So as I mentioned before, I finally got to meet one of my favorite comic artists, David Petersen, in person on Monday. He made an appearance at the Schuller’s bookstore’s monthly comics discussion group. He took questions about Mouse Guard, his writing, his art, his methods, the future of Mouse Guard, the forthcoming Mouse Guard RPG (and board game!)… just about everything. It was kind of awesome. Oh, and he did signings afterwards.

That’s me and David after the discussion. He was super-nice, and took the time to sketch for anyone who wanted one, and to sign anything that people brought in. I know that’s kind of standard practice, but he seemed to really be enjoying it too.

More after the jump.To begin with, David talked about how he came up with the concepts for Mouse Guard, how he got into actually doing this for a living. The fact that it was quite by accident that Mouse Guard actually saw widespread publication is still kind of surprising. He was at conventions and things, showed off some of his artwork, and people kept asking “when is this book coming out?” So he had it prepped for the next year’s Motor City Comic Con. And he was shopping it around for critiques, and Archaia (his publisher) seemed to jump for it. Kind of crazy.

As for future Mouse Guard stories, he has three more series planned after Winter 1152 is over. The next one is a Black Axe story (which takes place pre-1152, but he says won’t be what we expect), and the other is a story from the Winter War of 1149 (where the Guard battles the weasels). The story after that is a secret for now; it apparently ties into things that happen the the upcoming storylines.

David may also do an Annual or two, detailing some of the backstory of the current characters, mostly Saxon and Kenzie. You Tube video of him talking about this and some of his other ideas:

He also talked about one of my favorite topics (as discussed in this interview I did with him) - how Mouse Guard is secretly set in Michigan. If you grew up in Michigan, you can totally see it in his artwork.

Anyhow, if you’re not already reading Mouse Guard, do so now. Its awesome. If you get the chance to meet David, do so. He’s awesome.

One of the drawings David did for one of the other people in line. Everybody there was nice too. (Thanks Kate for letting me get a picture of your sketch).

I also got a couple videos of David actually drawing this (so cool to watch) and chatting with some of the other people there.

My signed Lieam figurine. Man, I love this thing.

I also ran into a couple of the guys from Comics Obscura there. I’ve picked up one of their books in the past, and I might have to again soon. Support local art!