First Trailer For The Walking Dead Season 7

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Ezekiel, Horror, Lucile, Michonne, Negan, Rick Grimes, SDCC 2016, Shiva, The Kingdom, The Saviors, The Walking Dead, The Walking Dead Season 7, The Walking Dead Season 7 Comic Con Trailer, The Walking Dead Season 7 trailer, TWD, Walkers, Zombies

First Trailer For The Walking Dead Season 7

　

Here’s the first look at Season 7 of AMC’s The Walking Dead, from Comic Con International in San Diego. Of course the trailer doesn’t spoil Season 6‘s nerve jangling cliff-hanger, but it certainly gives us a taste of what‘s in store, and it looks as exciting as hell! We also glimpse the Kingdom, their leader, and his faithful friend…

Hurry up 23rd of October! Cant wait for Season 7 of The Walking Dead!

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The Walking Dead #122 Review

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All Out War, Charlie Adlard, Ezekiel, Image Comics, Michonne, Negan, Rick Grimes, Robert Kirkman, Stefano Gaudiano, The Saviors, The Walking Dead, The Walking Dead #122, Zombies

The Walking Dead #122

Review by Paul Bowler

[Contains Spoilers]

Negan and the Saviors launched a devastating attack on Alexandria. Only the arrival of Maggie and the reinforcements from the Hilltop managed to force Negan and his forces to retreat. With the town in ruins, Negan is confident this battle has just won him the war. Dr Denise Cloyd manages to save Heath’s life after his leg was blown off by a grenade, despite being bitten by a Zombie (Holly); her valiant effort to treat her boyfriend’s injuries comes at the price of her own life. Once Denise’s funeral is over Rick and the survivors leave Alexandria behind and head for the Hilltop, where they will join forces with Maggie and wait for Negan to make his next move. Amidst all the confusion during the Saviors attack on Alexandria, Eugene and his crew were captured by Negan, and now the Saviours leader is prepared to do whatever it takes to force Eugene into making ammunition for them – threatening to kill his friends and torture him if he refuses to comply.

The incredibly tense and poignant aftermath of this battle still resonates strongly, as Rick had to decide what to do next, while Heath sat with Denise at her bedside waiting for her to finally succumbs to her injuries and die; but he was unable to bring himself to act before Denise “turned” and Michonne stepped in to finish what he could not.

The Walking Dead #122 sees Negan leaving Eugene’s cell, after the Saviors leader confronted his prisoner last issue, having made it clear in no uncertain terms by getting up close and personal with Eugene in the most vile, and degrading, way imaginable, that he would take great pleasure in torturing and mutilating Eugene and his friends if they refused to help the Saviors manufacture and restock their supplies of ammunition. Robert Kirkman continues to allow the suspense to build within the walls of the Saviors base, after Dwight visits Eugene in his cell when Negan has gone. What follows is a nail bitingly tense exchange that readdresses the characters motives and loyalties, one that also inadvertently leads to the discovery of an unexpected ally.

The tone shifts markedly afterwards, with Rick and the survivors adjusting to their new home at the Hilltop. I really like how Kirkman manages to feature so many characters over the course of this issue, allowing us a greater insight into their lives, and the toll that the war is taking on them. There are some wonderful scenes during these quieter moments at the Hilltop: Andrea watches over Rick while he rests as she guards the perimeter wall, Maggie seeks advice on her new role as leader of the hilltop community from Brianna, we lean a lot more about Jesus, including his real name, and I loved the scene where Michonne pretends to be asleep while Ezekiel explained how his grief affected him. Rick also introduces himself to Earl Sutton the following day, it’s a great little scene, and it will be interesting to see what the blacksmith makes to help Rick out.

The art by Charlie Adlard is as solid as ever, with some great attention to detail. There are some very emotional scenes over the course of this issue, and the characters expressions covey their emotions perfectly. Stefano Gaudiano’s inks also give an added depth and texture to Adlard’s work as well. The moonlight view of the Hilltop looks peaceful, yet eerily haunting, the level of detail in the scene where Ezekiel’s people finally arrive at the Hilltop is stunning, illustrating the vivid contrast between this sanctuary and the stark reality of the Zombie apocalypse just outside the gates, while the lull in the action makes these somewhat introspective moments between the character seem even more intimate and personal than ever before.

Just when you think Negan couldn’t sink any lower, or get any more twisted, he manages to turn your stomach again and goes and does just that! Robert Kirkman has created such a loathsome and despicable character in Negan that you never quite know what he will come up with next. While he may be deranged, this foul-mouthed psychopath has devised a new, and utterly ingenious way  to use the Walkers infection to his advantage, even going to far as to give his beloved baseball bat Lucile a gruesome upgrade that will make her kiss even deadlier.

The eighth chapter of All Out War is a brilliant character driven issue as the survivors regroup at the Hilltop. Now that all their forces are united Rick and his allies begin to plan their next move, while Negan prepares to strike back in the most horrible way imaginable. The Walking Dead #122 will have you on the edge of your seat, especially during the closing moments, and it will leave you eagerly awaiting the next issue.

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The Walking Dead #119 Review

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All Out War, Charlie Adlard, Ezekiel, Image Comics, Michonne, Negan, Rick Grimes, Robert Kirkman, Steafano Gaudiano, The Saviors, The Walking Dead, The Walking Dead #119

The Walking Dead #119

Review by Paul Bowler

Having punched Gregory for siding with Negan, Maggie then got the rest of the Hilltop community to rally together and support Rick’s war against the Saviors. However, when a raid on one of the Saviors outposts goes wrong, casualties are high, and Ezekiel would have been killed by Walkers if not for Shiva’s sacrifice. Rick returns to Alexandria, where he leans about the terrible losses Ezekiel’s group suffered. Knowing Negan will be planning a counterattack, Rick calls a meeting, but the arrival of Negan and the Saviors at the gates gives them little time to prepare. However, Negan just wants to talk to Rick, and he even releases Holly to show he is willing to negotiate…

The Walking Dead #119 picks up the pace as Robert Kirkman serves up a dramatic mix of character moments and action. Ezekiel is still reeling from the terrible loss his group suffered last issue; he blames himself for the slaughter, as well as Shiva’s fate, believing he cannot be a leader anymore. I think Kirkman has done a fantastic job in developing Ezekiel’s character over the last few issues, as well as his relationship with Michonne, and it is her no nonsense approach to reminding him about his responsibilities that really hits home this issue. We also see Arron as he tries to come to terms with Eric’s death, and there is a great scene where Carl still tries to act tough even though he is really pleased to see that his father has returned safely.

Charlie Adlard’s art is as good as ever, he perfectly conveys the characters emotions, striking just the right balance between suspense and the grim reality of the zombie apocalypse, with inker Steafano Gaudiano enriching the depth and tone of Adlard’s art. The Walking Dead #119 races towards a dramatic confrontation between Rick and Negan, with tension running high on both sides, and the closing moments provide a shocking cliff-hanger.

Any doubts about this All Out War storyline being padded out more than necessary are soon quelled after reading this issue. Kirkman continues to keep things moving along at a brisk pace, there is some great character development, and the brilliant finale scenes prove that this war is about to get a whole lot nastier before it’s over.

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The Walking Dead #118 Review

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Charlie Adlard, Ezekiel, Image Comics, Maggie, Michionne, Negan, Rick Grimes, Robert Kirkman, Stefano Gaudiano, The Saviors, The Walking Dead, The Walking Dead #118, Walkers, Zombies

The Walking Dead #118

Review by Paul Bowler

Having won the first battle, Rick sets his sights on the Saviors’ supply outposts, while Negan and his forces try to fight back against the Walkers that have surrounded their base. Even though their prisoner, Holy, doesn’t quite provide Negan with the advantage over Rick that he expected, Negan still kills one of his own men for trying to rape her. Now as Rick and his allies attack the Saviors outposts, Maggie confronts Gregory and the deserters back at the Hilltop, while Ezekiel must battle on alone to survive a horde of ravenous Walkers…

The Walking Dead #118 sees a marked change in pace as Robert Kirkman shifts the emphasis back to some of the secondary characters, with Maggie and Ezekiel taking centre stage for most of this issue.

I particularly liked the scene where Maggie stood up to Gregory and the other deserters who abandoned Rick during the first battle against the Saviors. All the pent up rage and fury that Maggie has bottled up since her husband was killed by Negan in issue #100 rips through Gregory’s feeble lies and excuses like a machete through a Zombies putrefied skull. The way Maggie deals with Gregory and then addresses the rest of the Hilltop community is a great moment, and one which may ultimately prove crucial in maintaining the alliance Rick has fought so hard to build.

We also get a great interlude between Michonne and Carl, where he admits how scared he is as well, but the real highlight of this issue is the scene where Ezekiel recounts how a raid on one of the Saviors outposts went horribly wrong, leaving him alone and fighting for his life as the Walkers closed in. It is here, in this quiet moment were Ezekiel tells Michonne what happened, that Robert Kirkman explores the character in even greater detail then ever before. We are now so used to Ezekiel’s regal persona as leader of the Kingdom; it is something of a shock to see him admit to being so afraid and desperate. Now having seen first hand the harsh reality of this war, the terrifying events that Ezekiel has just endured makes the telling of his story all the more tragic.

Charlie Adlard’s art really hammers home the emotional impact these events have had on the characters, as matters unfold with growing intensity, before Maggie decks Gregory and Ezekiel tells Michonne how he escaped the Zombies. The Walking Dead also benefits immensely from the addition of Stefano Gaudiano’s work on inking Adlard‘s art, brining an added intensity to the issue which really heightens the drama. Although not the most action packed issue of All Out War, The Walking Dead #118 does however give Kirkman the chance to focus on some great character development for Maggie and Ezekiel, which together with Adlard and Guadiano’s exceptional work, delivers a highly entertaining, and thought provoking issue.

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The Walking Dead #117 Review

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All Out War, Charlie Adlard, Ezekiel, Image Comics, Michonne, Negan, Rick Grimes, Robert Kirkman, Stefano Gaudiano, The Saviors, The Walking Dead, The Walking Dead #117, Walkers, Zombies

The Walking Dead #117

Review by Paul Bowler

The first battle of Rick’s war is over. While Rick’s plan left the Savoirs trapped inside their own base, surrounded by Walkers attracted by the gunfire, Holly bravely sacrificed herself to breach the Savoirs defences, and was then taken captive by Negan.

It was great to see Rick and his allies using the Walkers to their own advantage last issue, effectively pinning the Savoirs inside their compound, but Negan isn’t going to give up without a fight, as The Walking Dead #117 clearly illustrates just how resourceful and cunning the Savoirs leader can be when he’s backed into a corner like this. At first Negan thinks he has captured Andrea, someone who he can use to break Rick’s spirit, but Holly reveals she was with Abraham as she tells Negan and Dwight why she drove the truck herself to smash the gates and let the Walkers in.

As Rick and the others regroup, Robert Kirkman uses this interlude to show what effect Holly’s sacrifice has had on the others, while Michonne, Ezekiel, and Shiva deal with some more Walkers. Rick then asks Michonne to return with a group to their community to help Andrea and Carl, just in case Negan manages to strike at them before they can return. Michonne agrees, even though she is unsure that they should be dividing their forces at this time, while Ezekiel will remain with Rick’s group and help take out the rest of the Savoirs outposts.

The art by Charlie Adlard is excellent, there are some outstanding pages featuring the Walkers attacking Negan and his men as they try and beat back the undead horde, where they soon find themselves outnumbered and have to quickly retreat inside. It was a good move to bring inker Stefano Gaudiono to The Walking Dead for All Out War, his inks bring an added clarity and shade to the bleak environments, and the Zombies look even more menacing.

Robert Kirkman continues to show us more sides to Negan’s character. The Saviors leader delivers an expletive laden rant when his attempt to clear a path through the Walkers fails, knowing the urgency to get out and strike back is now crucial to their survival, Negan orders his people to figure out a way to attack the Zombies from a distance. What follows is a scene where Negan discover that one of his men, David, is about to assault Holly. Appalled by what nearly happened Negan’s justice is swift, and ruthless, as he punishes David for defying the rules.  It becomes clear that Negan is looking at the bigger picture here, at how they will all have to work together when the war is over, and that sinking to such inhuman levels is completely unacceptable, even for him. While the Saviors leader remains highly unpredictable, Negan’s twisted logic indicates that he is not an adversary to be underestimated.

The Walking Dead #117 sees Rick preparing to divide his forces between dealing with the Savoirs outposts and protecting Andrea and the others, as she is sure to be the focus of any counter attack launched by Negan. Whether this is a good move or not remains to be seen, Rick could be spreading his forces too thin, and that could very well give the Saviors the opening they need to strike back when they least expect it.

This third part of All Out War has certainly seen no let up in the action, Robert Kirkman continues to build the suspense, and the art by Charlie Adlard and Stefano Gaudiano delivers some spectacular scenes where the zombies attack in force. The Walking Dead #17 is another really good issue, battle lines have been drawn, and with both sides are preparing to make their next move, All Out War is shaping up to be an epic event.

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The Walking Dead #116 Review

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All Out War, Ezekiel, Image Comics, Jesus, Michonne, Negan, Rick Grimes, The Saviors, The Walking Dead, The Walking Dead #116, Walkers, Zombies

The Walking Dead #116

Review by Paul Bowler

 

Rick has led the combined forces of Alexandria, Hilltop, and the Kingdom to the Saviors base where they confront Negan. While Rick wants to avoid going to war, Negan refuses to agree to his terms, and reveals that he also has a secret ally: Gregory, the Hilltop leader, who then orders his people to return to their homes.

The second part of All Out War begins with Rick having to face up to Gregory’s betrayal, as The Walking Dead #116 explodes into action when Gregory seriously underestimates how many of his people are amongst Rick’s forces. Rick gives Negan one last chance to surrender, before launching a devastating attack on the Savoir’s base, with Rick, Jesus, and Ezekiel leading their forces in the attack, using the busses for cover as they avoid Negan’s snipers.

All the noise attracts hordes of Walkers to the Savoirs base, exactly as Rick intended, and with Dwight secretly helping inside the fortress, it looks as if Negan and his forces are outgunned and about to be overrun by Walkers as well. The key to Rick’s plan is for him to drive a truck into the gates to let the Walkers into the Savoir’s camp, while Ezekiel and Jeseus lead the retreat back into their territory. However, Holly has other ideas, and isn’t prepared to let Rick take such a risk as he is too important to the new alliance. Determined to get revenge for Abraham’s death herself, she knees Rick in the stomach, and then takes the truck and crashes it into the gates.

The Walkers pour in through the gates as Holly staggers from the wreckage of the truck. She is almost killed by a Walker, but Negan isn’t about to let her get off that lightly, and smashes the Zombies skull in with Lucile and takes Holly prisoner. After they regroup, Ezekiel and Jeseus discuss what happened with Michonne, just as Rick suddenly returns, informing them all that there is no time for celebration, and that the war has only just begun.

Robert Kirkman has taken his time setting up these events, but The Walking Dead #116 finally kicks into high gear, as Rick leads his new alliance against Negan and the Saviors to unleash the opening salvo in All Out War’s first big skirmish. What a battle it is, although Gregory’s betrayal doesn’t really impact that much on Rick’s forces, but when Negan refuses to back down the bullets quickly start to fly and the Walkers begin to close in. I think it’s very clever how Rick uses the undead as a weapon against Negan like this, but his plan hit’s a snag when Holly intervenes and takes the truck herself and drives it into the gates.

Charlie Adlard’s art on The Walking Dead #116 is excellent, this issue is really dynamic and action packed, and its great to see huge numbers of Walkers attacking, and it seems ages since we’ve seen this many in one issue. For this storyline, Stefano Gaudiano joins the art team. Gaudiano’s inks bring an added level of sharpness and depth to Charlie Adlard’s pencils, and this action packed issue really benefits as a result.

The Walking Dead #116 is a great issue, with some really exciting action sequences, lots of zombies, and with the addition of Stefano Gaudiano’s ink, it look like All Out War is going to be one hell of a ride.

The Walking Dead #115 Review

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10th Anniversary, All Out War, Carl Grimes, Charlie Adlard, Ezekiel, Image Comics, Michonne, Negan, Rick Grimes, Robert Kirkman, The Saviors, The Walking Dead, The Walking Dead #115

The Walking Dead #115

Review By Paul Bowler

 

The Walking Dead #115 is the beginning of the 12 part All Out War story arc to celebrate the 10^th Anniversary of  Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard’s epic comic book series. This monster event will tear through the lives of everyone as All Out War breaks out in The Walking Dead #115, the first chapter of a storyline that will see Rick Grimes and his group of survivors fighting for their lives in a conflict involving all factions of the Walking Dead universe: The Saviors, The Hilltop, and The Kingdom.

With the help of Jesus and Ezekiel’s troops, Negan and the Saviors were driven out of Alexandria. Now the battle lines have been drawn, sides have been chosen, the Kingdom and the Hilltop communities are united with Rick’s fellow survivors. Together they prepare to go to war with the Saviors and bring Negan’s reign of terror to an end…

The Walking Dead #115 beings with moments of quiet reflection as Rick wakes early, the responsibility of the war he is about to start weighing heavily on his mind. Andrea reassures Rick that he has made the right choice, and that no matter what it takes to win this war, she knows the outcome will be worth it. Meanwhile, Ezekiel and Michonne have spent the night together, although neither are willing to commit to anything just yet. Whether anything will come of their relationship remains to be seen, however, Michonne does believe their time together may have the potential to “mean” something more eventually.

With everyone working flat out to prepare for the attack on the Saviors, Rick, Jesus, and Ezekiel get ready to move out, but before they leave Rick stands up and addresses everyone. Rick knows that everybody has put their lives on the line by supporting him in his fight against Negan, he thanks them all before they set out, saying how he believes the dark path they are about to take will lead them to a better place in the end.

Andrea, who is still recovering after fighting one of Negan’s men in the Bell Tower, is staying in Alexandria with Carl. Before he goes, Rick entrusts Carl with more responsibility, seeing as he did so well at organising the people on the wall after Rick’s failed attempt to kill the Saviors Leader backfired and left them easy targets for Negan’s snipers. Rick and the others board the trucks and drive to the Saviors base, where Rick issues his demands as Negan looks on. Rick offers Negan a chance to surrender peacefully or face the consequence, but Negan has a very different plan, and a surprise of his own waiting for them.

All Out War gets under way as Rick and his new allies embark on their mission to deal with Negan once and for all. The Walking Dead #115 opens with a brooding sense of anticipation, as Robert Kirkman shows us how Rick manages to face up to his own doubts and rally his forces in the build up to the confrontation with Negan. Kirkman includes some great scenes between Rick and Andrea, and there is a nice moment between Rick and Carl before he leaves for the battle.

We also discover that Ezekiel stayed over at Michonne’s, not that surprising really, as the chemistry between them has bee simmering ever since they first met. Its going to be interesting to see how their relationship develops over the course of All Out War, and I expect if they are going to live together, then Ezekiel’s pet tiger, Shiva, is going to have to be housetrained!

Negan is as vile as ever, delivering a foul mouthed diatribe at Rick from his vantage point above the Zombie infested barricade of the Saviors base, yes we do get to see some Zombies this issue as well! Of course no one seriously expects that Negan will give in to Rick’s demands, even though he is faced with the combined might of the hilltop communities, Negan has got a counter proposal that manages to keep him one step ahead of his enemies.

Charlie Adlard’s art on The Walking Dead is as excellent as ever, there are some great full page scenes crowded with characters, and the attention to detail is quite remarkable given how much the cast has grown recently. As The Walking Dead is now going bi-weekly during Al Out War, Adlard is assisted by Stefano Gaudiano’s inks, which  brings an added depth to the grey tones.

Along with the standard cover, The Walking Dead #115 has been released with a series of 10 individual connecting covers, each marked B-K, while cover O was a special NY Comic-Con- exclusive  that was only available at the show. Each cover draws on the major events over the last ten years of The Walking Dead comic series, and collectively they certainly get these 10^th anniversary celebrations of to an impressive start.

The Walking Dead #115 if a confident opening to All Out War. The Battle is about to begin, all the major players are in position, and if the closing moments of this issue are anything to go by, the carnage is about to be epic.

The Walking Dead #111Review

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Charlie Adlard, Ezekiel, Image Comics, Michonne, Negan, Rick Grimes, Robert Kirkman, The Saviors, The Walking Dead, The Walking Dead #111, Zombies

The Walking Dead #111

Review by Paul Bowler

Rick takes a small group of his people to meet with Ezekiel at the Kingdom. Together with Carl, Michonne, Andrea, by his side, their first meeting gets off to a shaky start when Michonne clashes with Ezekiel. It is only later in private, after the preparations for their war against Negan and the Saviors are discussed, that Ezekiel drops his pretence and confides in Michonne about his past. Ezeikel was a zookeeper, he saved Shiva the tiger during the Zombie outbreak, and his persona as ruler of the Kingdom is just a role he has adopted.

Back at the Hilltop community Maggie and Brianna share their reservations about Gregory, while Jesus sets off to meet the others at the Kingdom with the reinforcements he’s assembled to help Rick and Ezekiel in the their fight against the Saviours. As everyone at the Kingdom begins to train their troops for the coming battle, Negan decides to collect his next tribute from Alexandria earlier than expected, with shocking consequences…

The Walking Dead #111 continues to build the suspense as Robert Kirkman steers the opposing factions ever closer to their impending showdown with Negan and the Saviors. It’s good to see all the major cast members playing a part in the training of the troops, and there are some great moments with Michonne as well.

But things suddenly take a dark turn in The Walking Dead #111 as Negan arrives to collect his tribute while Rick is still busy at the Kingdom. Negan is quickly becoming one of Kirkman’s most sinister and deranged characters to date, he seems even more arrogant than usual this issue, and the way he talks to Olivia is particularly loathsome. His moods swing from crass comments and tantrums one moment to brutal violence the next, its chilling to behold, and it makes him dangerously unpredictable as his twisted sense of morality claims yet another victim.

The art by Charlie Adlard is as exceptional as ever, with lots of cast members appearing, as Rick and Ezekiel make their battle plans. But it is in the closing moments were Adlard’s art really shines, where Negan lashes out, and the gore begins to splatter across the page. What initially seemed like another slow burning issue suddenly erupts with gut churning violence, the large splash panels capture every horrifying moment, and you will be left reeling by the callous gleam of pleasure that sparkles in Negan’s eyes.

The Walking Dead #111 is another great issue that sees various storylines coming together, with some good character development thrown in for good measure, and it has a blood soaked ending that is guaranteed to shock.

The Walking Dead #110 Review

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Charlie Adlard, Dwight, Ezekiel, Hilltop, Image Comics, Jesus, Michonne, Negan, Rick Grimes, Robert Kirkman, Shiva, The Kingdom, The Savoirs, The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead #110

Review by Paul Bowler

Jesus arrives back at the Hilltop community in a bid to recruit people for the imminent battle with Negan and the Savours. Their leader, Gregory, is weary of the plan, but Maggie and guardsman Kal are the first to pledge their allegiance. As support begins to grow Jesus discovers that Kal has left the Hilltop. Fearing that Kal is going to betray them all, Jesus goes after him before he can reach the Saviors camp and reveal their plans.

The Walking Dead #110 sees Jesus in a desperate race against time to stop Kal from talking to the Saviors. Fortunately for everyone Jesus manages to catch up with Kal at the crossroads just as the Saviors arrive. He stops him talking to them, managing to defuse the situation, but takes a beating from one of Negan’s men in the process for wasting their time.

After addressing some of Eugene’s concerns about using the ammunition he’s making in the war against the Savoirs, the time has come for Rick to introduce his friends to Ezekiel. Rick gathers a small team together, including Carl, Michonne, and Andrea, to visit the Kingdom. The initial meeting between Ezekiel and Michonne ends with Shiva the tiger snarling angrily at her. A clash of swords with Ezekiel seems to break the ice between them, and later after dinner, the would be samurai and king seem to have a lot more in common than either of them first realized.

The Walking Dead #110 is another character driven  piece by Robert Kirkman. I really like how Kirkman has taken time to develop so many new characters, especially King Ezekiel. The scenes between Ezekiel and Michonne are the real highlight this issues. In some ways they are like polar opposites of one another, later we learn how the ruler of the Kingdom was a zookeeper and discover how he saved Shiva the tiger. This touching story adds a further layer to Ezekiel’s character, we see him in a very different light, and as a consequence of this we also see another side to Michonne. Ezekiel’s observation, that the world they now inhabit has forced them both to assume roles that neither of them are really comfortable with, is a moment which lets us see behind the facade of both characters.

The art by Charlie Adlard is as good as ever. With the cast seeming to grow every issue, I think its great how Charlie Adlard continues to make every character stand out; each one is clearly distinguishable from the other – even the minor players. While some might bemoan the lack of Walkers over the last few issues, I think it’s a good idea to get to know the ensemble cast. I’m sure the war with Negan and Saviors will lead to much bloodshed, with no quarter given and none taken as Rick and his new alliance strikes back as Negan.

The Walking Dead #110 may be comparatively light on action but Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard continue to keep us on the edge of our seats as the tension builds. Its issues like this that makes The Walking Dead such an engrossing book to read, you really get to care about the characters, and the ever-present threat of the Walkers is always lurking in the background. Now that the stage is set, the success of Rick’s alliance with Ezekiel now depends on Dwight’s loyalty to their cause. The stakes have never been higher for Rick and his friends, soon the war will begin, and only the strongest will survive.

The Walking Dead #109 Review

Tags

Brianna, Charlie Adlard, Ezekiel, Hilltop, Image Comics, Jesus, Maggie, Michonne, Negan, Rick Grimes, Robert Kirkman, The Saviors, The Walking Dead, Walkers, Zombies

The Walking Dead #109

Review by Paul Bowler

 

Now that Rick has formed a new alliance with Ezekiel over at The Kingdom settlement, The Walking Dead #109 turns its attention towards the hilltop community, where Maggie is mourning beside Glen’s graveside. Here she finds a new friend, Brianna, who shares the experiences of her own loss with Maggie, revealing that they normally burn the bodies of the deceased, and that Glen is the only person to have ever been given a proper burial at the hilltop.

Later that day Maggie goes for a check up with Doctor Carson, her pregnancy is going well, and there would seem to be no complications – although there is a moment where Gregory walks in while she is being examined which is a little unsettling.

Jesus returns and begins to make plans for the coming battle against Negan and the Savoirs while Rick has to explain himself to Michonne, who is beginning to tire of the constant fighting, and is annoyed that Rick didn’t take her into his confidence when he deceived the community by pretending to go along with Negan’s demands.

Rick also has an awkward confrontation with Spencer, although the situation is defused quickly, it would seem that Jesus has unwittingly revealed Rick’s new alliance with Ezekiel – along with their plan to attack the Savoirs – to a new traitor in their midst…

The Walking Dead #109 is a great issue that offers Robert Kirkman the opportunity to shift the focus of the story back to the supporting cast, particularly Maggie, who is still coping with Glen‘s death, as well as her pregnancy, and looking after Sophia. It’s good to see Maggie finding a new friend in the Hiltop community as well, Brianna is a great new addition to the cast, and I hope we get to see a lot more of her in future issue.

Many of the supporting characters have been sidelined for a while now, so it’s a refreshing change to finally get to learn more about some of them, and the role many of them have made for themselves in the community. This issue also gives the art by Charlie Adlard a chance to really shine as he brings a multitude of characters to life on the page, which helps to reinforce the bond that this community has established for itself in a short space of time.

While it may not be the most action packed issue of The Walking Dead, issue #109 plays a pivotal role in developing a lot of characters, while brining the impending conflict with Negan and the Saviors one step closer as events takes an unexpected turn at the end of the issue.