BOOM! Reveals First Images from Upcoming ‘Mouse Guard’ Revival
The beloved ‘Mouse Guard’ series is making a grand return, and BOOM! Studios just dropped some exciting first images that have us buzzing with anticipation. This isn’t about the canceled movie from a few years back—this is a fresh comic revival titled ‘Mouse Guard: Dawn of the Black Axe,’ set to hit shelves on March 19, 2025. It’s a prequel that takes us way back in the timeline, long before the events of the original series, and I can already tell it’s going to be a treat for anyone who loves this world of brave mice.
What’s this new story about? It dives into the origins of the legendary Black Axe, a weapon that’s been a big deal in the ‘Mouse Guard’ universe since the comics first launched in 2006. We’ll follow Bardrick, the very first mouse to wield it, as he embarks on an epic adventure battling good against evil. David Petersen, the creator who’s been steering this ship from the start, is writing and coloring this one, teaming up with artist Gabriel Rodriguez, known for his work on ‘Locke & Key.’ The artwork in those preview images looks sharp—think detailed medieval mouse armor and sprawling landscapes that pull you right in.
Petersen kicked off ‘Mouse Guard’ nearly 20 years ago, and it quickly became a hit, earning Eisner Awards and a loyal following. The series follows a brotherhood of mice in a medieval-inspired world—no humans, just animals living out tales of heroism. The Guard protects their kind from predators and other threats, and this new chapter promises to flesh out the lore even more. It’s not the first time we’ve gotten a prequel—‘Mouse Guard: Black Axe’ explored earlier history too—but ‘Dawn of the Black Axe’ goes further back, giving us the weapon’s very beginning.
The timing feels special because 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of both ‘Mouse Guard’ and BOOM! Studios. They’re celebrating with this six-issue miniseries, and the first issue comes with multiple covers—Rodriguez does the main one, while Petersen and artist Goñi Montes offer variants. If you’re eager to grab it, pre-orders are open now at comic shops or online spots like Kindle and Google Play. I’m betting these pages will be packed with the same charm and grit that made the original so loved.
Now, let’s not forget the movie that almost was. Back in 2019, a big-budget ‘Mouse Guard’ film was in the works with director Wes Ball and stars like Andy Serkis and Idris Elba lined up. It was going to be a live-action CGI spectacle, but Disney axed it after acquiring Fox, just weeks before filming. Ball later shared test footage online, and it looked incredible—huge sets, motion-capture mice, the works. While that dream’s dead, this comic revival keeps the spirit alive, and who knows? Maybe Netflix, which has a deal with BOOM!, could pick up the torch someday.
For now, I’m thrilled to see ‘Mouse Guard’ back in action on the page. Petersen’s been at this since his debut series ‘Mouse Guard: Fall 1152,’ and his knack for blending cute mice with serious stakes hasn’t faded. With Rodriguez’s art bringing Bardrick’s quest to life, March can’t come fast enough. If you’ve never dived into this world, now’s a perfect time to catch up—those tiny swords and big hearts are hard to resist.