Mice Templar #4

This series is an oddball. It is a small animal comic, like the popular Mouse Guard, but it is much more fantasy driven than Guard. It has magic elements, and also the classic mentor and student archetype found in many fantasies. What makes this relationship so interesting, is that I feel we cannot completely trust Pilot. His motives seem shady, and his continuous use of dark magic makes me think he is not everything he claims to be. On the other hand the enemy, Cassius, seems to be more noble than Pilot, and I think may turn out to be the true hero of the two.

Also in this issue we see Karic's conflict with Black Aniaus, and Pilot's payment for her services. I like how Karic is not growing too fast. he doesn't pick up a sword and immediately become the best fighter ever. I still feel like I don't completely know exactly what our heroes are trying to do, and why they go to the places they do. I also wish that we would get just a few more answers quicker than we are getting them.

The art is great here. In previous issues it was hard at times to distinguish between the different mice. Since we have gotten away from the large group scenes it is much easier to recognize who is who. Also, the dream sequence at the end is really neat with its muted pastel colors. It distinguishes the scene nicely from the main story.

This was another good issue in the series. I feel like the series is still establishing itself, but it does provide a entertaining story, and the ending has me worried about what will happen to the characters.