Mouse Guard: The Black Axe

David Petersen has crafted a rich & profound history for the Black Axe.  In this tale the reader discovers more about the world beyond the mouse territories.  Most of this story takes place in the past revolving around three characters Em, Celanawe & Conrad.  This is a great quest story about how Celanawe became the Black Axe & his lineage.  The greatest part of this story is the building of the legend that would make one hell of a bedtime story for any child.  Em introduces the reader to this history of the Axe which brings more depth to the world as a whole.  Celanawe like many of the guards mice in the previous two volumes goes through a life changing series of events to bring him to the place to were he is currently.  This story also sheds light on Conrad who dies in the Fall 1152.  Again like all of the previous books in this series David Petersen's art work speaks volumes & in most cases convey more than the text.  I really like the last page of were Lieam is reading Em's book which Celanawe has augmented to Kenzie & Saxon.  If David Petersen's tale of the mouse territories comes to an end here it would be a fulfilling & satisfying ending.  That being said the last page really could be the forward to whole new set of adventures with the guards mice.