Mouse Guard: Winter 1152 (Mouse Guard, #2) by David Petersen

This graphic novel is the second collection in the Mouse Guard series and is beautifully rendered and reads just like a good fantasy should. It can be read as a stand alone, although you are cheating yourself if you don't read Mouse Guard Fall 1152. Petersen has struck the perfect chord between satisfying story line and gritty graphic. Although the intrepid adventurers in these books are mice it is just as easy to imagine oneself in their place. 

This book continues the tale with the harsh winter settling in and the Mouse Guard sent out to gather both supplies from neighboring cities and trying to improve relations. Their diplomatic mission is further hampered when Saxon, Kenzie, Lieam, and Sadie, led by Celanawe are faced with a relentless enemy hunting them and an unexpected event which causes them to be separated into two groups. With Lockhaven dependent on their swift return with needed supplies and medicine this could spell disaster for all. For as before, treachery is brewing both in and under Lockhaven and this may be its last stand.

These are tales of heroes and courage, of betrayal, friendship and the hardships that face even the simplest in times of need. Well executed, accompanied by images that are vivid yet as harsh as the winter facing our characters. These are not the kind of mice you'd see from Disney, these are battle hardened warriors, diminutive in size but more than capable of delivering a story that you can sink your teeth into. I'd recommend this as a great introduction to what a literary graphic novel can be.