Walking Dead #109

So Jesus is human after all. Not only does he make a pretty huge mistake misjudging the character of one of his old acquaintances, Jesus isn’t even his real name! Sure, he gets to show off his bad-ass sneaking skills, and everyone on the Hilltop clearly likes him, but he may have really messed things up for Rick and Ezekiel’s plan for the saviors.

This is a building issue; leading up to the assault on the Saviors that I assume will start next month. Not only do we see Jesus trying to ready the Hilltop in spite of itself, we get to see the Community too. Rick is finally going around telling folks the real deal. Andrea and Carl react as expected, keen to get some revenge on Negan. Michonne reaction makes sense; she’s been a driven, zombie-killing machine for so long, she just exhausted. Rick gets some great lines as he tries to psych her up. And Spencer? I don’t like your chances, kid. You know what happens to people who cross Rick?

Charlie Adlard has a bit easier of a job this month. Kirkman actually includes characters’ names in the dialogue! Adlard actually has created a fair amount of distinctive looks amongst the world’s grubby survivors, but it sure makes it easier when I know their names!

Good

Walking Dead #108

This comic already asks you to suspend your disbelief about zombies and overcoming grievous bodily injury. This issue, Robert Kirkman is going to ask you to go a bit farther. You need to accept that a guy can have a pet tiger that walks around and obeys what he says. If you are OK with that, then you are going the dig this issue. Cause King Ezekiel has a tiger.

Kirkman continues lining everything up for the big confrontation that has been building in the series for months. Negan continues to be a jerk to his underlings; he beats them at ping pong then boasts about how he’s going to hook up with his stolen women. The guy is plain unlikable, but you have to respect that he doesn’t hide just how cruel he really is. He might be treating his people too badly, based on this issue, but again, I’m not sure I buy the issue’s cliffhanger quite yet.

Charlie Adlard has to stretch his muscles this month. Lots of different locations and storylines get a check in. We see Michonne and Carl team up against some zombies. It felt a lot like a scene from the TV show, so much so that I even felt like the characters resembled their on-screen counterparts. That’s probably me projecting.

The Community’s resident bonehead, Spencer, is taking time to pray about his upcoming choice. I have no doubt he’s planning no killing Rick. He’s been jealous ever since Andrea decided she preferred Rick over him. I was also surprised to see Father Gabriel still alive. I was sure he was dead!

The bulk of the issue shows Rick and Jesus as they gain an audience with Ezekiel. He’s not taking Negan’s protection racket lying down either. I loved the whole tone of the meeting; Ezekiel feels he has the situation so well in hand that Rick’s info is honestly all he needs. Rick has to repeatedly offer to help in the upcoming battle. It’s nice to see someone who might actually be a competent good guy!

Ezekiel’s design is a lot of fun too. He’s got a sweet star shirt, a feather in his dreads, and a wicked cane. Hail to the king!

Good

Walking Dead #107 and Walking Dead on AMC

The Comic:

I love it. Once again, Kirkman plays with our expectations and has Negan actually act like a sane guy, for once. I also wonder if he’s starting to realize just who he’s messing with in Rick. I mean, Rick surely gets some good licks in during their couple-page fight. Negan comes out on top, but he better realize that Rick is one angry man who usually gets his revenge.

This is a good issue because we’re starting to see the cracks in Negan’s armor. He has fewer men than he’s let on, he’s got basically no weapons, and he actually has to be reasonable or else he’d face a revolt from those under his thumb. Combining that with the Community’s new discovery, I think Rick’s guys might have a chance. Gunpowder and bullets go a long way…

I really like that so many of the other folks in the Community are getting some panel time. The problem is, I seem to be incapable of remembering anyone’s name. I’m always like “Abraham’s girlfriend” or Abraham’s ex-girlfriend” or “weird scientist guy.” I’m not sure if this even needs to be fixed; the book is plenty dramatic and fascinating even with a lack of truly defined second-tier characters. I still care if they live or die, but man; I need them to call each other by name when they first appear in an issue!

Charlie Adlard continues to deliver brutally effective artwork. The fast-moving fight is fascinating for the wild feeling that fills it. Negan is totally surprised, and the constantly switching momentum really drives that home. My favorite panel, though, is a silly one. When Carl steps out with his hat off, there is a ridiculous looking guy with a gold chain that just cracks me up. He looks so smug. Let’s kill that guy too, Rick!

Good

The Show (Minor Spoilers)

Ugh! Tyreese has done nothing since he got there! Are you kidding me? He is everyone’s favorite character in the comic, and eagerly anticipated on the show. So now he just sits there until he’s dismissed by crazy Rick? What the heck?

And Rick. Oh man. The show has extrapolated crazy phone talk to an amazing degree. Honestly, I don’t think Rick would ever be able to take over as group leader again. He is fully insane, and has endangered the group while wandering around after his friend. Ridiculous.

I can’t get a read on the Governor, either. The guy’s dialogue is written totally differently than his actions. That would be one thing, but you can’t be too subtle on TV, you know? It is like the actor doesn’t know how to play the guy. Is he actually somewhat apologetic? Is he simply hiding his insane side? It’s too hard to tell, and I’m afraid it is weakening a fantastic villain.

Basically, I’m worried the show is changing the comic too much. I’m not sure if the rumored split between Robert Kirkman and the show runner Glen Mazzara are over content or what, but I can understand why Kirkman might be interested in re-focusing the show a bit closer to the comic.

That said, Sunday’s episode did deliver some decent action after the snoozefest on Feb 9^th.

Fair

Walking Dead #106

Boy, I’m getting desperate for some comeuppance! I know Robert Kirkman only introduced Negan a few months ago, but the new villain is so despicable, I already want to see him get what he deserves.

Last issue, Carl attacked Negan’s headquarters, killing some of his flunkies. After a demeaning tour and a confusing conversation, Negan promises that he has more in store for the kid. The reader isn’t privy to that punishment yet, but I’m worried. I don’t think Kirkman will kill Carl off like this (off-panel), but I worry that he will be in even worse shape now. 

The focus switches back to Rick and the Community. I’m grateful for the change, because as I’ve mentioned, I can’t remember who anyone is. Jesus is awesome, of course, but he’s the only new cast member to make a big impression. This guy Nicholas who goes out with Rick, Andrea, and Michonne might as well have a red shirt on. Other name-checks include Spencer, the entitled kid who is still pining for Andrea, and Aaron and Eric have different views on Rick’s current approach to leadership, which is worrying. There don’t seem to be a ton of competent people around the Community anymore, so those two scouts are pretty important. 

Charlie Adlard has been on this book for a long time. This is his 100^th issue; that’s an awesome achievement. He’s still doing neat things with the characters; look at how Negan dominates that closing page, while Rick seems smaller, but angry and feisty. Spencer’s “acting” is a bit obvious, but this is a comic, so I don’t have a problem with that. I am a little curious about Carl’s mangled face. Could someone actually live with exposed skull like that?

Good

Walking Dead #105

No Rick at all this month. Instead, we get to worry for Carl as Negan leads him around through the Savior’s HQ. And what a headquarters it is. Negan has built himself a nice cult of personality, full of scared underlings and obedient women. Robert Kirkman hasn’t shied away from showing what some people would do with apocalyptic freedom. Negan is a great example of what a bully can accomplish without any societal reigns.

Negan really might be insane. His personality fluctuates wildly from page to page. He flatters, threatens, and boasts to Carl in panel after panel. There is no way for Carl (or the reader) to get a good read on this guy. Sometimes he almost seems charismatic, but then he shows his evil motivations for almost everything, reminding us he is after all, a big bully. I think that is clearest when one of his flunkies returns his “vampire” baseball bat. Negan terrifies and confuses the guy just for fun.

Good work Kirkman, I cannot wait to see Rick and company kill this guy. It’s gonna be sweet.

Charlie Adlard has a lot of new faces to introduce in this one, and he does a decent job. Most of the speaking roles are filled with people who stick out at least a bit. Glasses, hairstyles and awful scars go a long way in differentiating characters. Things might get rough if these guys start interacting with our leads, though!

Good

Walking Dead #104

This might be the middle of my weekly reviews, but this is still the first book I read when I bring home a stack of new comics. Can’t resist!

Hoo boy, Carl. I hope you survive into being the successful psychopath we’ve all been dreaming of. The problem is, I think getting into Negan’s camp might actually make that MORE likely. Negan could be a darn good mentor if Carl is going to end up as a villain. Fortunately, I think Rick’s influence should be strong enough for Carl to stay strong.

I also absolutely love the way Kirkman toys with our emotion during the Jesus fight and capture. I figured he could handle four on one, and he probably could. While Jesus may not have planned what happened, its mission accomplished time for him now. But what the heck can Rick do about it? Carl has offed a few more baddies, but does Rick have enough of an army to take on this group? I’m not sure.

Charlie Adlard does a fantastic job with the introduction of Negan’s base of operations. It’s a horrific looking industrial complex, surrounded by chained up walkers. These guys are pretty sick. I’m looking forward to seeing them get what they deserve.

I’m not sure, but it seems Kirkman is laying the seeds for some unhappiness amongst Negan’s crew. All his guys seem to hate him, and clearly Negan is living higher on the hog than they are, with nice mattresses and multiple wives. Maybe some of these folks can still be turned good?

I will say Kirkman has got to start using the minor characters’ names more often. I can’t remember anyone in the Community except for our original cast members and Jesus. I recognize them, but it would be nice to use names the first time they appear each issue.

Good

Walking Dead #101

Hoo doggies! I think it’s time for Andrea to be put in charge, don’t you?

Man, Kirkman sure didn’t wait long to slap another moral quandary in front of our leads, did he? I really appreciate the pacing in this book, I mean, after last issue’s heart-wrenching death, it would be easy to sit around and mourn. But no, Rick is still tearing stuff up on the Hilltop, and burning rubber to get back home.

I love that Jesus is joining up with our crew, too. He’s clearly a huge bad a$$, and it makes Abraham’s death a few issues ago easier to take. There is only one spot for #2 tough guy in our cast, and with Tyreese and Abraham gone, Jesus clearly saw an opening. I hope he sticks around for awhile.

Kirkman also does a nice job with Sophia, Carl, and Maggie. They all react in realistic ways to the loss last month. I appreciate how quickly Maggie is able to get herself back under control and start making reasoned choices. I don’t think we’ll see her as much, but that’s OK. It’s nice having someone leave the cast without dying! And as for Carl, I finally have some hope that he’s not a junior sociopath after all. He shows a lot of understanding and emotion with Sophia.

One favor: Kirkman, please name dreadlock dude in the dialogue, please. I can’t remember his name, and he’s sticking around for at least a bit, right?

Charlie Adlard kicks it with the pencils again. One concern this time: am I supposed to recognize that guy at the end? Cause I don’t. That’s the problem with too many folks looking similar; and this guy has a burned face and I still can’t recognize him!

All this, and NO ZOMBIES! Amazing!

Excellent

Walking Dead #100

Wow. I'm really upset by this comic. And frankly, the thought that this is going to be one of the highest-selling comics of all time is quite the statement for our pet art form. This comic is absolutely brutal. Just an awful experience for those of us who have spent years with the characters.

I was enraged when Tyreese died. I was saddened when Lori died. I was disappointed when Abraham bought it. But this death here... man, it just crushes your heart, huh? I mean, these are made up characters, but wow, this one is going to stay with any real fans of the Walking Dead for a long time. For the first time, this world feels like it is too far gone to try to survive in. It may be that some of those dead folks got off easy.

And this jerk Negan, I absolutely can't wait for whatever comeuppance he's got coming. I know he's got all the cards right now, but so did the Governor, and even if Rick doesn't make it, I have faith that someone else in our cast is gonna make this guy pay. I'm already anxious for it. In one issue, Robert Kirkman has created a guy I hate as much as the Governor.

And Charlie Adlard. I read an interview how he turns off his brain to draw this, how after he gets over the shock of reading the script, he just turns into a pencil robot. I'd think he had to, because this is just crushing artwork. That one panel, the splash after the initial hit. Ugh. Almost made me sick reading it.

So c'mon Rick. Start working out a plan to kill a whole lotta people, cause I think all these guys gotta go.

Excellent

Walking Dead #99

If you can believe it, this is the calm before the storm. Issue #98 was absolutely insane, and I trust that 100 is going to be off the rails too. So Robert Kirkman is giving us a moment to grieve our fallen cast member and to prepare for next issue’s devastation.

I mean, issue 50 was absolutely brutal; it totally shook up the status quo of the book. Of course, I’ve grown accustomed to our new cast over the past few years, so I’m still hoping that Kirkman isn’t about to clean house again.

After a nice service, Rick takes a small group out of the Community to head for the Hilltop. I’m a little alarmed based on who makes up this crew. Rick, Carl, Glenn, Maggie, Sophia, Michonne, and one more guy whose name I can’t remember is a pretty solid core cast IF Kirkman kills everyone in the Community next issue. I sure hope that’s not the case, but the potential is there.

I’d be much happier if Kirkman throws us a swerve, and the “Something to Fear” theme of the last few covers is actually our core cast laying the beatdown on Negan’s crew. I can hope, right?

Charlie Adlard does a wonderful job differentiating the core cast, but man, I need some names. I can’t remember 2/3 of the Community residents at this point. There were too many introduced at once, so while I can recognize them, I sure don’t know their names.

Excellent

Walking Dead #98

NOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Holy cow. You’ve done it to me again, Kirkman. I literally could not turn the pages fast enough, that’s how desperate I was to see Rick exact some revenge on the current antagonists. And it’s a great move giving the new baddie a distinctive look with that burned face; I’ll really be able to look forward to him getting it.

Dang. You’d think I would have learned by now.

No spoilers folks, but this is another fantastic chapter in the most consistent book on the stands. Just remember that advice you give your TV-watching friends: “Don’t get attached to anyone.”

Excellent

Walking Dead #96

So Rick and his crew are essentially becoming an army of mercenaries? Wow. I must confess, I did not see that coming.

But Rick is right, the main thing the Community brings to an alliance is their ability to kick ass. And the leader of Hilltop better watch out, if Rick’s history is any indication, he’ll be in charge of their new alliance in a matter of days. Heck, the most competent and “fight-y” member of the Hilltop group is already well on his way to joining Rick.

I shouldn’t get my hopes up, I know Robert Kirkman is getting my hopes all set just to dash them in issue 100. Rick and his guys really think the Hilltop is the answer, that this next step is all they need to start rebuilding their lives. Heck no, people are gonna die in another five issues.

We learn a lot about the core cast in this one. Carl is his father’s son, making the offer to wipe out Hilltop’s problems before Rick can vocalize it. Andrea’s tough exterior and Michonne’s pessimistic approach. I’m happy Rick can still see the glass half full, even if the reader knows that the glass is probably broken and about to be slashed in Rick’s face. Kirkman is still weaving a great tale, 96 issues in.

I love that opening moment when the Hilltop guys try to get Rick to lower his gun. Charlie Adlard stages the panels perfectly, with Rick sizing up the folks around him, then calmly telling them no. Rick’s not rude, he’s not obnoxious, but he controls every place he walks in to, and this is no different. Fantastic storytelling.

Good

Walking Dead Season 2 & Walking Dead #95

It’s going to be hard to talk about the newest issue of Walking Dead with the TV series going so well.

Robert Kirkman doesn’t exactly rush the plot along, the first few pages of this issue must have had Jesus as Rick to trust him three or four times. But it makes sense, eventually, Rick can’t be in control of the situation. And it doesn’t really last anyways. The Hilltop community has got its own problems, and when violence breaks out at the Hilltop, who do you think is at the center? That’s right, a very nonplussed Rick Grimes. I honestly don’t think he cares that he just unleashed some ultra violence on someone he doesn’t know, it’s just another day at the office. I think Rick may have killed himself into a higher job. Another strong effort from Kirkman.

Now on to the show. I had been complaining about the lack of plot movement and general lack of momentum that made this the most frustrating show on television. Herschel’s farm has been a storytelling morass that led to the characters wandering around and accomplishing nothing.

With the second half of S2, those problems have been addressed. Every single episode has included action moments and rational dialogue. Even Lori has made coherent arguments an actual human might make. Shane’s gorilla-school of acting led to the natural pay-off, and while some folks are still making horrible choices (T-Dog’s lack of a 3-point turn). I loved the Randall debate, and I’ve been enjoying discussing that moral quandary with my friends.

Rick is finally the compelling, deciding character he is in the comics. By externalizing his moral dilemmas with Shane, Rick was reduced to a sad lump. Rather than commanding and motivating the group, it seems all he could do was worry about Carl. Now Rick is making decisions and laying down the law; a great development for Season 2.

Andrea is another character greatly benefiting from the change in writing staff. She had been pretty hard to like with her poor decision-making and moping. Now she’s thinking and rational, plus killing off a horde almost single-handedly!

Comic – Good
TV Show – Excellent

Walking Dead #94

Robert Kirkman pulls back a bit this issue. Rick has been going through his fascinating descent into almost villainy, but I think that’s wrapping up now. Interacting with a “larger world” and with other folks who aren’t trying to kill him is going to do wonders to restore his old morals.

I also love that Jesus is entirely more competent than anyone we’ve seen before. This guy fights zombies with his hands literally tied behind his back. Rich, Michonne, Tyreese, Abraham, Andrea, and more of our core cast have proven skilled at zombie killing, but this guy takes it to a new level. I wonder if there are some special forces or other elite troops helping to prop up this large affiliations of survivors.

Usually, Rick is the one a step ahead of the rest of the characters. It’s fun seeing somebody else in the drivers’ seat for a bit. And I don’t figure it will last, in any case.

Charlie Adlard continues to be the model of consistency on art.

Good

Walking Dead #93

Robert Kirkman made it clear long ago that Rick and the gang might very well be turning into villains. It certainly seems that’s possible in this issue, when Rick beats the snot out of the scout/ambassador trying to tie the Community into a larger society. Now, Rick has plenty of reason to be curious, but man, he’s one aggressive dude. I love his new leadership cadre too, with Abraham, Michonne, and a welcome Eugene making an appearance. Eugene seemed like a fun weirdo, but we haven’t seen him in so long. He is definitely a good sort to have around in a post-apocalypse situation. If he can figure out how to make bullets, the Community just got a lot tougher.

I like Andrea as the voice of reason too. One of my problems with the Walking Dead TV show is that they’ve ruined Andrea so badly. She’s such a smart, capable, well-adjusted character in the comic, seeing her as a weepy, careless weak link kind of stinks.

Charlie Adlard’s best sequence this issue comes while Rick is leading his small team out as bait and they hit a crowd of zombies. Rick calmly raises his gun hand, and you can see him pointing out targets for Michonne. Abraham wants to start shooting, but this is old hat for Michonne and Rick, they just clean up with whatever they are holding. It’s great seeing how clinical this group has become at dispatching roamers.

Good

Walking Dead #91 & Walking Dead on AMC

What can I say? You know it’s great. I know it’s great. There may not be many zombies, but Robert Kirkman packs another issue full of interpersonal conflict and maneuvering that keeps me riveted.

I did love the bit with the aged scotch. It would be a crime to share it with folks who wouldn’t even appreciate it!

I will say one thing: That mysterious figure from the last page? Gotta be Darryl, the best character from the show who never appeared in the comic. It’s called “synergy” people!

Good

As for the TV show, I think the episode on November 13th was the best one this year. Maybe it’s because the cast knew that Michael Rooker was hanging around, so they had to be on their best behavior, but everyone was great. Even Lori was believable and didn’t sound embarrassed to deliver her lines!

I am super-ticked at Andrea though. In a world of zombies where gunshots will draw the roamers, you CANNOT shoot a single zombie with a high-powered rifle, especially when you’ve got four or five dudes already running up to it. That was a dangerous shot to make even if she was skilled, and we know she’s not. She took that shot to make a pouty statement, and could easily have hit her friends. Frankly, with all her whining and now this stupid move, I’m not going to cry if she gets eaten.

On the flipside, I love Maggie on the show. She’s a lot more timid in the comic, but I like this aggressive character on the show. She’s leading Glen around and it’s fun to see. Shane is going dark again too, which is fine with me. He and Darryl could be internal threats right soon. (I hope Darryl can throw off his brother’s influence, he’s got redeemed hero written all over him.)

Good

Walking Dead #90 & Walking Dead on AMC

At this point, what can I say? Robert Kirkman ties up a lot of the threads that were loose after the confrontations last issue, but no one is fooled into thinking the situation is much better. Rick is still close to losing it, as is most of his crew. There is still a ton of division in the Community, even if the first folks to cause problems might be calming down.

These issues are so important, because we need to see as many faces and personalities as we can. The zombies aren't as scary if we aren't concerned for the survivors, and Kirkman's last big kill-off narrowed our cast significantly. I do like getting to meet more folks in the Community. Where's Eugene been hanging out? Surely that tubby voyeur is up to something?



I also figured I'd weigh in on the Walking Dead TV show. Three episodes in, and it is just as uneven as last year. I find the characterization of the ladies on the show to be quite weak, with Andrea and Lori being just about total whiners. Maybe I wouldn't care if I didn't know how tough Andrea is in the comics, but seeing her whine and cry those suicidal arguments makes it difficult to like her. Dale and Glenn are steady, of course, but they really haven't had much to do. I love Darryl, the redneck exterminator. That dude is in a different show than everyone else; you can just watch Norman Reedus having fun thunking those CGI arrows. Maggie is another character with a ton of potential. I like how she's tougher on the show than in the comic. (My wife was immediately amused at her pairing up with Glenn.)

My main problem with the show is still with the core three characters. Rick is still to reactionary and frankly, weak. He took some strong action to save Sophia is episode 1, but even then he didn't really have the group too prepared. Shane tried to rape Lori last season, and she justifiably told him to stay away from her and her family. Makes sense. So why is she chiding him for his distance from Carl and then asking him to stick around? It's crazy. She knows what a loose cannon he is, and Shane's actions this week certainly won't endear him to the viewers. I feel like they can't quite decide who Shane is, a good guy making tough choices or a total scumbag. At this point, I don't see how the scales could come out with anything but "scumbag."

The zombie scenes are still fun, even though many of the tight spots the survivors get in is due to their own poor planning. Shane's lack of an escape plan from the medical trailer... seriously? Just thought you'd walk right out of there, huh?

The show is still exciting and fun to watch, I just don't want it to become "24" fun to watch, where I laugh at the characters and their motivations even as I enjoy the adrenalin-boosting scenes.

Comic - Good
TV show - Fair

Walking Dead #89

So it's not just my copy that looks like it had coffee or something spilled on the cover, right? There's some sort of weird smudge-y thing going on? I'm not sure what Charlie Adlard was going for, but I think I've seen it on more copies online, so I don't think I dropped a Pepsi or something.

This is another soap opera chapter of Walking Dead, and hoo boy, it is a good one. I always measure a book by how gleeful I am when I finish, and Rick delivers a KILLER line at the close of this one. Robert Kirkman is still firing on all cylinders here. He masterfully ratchets up the tension throughout the book, and it seems danger is closing in on our core cast of loveable murderers. And yet, with that last page, suddenly it is clear who has the upper hand. The Community truly doesn't know what they are up against. (I'm playing around with that sentence because I don't want to ruin the moment for people who haven't read the issue.)

As an aside, how funny is it that Abraham has basically taken over as Rick's enforcer? He's a great supporting character now, one that I never saw coming. We all expect Andrea to be Rick's right hand, and she's great, but I love seeing the survivors working to support each other.

Charlie Adlard? Solid. How many years has he been pulling this off now?

Excellent

Walking Dead #88

This remains a great comic, and it remains hard to review! Robert Kirkman keeps the hits coming, but he's a bit kinder to Carl that I thought he would be. Amnesia is such a cliche, but it does lead to some great dramatic moments. I was sure we were in for issue upon issue of Rick having to explain to his son that Carl's Mom is dead, that the world is overrun, that society is done, etc. Instead, while Carl blanked on his Mom for a moment, he seems to remember most of the other stuff going on. Carl has a neat reaction to the big news too; he's not shocked, it is like he already grieved, so while his brain didn't remember, he already went through the grieving process. Of course, the other option is that Carl is emotionally damaged more than we think, which is a scarier thought.

Abraham is such a fun character. He's such a galoot, wandering around cursing and acting like a tough guy, but he's quick to back up his friends when they need it. When Rick explains his need to get out of the Community, Abraham immediately backs him up.

Does anyone else worry that Andrea is going to have to kill herself a stalker in an issue or two? That might not go well for the developing mutiny either.

Charlie Adlard's consistent work still looks great.

Ugh. So hard to review such a stable comic.

Good

Walking Dead #86

As others have said, it's extremely difficult to review Walking Dead every month. It has achieved a level of stability and quality that other comics can only dream of.

This issue is a bit of a breather, as Rick sort of obsesses over his newfound love of community. The funniest part about his rants about his new attitude is that he's probably scaring as many people as he's winning over. People have got to be shocked at his admission of how little he cared about them.

Charlie Adlard's work looks great. That consistency and quality comes from a stable creative team, and Adlard is definitely a reliable artist.

Good

Walking Dead #85

How in the world is anyone in the Community going to buy into Rick's leadership if they find out what a nutbar he is? Out of everyone there, he was the first to be willing to cut and run. I realize the guy has had some terribly close calls with death, but I'm just not sure that Rick has enough going on upstairs to be able to bring about his big plan of a more proactive Community.

I'm also worried about Abraham. The guy is always going full-throttle, and Robert Kirkman does a nice job showing us that the guy is always on. He's killing zombies, cheating on his gal, and taking leadership roles around the town. I could see him as someone Rick relies on for a lot of stuff, or he might be shot by his ex next issue, that's how out there this book has gotten.

It's funny, seeing Glenn and Maggie is wonderful. These two are clearly damaged too, but for now, it seems that having each other is enough. I don't figure it can last, but it is nice to see it while we can.

Charlie Adlard. Solid, as always. What more can I say about his art at this point?

Good