , lo and behold, there is your friend and mine, David Petersen reviewed under the "Indie Buzz" Headline....a great, colorful commmentary....I have the folks at my local shop wound up for the book...they ordered extra to be safe !
Way to go, my friend !

That's awesome. Congrats David!

[Mist the Soul-Gatherer]

I just got this month's Wizard magazine (#173) in the mail and , lo and behold, there is your friend and mine, David Petersen reviewed under the "Indie Buzz" Headline....a great, colorful commmentary....I have the folks at my local shop wound up for the book...they ordered extra to be safe !
Way to go, my friend !

You go, David!
Continued success and happiness!!
H

[Petersen]

Mouse Guard #2: FEB06 2849
2 of 6 shipping in April

"While Guards Saxon, Kenzie, & Lieam are off searching for the missing grain mouse, another of the Guard, Sadie, is dispatched to a shore outpost of the mice territories. Conrad, the mouse posted there, has failed to stay in touch with the outside world for far too long. This next chapter, ‘Shadows Within’, opens the intrigue as to how the grain mouse came to have the map of Lockhaven, home of the Mouse Guard. And a crusty peg-legged mouse tells the tale to boot"

http://www.materialsunlimited.com/petersen/mouseguard/coverwrap2.jpg

http://www.materialsunlimited.com/petersen/mouseguard/2page2.jpg

http://www.materialsunlimited.com/petersen/mouseguard/2page6.jpg

[Petersen]

http://www.materialsunlimited.com/petersen/mouseguard/2page8.jpg

http://www.materialsunlimited.com/petersen/mouseguard/2page10.jpg

[JohnThompson]

Theses pages look great, David! I'm really looking forward to getting this. Pirates with peg-legs, and a severe case of crabs.... ah, it takes me back to my misspent youth as a longshoreman! Har-kar-kar-kar-kar! (In me best Eugene Krabs voice)

[Ken O]

Incredible!! Can't wait to see it. And I love some crabs, we've got two hermit crabs at the house named Bass and Guiness.

[morna]

Brilliant David! Love that cover - can't wait to see giant crab action!

[gary bolt]

I am getting so stoked to see the colour Mouse Guard comics. I love the black and white but colour should be awesome.

[kid cthulhu]

Haven't popped in in a while. These pages are incredible! I predict this is gonna be some kind of underground phenomenon.

[yukon]

I just got this month's Wizard magazine (#173) in the mail and , lo and behold, there is your friend and mine, David Petersen reviewed under the "Indie Buzz" Headline....a great, colorful commmentary....I have the folks at my local shop wound up for the book...they ordered extra to be safe !
Way to go, my friend !

WOW! (where have i been!) CONGRATS to the max!

[J. Bastian]

So how many B&W Mouseguard books does everyone have? I think I've got 4, you know so I can keep one hermetically sealed, one to read, one to throw around to make it look like I'm a bigshot ("oh that? ....yeah that's the first ever printing of Petersen's Mouseguard, you know I just use it as a coaster anyway") and the last so I can see how much I can get on ebay, I'm hoping it'll beat some sort of record.

[Petersen]

Mouse Guard #1 is scheduled to hit stores Feb 22nd!!!
Thank you guys for all the support!

Also Issue #2 is in the current Previews:
Mouse Guard #2: FEB06 2849
2 of 6 shipping in April

"While Guards Saxon, Kenzie, & Lieam are off searching for the missing grain mouse, another of the Guard, Sadie, is dispatched to a shore outpost of the mice territories. Conrad, the mouse posted there, has failed to stay in touch with the outside world for far too long. This next chapter, ‘Shadows Within’, opens the intrigue as to how the grain mouse came to have the map of Lockhaven, home of the Mouse Guard. And a crusty peg-legged mouse tells the tale to boot"

ps: Thank you Jonell for merging these into 1 thread!!!

[Lady Hellgirl]

Mouse Guard #1 is scheduled to hit stores Feb 22nd!!!
Thank you guys for all the support!

Also Issue #2 is in the current Previews:
Mouse Guard #2: FEB06 2849
2 of 6 shipping in April

"While Guards Saxon, Kenzie, & Lieam are off searching for the missing grain mouse, another of the Guard, Sadie, is dispatched to a shore outpost of the mice territories. Conrad, the mouse posted there, has failed to stay in touch with the outside world for far too long. This next chapter, ‘Shadows Within’, opens the intrigue as to how the grain mouse came to have the map of Lockhaven, home of the Mouse Guard. And a crusty peg-legged mouse tells the tale to boot"

ps: Thank you Jonell for merging these into 1 thread!!!

:D Congratulations Petersen!!!! :D

I can't wait to get and read the full Mouse Guard on February 22!!

I love your previews. Your use of color, detail, and great drawing abilities, makes Mouse Guard spectacular.

[Myron L]

Mouse Guard #1 is scheduled to hit stores Feb 22nd!!!
Thank you guys for all the support!

Also Issue #2 is in the current Previews:
Mouse Guard #2: FEB06 2849
2 of 6 shipping in April

"While Guards Saxon, Kenzie, & Lieam are off searching for the missing grain mouse, another of the Guard, Sadie, is dispatched to a shore outpost of the mice territories. Conrad, the mouse posted there, has failed to stay in touch with the outside world for far too long. This next chapter, ‘Shadows Within’, opens the intrigue as to how the grain mouse came to have the map of Lockhaven, home of the Mouse Guard. And a crusty peg-legged mouse tells the tale to boot"

ps: Thank you Jonell for merging these into 1 thread!!!

Waiting with baited breath...

[kid cthulhu]

Mouse Guard #1 is scheduled to hit stores Feb 22nd!!!
Thank you guys for all the support!

Also Issue #2 is in the current Previews:
Mouse Guard #2: FEB06 2849
2 of 6 shipping in April

"While Guards Saxon, Kenzie, & Lieam are off searching for the missing grain mouse, another of the Guard, Sadie, is dispatched to a shore outpost of the mice territories. Conrad, the mouse posted there, has failed to stay in touch with the outside world for far too long. This next chapter, ‘Shadows Within’, opens the intrigue as to how the grain mouse came to have the map of Lockhaven, home of the Mouse Guard. And a crusty peg-legged mouse tells the tale to boot"

ps: Thank you Jonell for merging these into 1 thread!!!

Talked to my shop, and they said they had ordered a pretty decent amount considering they weren't sure how many they could "move". All of them are eagerly awaiting it though, saying it is very beautiful!

[morna]

um, i think i have about ten - or eleven

:D ;)


no really!

[Mike Cross]

Well, I got 1 and i don't plan on using it as a coaster, but free copies are always appreciated..

[Myron L]

Talked to my shop, and they said they had ordered a pretty decent amount considering they weren't sure how many they could "move". All of them are eagerly awaiting it though, saying it is very beautiful!
Ditto from My shop here....they are psyched cuz it was in previews, and the art looks (of course) gorgeous....

[E. Spears]

I've got one copy in my box of cool stuff that's all signed and stuff. it's pretty.

colored pages look real sweet, i'm pumped about purchasing the first issue for myself.

-ers

[Ose]

Mouse Guard #1 is scheduled to hit stores Feb 22nd!!!
Thank you guys for all the support!

Also Issue #2 is in the current Previews:
Mouse Guard #2: FEB06 2849
2 of 6 shipping in April

"While Guards Saxon, Kenzie, & Lieam are off searching for the missing grain mouse, another of the Guard, Sadie, is dispatched to a shore outpost of the mice territories. Conrad, the mouse posted there, has failed to stay in touch with the outside world for far too long. This next chapter, ‘Shadows Within’, opens the intrigue as to how the grain mouse came to have the map of Lockhaven, home of the Mouse Guard. And a crusty peg-legged mouse tells the tale to boot"

ps: Thank you Jonell for merging these into 1 thread!!!

Uniform Grey, her boyfriend and myself got to the local comic book store yesterday. Of course, seeing Previews sitting on the counter I had to find Mouse Guard in it - which prompted a conversation with the really nice comic book guy who runs the shop. Both he and he wife are very much looking forward to the first issue. Hopefully he's ordering a few copies in for the store too ;)

[fitzroy]

http://www.aintitcoolnews.com/display.cgi?id=22543#12

When I saw THE SECRET OF NIMH as a kid, I thought it was about the coolest cartoon ever. At a time when Disney was bombing out with fare like THE ARTISTOCATS and THE BLACK CAULDRON, along came Don Bluth studios with a movie that trafficked in Disney themes and Disney lushness of animation…but with strong characterization in place of schtick, drama in place of sentiment, and cool, scary shit in place of musical numbers. Knives were hurled into backs, giant owls crushed spiders under their talons, and aged mice were buried by falling cinder blocks…

Now that’s how you counterbalance the inherent cutesiness of little talking animals!

All Bluth’s post-NIMH flicks were pretty awful, but for at least that one outing, the studio was onto something. And cartoonist David Peterson is onto that same thing in his new comic, MOUSE GUARD. Beautifully illustrated and masterfully colored, MOUSE GUARD spins a fantasy/adventure yarn that manages warmth and heroism, but doesn’t shirk on that all-important death and menace! One doesn’t want to evoke comparisons to BONE too early on, but…well, let’s go ahead and let ‘em lurk in the background.

The opening page of MOUSE GUARD gives the reader a quick text-explanation of the concept, evoking the tradition of medieval legend as we learn how the Guard was formed in 1149 (Human years? Mouse years?) to take down a weasel warlord. Nowadays, we’re told, the Guard is no longer a group of elite soldiers, but rather a collection of stalwart scouts and escorts, bodyguards and pathfinders. Think Tolkien’s rangers in LORD OF THE RINGS and you’re probably about right. The level of anthropomorphism is close to NIMH, with the mice essentially doing “micey” things (trafficking in grain, living underground), but they speak like humans and have some of the specific trappings of medieval humans (they wield swords, wear cloaks, have simple carts for transport, and their cities mimic medieval castles).

Storywise, this first outing is pretty straightforward: three members of the Mouse Guard are investigating the disappearance of a grain merchant along a forest trail – danger ensues! The three have cool, English-sounding names – Lieam, Kenzie, and Saxon – and I’m reminded a bit of the early Ninja Turtles comics in which personality takes a backseat to the action. I caught that one of the mice is a bit of a hothead, but for the most part, the mice are what they do, not personalities of particular depth. They all speak in courtly manner and they’re all capable of defending themselves should the need arise. It might be considered a criticism that they’re not more fleshed out, but in an introductory issue, I was happy to just enjoy the concept – familiar, perhaps, in films or the juvenile novel series REDWALL, but not so much in comics. And even though we get plenty of adventure comics, it’s neat just to see the change-up in scale. In MOUSE GUARD, you can see how a weasel would be the equivalent of a giant, a snake a menace on the order of a dragon.

The book is also unequivocally amazing to look at. I don’t know if writer/artist Peterson is British, but his art has that detailed, textural quality oft-seen in British illustration and comics. It lends the proceedings a grit that belies the cuteness of the leads and brings the forest to life as a moody setting. Peterson colors the book as well, presumably by computer, though the look is that of watercolor. The effect favors a melancholy naturalism over Disney lushness and high contrasts – again, in keeping with the serious tone of the adventure.

Rounding out the visuals is a particularly rare quality: excellent typography! I’m reminded of Todd Klein’s lettering on SANDMAN as Peterson utilizes a serif font that evokes Ye Olde English. I also like the varied fonts for sound effect fonts, each appropriate to its situation. Taken alongside the art, they definitely show that MOUSE GUARD is the total package, lovingly crafted on every level. Even the endpapers are nicely designed.

Consider MOUSE GUARD highly recommended. It’s lightweight in the sense that these are creatures of simple motivation, but they’ve got a central heroism one can’t help but rally behind. It evokes the heroic brotherhood of Arthur and Robin Hood, and that’s something rare to find in comics in recent years – at least without the creeping onset of irony or deconstruction. No, Peterson fully believes in his little heroes, and he’s created their world so expertly that you’ll believe in them too. A unique and noteworthy debut, and there’s even an enticing mystery established by issue’s end.

Read the first nine pages here. Damn, they’re nice lookin’.

[Jan Bentzen]

http://www.aintitcoolnews.com/display.cgi?id=22543#12

When I saw THE SECRET OF NIMH as a kid, I thought it was about the coolest cartoon ever. At a time when Disney was bombing out with fare like THE ARTISTOCATS and THE BLACK CAULDRON, along came Don Bluth studios with a movie that trafficked in Disney themes and Disney lushness of animation…but with strong characterization in place of schtick, drama in place of sentiment, and cool, scary shit in place of musical numbers. Knives were hurled into backs, giant owls crushed spiders under their talons, and aged mice were buried by falling cinder blocks…

Now that’s how you counterbalance the inherent cutesiness of little talking animals!

All Bluth’s post-NIMH flicks were pretty awful, but for at least that one outing, the studio was onto something. And cartoonist David Peterson is onto that same thing in his new comic, MOUSE GUARD. Beautifully illustrated and masterfully colored, MOUSE GUARD spins a fantasy/adventure yarn that manages warmth and heroism, but doesn’t shirk on that all-important death and menace! One doesn’t want to evoke comparisons to BONE too early on, but…well, let’s go ahead and let ‘em lurk in the background.

The opening page of MOUSE GUARD gives the reader a quick text-explanation of the concept, evoking the tradition of medieval legend as we learn how the Guard was formed in 1149 (Human years? Mouse years?) to take down a weasel warlord. Nowadays, we’re told, the Guard is no longer a group of elite soldiers, but rather a collection of stalwart scouts and escorts, bodyguards and pathfinders. Think Tolkien’s rangers in LORD OF THE RINGS and you’re probably about right. The level of anthropomorphism is close to NIMH, with the mice essentially doing “micey” things (trafficking in grain, living underground), but they speak like humans and have some of the specific trappings of medieval humans (they wield swords, wear cloaks, have simple carts for transport, and their cities mimic medieval castles).

Storywise, this first outing is pretty straightforward: three members of the Mouse Guard are investigating the disappearance of a grain merchant along a forest trail – danger ensues! The three have cool, English-sounding names – Lieam, Kenzie, and Saxon – and I’m reminded a bit of the early Ninja Turtles comics in which personality takes a backseat to the action. I caught that one of the mice is a bit of a hothead, but for the most part, the mice are what they do, not personalities of particular depth. They all speak in courtly manner and they’re all capable of defending themselves should the need arise. It might be considered a criticism that they’re not more fleshed out, but in an introductory issue, I was happy to just enjoy the concept – familiar, perhaps, in films or the juvenile novel series REDWALL, but not so much in comics. And even though we get plenty of adventure comics, it’s neat just to see the change-up in scale. In MOUSE GUARD, you can see how a weasel would be the equivalent of a giant, a snake a menace on the order of a dragon.

The book is also unequivocally amazing to look at. I don’t know if writer/artist Peterson is British, but his art has that detailed, textural quality oft-seen in British illustration and comics. It lends the proceedings a grit that belies the cuteness of the leads and brings the forest to life as a moody setting. Peterson colors the book as well, presumably by computer, though the look is that of watercolor. The effect favors a melancholy naturalism over Disney lushness and high contrasts – again, in keeping with the serious tone of the adventure.

Rounding out the visuals is a particularly rare quality: excellent typography! I’m reminded of Todd Klein’s lettering on SANDMAN as Peterson utilizes a serif font that evokes Ye Olde English. I also like the varied fonts for sound effect fonts, each appropriate to its situation. Taken alongside the art, they definitely show that MOUSE GUARD is the total package, lovingly crafted on every level. Even the endpapers are nicely designed.

Consider MOUSE GUARD highly recommended. It’s lightweight in the sense that these are creatures of simple motivation, but they’ve got a central heroism one can’t help but rally behind. It evokes the heroic brotherhood of Arthur and Robin Hood, and that’s something rare to find in comics in recent years – at least without the creeping onset of irony or deconstruction. No, Peterson fully believes in his little heroes, and he’s created their world so expertly that you’ll believe in them too. A unique and noteworthy debut, and there’s even an enticing mystery established by issue’s end.

Read the first nine pages here. Damn, they’re nice lookin’.

The reviewer should at least get the creators name right - right ?

[Maija]

http://www.aintitcoolnews.com/display.cgi?id=22543#12

When I saw THE SECRET OF NIMH as a kid, I thought it was about the coolest cartoon ever. At a time when Disney was bombing out with fare like THE ARTISTOCATS and THE BLACK CAULDRON, along came Don Bluth studios with a movie that trafficked in Disney themes and Disney lushness of animation…but with strong characterization in place of schtick, drama in place of sentiment, and cool, scary shit in place of musical numbers. Knives were hurled into backs, giant owls crushed spiders under their talons, and aged mice were buried by falling cinder blocks…

Now that’s how you counterbalance the inherent cutesiness of little talking animals!

All Bluth’s post-NIMH flicks were pretty awful, but for at least that one outing, the studio was onto something. And cartoonist David Peterson is onto that same thing in his new comic, MOUSE GUARD. Beautifully illustrated and masterfully colored, MOUSE GUARD spins a fantasy/adventure yarn that manages warmth and heroism, but doesn’t shirk on that all-important death and menace! One doesn’t want to evoke comparisons to BONE too early on, but…well, let’s go ahead and let ‘em lurk in the background.

The opening page of MOUSE GUARD gives the reader a quick text-explanation of the concept, evoking the tradition of medieval legend as we learn how the Guard was formed in 1149 (Human years? Mouse years?) to take down a weasel warlord. Nowadays, we’re told, the Guard is no longer a group of elite soldiers, but rather a collection of stalwart scouts and escorts, bodyguards and pathfinders. Think Tolkien’s rangers in LORD OF THE RINGS and you’re probably about right. The level of anthropomorphism is close to NIMH, with the mice essentially doing “micey” things (trafficking in grain, living underground), but they speak like humans and have some of the specific trappings of medieval humans (they wield swords, wear cloaks, have simple carts for transport, and their cities mimic medieval castles).

Storywise, this first outing is pretty straightforward: three members of the Mouse Guard are investigating the disappearance of a grain merchant along a forest trail – danger ensues! The three have cool, English-sounding names – Lieam, Kenzie, and Saxon – and I’m reminded a bit of the early Ninja Turtles comics in which personality takes a backseat to the action. I caught that one of the mice is a bit of a hothead, but for the most part, the mice are what they do, not personalities of particular depth. They all speak in courtly manner and they’re all capable of defending themselves should the need arise. It might be considered a criticism that they’re not more fleshed out, but in an introductory issue, I was happy to just enjoy the concept – familiar, perhaps, in films or the juvenile novel series REDWALL, but not so much in comics. And even though we get plenty of adventure comics, it’s neat just to see the change-up in scale. In MOUSE GUARD, you can see how a weasel would be the equivalent of a giant, a snake a menace on the order of a dragon.

The book is also unequivocally amazing to look at. I don’t know if writer/artist Peterson is British, but his art has that detailed, textural quality oft-seen in British illustration and comics. It lends the proceedings a grit that belies the cuteness of the leads and brings the forest to life as a moody setting. Peterson colors the book as well, presumably by computer, though the look is that of watercolor. The effect favors a melancholy naturalism over Disney lushness and high contrasts – again, in keeping with the serious tone of the adventure.

Rounding out the visuals is a particularly rare quality: excellent typography! I’m reminded of Todd Klein’s lettering on SANDMAN as Peterson utilizes a serif font that evokes Ye Olde English. I also like the varied fonts for sound effect fonts, each appropriate to its situation. Taken alongside the art, they definitely show that MOUSE GUARD is the total package, lovingly crafted on every level. Even the endpapers are nicely designed.

Consider MOUSE GUARD highly recommended. It’s lightweight in the sense that these are creatures of simple motivation, but they’ve got a central heroism one can’t help but rally behind. It evokes the heroic brotherhood of Arthur and Robin Hood, and that’s something rare to find in comics in recent years – at least without the creeping onset of irony or deconstruction. No, Peterson fully believes in his little heroes, and he’s created their world so expertly that you’ll believe in them too. A unique and noteworthy debut, and there’s even an enticing mystery established by issue’s end.

Read the first nine pages here. Damn, they’re nice lookin’.

Congratulations, Petyrsin!

A glowing review like that on AICN is huge!!

And of course the good lad is British, old chap! Doesn't he look British to you!

Cheers!

[morna]

http://www.aintitcoolnews.com/display.cgi?id=22543#12

When I saw THE SECRET OF NIMH as a kid, I thought it was about the coolest cartoon ever. At a time when Disney was bombing out with fare like THE ARTISTOCATS and THE BLACK CAULDRON, along came Don Bluth studios with a movie that trafficked in Disney themes and Disney lushness of animation…but with strong characterization in place of schtick, drama in place of sentiment, and cool, scary shit in place of musical numbers. Knives were hurled into backs, giant owls crushed spiders under their talons, and aged mice were buried by falling cinder blocks…

Now that’s how you counterbalance the inherent cutesiness of little talking animals!

All Bluth’s post-NIMH flicks were pretty awful, but for at least that one outing, the studio was onto something. And cartoonist David Peterson is onto that same thing in his new comic, MOUSE GUARD. Beautifully illustrated and masterfully colored, MOUSE GUARD spins a fantasy/adventure yarn that manages warmth and heroism, but doesn’t shirk on that all-important death and menace! One doesn’t want to evoke comparisons to BONE too early on, but…well, let’s go ahead and let ‘em lurk in the background.

The opening page of MOUSE GUARD gives the reader a quick text-explanation of the concept, evoking the tradition of medieval legend as we learn how the Guard was formed in 1149 (Human years? Mouse years?) to take down a weasel warlord. Nowadays, we’re told, the Guard is no longer a group of elite soldiers, but rather a collection of stalwart scouts and escorts, bodyguards and pathfinders. Think Tolkien’s rangers in LORD OF THE RINGS and you’re probably about right. The level of anthropomorphism is close to NIMH, with the mice essentially doing “micey” things (trafficking in grain, living underground), but they speak like humans and have some of the specific trappings of medieval humans (they wield swords, wear cloaks, have simple carts for transport, and their cities mimic medieval castles).

Storywise, this first outing is pretty straightforward: three members of the Mouse Guard are investigating the disappearance of a grain merchant along a forest trail – danger ensues! The three have cool, English-sounding names – Lieam, Kenzie, and Saxon – and I’m reminded a bit of the early Ninja Turtles comics in which personality takes a backseat to the action. I caught that one of the mice is a bit of a hothead, but for the most part, the mice are what they do, not personalities of particular depth. They all speak in courtly manner and they’re all capable of defending themselves should the need arise. It might be considered a criticism that they’re not more fleshed out, but in an introductory issue, I was happy to just enjoy the concept – familiar, perhaps, in films or the juvenile novel series REDWALL, but not so much in comics. And even though we get plenty of adventure comics, it’s neat just to see the change-up in scale. In MOUSE GUARD, you can see how a weasel would be the equivalent of a giant, a snake a menace on the order of a dragon.

The book is also unequivocally amazing to look at. I don’t know if writer/artist Peterson is British, but his art has that detailed, textural quality oft-seen in British illustration and comics. It lends the proceedings a grit that belies the cuteness of the leads and brings the forest to life as a moody setting. Peterson colors the book as well, presumably by computer, though the look is that of watercolor. The effect favors a melancholy naturalism over Disney lushness and high contrasts – again, in keeping with the serious tone of the adventure.

Rounding out the visuals is a particularly rare quality: excellent typography! I’m reminded of Todd Klein’s lettering on SANDMAN as Peterson utilizes a serif font that evokes Ye Olde English. I also like the varied fonts for sound effect fonts, each appropriate to its situation. Taken alongside the art, they definitely show that MOUSE GUARD is the total package, lovingly crafted on every level. Even the endpapers are nicely designed.

Consider MOUSE GUARD highly recommended. It’s lightweight in the sense that these are creatures of simple motivation, but they’ve got a central heroism one can’t help but rally behind. It evokes the heroic brotherhood of Arthur and Robin Hood, and that’s something rare to find in comics in recent years – at least without the creeping onset of irony or deconstruction. No, Peterson fully believes in his little heroes, and he’s created their world so expertly that you’ll believe in them too. A unique and noteworthy debut, and there’s even an enticing mystery established by issue’s end.

Read the first nine pages here. Damn, they’re nice lookin’.

kool! "masterful colouring" is good but how about "Rounding out the visuals is a particularly rare quality: excellent typography!"... that's gotta feel good!

congrats David!

[Mike Cross]

http://www.aintitcoolnews.com/display.cgi?id=22543#12

When I saw THE SECRET OF NIMH as a kid, I thought it was about the coolest cartoon ever. At a time when Disney was bombing out with fare like THE ARTISTOCATS and THE BLACK CAULDRON, along came Don Bluth studios with a movie that trafficked in Disney themes and Disney lushness of animation…but with strong characterization in place of schtick, drama in place of sentiment, and cool, scary shit in place of musical numbers. Knives were hurled into backs, giant owls crushed spiders under their talons, and aged mice were buried by falling cinder blocks…

Now that’s how you counterbalance the inherent cutesiness of little talking animals!

All Bluth’s post-NIMH flicks were pretty awful, but for at least that one outing, the studio was onto something. And cartoonist David Peterson is onto that same thing in his new comic, MOUSE GUARD. Beautifully illustrated and masterfully colored, MOUSE GUARD spins a fantasy/adventure yarn that manages warmth and heroism, but doesn’t shirk on that all-important death and menace! One doesn’t want to evoke comparisons to BONE too early on, but…well, let’s go ahead and let ‘em lurk in the background.

The opening page of MOUSE GUARD gives the reader a quick text-explanation of the concept, evoking the tradition of medieval legend as we learn how the Guard was formed in 1149 (Human years? Mouse years?) to take down a weasel warlord. Nowadays, we’re told, the Guard is no longer a group of elite soldiers, but rather a collection of stalwart scouts and escorts, bodyguards and pathfinders. Think Tolkien’s rangers in LORD OF THE RINGS and you’re probably about right. The level of anthropomorphism is close to NIMH, with the mice essentially doing “micey” things (trafficking in grain, living underground), but they speak like humans and have some of the specific trappings of medieval humans (they wield swords, wear cloaks, have simple carts for transport, and their cities mimic medieval castles).

Storywise, this first outing is pretty straightforward: three members of the Mouse Guard are investigating the disappearance of a grain merchant along a forest trail – danger ensues! The three have cool, English-sounding names – Lieam, Kenzie, and Saxon – and I’m reminded a bit of the early Ninja Turtles comics in which personality takes a backseat to the action. I caught that one of the mice is a bit of a hothead, but for the most part, the mice are what they do, not personalities of particular depth. They all speak in courtly manner and they’re all capable of defending themselves should the need arise. It might be considered a criticism that they’re not more fleshed out, but in an introductory issue, I was happy to just enjoy the concept – familiar, perhaps, in films or the juvenile novel series REDWALL, but not so much in comics. And even though we get plenty of adventure comics, it’s neat just to see the change-up in scale. In MOUSE GUARD, you can see how a weasel would be the equivalent of a giant, a snake a menace on the order of a dragon.

The book is also unequivocally amazing to look at. I don’t know if writer/artist Peterson is British, but his art has that detailed, textural quality oft-seen in British illustration and comics. It lends the proceedings a grit that belies the cuteness of the leads and brings the forest to life as a moody setting. Peterson colors the book as well, presumably by computer, though the look is that of watercolor. The effect favors a melancholy naturalism over Disney lushness and high contrasts – again, in keeping with the serious tone of the adventure.

Rounding out the visuals is a particularly rare quality: excellent typography! I’m reminded of Todd Klein’s lettering on SANDMAN as Peterson utilizes a serif font that evokes Ye Olde English. I also like the varied fonts for sound effect fonts, each appropriate to its situation. Taken alongside the art, they definitely show that MOUSE GUARD is the total package, lovingly crafted on every level. Even the endpapers are nicely designed.

Consider MOUSE GUARD highly recommended. It’s lightweight in the sense that these are creatures of simple motivation, but they’ve got a central heroism one can’t help but rally behind. It evokes the heroic brotherhood of Arthur and Robin Hood, and that’s something rare to find in comics in recent years – at least without the creeping onset of irony or deconstruction. No, Peterson fully believes in his little heroes, and he’s created their world so expertly that you’ll believe in them too. A unique and noteworthy debut, and there’s even an enticing mystery established by issue’s end.

Read the first nine pages here. Damn, they’re nice lookin’.

Seeing as how the newsarama people all hated the font...i personally thnk it totally fits the period the writer/artists was aiming for

[Tad]

http://www.aintitcoolnews.com/display.cgi?id=22543#12

When I saw THE SECRET OF NIMH as a kid, I thought it was about the coolest cartoon ever. At a time when Disney was bombing out with fare like THE ARTISTOCATS and THE BLACK CAULDRON, along came Don Bluth studios with a movie that trafficked in Disney themes and Disney lushness of animation…but with strong characterization in place of schtick, drama in place of sentiment, and cool, scary shit in place of musical numbers. Knives were hurled into backs, giant owls crushed spiders under their talons, and aged mice were buried by falling cinder blocks…

Now that’s how you counterbalance the inherent cutesiness of little talking animals!

All Bluth’s post-NIMH flicks were pretty awful, but for at least that one outing, the studio was onto something. And cartoonist David Peterson is onto that same thing in his new comic, MOUSE GUARD. Beautifully illustrated and masterfully colored, MOUSE GUARD spins a fantasy/adventure yarn that manages warmth and heroism, but doesn’t shirk on that all-important death and menace! One doesn’t want to evoke comparisons to BONE too early on, but…well, let’s go ahead and let ‘em lurk in the background.

The opening page of MOUSE GUARD gives the reader a quick text-explanation of the concept, evoking the tradition of medieval legend as we learn how the Guard was formed in 1149 (Human years? Mouse years?) to take down a weasel warlord. Nowadays, we’re told, the Guard is no longer a group of elite soldiers, but rather a collection of stalwart scouts and escorts, bodyguards and pathfinders. Think Tolkien’s rangers in LORD OF THE RINGS and you’re probably about right. The level of anthropomorphism is close to NIMH, with the mice essentially doing “micey” things (trafficking in grain, living underground), but they speak like humans and have some of the specific trappings of medieval humans (they wield swords, wear cloaks, have simple carts for transport, and their cities mimic medieval castles).

Storywise, this first outing is pretty straightforward: three members of the Mouse Guard are investigating the disappearance of a grain merchant along a forest trail – danger ensues! The three have cool, English-sounding names – Lieam, Kenzie, and Saxon – and I’m reminded a bit of the early Ninja Turtles comics in which personality takes a backseat to the action. I caught that one of the mice is a bit of a hothead, but for the most part, the mice are what they do, not personalities of particular depth. They all speak in courtly manner and they’re all capable of defending themselves should the need arise. It might be considered a criticism that they’re not more fleshed out, but in an introductory issue, I was happy to just enjoy the concept – familiar, perhaps, in films or the juvenile novel series REDWALL, but not so much in comics. And even though we get plenty of adventure comics, it’s neat just to see the change-up in scale. In MOUSE GUARD, you can see how a weasel would be the equivalent of a giant, a snake a menace on the order of a dragon.

The book is also unequivocally amazing to look at. I don’t know if writer/artist Peterson is British, but his art has that detailed, textural quality oft-seen in British illustration and comics. It lends the proceedings a grit that belies the cuteness of the leads and brings the forest to life as a moody setting. Peterson colors the book as well, presumably by computer, though the look is that of watercolor. The effect favors a melancholy naturalism over Disney lushness and high contrasts – again, in keeping with the serious tone of the adventure.

Rounding out the visuals is a particularly rare quality: excellent typography! I’m reminded of Todd Klein’s lettering on SANDMAN as Peterson utilizes a serif font that evokes Ye Olde English. I also like the varied fonts for sound effect fonts, each appropriate to its situation. Taken alongside the art, they definitely show that MOUSE GUARD is the total package, lovingly crafted on every level. Even the endpapers are nicely designed.

Consider MOUSE GUARD highly recommended. It’s lightweight in the sense that these are creatures of simple motivation, but they’ve got a central heroism one can’t help but rally behind. It evokes the heroic brotherhood of Arthur and Robin Hood, and that’s something rare to find in comics in recent years – at least without the creeping onset of irony or deconstruction. No, Peterson fully believes in his little heroes, and he’s created their world so expertly that you’ll believe in them too. A unique and noteworthy debut, and there’s even an enticing mystery established by issue’s end.

Read the first nine pages here. Damn, they’re nice lookin’.

Yay, Peetarrsin! Hope the rest of the day goes as well. Especially sales.