Boom! Studiosis releasing the latest follow-up to the Eisner Award-winning seriesMouse Guard, “bring[ing a brand new chapter to life in this sprawling saga” according to the publisher. The original comic and its sequels introduced readers to the spellbinding fantasy world populated by intelligent mice, andnowDawn of the Black Axecontinues to elaborate on the lore of the potent new franchise.

Screen Rant is thrilled to share an exclusive preview ofMouse Guard: Dawn of the Black Axe#2 – written by David Petersen, with art by Gabriel Rodríguez – which continues to escalate the thrilling sequel series, as “the origin story of the Black Axe continues.”

Mouse Guard: Dawn of the Black Axe #2 variant cover, a mouse cowers at the shadow of a serpent.

The latest issue of the series is set to ship with exciting covers from Petersen and Rodríguez, as well as a variant by laudedTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtlesco-creator Kevin Eastman, making thisBoom!’s latest can’t-miss release.

“Black Axe” Expands On The Mythology Of “Mouse Guard,” The Award-Winning Comic Book Miniseries

Mouse Guard: Dawn of the Black Axe#2 – Written by David Petersen; Art By Gabriel Rodríguez; Main Cover By Rodríguez

David Peterson’sMouse Guardhas been a fan-favorite comic series since its first issue was released in 2006; now, nearly twenty years later, the adventure series continues withDawn of the Black Axe, a prequel series expanding on the mythology of the franchise’s centerpiece weapon. According to Boom! Studios' synopsis for the next issue ofDawn:

The origin story of the Black Axe continues! Bardrick, the first wielder of the Axe, continues his campaign against the serpents surrounding the mouse territories, but even he can’t be everywhere at once… The legendary weapon-bearer must serve his duty, but can he truly manage it all on his lonesome?!

Comic book art: Erica Slaughter on the cover of Something Is Killing the Children book one.

The prequel series is still very much in its early stages, as its action continues to rise, and the stakes continue to grow even higher in the face of overwhelming odds.

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In other words,the tale of Bardrick inDawn of the Black Axeis shaping up to be another classic hero’s journey, one that will add a fitting puzzle piece to the overall history of theMouse Guardworld.The comic is also notable for serving as a celebration of the looming 20th anniversary of the originalMouse Guardcomic; further, it doubles as a tribute topublisher Boom! Studios itself, as the company officially celebrates two decades in the comic book industry, during which time Boom! has become a staple of the indie publishing scene.

Mouse Guard: Dawn of the Black Axe #2 variant cover, a cloaked mouse holds the Axe against the backdrop of a spectral deer.

“Mouse Guard” Is A Celebrated Franchise That Deserves More Attention – Starting With “Black Axe”

Mouse Guard: Dawn of the Black Axe#2 – Variant Covers By David Petersen & Kevin Eastman

Mouse Guardis highly regarded among indie comic fans; the series remixes and recontextualizes familiar beats from actual medieval history, filtered through the use of non-human main characters. Despite its origins in the mid-aughts, though, only a limited set ofMouse Guardissues have been published;while existing fans are clamoring for more, though, this gives new readers the perfect opportunity to jump on board and get up to date before the release ofDawn of the Black Axe,asBoom! Studiosushers in a new erafor the beloved series.

Mouse Guard: Dawn of the Black Axe#2will be available June 22, 2025 from Boom! Studios