The Walking Dead #174 Review

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Alexandria, Charlie Adlard, comics, Dwight, Dwight The Walking Dead, Image Comcis, Michonne, Negan, Rick Grimes, Robert Kirkman, The Hilltop, The Kingdom, The Saviors, The Walking Dead, The Walking Dead #174, The Walking Dead #174 review, The Walking Dead All Out War, The Walking Dead Jesus, The Walking Dead Princess, The Walking Dead season 8, The Whisperers, TWD, Walker herd, Walkers, Zombies

The Walking Dead #174

Review by Paul Bowler

It’s a solitary life for some in The Walking Dead #174, as the spotlight falls on the series’ infamous big bad and former Saviors leader, Negan. Because of his help during the Whisperer War, Rick granted Negan his freedom, on the condition that his lived alone and away from all of the surrounding communities. Negan’s solitary existence has given him time to reflect on the past, but not all off Rick’s allies agreed with his decision…

The Walking Dead #174 is a challenging, unexpected, and welcome change of pace from recent issues as writer Robert Kirkman offers us a powerful insight into Negan’s character and what he’s been up to since the Whisperer War. Some might say it’s about time we had a Negan centric issue like this, others might worry it will demystify Rick’s foul mouthed, bad-ass, nemesis too much, but they’d be wrong on both counts.

Negan’s been around for seventy five issues now, but here we finally begin to get an idea of the inner rage, torment, and grief that drives him. Never in a million years would I have dreamt that Negan would have green fingers either! However, the glimpse of Negan simply living day-to-day in the Zombie apocalypse ultimately proves as moving as it does unsettling, especially when dark echoes from the past start creeping in to tarnish his new found freedom.

Charlie Adlard’s art in this issue magnificently captures the uncanny blend of ordinariness and the macabre that seems to permeate every scene. Negan’s life away from Rick and the other communities plays out amidst a series of seemingly unrelated events, the inks by Stefano Gaudian and gray tones by Cliff Rathburn stylishly accentuates the emotional beats of this issue, and the way an old love from Negan’s past returns – albeit briefly – hits home with chilling clarity as we realize exactly where the narrative is leading us.

The final confrontation in this issue between Negan and Maggie is one that I’m sure many will think has also been a long time coming. Love him or hate him, Negan’s impact on the Image Comics series (and indeed the TV series), has led to some of The Walking Dead’s most talked about storylines. He’s been a divisive character at times, his actions have been heinous, evil, and truly horrifying, and his ruthless glee in dealing out death with Lucille is probably only matched by the rapturous barrage of four letter words and twisted comments that constantly pepper his dialogue at every given opportunity.

Although the main storyline has had a few up’s and down’s since the Whisperer War, Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard get things back on track with The Walking Dead #174’s great story of revenge, redemption, and closure to make it one of the best issues of TWD of the year. Where Negan’s character goes from here will be interesting to say the least. Whatever the future holds for Negan, one thing’s for sure, with the six-part New World Order story-arc beginning in January, big events are in store for The Walking Dead in 2018!

Publisher: Image

Writer: Robert Kirkman / Pencils & Cover: Charlie Adlard / Inks: Stefano Gaudiano

Gray Tone: Cliff Rathburn / Letterer: Rus Wooton / Cover Colors: Dave Stewart

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The Walking Dead #173 Review

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Alexandria, Charlie Adlard, comics, Dwight, Dwight The Walking Dead, Image Comcis, Michonne, Negan, Rick Grimes, Robert Kirkman, The Hilltop, The Kingdom, The Saviors, The Walking Dead, The Walking Dead #173, The Walking Dead #173 review, The Walking Dead All Out War, The Walking Dead Jesus, The Walking Dead Princess, The Walking Dead season 8, The Whisperers, TWD, Walker herd, Walkers, Zombies

The Walking Dead #173

Review by Paul Bowler

Twilight confrontations and a major new threat rises in The Walking Dead #173 as Jesus fights for his life and Michonne’s team head for Ohio. While the eighth season of the Walking Dead is going all-out for the All Out War storyline on TV right now, the character in the Image comic book series are still picking up the pieces after The Whisperer War – the Walker skin wearing group that unleashed a Walker herd on Alexandria and razed the Hilltop to the ground!

So, with Rick devastated by Andrea’s death after she was bitten by a Walker and Dwight still doubting his role at either Alexandria or the Saviors Sanctuary, last issues cliff-hanger which saw Jesus and Aaron set off to help with the rebuilding of the Hilltop – only to be ambushed by the hulking Whisperer leader Beta – finally seemed to herald a resurgences in hostilities with the Whisperers. However, although The Walking Dead #173 does deliver an edge of your seat face-off between Jesus and Beta, the resolution proves to be somewhat surprising to say the least!

Kirkman manages to keep the plot moving along at a brisk pace. There’s some great character moments for Jesus and Aaron, Maggie is still coming to terms with Rick’s decision to let Negan remain free after he helped them during the attack on Alexandria in The Whisperer War, and Carl and Lydia’s rekindled relationship back at the Hilltop is tested when Lydia begins to feel jealous about Carl’s friendship with Sophia.

The art by Charlie Adlard, together with inks by Stefano Gaudiano, and gray tones by Cliff Rathburn, are on fine form as ever. In the no-holds-barred fight between Jesus and Beta, every nerve jangling moment plays out in a flurry of fists, kicks, blades, and bullets. The quieter character moments skilfully punctuate the action, while the starkly rendered and uncluttered page layouts seamlessly relays the action and various locations – no mean feat considering how a lot of events in this issue take place in almost pitch black darkness.

For the most part, Robert Kirkman has dealt with the aftermath of The Whisperer War adequately enough, but things have felt like they’ve been coasting a bit for a few issues. It seems the resurgence of the Whispers might not be in the offing after all, especially if the encounters with them in this issue are anything to go by. Hopefully we will also find out more about the group Eugune made contact with on his radio soon as well, but will they be friends, or foes?

Meanwhile, during their trek to Ohio, Michonne’s group encountered Princesss, a feisty new spear wielding character who has already proved her worth by fighting alongside them against Walkers. I must admit, although I found Princess a bit grating initially, the character brings some vibrant new traits into the group, and it’ll be interesting to see how the rest of the survivors react to her. That is, if they survive that long as this issue sees Princess, Michonne and her team confronted by an unknown threat in a particularly eerie setting.

With its strong characterization from writer Robert Kirkman and great art by Charlie Adlard, The Walking Dead #173 is a good overall issue. It feels more like a scene setter really, with characters and situations settling into place, and now with the New World Order story-arc on the horizon there is a real sense that big game-changing events are on the cards.

Publisher: Image.

Writer: Robert Kirkman / Pencils & Cover: Charlie Adlard / Inks: Stefano Gaudiano

Gray Tone: Cliff Rathburn / Letterer: Rus Wooton / Cover Colors: Dave Stewart

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The Walking Dead Season 8 Official Comic-Con Trailer

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Alexandria, AMC The Walking Dead, Andrew Lincoln, Carl Grimes, Carol, Danai Gurira, Daryl Dixon, Fear TWD, Lauren Cohan, Lucile, Maggie Green, Melissa McBride, Michonne, Negan, Norman Reedus, Rick Grime, Robert Kirkman, The Kingdom, The Saviors, The Walking Dead, The Walking Dead season 8, The Walking Dead Season 8 SDCC trailer, TWD, Walkers, Zombies

The Walking Dead Season 8 Official Comic-Con Trailer

Check out the new first look trailer from SDCC for The Walking Dead Season 8!

Looking forward to the new season even more now!

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The Walking Dead #165 Review

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Alexandria, Charlie Adlard, comics, Dwight, Dwight The Walking Dead, Image Comcis, Lucile the Walking Dead, Michonne, Negan, Rick Grimes, Robert Kirkman, Stefano Gaudiano, The Hilltop, The Kingdom, The Saviors, The Walking Dead, The Walking Dead #165, The Walking Dead #165 Review, The Whisperers, TWD, Walker herd, Walkers, Zombies

The Walking Dead #165

　Review by Paul Bowler

Opportunity strikes as the battle for survival rages on in The Walking Dead #165, Alexandria has fallen before the terrifying might of the Walker herd unleashed at the end of the Whisperer War, and now the shambling tide of the dead threatens to overwhelm them all. Trapped inside Alexandria, Rick and Negan must work together to have any hope of escape. Meanwhile outside, Carl leads a group of Hilltop survivors into battle with Dwight and his team to thin out the herd while Maggie, Andrea, Eugene, Michonne, and Jesus set out on horseback to drive the horde away from Alexandria and towards the ocean, as the Saviors continue to watch, and wait for their moment…

The war with the Whisperer might be over, at least for now anyway, but there have been major losses on all sides. Father Gabriel is dead, the Hilltop has been completely raised to the ground, and Beta’s parting act to set the massive Walker herd on Alexandria has placed Rick’s community and his friends in dire peril.

Rick Kirkman always writes The Walking Dead in a way that often challenges and defies out expectations with the completely unexpected. In hindsight of Negan’s and Rick’s impromptu hear-to-heart last issue – now there’s a sentence I never EVER thought I’d write in a million years – the dynamic between them has been radically altered, but as they fight side-by-side against the Walkers in this issue there’s still that gnawing doubt that the reluctant trust this situation has forged between them is more a case of better the devil you know for both of them. Still, it will be interesting to see how this pans out. Its also good to see the rest of the Alexandrians following their lead – especially after they all high tailed it and left Rick and Negan to fend for themselves when the gates of Alexandria fell – and rise up to fight alongside them against the undead masses.

Charlie Adlard’s artwork for The Walking Dead #165 provides us with a veritable tour de force of action and drama, with bold, stylishly structured page layouts building the tension. The 16 panel page grid is once more utilized, arguably to ever greater effect that even during the Whisperer War, to condense the action featuring Rick and Negan, Carl and Lydia, Dwight’s team, Andrea, Maggie, Dante, Jesus, Michonne, and Eugene as the battle inside with the zombies and the plan outside to ferry the herd away form Alexandria unfolds at break neck speed! Stefano Gaudiano’s stunning inks and the impeccable grey tones by Cliff Rathburn bring added fervour and intensity to every scene. The panoramic Cliffside two-page spread is both beautifully and horrifically realized by Adlard, Guadiano, and Rathburn, succinctly and sharply polarizing the simplicity of Eugene’s assessment of the success of their plan with the potential environmental consequences such action will bring to coldly illustrate that – zombie apocalypse or not – humanity is still probably going to end up dumping its shit into the sea until the end of the world and beyond anyway.

This issue frenetically intercuts between a number of plot strands, with attempts to prevent sections of the Walker herd turning back towards Alexandria putting key characters in moral jeopardy, and the Saviors – who have been observing from the sidelines for so long – finally decide to make their move. To think, only a few issues ago, it looked like Rick had won the Whisperer War, but as Beta retreated the Walker herd was released, and with all the communities in disarray everything that Rick and the survivors have fought so hard to build looks like it could be swept away overnight.

The Walking Dead #165 is another terrific issue from Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard that takes this Image Comics series to new heights of unparallel drama and suspense. Things that have been foreshadowed are slowly coming to pass, the spoils of victory are there for the taking, it just remains to be seen who will be left standing to claim them! The Walking Dead #165 certainly has a cliff-hanger to end all cliff-hangers as well, and its one that’ll sink its teeth into the collective fandom of The Walking Dead like never before!

Publisher: Image

Writer: Robert Kirkman / Art: Charlie Adlard

Inks: Stefano Gaudiano / Grey tones: Cliff Rathburn / Letters: Rus Wooton

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The Walking Dead #162 Review

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Alexandria, Charlie Adlard, comics, Dwight, Dwight The Walking Dead, Image Comcis, Lucile the Walking Dead, Michonne, Negan, Rick Grimes, Robert Kirkman, Stefano Gaudiano, The Hilltop, The Kingdom, The Saviors, The Walking Dead, The Walking Dead #162, The Walking Dead #162 Review, The Whisperer War Part 6, The Whisperers, TWD, Walker herd, Walkers, Zombies

The Walking Dead #162

Review by Paul Bowler

Rick Grimes and his fellow survivors face their darkest hour in The Walking Dead #162 from Image Comics as the final battle with the Whisperers begins. Maggie led The Hilltop to victory during the Whisperers devastating attack on her community, but Barrington House is now a smouldering ruin. Now, as Eugene risks everything to deliver a much needed consignment of ammunition to Alexandria, Rick and Andrea plan their next move, but the Saviors are secretly plotting against Rick, and the Whisperers are about to launch their last ditch offensive against Alexandria as the Whisperer War reaches its blood curdling conclusion!

The Whisperer War has certainly shaken things up for The Walking Dead universe as the communities of Alexandria, The Hilltop, The Kingdom, and The Saviors have gradually been drawn into the conflict with the Whisperers. There have been plenty of shocks and surprises along the way. Dwight has really stepped up to the plate during this storyline, helping train the Alexandrian’s to fight the Whisperers, and the way his team survived the Walker herd by using Whisperer skins was ingenious. Eugene’s ongoing radio conversations with an unknown community slowly began to grow in trust, Carl also risked his life helping to get people to safety when the Hilltop was attacked, and Lydia refused to rejoin the Whisperers – making her point clear in the most spectacular way imaginable. There have been casualties too, most notably Father Gabriel’s gruesome death, and perhaps the most shocking event of all was the unexpected demise of Negan’s beloved baseball bat Lucille during his fight with the Whisperer’s hulking new leader, Beta!

Robert Kirkman begins to gather the numerous plot threads and communities together in this final part of the Whisperer War. This issue we are treated to some of the series’ most poignant and emotional scenes so far, with Negan mourning Lucille, the reinforcements from The Kingdom arriving to help the survivors of the battle at the Hilltop, and there’s an especially moving scene between Carl and Lydia as well.

The 16 panel page grid is used to great effect once again in this issue. Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard have had so many characters and locations to cover during this arc and this panel layout really plays to their strengths, particularly here in The Walking Dead #162, enabling the issue to strike just the right balance between action, drama, and strong character moments to drive the plot towards its thrilling conclusion. The artwork by Charlie Adlard, together with Stefano Gaudiano’s exceptional inks, and grey tones by Cliff Rathburn delivers some brilliant set-pieces: including Negan’s poignant moment of reflection, the sweeping vista depicting the aftermath of the Hilltop battle, and a terrifying Walker horde that will make your jaw hit the floor!

You might be forgiven at one point into thinking that this storyline is winding down a little too conveniently at one stage, with Eugene, and then Dwight and his team, returning to Alexandria, but there is a gnawing sense that all is not going as well as it seems, and sure enough, Rick’s instincts prove horrifically right!

The Whisperer War has been one of the most epic, bloody, and violent storylines we’ve seen in a long while in The Walking Dead. If you thought the title had been coasting along a little in the aftermath of All Out War, then this issue will certainly change all that with its game changing finale scenes, and you will be left in no doubt that the zombie apocalypse is really going to heat up now in the wake of what Beta has unleashed.

So, get ready for some exciting times ahead as The Walking Dead celebrates Image’s 25^th anniversary next month, with The Walking Dead #163, an bigger issue than normal at lower price of 25 cents, and then The Walking Dead #164 that also ships in February!

Publisher: Image

Writer: Robert Kirkman / Art: Charlie Adlard / Inks: Stefano Gaudiano

Grey tones: Cliff Rathburn / Letters: Rus Wooton

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The Walking Dead #158 Review

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Alexandria, Charlie Adlard, comics, Dwight, Image Comcis, Lucile the Walking Dead, Michonne, Negan, Rick Grimes, Robert Kirkman, Stefano Gaudiano, The Hilltop, The Kingdom, The Saviors, The Walking Dead, The Walking Dead #158, The Walking Dead #158 review, The Whispere War Part 2, The Whisperers, TWD, Walker herd, Walkers, Zombies

The Walking Dead #158

Review by Paul Bowler

The Whisperer War rages on in The Walking Dead #158 as Beta, enraged after Alpha was killed and beheaded by Negan, sends the Whisperers mighty undead herd to strike back against Rick and his allies. Still mindful of Negan’s motives, Rick allows Negan to help on the front line. The communities of Alexandria, The Saviors, The Hilltop, and the Kingdom will soon face their greatest challenge, but nothing could prepare Dwight’s new military force for the sight of the terrifying Walker herd the Whisperers have unleashed on them…

The Whisperer War: Part 2 begins with the shock death of one of the series’ regular characters, and its one that few could’ve genuinely seen coming. The Whisperers are certainly amongst the most chilling adversaries that Rick and his fellow survivors have ever faced. This unnerving Walker skin wearing group have proved to be as cunning as they are deadly, having already used ruthless terror tactics against those who dared to violate their territory, but with Beta now out to avenge Alpha’s death this issue illustrates just what a force they are to be reckoned with – especially now that Beta’s let loose what can only be described as this apocalyptic worlds Undead equivalent of a weapon of mass destruction: the Walker herd!

Robert Kirkman skilfully builds the action and tension throughout this issue. It may have taken a while to actually get to the Whisperers War, but now that this new arc is in full swing its sure turning out to have been well worth the wait! Numerous events unfold, taking in Alexandria, The Saviors, The Hilltop, and the Kingdom, as the separate communities react to the current threat in very different, and sometimes surprising ways. There’s also a greater sense of just how tenuously balanced this brave new world that Rick has been striving to establish, really is. One of the big highlights of the issue are the scenes with Dwight and Negan on the front line, the dialogue here is utterly priceless, and the way it spills over into the attack by the Whisperers herd is brilliantly staged.

The Walking Dead #158 features the winning combination of Charlie Adlard’s excellent artwork, Stefano Gaudiano’s inks, and grey tones Cliff Rathburn, in what is arguably one of their finest issues so far. The use of 16 panel page grid is employed once more in this issue, it’s been a good move by Robert Kirkman Charlie Adlard, and works really well in the context of this arc – especially as its been so densely plotted and action-packed in places. All of the different character arcs and geographic locals this issue packs in are deftly handled by the creative team, the action flows seamlessly, and the narrative is peppered with some great character moments. There are so many standout events in this issue: the gruesome death of a main character is probably one of the most visceral scenes I’ve seen in this series for a long while, likewise, the sight of Michonne and Jesus charging into battle is great scene stealer, and the overwhelming power of the Walker herd is also another jaw dropping set-piece as the Whisperers vicious tactics press home their advantage.

We’re only two issues in with this six-part story arc and its already shaping up to be one hell of a game changer. The Walking Dead #158 builds to a rousing close. Battle lines are drawn, Eugene’s radio conversation subplot continues bubbling away mysteriously in the background, and the arrival of reinforcements certainly prove to be a rousing moment. But everything is overshadowed by the anticipation of the mother of all showdowns that’s set up for the next issue, as two of series’ biggest, baldest, heavy hitters face off at last!

Publisher: Image / Writer: Robert Kirkman / Art: Charlie Adlard

Inks: Stefano Gaudiano / Grey tones: Cliff Rathburn / Letters: Rus Wooton

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The Walking Dead #153 Review

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Alexandria, Charlie Adlard, comics, Dwight, Image Comcis, Michonne, Negan, Rick Grimes, Robert Kirkman, Stefano Gaudiano, The Hilltop, The Saviors, The Walking Dead, The Walking Dead #153, The Whisperers, TWD, Zombies

The Walking Dead #153

Review by Paul Bowler

Brandon attacked Rick Grimes to get revenge after Rick killed his father, but Rick easily defeated and humiliated him. After disobeying the order to return to the Hilltop community, Brandon foolishly decided to free Negan from his cell and help him escape from Alexandria. Now, Negan is on the loose in The Walking Dead #153, and it doesn’t take the former Saviors leader long to resume his murderous ways…

In the wake of Negan’s long-awaited debut in the Season Six finale of The Walking Dead TV series, it’s perhaps no surprise that the characters role in the Image Comics series now takes centre stage once more. Yes, after his long incarceration in Alexandria after the events of All Out War, Negan is free at last! After Rick rallied the people of Alexandria to face the threat posed by the sinister Walker-Skin wearing Whisperers in the series’ landmark 150^th issue, Rick and Dwight started training a new Alexandrian military force to fight the Whisperers, along with a new recruit – Father Gabriel. Michonne is now set to become the next leader of the Kingdom, and Eugene has managed to make contact with an unknown group via his radio experiment.

This issue of The Walking Dead really gives the series a new sense of momentum. Right from the opening moments, where Negan dons his jacket once more, Robert Kirkman skilfully builds the tension as Rick faces the prospect that his old enemy is out there somewhere plotting his downfall. The scenes with Negan and Brandon are some of the issues finest moments, Negan is at his foul-mouthed best, its great to see the character taking such a prominent role again, and Brandon’s plan certainly points him in the right direction for revenge against Rick and Alexandria.

Rick and Michonne soon figure out that Negan and must have snuck out with Maggie’s group as they left Alexandria to return to the Hilltop. But, while Aaron and Michonne go looking for Negan, tensions run high at Alexandria, a near fatal mistake by one of the Alexandrians causes Rick to question his recent actions, and the price his community might pay for the intense methods he’s used to prepare them for war against the Whisperers. Dwight also gets some great moments while training a group of Alexandrians. Since renouncing his leadership of the Saviors to work alongside Rick, Dwight has really come into his own as a reformed character now, and we also get to understand his reasons for brining the Lucille with him after he uses the notorious baseball bat to dispatch some Walkers after his team get caught off guard while training in the woods.

The Walking Dead #153 features some great artwork by Charlie Adlard, the brooding menace caused by Negan’s escape seems to permeate though every scene, and we are left in no doubt just how serious the situation is becoming. Adlard realizes several different characters and locations throughout this issue, with Stefano Gaudiano’s inks and Cliff Rathburn’s grey tones giving each scene its own distinctive look and atmosphere. Negan looks every bit the series’ big bad, all he needs now is a certain baseball bat to complete the look! There’s also some great zombie action when Dwight and his team come under attack, but it is the scene where Rick questions Paul that is probably one of this issues – if not this arcs – most defining moments.

Although the newer characters introduced since All Out War still need some pretty major development to make them anywhere even half as interesting as the comic book series’ major characters, this issue feels very much like a step in the right direction to accomplishing just that. Negan’s escape is another great move on Kirkman’s part, it’s certainly sure to shake up the new status quo, and spell big trouble for Rick and his friends. The Walking Dead #153 closes with one of the most ruthless and callous moments that we’ve seen in a long while, oh yeah, Negan is back, he’s as nasty as hell, and we wouldn’t want it any other way!

Publisher: Image / Writer: Robert Kirkman / Art: Charlie Adlard

Inks: Stefano Gaudiano / Grey tones: Cliff Rathburn / Letters: Rus Wooton

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The Walking Dead #140 Review

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Alexandria, AMC, Carl Grimes, comics, Image Comics, Michone, Michonne, Rick Grimes, The Hilltop, The Walking Dead, The Walking Dead #140, The Whisperers, Walkers, Zombies

The Walking Dead #140

Review by Paul Bowler

Gregory’s attempt to poison Maggie failed when Jesus arrived in time to rescue her. Carl and Lydia have also become close. When the Whisperers arrived at the Hilltop their leader Alpha – Lydia’s mother – offered to trade the men her people had captured in exchange for her daughters return. Afterwards Carl angrily snuck off into the Whisperers territory alone to and save Lydia but Alpha discovered him. Meanwhile at the harbour Rick met with Ezekiel just as Michonne returned from sea with her crew, but as they land their catch of fish for the communities to trade, Rick is sad to learn that Michonne still has no wish to return to Alexandria.

Now in The Walking Dead #140 tensions begin to rise as Robert Kirkman continues to build on the significant changes established earlier in this story arc. Since Negan’s defeat and the jump forward in series’ timeframe, lots have happened, characters lives have changed significantly, and the entire landscape of the world Rick and his fellow survivors inhabit has also altered drastically as a result. The momentum is building gradually, its clear just how much Rick has managed to establish for these communities, but there’s still a long way to go, and there’s a disquieting sense now of just how fragile, and delicately balanced everything still is.

There’s certainly a lot crammed into this issue. Maggie still has to figure out what she’s going to do with Gregory after he tried to kill her as well as decide whether to risk losing more people going after Carl. With the end of their long journey in sight Carl finally gets his first glimpse of the Whisperers camp, and Rick’s persistence in trying to persuade Michonne to stay looks like it might actually pay off. The decisions that Maggie makes in this issue are sure to have some far reaching implications for the rest of this story arc, and it’s great to see her character playing such a pivotal role. Its also good to see Michonne is warming to the idea of staying ashore for a little while longer, she’s been gone far too long, and I hope she can deal with her issues and remain for a while yet as I have a feeling that Rick is going to need her around now more than ever.

Charlie Adlard delivers another great issue of The Walking Dead. The reveal of the Whisperers camp is the big highlight of this issue. I really like it when Adlard gets the chance to introduce an entirely new location like this. Adlard’s sweeping view of the Whisperers camp is really impressive, the intricate level of detail here is stunning, and you’ll find yourself scouring this two-page spread to pick out everything that’s going on. Its taken some time for this plot thread to develop, but its also built up the mystery and suspense of the Whisperers, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the rest of the their camp and learning more about them in future issues.

The Walking Dead #140 is another great issue, there are plenty of intriguing developments, and Robert Kirkman seems to be steering the various plot elements and characters towards what is sure to be another major turning point in this Image Comics series. Charlie Adlard’s art is as reliably impressive as ever, the action and pace hardly lets up for a moment, and the characters realistic expressions convey their emotions perfectly. This issue also ends on a brilliant cliff-hanger, and it’s the one that we’ve all been waiting for!

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The Walking Dead #128 Review

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Alexandria, Charlie Adlard, Image Comics, Negan, Rick Grimes, Robert Kirkman, Stefano Gaudiano, The Walking Dead, The Walking Dead #128, The Walking Dead #128 Review, Zombies

The Walking Dead #128

Review by Paul Bowler

The war between the Saviors and the Hilltop communities is over. Negan was defeated and imprisoned. Two years have now passed, Rick and his fellow survivors have rebuilt Alexandria, transforming it into a well protected, self-sustaining community, where Negan is still held captive in a secure cell. Rick has made a good recovery since his leg was broken, although he still walks with a stick, and Carl wants to learn to become a Blacksmith and move to the Hilltop. Now, as Rick and Eugene tour some of Alexandria’s facilities, a new group of survivors, led by a woman called Magna, have been welcomed into their community and begin to settle in. Outwardly, everything seems fine, but can these newcomers really be trusted?

After the conclusion of All Out War, last issue saw events jump forward two years as we rejoined Rick and the other survivors after they had rebuilt Alexandria, Rick even wears a very basic prosthesis on his missing hand now, and the community he has established seems to be thriving. The majority of The Walking Dead #128 centres around how well Alexandria is doing, especially with the addition of a mill and bakery, even Rick is bowled over by the irony that bread could soon become a more valuable commodity to his community than even bullets.

I really like this change in pace that Robert Kirkman has introduced to the series. Its good to see Rick and his friends doing so well now, however, this is The Walking Dead, so I wouldn’t expect things to stay too idyllic for long. Kirkman gives us breathing room to catch up with some of the characters, including Eugene, although his relationship with Rosita doesn’t seem to be in a good place right now. The time has come for Rick to decide if he will let Carl go and live at the Hilltop and train to become a Blacksmith. This is a great scene, it’s possibly one of the hardest decisions Rick’s ever had to make, the moment is also incredibly poignant, and gives you a real sense of just how much time has passed and how much the characters have evolved.

Negan is still confined, he doesn’t seem in a good way, physically or mentally, however, as we know, he can never be underestimated. The most interesting aspect of The Walking Dead #128 is Magna and her new group of survivors, who were rescued last issue. The scenes where Andrea is questioning Magna are very interesting, as she tries to glean what she can about the new arrivals, and find out how they managed to survive for so long. Magna’s story actually turns out to be highly insightful, perhaps even a very familiar one. Obviously its very early days for these new characters, we still have a lot to learn about them, and it will be interesting to see how things work out. Obviously they will have to earn the trust of Rick’s community. However, the thing I really like about Magna and her friends is how they perceive the set up in Alexandria, it all seems a little too good to be true to them, and their suspicions certainly leave us with much to ponder over.

The Walking Dead #128 continues to build on events following All Out War, and this issue looks great as well. Charlie Adlard’s art is excellent, there is a lot of story to cram into this issue, and I thought that the characters were all really well defined, the detail lavished on every scene is exceptional, and Stefano Gaudiano’s inks also enhance the atmosphere perfectly – especially as the issue builds towards its conclusion. We also get some brief, but exciting Zombie action, when an uncharted region of countryside is explored.

While it may be a slower paced issue, The Walking Dead #128 certainly seems to be setting the groundwork for big things to come. There are plenty of new developments in the lives of the survivors, the new characters are really interesting, and I expect that it won’t be long before events in Alexandria begin to kick off.

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The Walking Dead #108 Review

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Alexandria, Andrea, Carl Grimes, Charlie Adlard, Dwight, Ezekiel, Jesus, Michonne, Negan, Rick Grimes, Robert Kirkman, Shiva, The Kingdom, The Saviors, The Walking Dead, Tiger, Walkers, Zombie Apocalypse, Zombies

The Walking Dead #108

Review by Paul Bowler

Now that Carl has returned safely from the Saviors stronghold Rick is more determined than ever to strike back at Negan. With the information they now possess about the strength of Negan’s forces, Rick and Jesus attempt to forge an alliance with the leader of another group of settlers. While Carl and Michonne deal with a pack of Walkers outside the gates of Alexandria, Rick and Jesus are allowed to enter The Kingdom settlement by the horseback patrols and make their way towards the headquarters inside the school for an audience with King Ezekiel and his pet tiger.

The meeting with Ezekiel goes well. Rick is relieved to learn that Ezekiel wants to be rid of Negan and the Saviors as much as he does, and the information Rick provides about Carl’s time inside Negan’s base makes Ezekiel feel confident that the time has come to attack the Saviors.

Ezekiel finally agrees to help Rick and the people of Alexandria bring Negan’s reign of terror to an end, while also offering the services  of a new ally who has decided to join their fight against the Saviors, one of Negan’s own lieutenants – Dwight.

Although Rick warns Ezekiel not to trust Dwight, the Kingdoms leader allows Dwight to make his case. Dwight reveals how his wife, Sherry, became one of Negan’s wives and how after the Savior’s leader caught them together again, he branded Dwight’s face with a hot iron, scarring him horribly for life for daring to defy him. He realizes that he can never make up for the terrible acts he has carried out for the Saviors, all Dwight asks is for a chance to help so he can save his wife from this tyrants clutches and be reunited with her again. An uneasy silence hangs in the air as Dwight vows to reveal Negan’s secrets so they can plan their attack…

The Walking Dead #108 finally sees Rick beginning to take some decisive action against Negan and the Saviors. We have watched as Rick has been forced to submit to Negan’s demands, handing over precious supplies to ensure the safety of his group, and even being beaten up and humiliated in front of his son, now the time has come to strike back. Robert Kirckman has taken Rick Grimes to the edge and back with this incredible new storyline. We have begun to see just how resourceful Rick can be, how he will stop at nothing to protect those closest to him, even if he has to risk alienating people to gain the advantage they need to defeat the Saviors.

Negan continues to rule over his people through fear and intimidation. Even a simple game of table tennis becomes a lurid double-entendre dripping with threats of violence and the imminent sexual degradation of Dwight’s wife. The Saviors may be the biggest settlement amongst the Hilltop communities but they are not as well trained as Rick’s people or those of the Kingdom. However it would seem that Dwight’s betrayal could well be the key to Negan’s downfall.

Ezekiel is another fantastic new character, and brings a much needed splash of dark humour to the pages of The Walking Dead. Indeed, Ezekiel has never been a party to Negan’s truce, and crowned himself King of his own Kingdom to keep his people safe. He seems to hold nothing but contempt for Negan and the Saviors, and has often felt exacerbated by the way Negan gained such power on the back of so many lies and heinous acts against his own people. Ezekiel also knows Jesus very well, considering him a true friend, and is grateful that he has brought Rick to meet him. The look on Rick’s face when he sees Ezekiel’s tiger, Shiva, for the first time is priceless. Quite how Ezekiel managed to own a pet tiger remains to be seen, it certainly adds an intriguing dynamic to the character, and he certainly doesn’t have to worry about any Zombies getting too close with Shiva around!

The art by Charlie Adlard in The Walking Dead #108 perfectly illustrates the harsh realities of the Zombie apocalypse, and the scene where Michonne and Carl have to face a horde of Zombies outside the gates of Alexandria really ups the stakes when Cark is caught of guard and nearly overpowered by a Walker. After helping Carl get free, Michonne drags him inside and chastises him for disobeying her direct order to retreat, but when Carl says he feels worthless because he is blind in one eye Michonne is quick to reassure the boy – reminding him how his father coped after he lost his hand; and that Carl will also learn to adapt to his limitations over time.

It’s great to see the bond that has developed between Michonne and Carl. There is also another great scene with Michonne and Andrea where they discuss how much their lives have changed while they enjoy a quiet lunch together. Andrea points out how they always used to be on edge, ready for the Walkers to attack at any time, and how the relative safety of living in Alexandria makes it possible to enjoy the simple pleasure of having lunch with a friend again. Sadly the Zombie Apocalypse has brutalized Michonne so much that she doesn’t believe she has any social graces left. She reveals how she used to be a chatty and friendly person before the outbreak, and it’s heartbreaking to watch her admit that she doesn’t think she could ever be that person again.

While a brief interlude between Spencer and Father Gabriel, where Spencer goes to solemnly pray at the altar for the strength to grant his request, may seem superfluous to the overall plot, it could nevertheless herald a significant development for the future. The Walking Dead #108 is another fine issue by Robert Kirckman and Charlie Adlard. The new alliance between Rick and Ezekiel offers a wealth of possibilities for the future, there is some superb character development for Michonne, and it looks like Rick will soon get the chance to take revenge against Negan and the Saviors for all the atrocities they’ve committed.