Mouse Guard: Fall 1152 by David Petersen A small mouse in a flowing cape raises his sword defiantly against the snake looming over him. It was this image that convinced to buy the book. In this world, mice have settlements, protected from their many predators by the fearless Mouse Guard. The body of a traveller has been found, carrying the secret plans for Lockhaven, the stronghold of the Guard. Who was the traitor meeting? The Guard will do everything in their power to protect the safety of the mice and their Matriarch, Gwendolyn. The plot is fairly standard swashbuckling – which is to say, lots of fun. The setting is unique, and the illustrations gorgeous. For me, figuring out graphic novels, I’ve seen comics with constant narration where the pictures illustrate what’s described in the text; I’ve seen comics where the dialogue is cringe-worthy, clearly squeezed in around the pictures. Mouse Guard is told mainly through the pictures, but when there is text, it’s essential to understanding. It’s an excellent fusion of art and adventure.