This is one of the best books I've read in a long time.

Consistently in my top three. When anyone asks for recommendations this books always gets a shout out.

How do you guys like the art? Charlie Adlard is going to be working on the new WARLOCK title with Greg Pak. I've seen SOME spoilers, but tried to be good...

Honestly? I think the new Warlock art sucks. Its probably the colors though. I had no complaints at all about his work on Dead but that was all black and white.

The pages I saw for Warlock just left me cold. Maybe its just because its not Starlin. But they sure didn't want to make me buy the book even though Adlard was doing it.

The art is fine with me. I love that it's in B&W. No opinion on Warlock...since I won't be getting it anyway.

I love the B&W aspect of Dead too. I think color would distract from the story. And again, its not a problem with Adlard since his work on Dead was good, if not great. I think its just the new Warlock itself.

Honestly, I'm not too excited over the upcoming WARLOCK book. But I'm deathly afraid Marvel will mothball the character completely and bring back Douglock, like they tried to do with the M3 line. Damned if I support it, damned if I don't.

Sorta like DC Direct's Legion line...

I'm just glad THANOS got cancelled before Giff got his hands on Adam and the gang...

But the real Warlock is supposed to be appearing in a later issue of the series, and She-Hulk #8.

Har har!

Adlard's art is fine, but I think I preferred the previous (original) artist. A lot of Adlard's faces look kind of the same.

Still, this is one of my favorite books. I was very happy to find a copy of the first TPB when I was visiting Boston. Thanks, Quis, for taking us to that store!

Just finished the three trades. The zombie thing put me off getting this book for a long time - I'd flipped through it at the store and all those images of decayed people saying "Gak!" .... :rolleyes: However, stories of survival after a civilization-destroying disaster are usually favourites (always looking for suggestions on how to deal with the future), so that finally won over the "Gak" factor.

I really enjoyed it. The greatest disappointment was getting to the last page and knowing there wasn't a volume 4 yet. The characters are well developed, their behaviour is credible and it's interesting to see how they work together (or not) as a group for their survival. I think colour would be superfluous - I didn't really notice it was black and white, in some sense - just reading Dev & Scott's comments about the b&w above reminded me that there wasn't colour.

I still could have done with fewer zombie panels....

So, FC, did you ever pick up any more of the trades?

Trust LL!

Everyone I've given the first trade to has become a fan. It's gotten so I just borrow their trades to read now...

My offer of a free copy of the first trade still stands. I've given one away (still waiting to hear if I've made another zombie) so there are four more to go.

I'm serious. I've already gotten them. If you want to give it a try, PM me your address and a copy will be on the way. All I ask is that you start buying the book (in singles or trades) if you like it or pass along the trade to someone else if you don't.

I've never stumped for a book like this before, not even the Legion. In a little over three years this book has become my all-time favorite.

Need more brainssss.....

Three copies left? Whose the next zombie convert?

I'll bite (pun intended).

I always tend to like the zombie movies, why not a zombie comic?

If you are serious Lash, I will mail you a copy of the first trade ASAP.

I am serious, I'm curious about how well the whole zombie-genre translates to comics.

So If you still have an extra tpb... it sounds like solid bedtime reading!

A copy will be winging its way to you shortly.

Assuming that I'm going to love it, and to show you that I'm serious about it, I bought WALKING DEAD 35 and 36 today (these were the only issues on the new-issue shelf).

The cute CBS guy got all excited, and said I'd love it, and he said all of the trades are in-store.

Will it ruin anything if I read 35 & 36 before the first trade?

Sorry I didn't see your question before Lash. You should be okay reading those issues first but, hopefully, by now that doesn't matter.

Okay, I'm recruiting again. I'm getting ready to purchase another stack of the first trade. So if you are still on the fence I'll send you a copy. If you like it, buy the monthly and/or trades. If you don't, pass the book on to someone you think might like it or donate it to a library. And don't be afraid to recruit others. Look at CJ. He recruited at least three other people and is currently running the Colorado branch of TWDA (The Walking Dead Army).

I'm going to buy the books in the next few weeks so give me a shout out here or in PM if you are interested. You will not be disappointed.

All right, all right. I'll give it a shot. Would you happen to have a copy of My Chemical Romance's The Black Parade to sweeten the deal?

Mood music, you know.

You know I do! And when you hear Liza on the album I bet it'll scare the pants off of you. Oh, wait. You probably won't be wearing any anyway.

I may actually have a special copy for you Pov. I'll see what I can do about it and some mood music too. Anything else?

Isn't it cute when they do that? Like little kids getting a cotton candy. I remember my comics guy doing that when I picked up Abadazad.

Your generosity knows no bounds. That's more than enough.

I wish I'd had the wherewithall to promote that book the way Scooter's pushing TWD...

TWD has been officially added to my pull, and I'll buy the remaining trades on an as-I'm-able-to basis. Good stuff!!!

This is the ONE book I'm not buying that I REALLY wish I was. It looks totally up my alley.

My big problem is that I'm not ready to go to Trades yet... and yet all the back issues are mucho expensive. So maybe I have no choice but to go to Trades?

But I wanna ask a couple of questions before I take the big plunge. So if Scott (or anyone else who's read the singles) could help me out that would be much appreciated -

1. I've heard that this book has excellent letter columns. I always like a good letter column but obviously they won't be in the Trades. My question - Are they that good that I should hunt down the singles?

2. I remember flicking through an issue ages ago and noticing that at the back there was a headshot page of all the main characters and listing who was dead, alive, missing, etc. I always like that type of thing in comics and this one was especially cool. My questions - Have there been many of those sorts of things? And are they in the TPBs?

3. I think I remember hearing a while ago that The Walking Dead was getting an Annual. My questions - Is that included in the Trades? And are there any other issues missing from them?

4. I know some TPBs (Starman and Fables for example) collect the stories in a different order to what was released. My question - Does The Walking Dead do this too?

I think that's about all I need to know. Thanks for your time.

I'll try to answer these from memory best I can.

1. The letter columns are excellent. They run at least three to four pages each issue. But in the trades I've gotten and the hardback collection they were not included. Not sure if they are worth tracking down though as the single issues, just for the first 10 issues, would probably run you $150 easy. I say pick up the trades. I can always scan the letter columns for you.

2. They've done this a couple of times over the course of the series. I don't recall the last time it was done and I'd have to thumb through the trades to see if they did reprint it or not.

3. The only time I heard of an annual was either on a message board or maybe in the letters pages. Someone suggested it would be a good idea to see what is happening to other people around the world. But no, one has not been printed and no issues have been skipped.

4. TWD trades are printed in order. I know there are reasons, even the Legion has done it, for printing out of order but for TWD that would be like showing hour 22 before hour 12 on 24. This is a building drama that uses the momentum from each issue.

Something else else else that is missing from the trades are the covers to the single issues. I don't know why this was done except for the fact the covers are the only color used and it was probably too much to put six color pages into a black and white trade. The trade covers are all new, different from the cover of the singles inside.

For my money, it is worth it to get the trades now and pick up as many back issues as you can afford, starting with the most recent, if you want the floppies. I go for both only because I'm a rabid fan who has no sense of money.

OK - I'm sold! Thanks for all that info Scott!

I think it really will just be too expensive to track down all the back-issues of this series, so I've got no alternative but to go the TPB route.

I could kick myself though! I came *so* close to buying the first few issues when it began but never got around to it. Oh well.

Scott - If you have any spare copies of the first TPB and are still doing that deal let me know. If not, no problem - I'll just grab it from the store.

Thanks again.

PM me your snail-mail address and as soon as my next set comes in I'll send you a copy.

Great. Thanks Scott!

Or as Superman would say, "Thanks, Great Scott!"

Nah, just doing my duty as zombie overlord.

Here's a review from last October by Cory Doctrow, he of BoingBoing.net. If you don't read BoingBoing you are missing out. Another convert but, alas, not one of my army.

Oh, and I found the coolest thing today on Kirkman's forum at Image (a place I've never frequented before today). It was done by Ryan Ottley, the artist on Kirkman's Invincible who happens to live here in Utah. The title character, zombified.

Image's 2005 Holiday Special had a short story set in Kirkman's WD universe that actually had no zombies. It was actually a great little follow up with a couple of characters introduced early in the series. Any of those interested in seeing it let me know. It's only six pages and I'll post it here.

Never mind I guess. I just read #34 (catching up on my reading) and they reprinted it there.

I actually wouldn't mind seeing Kirkman do a zombie story in INVINCIBLE after seeing that Ottley piece...

He did it to the Marve U, why not the Image U too?

He thould croth it over with Liberty Meadowth... thothe Jen and Brandy galth have a great thet of... lobeth on them...

I'm both intrigued and disturbed by the vision of a zombie Brandy.

And just because these deserve to be posted twice:

Here's the Kirkman zombie sketch and sig from the trade he signed for me.



And this is a birthday present I received in the mail today from my Faraway friend Darden . A sketch by Walking Dead artist Charlie Adlard. Darden got this for me at the Bristol Comic Con and it fits nicely with my FCBD acquisitions.

That kicks all kindsa @$$! Darden ROCKS!! )

Hush Pov. Kirkman can do no wrong. I will gladly wait at his knee for him to sketch an entire issue of The Walkind Dead, no matter how long it takes.

Whoa.

You got me. I don't know why, but you do. Zombies and black and white art are usually a surefire turnoff for me, but this was great. I opened your care package, and halfheartedly started on the TWD trade... then proceeded to read it start to finish in one sitting. I even turned off the MCR cd so I could concentrate on reading it. I found it was less horror and more a survivalist story. Being black and white probably helped reduce the gruesome aspect. Poor horsie, though...

I'll order the second volume from IST when I get a chance.

So the hardcover contains the same number of issues as the first two trades -and- the covers? Image is relisting both HC's in the September Previews... I might get at least the first one.

And they're soliciting the seventh trade, collecting 37-42, the same month as TWD #43 .

Not sure what our DCBS discount will be Bri but Amazon has both hardcovers for $39.58 total, free shipping. And, yes, each hardback contains 12 issues instead of the six of the trades.

As for the first trade I've got five more copies arriving next Monday or Tuesday. One, perhaps two, have been spoken for. That leaves at least three more up for grabs. Any more takers?

From Wizard (via Michael's Omnicom ): Legionnaire zombies (assuming you can spot them).

Oog.

I have now hereby honored our deal, and ordered TWD HC Vol's 1&2 on this month's DCBS order. It's funny that they listed them at their regular 40% discount, while they're on IST for 35% off. At $18 each, that comes out better than Amazon... but my order this month was EPIC.

The two TWD HC's, MG Lieam plush, The Goon: Chinatown HC OGN, LSH31c DVD, Power Girl and S/B AF's... plus the month's Countdown stuff and Black Canary wedding specials...

With my distaste towards DC increasing at an ever-panding rate and Marvel doing nothing at all to let me know I can trust them again, Scott's WD trade came at the right time. I posted elsewhere about my thoughts on it (don't forget--I'm Cobie, far too lazy to find a link ), but I'm going to try and snag something the next time I go to the CBS (prob a week & half).

The question now is, to I get the next trade or try to start getting issues chronologically? What are you guys doing?

Bri, my order this month was crazy too. A lot caused by the giant HC collecting the first 25 issues of Captain America. Decided it was the one Marvel book I had been enjoying but not giving my money to. Most likely that's the way I'll continue getting the series. On top of that I'm continuing my purchase of each Marvel Classic figure mag. Even at the discount that's about $51 extra a month (assuming four new regular figs and one special collector's). But they are the best looking metal (lead) figures I've ever seen.

And thanks to you both for continuing the Army. To answer Des' question, I'd just gather up the trades and start picking up the floppies in August. I think if you grab trade # 7, scheduled for September, that will carry you through #41. #42 is scheduled to hit the stands in August. Assuming Kirkman keeps on track.

The Brubaker/Epting Cap Omnibus -is- sweet, especially at 50%off, but I already own the individual issues. As nice as the collection would be on my shelf, it would've pushed my bill decidedly past $200. The only CMFC I was interested in was Nova, though it looks like they're going with his current look...pass.

Hopefully, Image will have #25-36 collected in a V.3 hardcover by the time I finish up the first two!

Des, the trades are the way to go for the early TWD stuff... online stores either don't have it or want an arm & a leg for them. They're more reasonable when you get into the mid-20's range and up.

Mine quite a bit more.

I was bad in July. I need to cut back next month.

Me, too. As long as we remember to order ATOMIC ROBO.

I've found that my comic reading time has gone far south since I started reading more novel type books, but I received a few of The Walking Dead TPBs last Christmas and I've enjoyed them (even though horror comics aren't my bag, baby). Kirkman is a very good writer. I love his Invincible too.

From Image's solicits for stuff shipping in November:

THE WALKING DEAD, BOOK 3 HC
304 PAGES
BW
in stores NOVEMBER 7
$29.99

--add $20 to my September DCBS order...

I'm just waiting for the next giant omnibus edition with the second 24 issues. That way I can look like Moses carrying the tablets. Only with zombies.

Lookit Scooter in robes, parting the Dead Sea...

DCBS is making me wait for the first two HC collections, darn it! I was hoping they'd ship them before they started shipping the rest of my July order; I figured they'd have them in stock as IST implies. But I guess they keep the two businesses seperate, ergo the different accounts for ordering from each site.

I thought they were going to be fixing that soon. Could have sworn I got a note or saw a notice on DCBS that soon you'd be able to place IST orders through DCBS with the IST discount shipping.

Not sure how they're gonna do it, but if you click on the Trade Paperbacks link on the DCBS frontpage, it gives you this message--

"Trade Paperbacks
Up-to-date Trade Paperback listings will be available soon at Discount Comic Book Service.

As always, Trade Paperbacks are available at www.InStockTrades.com. All trades are on sale now at savings of up to 35% off with free shipping on orders over $50.00!"

With all this talk of trades and omnibuses (omnibusii?), I just felt it necessary to point out a new issue came out today.

Yikes! I guess I'll have to plough through Volume 2 pretty soon then! I've read everything up to maybe issue 40 or so, but I do like rereading those hardcovers when they come out. Not sure why it's taken me this long to get thru #2?

DOUBLE darn it! the Vol.2 HC's confirmed for my end-of-month stuff shipping tomorrow... but no first hardcover yet! :frustrated:

I'll just have to set it aside until the first one arrives...

You'll just have to fight temptation.

Where are the Legion DVD's? They came out today but don't show in next week's shipment. At least not mine.

That's right! I was so caught up in the TWD HC's I forgot the first LSH DVD is due out tomorrow.

I thought about rereading the trade you sent me of the first six issues, then reading 13-24 in the second hardcover, but I don't want to spoil anything...

No, you definitely don't want to skip those six issues.

The ONE thing TWD really needs, for me anyway, is a ROLL CALL type page.

The lack of colors makes it harder for me to identify anyone (other than Rick and Lori).

Starting the series in the mid-30s and then starting the trades after probably threw me off some too.

There actually was Lash. The one I know of, off hand, was from issue #18. Here are the pages printed so peruse them at your own risk if you haven't read anything prior to #18 as there is some SPOILER info.

AWESOME!!!! This will help tremedously! Scott saves the day again!

Oooops. I'm not that far along yet... SPOILERS.

Aargh... the shrink-wrap on my TWD vol.2 HC is ripped... it's tempting me, I tell ya. TEMPTING ME!!!

The first HC had best be in my mid-month shipment, that's all I'm saying... :frustrated:

Hey, in all my activity of the last couple of months I never got the chance to come in here and give my verdict on 'The Walking Dead' trade that Scott sent me. Time to rectify that...

Loved it! I've since gone and bought and read and really enjoyed all the subsequent trades too. (I think the latest being 'This Sorrowful Life' right? Great title by the way!)

It's a very well written book IMO. I find it a very challenging read too though, with nearly every one of the characters alternating between being liked and hated by me. But I think I appreciate it all the more for that.

It's much more 'realistic' in that sense that even the most noble of the characters can be capable of great acts of cruelty or horror, and vice versa. I'm thinking primarily of Rick and Tyreese here, our two ostensible 'heroes' who have both committed unspeakable crimes that have really shaken my support of them, but Kirkman is not afraid of painting nearly every one of the other main characters in a darkly negative light too. So while on the one hand, I find myself disliking most of the characters to a point that I wouldn't mind seeing them die, I also find this same dark light drawing me closer to them in order to see if they rise up out of it's blackness or sink further into it as the situations around them change. I think that's good characterisation.

And I think that Kirkman is aware of this dichotomy too. As most explicity evidenced in the fight that Tyrese and Rick have in the prison and the speech Rick gives to all the survivors after recovering from the injuries he sustained in that fight (the great "We are the Walking Dead" speech.)

One thing I was slightly disappointed in after starting the second trade though was that the wonderful artwork of Tony Moore would no longer be gracing the pages. He was AMAZING on that first trade. I loved how he gave each zombie it's own character and identity - rather than the featureless monster than Adlard renders them as later on. I still really miss his art but I have gotten used to Adlard and do think he is doing a capable job.

Something else else else I was disappointed to see missing from the trades was that roll call page Scott posted just above, though I had been warned it wasn't included, so thanks to Scott for posting it here. I'd be supremely disappointed if that short Christmas story about Morgan and Duane doesn't get reprinted in them though. Does anyone know if that will be the case?

It'd be nice to get some more discussion about the contents of the stories here at Legion World, though I guess that might be difficult since we're all at different stages in our reading.

Anyway, count me in as a new member of the Walking Dead Army and thanks again to Scott for the recruitment.

Sorry about that Bri. Guess I should have hidden them under the spoiler tag instead. I did change the thumb tag so they aren't legible unless clicked on.

Nah, don't worry about it... I was just busting ya.

I'm glad you enjoyed it Dan! Yeah, the change in artists from Moore to Adlard took some getting used to but I think Adlard is doing a great job now. Artwork is always a big hook for me on any book but it was Kirkman's writing that got me through the change. This world he has created is just so well thought out I'd probably put up with just about any artist as long as Kirkman kept writing.

I'm not sure if the Christmas story was reprinted in trade #6, which should be the one you mentioned, This Sorrowful Life. I think that's where it should have fallen. If it wasn't included and if everyone would like to see it I can post the story here. I did once before but pulled it because it was published in the floppies.

I'm behind on my trades of the series and just ordered the first three hardcovers. Finally gave in since I can't read my giant omnibus now that it's been Kirkman-ized. The thing sells for over $300 without his sig and sketch that I got on FCBD. I could probably pay the mortgage for a month if I sold it.

And now another call for the Army. I have three copies of the first trade left. Any takers? Or do any of the Army know someone that might like it? Let me know.

And while I'm thinking about it. I've thought about starting another wiki, this one for TWD. I'm not sure if there is enough history yet to build one though. Just thought it would be a great place to track the characters and plot lines.

Maybe have a section on Zombies in general in the comics medium?

(And I take it you've ordered ZOMBIE- SIMON GARTH from Marvel MAX? 50% off, special... )

That would be a good idea. And a whole section for the ZMU since it is a Kirkman creation.

As for Simon Garth, I thought about it. But my total was over $200. With the Legion trade, Super Sons trade, the non-50% Titans Showcase #2 (that sucked), Buffy Omnibus #3, the three TWD hardbacks, two copies of the Dark Tower hardback (one for a Christmas present for one of Caroline's cousins) and five Classic Marvel mags (including the $21.75 Galactus), I had to stop. Hopefully it'll be collected.

I was just updating my electronic copies of the series and realized that something else that hasn't been reprinted anywhere else except the omnibus is the proposal that Kirkman did in 2002. It is five illustrated (by Moore) story pages and the written proposal to Image. The pages take place prior to issue #1 and are kind of like having the story almost set in the same universe as Romero's dead movies. In fact, Kirkman said he was going to name the series Night of the Living Dead since the name is in the public domain. Some interesting reading.

Anyone interested in seeing those pages?

Sounds neat! And as I'm never going to own the omnibus, I'd love the chance to see it.

Did -you- blur the contact info?

...You just wanna keep him all to yourself, don'tcha?

So Lori was originally Carol? It's interesting to see Rick and Carl(by name only) were in the initial pitch. I'm glad Kirkman went the way he did, having Rick wake up to a world already engulfed in the "zombie apocalypse", though the pitch scenario's pretty funny... "War of the Worlds", I'd probably be leery at first, too...

Thanks, Scott!

Yeah, Robert is all mine!

Here's a combination of a couple more pages from before the proposal and after. This completes the story behind the start.

If my mathter doeth't get hith firtht volume TWD trade thoon, I'm gonna eat the thecond one...

booooookth... boooooooookth... 8op---

Bucky, getcher undead varmint @$$ away from my ADV #247!

I think zombie beavers might be more dangerous than regular zombies... Regulars'll just eat me, but zombeavers eat

The good news is zombeaver upkeep is surprisingly easy... just lock'em away in a dogcrate and keep stuffing old MILENNIUM and NEW GUARDIANS books in there.

They're surprisingly content.

Say-- It works with LADY DEATH and EVIL ERNIE titles, too! Cleans up unwanted comics AND it's nutritious! ...For zombeavers in captivity, of course.

I'm afraid to try all those early Image titles, though...

Just don't feed him any Liefeld issues. I don't know if it will "kill" him or mutate him further. Most likely the latter.

There's some serious buzz about the upcoming arc, and I won't be reading it til it's over and they've moved on. (I'm a trade reader.) I may finally convice a trio of friends to start buying the monthlies.

Okay, a minor peeve... but it's difficult reading the second HC and being able to tell where the individual issues stop and start. I wish they'd put the covers between "episodes" instead of all collected in the back.

Of course, I'm only b!tc#in' because I ended up reading what -was- labeled as Chapter Three: Safety Behind Bars all in one sitting... I didn't know where to stop 'til I reached the next chapter... what was that, six issues' worth...?

(Thanks to Scooter for filling in the issues I was missing electronically so I could finally -start- reading Vol.2, btw...

Anything to feed the Army.

I'm telling Bruce! He had a wedding planned and everything...

Last night I re-read all my TWD issues in one sitting (the first 2 trades, and issues 35-42), and began to have no trouble identifying characters. Even my gap in issues wasn't too jarring and I was able to identify (or figure out) everyone. It just needed a re-read.

And I am now more than ever ready to fill in the gaps. Gotta get the third trade next Friday!

Carol's death in 41-42 was particularly horrifying. A new way to commit suicide. Poor Sophia.

But if there's one thing we learned from the barn in the second trade, it's NEVER a good idea to keep ANY of the zombies around.

Man! The trades and HC's for Walking Dead are RED-HOT on eBay! I've recently been prospecting for TPBs there based on Scott's (and friends!) word of mouth. They've got plenty of multiple-TPB lots there, but I'm not finding the bargains I like to get. Just lost a lot for the first 4 TPBs (used) that went for $31 (including shipping). Not exactly sky-high, but I'm a little squeamish about going too high for something I've never even sampled before.

I'll keep plugging though, and possibly going higher in future auctions, but I'll need some spoiler-free reinforcement about how great the product is, okay?

BTW, what do the trades retail for? They're all six issues per? And what do the hardcovers retail for?

InStock Trades has TWD trades 1-7 @ 35% off-- vol.1@$6.47, vol.2-3@$8.42 and vol.s 4-7@ $8.44. They also have the second HC volume for $19.49.

The regular trades have six issues collected, while the hardcovers have twelve, plus the color covers.

IST offers free shipping on orders over $50.

[/shill]

So I have the first 5 Trades which collect issues 1-30. I started buying the monthlies with issue 34. I decided to forego buying the 6th trade and try to track down issues 31-33. My CBS had 31 in the back-ish bin tonight, yay! Also got the new issue. So I'll be completely caught up but for 2 issues (though I already know what happens anyway, having read issues 34 to present already).

Runaway fave: Michonne! She RAWKS!

WEIRD PLACE TWD IS GIVEN PROPS DEPT

I was having lunch at one of outreach clinics, absentmindedly flipping through a SOAP OPERA DIGEST mag. I don't watch soaps but do like to look at cute guys. Anyhoo, this one actor guy was listing his fact-sheet or whatever-- have no idea what soap he's on, he was handsome and African-American... And he lists TWD as a must-read for him...

re: TWD # 43

I rather enjoyed the flashback, I think it was necessary. Of course it has only prolonged the agony of having to wait until the carnage begins!

And the upcoming covers for the NO ONE IS SAFE arc have me VERY scared... I mean, who needs zombies when the HUMANS want to kill each other?

I can't thank (curse) Scott enough for getting me to read (addicted to) TWD! It's fast entered my personal top 5, now that I have read (nearly) all the story!

Update: I recently won an eBay lot for TWD Vols. 1 & 2 tpbs for $15 including shipping. Not too bad of a deal and slightly better than the In-stock Trades link Pov shot me. Unfortunately, it was a no Paypal auction, so I had to mail a money order to Hawaii and probably won't see the items for a couple weeks.

They'd better be worth it guys!

Officially hooked on TWD now, by the way. Got the eBay lot of the first to TPBs (after a loooong wait--first Hawaii-originated auction I won, see above post).

Anyhoo, after I read the first two, I went to In-Stock Trades (thanks, Pov!) and ordered all the other trades already in existence! Got 'em Thursday and have read Vol. 3 so far. Wow! All the deaths in that story ("Safety Behind Bars") were murders by other humans!! I'll be curious to see who of the core cast is left standing after Volume 7--no spoilers, please!

The only negative so far is that the male characters seem more interesting and three-dimensional than the females. I especially like Tyreese, Carl (his interaction with Sophie is priceless!), Glenn and Rick, of course. Andrea shows potential, though. Lori just whines too much.

LOVE the black and white art! It's perfect for this series. And Charlie Adlard is an absolute revelation here--I've never liked his stuff much before, but this kind of story and mood suits him so well!

Methinks, the "walking dead" in the title refers more to our protagonists than the zombies, especially after the brutal events at the prison. I'm sure things won't get much brighter any time soon...

Thanks, Scott--and consider me enlisted in your
army!

Actually, I would like one little spoiler...does Rick ever (to date) run into the father and son again who were the first living people he encountered after leaving the hospital after waking from the coma?

He doesn't Lardy but the father and son do make an appearance elsewhere.

I think this story appeared in one of the trades or other collections but here are the pages from the Image Comics Holiday Special 2005.

<span class="spoiler_containter"><span class="spoiler_wording">Page 1</span><span class="spoiler_text"> </span></span> <span class="spoiler_containter"><span class="spoiler_wording">Page 2</span><span class="spoiler_text"> </span></span> <span class="spoiler_containter"><span class="spoiler_wording">Page 3</span><span class="spoiler_text"> </span></span>

<span class="spoiler_containter"><span class="spoiler_wording">Page 4</span><span class="spoiler_text"> </span></span> <span class="spoiler_containter"><span class="spoiler_wording">Page 5</span><span class="spoiler_text"> </span></span> <span class="spoiler_containter"><span class="spoiler_wording">Page 6</span><span class="spoiler_text"> </span></span>

Image is announcing a 1-in-25 "Larsen&Ottley Superhero Variant" for TWD#50.



Kirkman originally planned for the variant cover to run at 1-in-100, but lowered the ratio to <strike>give Scooter a chance at owning it</strike>errr... placate retailers and collectors.

Oh... And still no freakin' word on when the new printing for the TWD vol.1 HC is shipping...

Okay, I'm a trade reader, so a little behind.

I read trade #8, collecting issues 43-48. It came out today and it's always my first read.


whoa


just... whoa

Waiting for the fourth HC to be solicited now that TPB#8 is out... :frustrated:

Aaah, the "No One is Safe" arc... the feces hit the fan there, huh?

(I know most/all of you but for me read TWD in trades and I get craZZZZy not being able to post about the monthly issues!

I just received and read the latest TWD trade (Vol. 8) today, and...wow! I lost one character who was one of my absolute favorites halfway thru and saw two others die in one of the most gut-wrenching scenes ever published. Devastating stuff!

While waiting nearly two weeks for this trade to reach me, I decided to pick up 49 & 50 at my local CBS (I have one now!!!). I decided, during that wait, that I will now buy each issue as they come out, as the wait between Vols. 7 & 8 was just TOO LONG! I read 49 & 50 immediately after reading the trade.

Thanks guys, for making me part of the Army!

And just when, exactly, is it okay to talk about plot developments here?!?!?!

Any time Lardy. Just use the spoiler tag for those not up to date.

Spoil away... as a trade reader, I know it's a risk I take.

Yay! A monthly TWD buddy at last! I should be getting 50 this weekend and will post after I read it!

I'm a monthly reader too. Started with issue #40 and TWD always goes to the top of my read list. I don't have any of the trades or the time to read them. Do they include the letters pages? The monthlies are worth picking up for the letters alone.

50 was another great issue, btw. I won't spoil much, but will say that Carl is portrayed as realisitically as any child ever has been in comics.

I have not gotten 50 yet, but I am now reading the monthlies. Beats waiting 6-7 months to catch up.

Number 51 is out. Wow, just wow. This guy can write. Anyone who isn't getting TWD and is tired of the crossover events, mixed up pacing, and substance over style of the big two needs to get on board.

AMEN Jerry...AMEN!!!

# 51 SPOILER discussion follows! DON'T read this post further if you don't wanna know!
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OMG. The whole phone-calls and the ultimate reveal that followed is possibly the single creepiest comics moment this year. Yes, creepier than even suicide-by-zombie.

Rick's gone off his rocker, it appears. It might very well be time for him to join the ranks of the dearly departed and focus now on his son.

Well, his son and.... Michonne, if the cover solicit is to be trusted.

I've loved her since she first appeared with her de-armed de-teethed zombie pals in tow. Yes, she needs to be the new focus...

Creepy and heartbreaking all at the same time. I don't know if I feel more sorry for Rick or Carl.

As I have been blocked from Legion World at work, I've had to peruse other MBs, and found a post that displayed TWD covers 52-56 (On the Wizard MB,iirc).....

COVER-BASED SPOILER SPECULATION as well as descriptions of TWD covers 52-56 follow this disclaimer!!

Right
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NOW...


Okay, so those who have read 51 have already seen what is most likely Michonne on the cover of 52. She's back! Yay!

Apparently, 3 more new castmembers are going to debut... don't recognize them from the Mayor's town but they COULD be... one's a heavyset olderish guy, one is a 'macho-man' gun-toter and one appears to be a hot young lady of perhaps (eastern) Indian descent... can't tell for sure, but she's a hottie.

MAJOR SPOILER NEXT!!!!

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Dale, Andrea (YAY,she ain't dead!!), Sophia, the twins, Glenn and Maggie are coming back.

And the cover to TWD 56 may be the best yet... an obvious homage to Kevin Maguire's Justice League # 1 featuring the new cast assembled in a group shot, staring up at the 'camera' looking all badass. So we have Rick, Carl, Michonne, Dale, Andrea, the twins, Sophia, Maggie, Glenn and the 3 newbies on that cover.

I'm really excited!!

I actually thought Rick going back into the house was the creepiest moment of the issue and maybe even the whole series thusfar.

I am glad to see some of the other castmembers returning, but am a little disappointed by the spoilers on that cover. This is one book that usually surprises the hell out of me, and seeing everyone on the cover kinda ruins that. Not that I'll enjoy the issue any less...but I think you can understand what I mean.

Okay, I need to make a decision. I'm a terrible trade buying fan. I haven't bought a WD trade in months and that trend will likely continue. Should I start buying the monthly and try to catch up when I can? Buy 'em but don't read 'em yet?

Your opinions matter to me Legion World--you tell me!

If catching up is the issue, Cobester, I'd stick with the trades for now. How far have you gotten? In any case, unless the pattern changes (six issues per trade), there's just one more issue to be published before the next edition. If you really want to start getting individual issues, start with 55. That should be the first issue after the forthcoming Vol. 9 trade. It'll be a good time to do so because Kirkman has promised to ship all his comics on time starting in January.

(Volume 8 will kick your ASS! )

In-stock trades is a great website for great discounts on TPBs unless your CBS offers comparable discounts.

I'm only up to volume 3. But I like your plan. I'm a monthly kind of guy--I'll pick up #55 and get it monthly from there and then fill in trades 4-8 ASAP. Christmas is on the horizon and my parents usually get me TPBs--unless of course I decide I can't wait until then.

Frankly, I don't see how you could have stopped yourself from gobbling them up after reading 1-3!

Pesky wedding

Spot the odd one out in the list of inspirations: http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2008/oct/18/horror-channel4

Is it that recent that you started reading them, Des?

I got issues 52-53...

I'm glad Rick seems to be getting his head back together. I'll take back my previous call to ditch him. His chat with Michonne also seemed to clear up her mental status as well, and gave them something else to bond about. However, despite Rick's rational explanation of her words and actions, I feel something's gone a little off with li't Sophia.

Looks like gun-toting macho dude will be a good new ally to have around if he isn't all psycho or something. And scientists dude's last-page cliffhanger in issue 53 has me reaLLLLLy excited about next issue.

Looks like a trek might be happening. That's good. Staying put at the farm might make good sense in a real zombie apocalypse, but it won't necessarily make for thrilling reading every month.

TWD rocks.

I liked how #56 turned our expectations around from 55's ending. Also, it looks like we've got a real time bomb waiting to go off...

WHOA. # 57 was one intense issue. I won't spoil anything here.

But the cover for # 58 has me frightened, as does the "The Unthinkable" tagline...

Does Carl get kidnapped... could the villains from # 57 have allies? I don't think Carl's zombiefied and I hope I'm wrong about the allies thing. I'm actually worried and stressed out about this.

I'm still only about half-way through to where the series currently is and hopefully will be catching up shortly. I think I need one more trade and then I hit the point where I began collecting single issues.

In the meantime, I thought I'd link to this announcement of a Walking Dead television series! Wow, what awesome news! Kirkman has always said he'd rather see it on a television series, so this is pretty cool.

AMC has shown with Mad Men that they are serious about creating strong, serious and powerful dramas and no subject matter is taboo. I watch Mad Men personally and its simply one of the best things I've ever seen. I'm impressed AMC will now do the Walking Dead too. Pretty cool!

EXCELLENT news!

I quit discussing the book here because so many follow it in trades, but the end of issue 62... was possibly the most horriffic turn of events yet....

Can't WAIT for the series!

Legion World demands Lash discuss all comic books he reads!

Wow! I was hoping for HBO, but AMC ain't a bad fallback with their recent track record! I just hope AMC's ready to do right by it. It doesn't have to be a HUGE-budget undertaking, but I'd like it to be done right and hopefully with enough violence to make it not seem like they're brewing us some WD-Lite, y'know?.

#64 is out today. "Fear of the Hunters" is turning out to be incredibly horrifying. The thing that amazes me most about this series is the way Kirkman always manages to ramp things up. You think things have gotten as intense as possible..... then you pick up the next issue and it is even more intense. And then that happens again the following month, and then the next. It just doesn't end.

I'm dyin here...I just caught up to issue 62...and my shops in the immediate area do not have 63. One only gets a few issues and sells out fast, the other had most of their shipment destroyed in transit. 64 is waiting, but I will not get it until I have 63! AAAARGH!!!

Don't you dare read #64 before you read #63 !! It will totally ruin it for you. Take a few deep breaths. It will be worth the wait.

I avoid spoilers for this series...it's too good. Money has been tight, but just got a few bucks to catch up...so now I wait to keep going. Although, it is a blast to read it in chunk again.

Oh Lord, now I have to go to the CBS again THIS week!!

I'm just popping in to say that I'm still reading and loving this series.

I haven't come in to this thread for a long time for fear of spoilers but glancing through it now I see that you've actually all been pretty good about not revealing any. How nice!

I've just finished the latest TPB (#10) and it is SOOOOO hard resisting the urge to go out and buy all the latest singles to catch up - but alas I've made a promise to myself to go TPB on all my non-DCU purchases (except Madame Xanadu but that book is such a stealth-DCU title I'm letting it slide).

My only complaint about this book is that nearly all of my favourites were killed off in the Prison arc and I'm really not that enamoured with most of the ones left - especially Michonne (sorry MLLASH) who feels to me like she stepped straight out of a bad Quentin Tarantino remake of a bad 70s Blaxploitation film (and I should know - see my handle ) which seems greatly at odds with the tone of gritty realism that Kirkman seems to be striving for with the rest of the cast. She pulls me straight out of the book/setting every time she comes on panel.

The one other thing I didn't like was the fate of...

<span class="spoiler_containter"><span class="spoiler_wording">Click Here For A Spoiler</span><span class="spoiler_text">... Morgan and Duane. It was realistic I guess but a very sad development for a couple I was hoping for better things for.

I'd like to see Morgan at least recover and adapt to the new world but I think the writing's on the wall for his character - something horrible to do with Carl I'm guessing.

It also seems a bit mean of Kirkman to go down this route with these two characters after leaving us hanging about their fate for so long (and I know he's been asked about them a lot) but I guess one of the selling points of this book is that no one is safe and that there will probably be no happy endings for any of them.
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Got it...now I'm caught up...till Wednesday anyway.

So, what did you think?

Great stuff. Kirkman has found a new groove on this book. I think a few little things have come from left field...like what happened with the twin boys, at least what the one did to the other. Not much forshadowing on that.

Looks like the next two issues are going to be nasty again...just like I like 'em. I like the fact that stuff happens in this book to the main characters.

Looking forward to the end of this arc, and to see what happens when they get to Washington.

Loved seeing the herd a few books back.

Wow. Finally got the ending to the Hunters storyline. There are no punches pulled with this book...at all.

What did everyone else think of the 5 issue storyline?

Overall, I liked it, but for WD's first "numbered parts" storyline, I thought part five was more of an epilogue. Yes, plenty of umportant things happened in the final part but none of it really unexpected i.e. seemingly inevitable things did actually come to pass. In the end the threat wasn't as huge as the extensive teases preceding the storyline made it seem.

Don't get me wrong, though...a lot of important things came to pass, particularly in character development. Of course, it's been apparent for a while, that the group is becoming more and more hardcore with the lengths they'll go to to ensure their survival, so I wasn't all that surprised with what they did.

It will be interesting to see the longterm implications of that last page. I say 'longterm' because I doubt it'll get out any time soon. I imagine Andrea and Rick will have a big row with a potentially catastrophic outcome...

(notice I was posting Nonspoilese for the TPB folks )

Very nice spoiler free summary.

I do agree that this was more of an epilogue to the story. I totally hear what you're saying about the threat level...but the thing is, the way the leader of the Hunters acted was totally believable with what he was faced within the wake of what happened to him at the hands of Rick and Co.

The decisions made make sense all around for our weary band of travelers. And you're right about the last page. The inevitable confrontation should be gut wrenching, no matter the outcome.

I'm there with you guys on the 5th part.

This was the first time EVER I've felt any kind of vague dissatisfaction with TWD. The cliffhangers leading up to the 5th part were awesome, though.

Can't wait to see what's next!

Honestly, I think it would've worked much better without the arc title on the cover. If this were a normal 5-issue span with no extranormal promotion, it would've gone over fine with me. As Dev says, everything was well thought-out and consistent in this story, but the arc labelling, which has never been done before in the monthlies, created a certain expectation akin to the climax of the prison/Governor affair. I guess I was expecting more carnage! At the same time I'm glad we didn't suffer mass casualties, though--I don't think I was ready for that, yet!

I should add that the one loss to our cast was really well done. I liked the final conversation with Rick particularly. Said character had come off unlikeable recently, but Kirkman really brought the character full circle in the arc. I'll certainly miss him/her. and we should see some interesting developments with one character in particular in the aftermath.

Kirkman has also set up some interesting things with the the two characters that recently joined our group of travelers. One is obviously mentally unhinged...but is he dangerous. The other is obviously struggling with what he has done himself to survive, but now doesn't seem to be able to handle what the others feel is necessary to survive.

Both should play out interestingly.

If this had been a regular issue number system, without the story arc numbering, Lardy is right. This issue would have come across much more surprising and brutal...especially after what happened with the prison arc.

We may not have expected the fight to continue on, but it very well may have, even if you consider that issue 66 would be a trade ending issue...so a horrific cliffhanger could have easily happened.

The tables are turned here in a certain way, with Rick and Co. taking the fight to them, instead of being the ones caught with their proverbial pants down.

Issue 67 - Very nice segue issue. Rick and Carl have a long over-due heart to heart. Someone's secret is revealed...with some bad after effects, and the next big thing (beginning of a storyline here people) shows up on the last page.

More than worth my money every month. Amazing how a talky comic like this reads faster than an issue of most other comics. Also how it makes me want to reread it again and again.

Agreed. In its relatively short lifespan, I've reread this entire series 3 times, last month most recently.

It's been more than worth the money I have invested in it.

Anybody heard any AMC series updates??

Nothing more than it has been optioned and is in the works for a pilot. Kirkman has said that he is optimistic this thime that the pilot will at least be made.

I think the story is very television accesable.

Okay, so I'm 8 issues shy of having every story in my collection so I can continue reading. I've got the first four trades and then began collecting single issues...but since I backtracked a bit, I'm missing 8 issues to bridge the gap between the trades and where I picked up the single issues. Today I spent the day driving around Southeastern Connecticut going to four different comic stores and getting back issues. I think I can probably grab two more this week, but dammit, I don't want to read all my issues until I can do it all the way through.

But I can't wait, because I then plan to read the entire series all the way through (so far I've read the first four trades, which is the equivalent of #1 - #24).

(Lardy asked me awhile ago so I wanted to post about it).

Issue 68 was good. It is the set up issue for the next phase in the lives of our ragged band of travelers. It will be interesting to see how they all actually react to what is ahead of them.

I just read 68 myself. Definitely good, but really all set-up for the next phase. I'm very curious to see where this leads and what kinds of new characters and conflicts this will lead to. I remember teases of this new direction coming out of this year's San Diego Comic Con coverage. If I'm remembering correctly, those teases confirm what the new guy is saying to merry (?) band of survivors. I'm hoping its not all leading to another Woodbury-style scenario. Heck, I have faith that Kirkman won't retread that kind of storyline with the devastating results of that epic's conclusion still fresh on our minds.

But this one's all set-up, like the first 15 minutes or so of an action or horror flick. If this new guy is genuine, the conflict may very well arise from whether our guys can play well with others after all they've been through.

P.S. Unless I'm totally dense about the interaction or am forgetting something we've already seen, TWD may have just debuted it's first gay couple!

Weren't there two gay inmates at the prison when they got there?

Like I said, I could be misremembering. The more I think about it, the more I think you're right. I may have to research in order to determine exactly who they were and what exactly happened to them. The only two inmates I can remember clearly are Axel and the serial killer guy. There were at least 2 or 3 others.

But in any case, I wasn't imagining things in 68, was I?

From what I saw...you were not imagining things at all. But time will tell for sure. They may be the first regular gay couple in this comic.

I think one of the prisoners died, maybe killed by Rick, and the other ran off into the zombie infested world at large. I believe Kirkman himself said that he was eventually bitten and became a zombie...in fact a zombie bust of him was released at some point.

I definitely 'read' those 2 in 68 as gay.

And the first 2 gay guys were the other 2 of the 4 inmates-- both African-American, one was named Dewayne iirc. The other was the badass that Rick shot covertly. His 'gayness' was implied to be more like prison convienince gayness. Dewayne was def. in love with him.

Well, this would be our first non-"prison gay" couple, then!

Heck, I'm just excited we'll get to meet some more new characters. While I don't think Kirkman has to be politically correct, some Asians and some elderly would be nice in addition to our now-confirmed gay couple. Mostly I'm just excited to see how new characters and their dynamics will play off our beloved rag-tag crew.

Andrew and Dexter were their names. Just checked the Kirkman page. Dexter was the badass that Andrew fell in love with.

Also found a link to the bust of Andrew:

http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=CSM10011&mode=retail&picture=out

Also, based on coming covers, I am really interested to see how Carl will adjust to a Happy go lucky life in a safe zone.

Yeah, I remember them more clearly now. Gotta admit; they didn't hang out long enough or get enough "screen time" to make a huge impression on me. Hopefully, the new couple will make up for that.

I dunno, remembering the prison sure makes me miss [name withheld for Cobie's and others, but Cobie's especially , sakes] who was brutally killed by the Governor before all the shit really hit the fan. To date, that's still my very favorite character in the series to date, the loss of whom still stings. I can't imagine how much more it must have hurt for those who read the series on a monthly basis at the time. (I read trades thru 48)

Where the HELL did the name 'Dewayne' come from...??? Sorry 'bout that.

And yeah, Lardy, that death was VERY hard on me (I started monthly at no. 35). That whole storyline was rough. Its still rough upon subsequent rereads.

Hi, hi, hi. What's Happenin' Rog?

And yet, I'm glad Kirkman went there despite everything, y'know? It showed us that literally noone is safe in the most painful way imaginable. If a book like this can retain the street cred it's built, we have to believe anything can happen. That said, you still gotta wonder if this title has two untouchable characters, despite what Kirkman has said. Don't get me wrong, it's hard to imagine it without them, but it's something I ponder while I'm pondering my ponderous ponderings anyway. One of those two I don't think I could bear to lose.

Still miss that other character, though...

I think there is one untouchable...at least for quite a while. Just my gut feeling. =

I'll go back and reread this thread when I get up to date so as to avoid all spoilers. Thus far I've been able to never actually be spoiled on this title and that has paid off in dividends.

As an update on my last post, I've now completed my Walking Dead collection and am reading chunks of 12-15 issues in between other comics during Comic Book Review month. I just reread #18-24 and then read #24-37 for the first time over the last two days.

Note, below I have several spoilers:

Wow. I forgot how excellent this comic is. And how brutal and terrifying.

The scariest thing by far of the entire series thus far has been Woodbury and the Governer. That was some brutal, terrifying stuff. My heart ached for Michonne in a way it hasn't in a long time. I hate, hate seeing rape in superhero comics but here in the Walking Dead that type of situation and subsequent analysis and commentary fits. Rape has always been the hardest thing for me to see in art; in college a friend of mine experienced that and it always stuck with me--I also learned (and at the time was shocked) that at least two other friends of mine (people I'm *really* close to) had already had those experiences prior to college. It was disheartening then and still is now. So it was horrific to see that happen to her. Kirkman did not pull any punches and he shouldn't have--and when the subseqent revenge issue happened I couldn't put it down. He showed me a dark side of myself I have always tried to avoid but acknowledge was there. When I couldn't pull away from the pages, I cheered her on; despite being overwhelmed by the violence I thought to myself when it was almost over "not yet; take that spoon and rip out his mother-fucking eyeball". I wanted that revenge as much as she did. It was awful to see and yet I'm glad he went there. And afterwards I felt guilty for thinking that--which is what Kirkman's purpose was I think. I actually suspect Kirkman had little control over the script in that issue and it probably kept him up all night after writing it. It just seemed to be like that.

Of course, there was more than just that in these issues but that storyline was the most prominent in my mind. Rick having his hand chopped off was horrific. It wasn't actually that huge a shock but the execution artwise was what made it so. Adlard just brings so much to this series: his facial depictions are his strongest tool, IMO, but he also can just show so much savagery in his pages. I hope this series makes him super-rich.

I found my heart sink when we saw the prison overrun with Walking Dead, and then I felt tremendous relief when they were all still alive. Some are my favorites, like Tyrese and Andrea; some like Herschel have really grown on me. I also like Axel quite a lot. And I know a lot of them won't be safe. I already am expecting the absolute worst for Rick's wife and unborn baby and have been preparing for it for some time.

I felt my heart just ache for Glenn when he was captured and because in a way he was a bit cowardly. It was completely justifiable and I felt so bad for him because I know that will haunt him in the future. On the other hand, I thought the wedding ceremony with Maggie was very sweet.

Of course the ongoing threat of the zombies is an ever-present, low level terror, and of course, the very best part of the series is the way in which the characters continue to react to the 'new world' and that ongoing ever-present terror. Kirkman's analysis of this type of world is very comparable to Stephen King's The Stand and how people deal with things. The sense that so many people just want to be "taken care of", particularly the women who are mothers with children present, is so very realistic. Carol is the character that shows this the best I can't help but feel very empathic towards her--I want her to be okay and be taken care of. Her story should be fascinating to see as time goes on in future issues.

I'm so glad to be hooked again and the way I'm plowing through issues, I'll likely get caught up quickly, even with taking breaks to continue reading and reviewing other series. I'm so glad I have over 30 issues to go.

I'm also glad to have the single issues now: the letters pages are fascinating. Reading people's reactions to what happened first to Michonne and then to the Governer has been fascinating and at times as rough as actually reading those issues. Kirkman really took a lot of heat! Kudos to him for actually addressing it--I feel if I was him, I might have gone the route of not addressing the reader's concerns at all.

Glad you are really enjoying things Cobie. I almost envy you reading these issues for the first time. I've thought about letting a few issues build up here and there, but can never quite get past wanting to read the new issues NOW!

Wow. Soo much has happened in this book. Gonna have to go back and reread them myself.

Read up to #50 last night, including "No One is Safe". Just devastating. Wow. I was speechless.

The follow-up issues with Rick and Carl were an excellent follow-up and I felt more for Carl than any other child in a comic ever before.

But "No One is Safe"...I just don't have the words. Just an excellent read. But it wasn't easy on the reader.

TWD I believe has officially entered my "Top 5 Best Comics" list.

That Kirkman writes powerful stuff.

So I finished the Walking Dead and am now completely caught up. Wow.

From this point forward I'll be following on a monthly basis so I'll have comments month in and month out. These latest issues (when read all in a row) really seem to be taking the title to a new place and that's great--the series just continues to stay fresh.

My absolute favorites besides Rick are Michonne and Andrea so I just hope nothing happens to them. I basically like most of the other characters or at least find them intersting enough to want to keep reading (i.e. Duane).

I'm loving how dynamic of a character Carl has become in the last year. He's a very intense character that I feel is actually relatable despite being a young boy--that's quite an accomplishment by Kirkman. I do think he had to kill Ben; it just had to be done. It was brutal but I understand--and I'm surprised at myself for thinking that way. Kirkman at his finest.

This book cannot come out fast enough. I still need the issue that came outlast week, but having seen the covers for THE WALKING DEAD #71 and THE WALKING DEAD #72, I cannot wait for those to hit.

Actually, TWD hasn't hit yet this month. Image's website says it's out next week. I guess 2010 got Kirkman off the "On time in '09" kick real quick!

AMC has approved TWD Pilot.

http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=24502

Issue #69 was good. More set up as to the new situation and characters being introduced to the book. We do get to see some zombies again this month, as more than just background dressing here.

It's going to be interesting to see where Kirkman takes this. I think that regular readers of this book are constantly waiting for the twist of the plot with any new characters that are introduced.

Lardi - Kirkman addresses this issue being late in the letters. Something else else about the holiday messing with the schedule. We'll see...

GREAT news about the pilot. I haven't been so excited about a TV series in YEARS, if ever! And I have no doubts we will see that series.


69 was interesting. I had a little trouble following the action during the zombie melee. The suburb thing looks to be the start of something that could go either way. I'd like to see some Wisteria Lane-type mysteries and stuff before the other shoe drops.

DON'T want to see a repeat of Mayor's town or the Prison here. But surely something is fishy.

The next issue cover was really different for this book, with all the kids running around.

I'm definitely curious about this place!

WOOOO!!!!!

It starts filming in May!!

http://comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=24797

I just re-read the entire series, excluding #69 which hasn't been shipped to me yet.
The story is intense on a monthly basis, but read as a whole it is even moreso.
Incredible tale by Kirkman and crew.
I'm looking forward to where the story goes from here and am expecting more heartache to come. But that is part of the beauty of this story, Kirkman makes you actually care about these people, which is more than I can say for a lot of titles these days.

I'm also pumped up for the series to hit TV, I hope the pilot goes well!

#69 just got delivered a yesterday.
Hmm..things are looking up for our little band of survivors. However I doubt it will last.
I expect we see some "smaller" stories for bit, mostly dealing with how happy they are in their new home. Then Issue #75 comes along (which kirkman stated he has big plans for) and everything will go to hell again.

If everything in the new community is as it seems (and i doubt it) I think Rick will have a difficult time fitting in after everything he has done to this point. That stuff has to change a man.

Looking forward to #70 and beyond!

#70 was very good. Set up for the new status quo. I have a feeling that something will happen...but it's not going to be something by one of the townies. I think that Rick or one of his crew snaps.

I'm going to be waiting for #70 for a while, I have my shipping setup to only send when it reachs $100 to save on shipping costs, usually takes about 1 1/2 months.
I'm going to have to avoid this thread for a while so I don't get spoiled!

We try to talk as vague as possible about issues here. As to not destroy things for later readers. After a while though, things are free game.

Also in #70...I was deeply disturbed by the talk that the Leader of the community gave Rick...you know the part I'm talking about.

I read # 70. Nothing super-spoilery follows other than speculation...


"Davidson"? Looks like I might get my wish for Wisteria Lane-type mysteries and whatnot.

I was in total shock to learn just who the policeman was on the cover. I truly had no idea until I got to that scene in the story.

I surprised myself by thinking that Rick looked rather handsome with his long hair after the shave.

I agree with Dev, I think it's more likely one of Rick's crew will snap this time... that would make this scenario different from what happened in Mayor's Town and the Prison.

Am I alone in thinking the book is DESPERATELY in need of a monthly ROLL CALL? I can't even remember who all is in Rick's crew and now we have all these new faces...

I just use this every now and then...http://www.twdfanclub.net/characterlistandmap.htm

But a handy checklist would be nice.

Just read it myself: another great issue. I also am worried that it will be one of Rick's crew that will snap. I'm hoping it won't be Abraham but he seems a possibility. Of course, Morgan is the most likely.

Glad to see Rick looking clean-shaven. I also suspect he'll find out someone is beating up that little kid and eventually hand out an ass-kicking. Should be a great Kirkman scene.

I'm hoping to learn more about Rosita! Basically all we know is she's really hot and Latina. Also, Gabriel the Priest I'm curious about.

And yeah, TWD definitely needs a monthly roll call, it's hard to keep track of all the names and faces. I admit, I couldn't remember Morgan's name until I clicked on Dev's link.

Also, with the politician...I found his asking my girl Andrea if she's single a little odd, even with his explanation. He then asked to see Rosita. I'm wondering if in classic politician style, he's looking for women he can cheat on his wife with? I'm thinking he is.

I finally read this about a week ago. Definitely, good stuff. It's nice to have issues that are more talky than the norm. In this case it really helps especially because we're meeting new characters and establishing a new status quo. Hopefully, some of these new characters will really start to jump out at me, but no one's set me on fire yet.

Douglas is a good storyteller though. Speaking of which...

...yeah, I know exactly what you're talking about. That story gave me CHILLS. Made me wonder if Kirkman used a real-but-fictionalized anecdote or if he just made that one up 100%. I've a feeling someone's gonna ask Kirkman that question in a future lettercolumn. Ironic that IMO the most disturbing bit from a comic with historically its fair share of disturbing moments would come in a verbal recounting. I'm glad, though, because that's NOT a scene I was hoping to see drawn!

It made me wonder why Douglas would tell Rick that story? I know he offered an explanation, but I guess he just wanted to make sure Rick (and his group) hadn't lost their moral compass after all they've been through. From what we've seen, they're only holding on by a thread, though.

So exactly what did Davidson 'make them do'? I'm sure when we learn what that was we'll see some interesting ramifications. The question is not just what did they do, but will they do it again? There's enough of a question in my mind for me not to just assume it'll be our crew that goes around the bend this time.

This has the potential to be our setting for even longer than was the prison. Will it end even worse for our cast?

The thing I keep thinking about is that Rick and Co. have had to do some terrible things to individuals and groups along their journey. So, anything that the community may have done...may (just may, have been understandable. Not saying it was or wasn't, especially since we don't know anything yet.

It could absolutely be something understandable. Our band of characters have certainly done some morally questionable things, but every one of those you could probably justify. That thing with the hunters was probably the closest to being over the line, but they haven't done anything that's even in the vicinity of what, say, the Governor and his crew were shown to do.

The only exception being Morgan and how he fed people to his zombie son. But that wasn't done as part of the group. Gabriel's sin was more one of inaction and refusing to help--probably a lot of survivors have been guilty of that in that world. But who knows what some of the others have done prior to joining the group? Many probably have skeletons we know nothing about.

So maybe whatever the people of this community were 'made' to do was no worse than anything our group have done to survive. Maybe our group would just shrug and do a "meh" if they find out. Or maybe it was way over the line. Somehow I don't feel that Kirkman would put it on the last page if it wasn't something beyond what we've seen our crew do. We'll see.

And, oh yeah.... ...he's totally looking to sow some oats! You can tell by how pissed off his wife was. They prolly have a Bill & Hillary thing goin' there.

It's been picked up for at least 6 episodes.

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=25459

FANGASM!!!!

I'm excited, but it's kinda muted. The article emphasizes it as being part of their "Fearfest". Makes it seem more like a Halloween event/miniseries than the beginning of an ongoing. 6 episodes instead of, like, 13 seems to emphasize that focus. Seems like it's AMC's roundabout way of trying to save money if it doesn't pick up the kind of numbers they hope it will.

Still, though...it's much, MUCH better than nothing!

Exactly-- a WHOLE lot better than nothing. And if the numbers ARE there... well, I'd bet a full season will follow.

6 episodes will surely be enough to cover, what-- the first couple of trades???

And then comes the DVD set purchase... can't wait...

Meanwhile, no new issue of TWD (or of Invincible) this month (and one with FIVE Wednesdays, btw)? WTF?!?! Looks like "on time in '09" was truly just last year's philosophy...

I'd guess the first several issues. Rick finding the group...introducing the characters...leaving Atlanta. Maybe coming to the farm.

That would be a good place to end the 6 episodes. It is a good end point if they do not continue it, and a good breaking point if there is going to be continued.

Maybe ending with the intro of Tyrese and kids instead of the farm

This truly sucks.

Since the only role they've cast is Shane so far, I'd bet it ends with his and Rick's...confrontation. Basically, the first trade. Unless, they were just gonna squeeze all that into the pilot.

Actually, Kirkman has said he actually hopes they don't adapt everything faithfully, so those of us who read the books will have a few surprises. I'm a little torn on that one. Movies? Yeah, I like faithfullness to the source whenever possible. But watching a TV series every week and knowing everything that will happen could get a little tedious, I suppose.

Even if they were to switch a few things up here and there. A character dies where another had in the comics...Characters live when they died in the book.

That's a possibility. The chance to see a better outcome for [name withheld] would be particularly awesome. I still miss [name withheld] a LOT! It might be annoying, though, if they kill off one or more of some of the longstanding characters who still survive to this day.

Maybe it would be better if they aren't bound as much to all the storylines themselves as opposed to character deaths. While I would LOVE to see the prison sequence covered, it might get a little old if they spend as much time proportionately as the comic did. (I imagine the prison storyline would make for an expensive set in a TV budget, especially as it won't have the budget of, say, Prison Break as an AMC show.)

I could see the prison thing working for a season, if they incorporate a few new/other things into the plot as well. Not sure how the first 2 deaths at the prison would be handled ...if at all.

A few expidition episodes to break up the monotony of the prison setting, and there you go.

http://www.zombiezonenews.com/archives/amcs-the-walking-dead-not-miniseries/

Not a mini, but a "mini" first season, they did the same thing with Breaking Bad.

Dev, they do mean THIS October, right? 2010??? AWESOME if so!!!

I believe so. If they start filming soon, 6 episodes in October seem a lock.

Cannot wait for this...and the DVD set so I can watch it over and over and over...just like Shaun of the Dead.

To the Nth power! We might need to buy 2 copies...

It's almost feasible we might could buy TWD Season 1 DVD.... for this coming Christmas?!?

That would ROCK!!!!!!

Rick has been cast.

http://blog.newsarama.com/2010/04/06/walking-dead-has-rick/

Hm. I hope he realizes he's gonna have to lose a hand....

I'm guessing that they'll do a Misery change if they go that route at all.

Another casting made...but no real specifics on who he'll play, but as they point out, it seems pretty obvious.

http://www.spinoffonline.com/2010/04/17/the-green-miles-jeffrey-demunn-joins-the-walking-dead/

I cannot beLIEVE this is happening... we TWD fans are so lucky!

If he is gonna be Dale...I like that casting.

Yeah, I agree, he'll be perfect for Dale! I'm dying to know who'll they'll get as Andrea, who I love.

Where the hell is the newest issue? It's been about a month and a half...c'mon.

TWD #71 is supposed to be out this week!!!

Yay! Definitely hitting the CBS Weds!

The "female lead" is CAST! Your Lori IS:


http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/04/30/sarah-wayne-callies-lands-walking-dead-lead/

Read #71

Oh God...this is gonna kill me. The tension in this book is getting worse as the series goes on. The Solit for 75 says it hits the fan then, 4 more issues...aaaarrrggghhhhhhhh...

Great book. Talking heads throughout, yet still the best book on the stands.

Andrea cast...and it works for me.

http://tv.ign.com/articles/108/1087707p1.html

WOW, me too-- she'll make a GREAT Andrea!

So my comic shop guy said that #75 will have a color story. Really? Didn't Kirkman say that would never happen?

COLOR? Very surprising, but maybe as an homage to the color TV version which should be launiching about then or shortly thereafter?

Solit said it's a backup story with art by Invincible artist Ryan Ottley. Don't have it handy, but the implication was it might be a flashback or even something featuring characters outside our cast. Dunno what it was about the wording that gave me that impression, but I thought it might be the case for some reason.

The last page was one of the scariest moments in the series, and it's just dialogue from the main character.

The look on the face of said character...I totally agree. Kirkman is hitting great beats with this story, and it's mostly talking heads.

Yeah, just read the latest TWD and that page was both awesome and scary all at once. On the one hand, I feel like I know Rick better than 75% of people in real life and then at times, I totally don't see what he's thinking even when it makes perfect sense. Now *that* is characterization.

The tension is still there on every page.

Carl Jr. has really emerged as a favorite of mine. I feel so bad for him and yet I know he's totally right and respect that he hasn't let his guard down.

Love the casting for Andrea, one of my faves.

Also, love the Michonne cover for the next issue! She's one of my favorite characters EVER ANYWHERE.

#72 is in the already read pile.

Kirkman is great. This issue shows off why Rick is soo damned dangerous.

Interesting to see who is adjusting the fastest, and who isn't.

Interesting seeing who is hittin on whom here as well.

Brought home 72 today... haven't read it yet but it just may be my favorite cover of the series to date...

I have been LOVING this arc's covers, actually... so odd to see everyone in NORMAL situations... you just KNOW the merde is gonna hit the fan...

Robert Kirkman fans: I've got a one-shot comic book for you, "Stealth" by Top Cow. Check out my review (really teaser) there.

It's Kirkman at his best and I guaranty you will get hooked by issue's end. Its $2.99, one issue. It *may* continue as a series but it may not and you'll never see it in a trade. It's so Kirkman it hurts in a good way.

Do it.

Still haven't read 72, but I'm feeling the urge to grab the last 10-15 issues and read 'em all in one sitting this evening...

FIRST LOOK!!!! See the AMC "T...of one of the zombies... looking good!!

Cannot WAIT for October!!!!!

This is the only thing I am probably going to plan on watching on television for the rest of the year.

Oh, yeah...another pic...


http://tv.ign.com/dor/objects/25810/the-walking-dead/images/ZombieWoman_1275497077.html

I just got TWD Book 5 HC yesterday, containing 49-60, and read it in one sitting... finally got to bed around 3 this morning. And we're up to #72? FanTAStic. Hopefully they solicit the Book 6 HC soon... like, STAT.

You gotta switch to the monthlies, Povvins! The lettercolumns are worth it...

Some more new pics here...

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2010/06/02/those-walking-dead-zombies-in-colour/

Latest issue was awesome as usual. Rick & Glenn's deception was a great twist and I'm loving that Rick isn't screwing around here. It's scary but cool to see.

I also actually felt bad for Abe and Rosalita when Abe realized he really didn't want to go back out over the wall in the morning. I really felt like I could feel his dread.

The dude hitting on Andrea is creeping me out. Andrea is my girl, so that creep better back off. I at least want her to sharp-shoot his politician ass.

Issue #73 in the bag.

Great stuff...the suspense is building, and someone proves they are still a badass.

Just read the preview to 74. I cannot wait for this book!!!

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=27286

Actual shots from the show...!!!!

Thanks, Dev!!! October can't come fast enough. I'll have to clear out some permanent space on my DVR too until the DVD set is released.

Okay guys. The extra sized #75 came out today. It's not what you are expecting. You are not prepared for this. If you didn't pick it up today, cancel all your plans for tomorrow and go get it.

Well I was planning to get it anyway today but now I will be there bells on!!

That was different than expected...and very well done too.

Everybody's reactions in the story were great. From the opening scene to the ending...and beyond.

Shaky camera footage of the trailer shown at ComicCon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHN6goQTP9k&feature=player_embedded

I am soooo geeked for this. This is the only show that I am looking forward to this year.

I'm just bummed the first season is only six episodes.

I hear ya on that, but that trailer is making me wish it was time for 6 hours of goodness already.

Saw several things that looked pulled from the comic in there, plus some new stuff to keep it interesting.

Wonder if they'll keep Shane alive longer to draw out that tension...

The casting looks good overall, will be interesting to see who they get for other characters that come into the story later.

If the 6-season mini-season has even half-decent cable numbers (maybe 1-million viewers or so) I bet it will be picked up for an expanded 2nd season...

I think HBO's current smash success TRUE BLOOD only garnered about 1.5 million average viewers its first season...

So how groovy is it we're getting 12 issues this year again! I just read #73-75: and like usual, what great stuff!

Seeing Rick losing it and then everyone calling him out on it was really painful. And that's the 2nd time in this series it's happened. Michonne felt like a real betrayal too. I dying to know what's going to happen.

The Ottley back-up was hilarious!

I read 74-75 just now...


Rick really HAD lost it there... what he did was in NO way justified... sure, defend the lady and kid if they appear to be in danger, or if they ask... but he went from 0 to 250. He snapped... and threatening to take over the Community is kind-of the final straw. Michonne was right to do what she did.

Rick has lost his finesse somehow... I think being safe behind the walls has affected his judgement.

Now, the *REAL* betrayal to me was The Father. What a scumbag. Casting the first stone rather quickly when he had previously left his congregation to die. That really enraged and disappointed me.

What's really sad is Rick's ballastic behavior now gives the Father's claims lots of weight...


Okay, the umm, bonus feature was really odd. I SO enjoyed seeing Tyreese and Axel again!

I do not actually think that Rick flew off the handle that quickly. He has been going through a slow burn since he saw the kid with the black eye however many issues ago. the end run on the burn may have been quick, but it did not just start this issue.

Seeing his son safe and happy, and missing his other family members so badly (that he talks to one on aan unplugged phone) sent him spiraling over the edge.

Two of Ricks crew (Rick himself and the Priest) both started something this issue, or tried to. Glad I called that back a few issuesago.

I think that the result of this will be different than any of us think.

Rick looks like he's gone off his nut to me... there's no way this isn't going to have SERIOUS consequences for him.

Thing is, around # 50 or so, I was ready for him to die... I felt it was time to move forward without him...

now I don't want him to go and I'm worried about him.

TV SHOW INFO SPOILERS!!!!
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Forgot to mention the cast pics... THEY LOOK GREAT! I was reading the issue in my room, all quiet with my door shut, and the instant I flipped over to the creepy 2-page zombie spread, the bf opened my door!! Scared 3 weeks off of me!

^I've had a moment or two like that with TWD!

What was so well done about Rick's flip out is that I totally think he was over the line. *BUT*, after all these issues, I relate to Rick more than anyone else and in my view, even if he's wrong, I still want to see him win against everyone & everything--whether its the Community or whatever. I want it to turn out he was justified. I totally feel for him and understand where he's coming from.

My absolute favorites that are still alive in this series are Andrea, Glenn, Michonne and of course, Rick (and also Carl). I like many of the other characters too, don't get me wrong, but those are my favorites. I want them united!

Lash, I also totally agree about the Priest. I found myself actually infuriated by his betrayal.

What I'm kinda hoping... and think Kirkman might be planning after having a night to sleep on it... is that Michonne and Rick *ARE* together on this, and this freakout is elaborately staged to draw out information on the Community and its residents.

Neither Rick or Michonne are idiots... Yeah, something is going on here... they are united with this.

(I hope!)

I just read the latest TPB of The Walking Dead (which goes up to issue #72) and though I am still enjoying this series, reading through this thread I realise that I have completely different views to almost all of you. Especially on who are and who aren't favourite characters. But oh well - I'm used to beating my own path when it comes to my comics interests.

Anyway, exhibit A (and I know I've already mentioned this before in an earlier post) - Michonne. A bunch of people here say she's their favourite character. She's a total cypher to me. What do people like about this character? That she's tough and carries a sword? If she's done anything else in the entire time she's been in this book, or received any sort of character development that made people like her, I must have missed it. She's so very Wolverine-ish IMO. And I've never liked him (or that stock character-type) either.

I will say though, that that double page spread of her hanging her sword on the wall and receiving that flashback of all the horrible things she (or others) have done with it in the last issue of the TPB was quite affecting, and probably the first time I've ever felt anything for her character - not surprising when it's also the first time Kirkman has given her more than one dimension.

And she's not the only one I seem to differ with the prevailing opinion in this thread on...

Carl - have hated him since the first storyline. Want him dead and gone from this book more than any of the others.
Rick - has there ever been a more unlikeable and self-important leading character in comics? (Though I will concede that Kirkman has done a lot of great work with this character and his moral culpability and his stealth-tyrannical 'leadership' of this group is what gives the book its edge). Still want him gone though.

Those are the main ones.

I also find some of the writing to be quite dubious at times. I noticed people upthread talking about that tale about the druggie father who removed his son's eyeballs that Douglas told Rick in one of the issues.

The moral of that story (as expressed to us by Kirkman through Douglas) is that evil exists in the world and the we have to be on the guard for it. And he uses the example of a man fried on hallucinogens accidentally popping out his son's eyeballs to demonstrate that fact?!?

If the man had done that just for kicks then, yes - I can see where Kirkman/Douglas is coming from (I personally don't believe there is such a thing as "evil" - not the way it is defined by the sensationalistic, blood-baiting media - in the world anyway) but a guy out of his mind on strong hallucinogenic drugs, though still culpable and destructive and guilty, is definitely not what I would call "evil". The whole muddled point of that story, which took up like two whole pages of that issue, really soured that scene for me.

Anyway, all that said, I still love this book (for the most part) and think Kirkman is a fantastic writer (for the most part) and long may it and he last.

Really looking forward to the show too.

P.S. I won't be back in this thread until the next TPB is out for fear of spoilers so if anyone responds to this post and I don't reply, don't think I'm ignoring you.

You have some valid points about Michonne, though I disagree. I mean, she is definitely enigmatic, but that's part of her charm. I think many of us who are fans of her were hooked from the moment she first appeared with two jawless zombies in tow and a badass samarai sword. I mean, that's one of the best first looks at a character EVER!

She does have some depth. It's just not as in your face as the others. I remember her interaction with Rick when he was getting "the phone calls from Lori". I remember her breaking down after exacting revenge on the Governor. I see how she shacks up with Tyreese and, later, Duane and read between the lines that her strength belies a terrible loneliness. I revelled at how shockingly mundane she revealed her life to be pre-apocalypse. I like how she's slowly developed a bond with Rick since the prison.

It's not a lot, but it's enough for me. If every character was completely straightforward, I think my interest in this book wouldn't be so high. That said, I can completely understand why someone wouldn't like Michonne compared to, say, Andrea. Michonne only gives you small doses of character over long periods of time, and that can be frustrating.

Carl is interesting because he's the main kid in the crew, and he's survived this long both on his own accord and with some help. He's done as many questionable things as any of the rest of our cast. And we worry about how it's going to affect him most of all. How can you still be a kid and have already killed at least two people, including another kid? At the same time he's still cute as heck in the cowboy hat! Those of us who like Carl root for him and somehow hope he can overcome the horror of what he's living and especially what he's done.

Rick? Well, being the leading man among a large cast is naturally gonna cause division in the fanbase. See Jack Shepherd, Cosmic Boy, etc. But I know he's written that way on purpose. He's evolved more than anyone else in the series, and that will rub some the right and wrong ways. Me, I enjoy being continually surprised by Rick and can't imagine the series without him most of all.

^ditto Lardy above re: Michonne...

Blacula, I think she's been given more depth than you are giving her credit for... I mean how much depth are ANY of these characters other than Rick really given-- Michonne is pretty high up the list I think, and yes it doesn't hurt for me that she is a total badass. Oh, and YEAH, that frist appearance? There's never been a better one in ANY comic, maybe...

As I stated previously, I was one ready for Rick to beggone from the book at issue 50... nowadays, not so much. Not because he's likeable-- in fact, his recent actions have been VERY questionable-- but because he is interesting.

Carl... I've been on the fence with him since he shot the little killer (trying to stay as spoiler-free as possible for TPBers)... that was NOT his call to make... I think he might be the most effed up character of all of them really...

I'm curious as to which characters draw you in Blacula?

Part of the great thing about The Walking Dead is it's mostly rotating cast. Characters stick around, some a lit longer than others, but others come and go.

There are reasons I could cite to like/dislike pretty much all of the characters. Very few characters are given only one layer if they are around for more than a couple issues. They may not get full fledged character arcs, but most go through some kind of moral delimma at some point.

Plenty of characters to like and dislike. The longer someone is around, the more chance there is for them to do something, that we as people that have no way of knowing how we'd really react in thier kind of reality, would find too hard to fully comprehend.

I think that's the point for Kirkman, taking perfectly normal, boring people and trying to figure out how we'd react in the most horrific of situations.

Michonne is also a favorite of mine and for many of the reasons the people above state. Naturally, her incredible entrance and consistent badass visual have kept her visually appealing to me, but I also think there is an incredible amount of subtle character depth to her. On the one hand, she is one of the most traumatized and changed people in the whole cast, so damaged in fact that I almost feel (and hate myself for saying so) that she is beyond repair. Yet, because of those traumas, I also feel she is one of the most effective (if not the most) of the entire cast in dealing with this zombie apocaplytic world.

Something else else I also find appealing is her gradual friendship with Rick. There is no sexual chemistry there, and so it is really nice to see a male/female friendship that is so strong and based on mutual respect and also knowledge that the other is screwed up. This is pretty rare in all of pop-culture. It is a brother/sister dynamic but without one being the 'elder sibling'. I find it refreshing, and relatable. This is also why the latest issue something happens between Michonne and Rick where I'm now worried about their friendship and it's affected me a lot more than many other 'serious' things in the series.

Rick is one of my favorites and part of that is because he is a multi-layered, flawed human being. Now that he has survived #48-50 and beyond, I don't want him to ever die (by that I mean it would break my heart--the fact that anyone could die is a huge plus for this comic). Like Lardy says, Rick suffers from the same thing Cos & Jack from Lost have in that they are the leading man and thus can get tiresome to some readers, or at least their decisions are more central to changing other people's lives. I know people who love the Harry Potter books but dislike Harry Potter himself (which I find amusing but a bit 'off'). I can relate to Rick, I can empathize with him but more than anything, I find him so damn interesting.

I used to not like Carl so much but that all changed once he crossed the line in a big way. Now it's not so much that I like/dislike him, I just find his very presence to be intriguing and scary. Scary in two ways: how will this world continue to change Carl, and what might Carl do next? Can you imagine if Carl crosses a line again and Rick has to come to terms with it? Maybe make a huge decision where the outcome is awful no matter how you cut it? That's scary.

Dale was a favorite of mine for a long time but then for several issues I started to feel otherwise and get annoyed with him. And then of course, he reminded me why I loved him in the first place and (without spoiling anything), his scene with Rick at the close of the "Hunters" storyline I found to be incredibly moving.

Andrea and Glenn, my other two favorites are much more likeable, but still interesting. I'm rooting for an Andrea/Rick romance now.

What's funny is I have so much invested in a lot of these characters now that when a new character joins the cast, it takes me--no kidding--like 15 issues before I commit to liking them. And Kirkman excels at that: if they're boring he throws in a scene that gets your blood going (see: the Priest). Or he starts off making them unlikeable and then shows another side to them so you start to really like them (see: Abraham). So far not one single character from the Community has made me like them yet, so if Michonne has to cut all their heads off, I can only say: "awesome".

"so if Michonne has to cut all their heads off, I can only say: "awesome".

Cobie has a way with words that I love...

Abraham has definitely emerged as a favorite among the (comparatively) new characters. I liked how the guy he deposed as leader of the construction crew acknowledged his admiration of Abraham and his bravery to the creepy leader guy (sorry, not learning the new names well, so far) in issue 74. It could've turned into a boring cock fight between the two, so that was a refreshing development. It was believable to me that he would concede under those circumstance as he would be relieved to unload the burden of leading after losing others and nearly losing the girl.

Abraham, I think, is filling the Tyreese void somewhat as we get to know him better. He's the guy who Rick is kind of buddies with and who is about as fierce a fighter as Tyreese was. At the same time Abraham's not a carbon-copy of Tyreese. (This is, of course, beyond the difference in race.) I still miss Tyreese a LOT, but Abraham is emerging as someone that can help me miss some of what Tyreese represented while offering his own new wrinkles. I can also see Abraham emerging as the leading man should Kirkman ever decide to do the unthinkable with Rick.

74 (which I just read last night) also had a great scene between Rick and Michonne which served to support our points, I think, very well as we counterpoint some of Blacula's criticisms. I loved how Michonne talked about the sword being on the mantle and what that symbolizes to her and how Rick completely understood. She also brought up the phone calls, and his lack of response was interesting and open for a couple of interpretations.

That near-slip that Rick made with Andrea about what Carl did was great and served to remind us of what a potential bomb this may still turn out to be. I'm a little surprised she didn't put two and two together just based on what he said, actually. I wonder what she'll DO when she finds out?

So far I really don't have a good sense as to how many new characters populate the community, and especially their names. I'm sure Kirkman wants to leave room for introducing as varied a group of chracters as he can in this less limited setting, but a pictorial scorecard would be nice of all those we've met so far. It's not Adlard's art that's the problem; it's just the sheer number of characters. Heck, I'm still having trouble remembering Abraham's girlfriend's name and the geeky science guy's name. The priest is Gabriel, right?

Anyhoo, I'm not up to 75 yet, but I look forward to it. Still don't even OWN it yet because the CBS was shorted 2 weeks ago and was sent TWD trades instead of the missing 75s last week!

By the way, these last few posts have gotten me on a TWD bender out of the blue, so I've started rereading from the beginning and have already gotten thru the first three trades!

For the record they hold up AWESOMELY well!!!

yep and they will on the next 5 or 6 rereads...

TWD is one book I never tire of rereading in its entirety.

^Yeah! It's great seeing certain characters again for the first time in a long while as well as having one's memory refreshed as to the circumstances of their departures. Lots of fine details forgotten, definitely! In those early volumes Kirkman killed characters at quite a fast clip! He's definitely slowed down on that a good bit the last couple of years. I guess after the prison finale, that's about all he could do! I'm not complainin'!

But moreover, it's just a damn fine read. In fact more and more, the upcoming series on AMC looks to be quite faithful. I'd forgotten completely, for example, that Rick was on horseback for a short time as he entered Atlanta. I thought that was fabricated for the show, but it really happened!

Anyhow, I'm more stoked than ever about the series and figure I'll read at least thru all the eight trades I own (taking me to the end of the prison era) if not into where I started buying the singles (issue 49-up). Good chance I'll go all the way!

Now on to Volume Four.....

I said I wouldn't be back in this thread until the next TPB came out but of course my ego demanded that I return and see if anyone had responded to my post!

I'll be back later with more thoughts/answers to some of the things you raised in your posts...

great article.

http://www.weeklycrisis.com/2010/08/walking-dead-beginners-guide.html

I don't read this, but I came across a quote from Kirkman I thought you guys would be interested in.

This is why he's a writer...straight and to the point. Sums up my whole argument right there.

Thanks Arachne.

My new Uni semester has started with a bang so I don't have time to go into too much detail in this thread unfortunately but to answer a few quick questions -

Michonne - If she were in a DCU book I'm sure I'd like her (in fact, now that I think about it - she reminds me a bit of the Green Arrow/Batman supporting character Onyx, whom I love) but in this one she seems to me totally at odds with Kirkman's naturalistic 'real-world people reacting as they really would to this totally unreal event'. Because into that he's thrown in this Quentin Tarantino-esque bad mama with a bitchin' samurai sword that she weilds like a pro. Has anyone here ever tried to learn how to use a sword? I have - it's not easy. Everything about her screams 'comic book character' to me whereas all the others (whether I like them or not) at least appear more 'real'.

Rick - I was probably a bit hasty to say I'd be glad to see him gone from this book because, like him or hate him, Kirkman has actually done an extraordinary job of bringing him to life and making him a very interesting character. He's probably one of the best shades-of-grey characters in comics actually and despite myself I do love reading about him and being surprised by his actions.

Carl - I just don't like. I'm not invested in his story or tragedy or whatever and think he has skated by avoiding the proper consquences of his actions (from the other characters I mean - Kirkman has at least shown that he's becoming more f***ed up mentally after them) after killing Shane and then Billy. More than any of the others (even Rick) he seems like Kirkman's touchstone character though, so I worry he's in it for the long haul. I don't tend to like the 'cute kid' character in any medium though so take that for what you will. (That said, I do like Sophia and liked Ben and Billy so maybe there's just something about Carl that annoys me?)

To answer MLLASH's question - I'm definitely in this book more for the story and the writing than the characters. Some characters I've liked more than others but through a combination of being annoyed by Kirkman's handling of them and knowing that most of them won't be around for more than a few arcs anyway I've learned not to get too emotionally attached to any of them.

That said, some characters I like/have liked - Shane, Allen, Tyreese (for the most part), Andrea, Glen, Maggie's brother (but not Maggie herself), Morgan, that biker guy in the prison (Diesel?), that curly-haired lady who died in the prison arc... a few others.

Re: the show - I wonder if it will affect how Kirkman writes/plots out certain characters. Like - if, say, Maggie becomes a break-out character on the show will she suddenly start appearing in the book more or avoid a death he had planned for her? Or will any of the other actors bring something to their characters that he decides to incorporate into the book, either good or bad? It will be interesting to see.

That's a fair criticism of Michonne. She's definitely more "comic-booky" or Tarantino-esque than the other characters. However, the swordsmanship didn't come out of nowhere. Having just reread the first 48 issues, I can attest that she referred to herself having a background in fencing prior to the apocalypse. Would that automatically translate to her being the badass she is with the sword? Not necessarily, but it didn't come out of nowhere. You could argue that Andrea's sharp-shooter skills developed after the apocalypse are less plausible by comparison.

Though I can see your logic behind your dislike of Michonne (in this book at least), I still love her character despite it. I've always liked the idea that such a scenario would make some people suited to survive it whom you ordinarily wouldn't think could and vice versa. (Shane being one good example of the other side.)

I love that she stayed strong even after the horrible things the Governor did to her. It was also hinted at various times that she may have had a split personality. It seems more and more that that may have been dropped. Possibly, she gave another explanation to Rick when they met up after the prison and were discussing Rick's 'phone calls'. I'll have to reread that sometime soon.

I think Michonne also benefits somewhat to me in that she's black. There just still aren't enough compelling black characters (especially females) in comics, and Michonne is possibly the most compelling black female character in comics for me. (Honestly, I'm having trouble thinking of whom the secondmost could possible even be!) She's compelling, surprising, exciting, and I'm always eager to see what happens next with her. No matter what a character's racial or sexual traits, those are BIG reasons for me to follow comics featuring them!

I'd rather she'd never been raped and brutalized, but this isn't a comic that pulls many punches. That sort of thing would definitely happen in a world such as the one in this comic. Hell, it happens all the time in the real one, unfortunately. But Michonne never came off as a victim and has only been strengthened in her fans' eyes for all that she's been through and emerged from.

I honestly hope Michonne's here for the long haul. I mourned and continue to mourn the loss of Tyreese. To date he's the departed character I miss the most. Like Michonne (and, really, most of the rest), he was terribly flawed and did some really awful things, but I followed his arc avidly and still feel a void in the book since he was killed. But I'm slowly recovering from it as I warm up more and more to Abraham and how he kind of fills the Tyreese role but in a different way. Michonne, however---man, that would be rough!

Weird how the two most compelling characters in the series so far for me have been the two main black leads, huh? As I said, it has something to do with a lack of compelling, non-stereotypical black leads in comics but it's also a testament to the writing of one Mr. Kirkman.

AXEL, man! AXEL!!! How could ya forget Axel?!?! One thing that came through loud and clear in my reread of all those issues was what an absolute HOOT Axel was...you follow me? Kirkman gave Axel all the best lines constantly! He just had Axel say what most of us were thinking and he was an absolute scream! I don't think it hurt the tone of the book at all. Just a little levity to break the tension every once in a while. It's a void in the cast that has really gone unfilled since Axel's exit.

I can see, more than ever, why even as recently as 74's lettercol, a fan asked when Axel's identical twin brother would show up! I bet Kirkman regrets losing Axel and would do it differently if he had it all to do over, even if he'd never admit it. What a great, fun character that is sorely missed!

Anyhow, more thoughts as they come. More o' y'all need to chime in some more, hear?

re: Axel, I often wonder what characters Kirkman regrets killing off too soon.

I wouldn't have minded seeing Carol's crazy continue awhile.

Maggie's family... her Dad and brother.

I'd like to have seen what kind of dynamic the twins would have had with Carl and Sopia.

And yeah, Tyrese and Axel.

Lori is one character I don't miss at all, though.

The 2 characters I feel the book would suffer really badly without currently are Rick and Michonne.

^Carol...yeah, she was pretty messed up. Especially, how she met her end. In a way the relationship she wanted with Lori and Rick didn't seem as "out-there" a concept to me under the circumstances. I mean, society has fallen, so wouldn't it make sense under those circumstances to redefine the conventional nuclear family for the purposes of mutual comfort and survival? I'm not condoning it for our society, but for theirs (or its total lack of society), it could make sense.

I think we saw a good, complete arc for Hershel (Maggie's father), and seeing one more child die before he did served that arc. But it's still a shame for Billy (Maggie's brother) who was finally starting to emerge as more than a background character just before he died. He had a lot of potential, but I guess in some ways, he could've been just another Glen. I enjoyed Billy more than I thought I would the second time.

The stuff with the twins pretty much came out of nowhere with very little lead-up from Kirkman. I watched them carefully in their scenes those first 48 issues, and they were barely more than background characters. I remember Kirkman showed them looking at a dead animal a couple issues before things went south. That's all we ever got. Though I like the implications for Carl's arc, I think Kirkman never saw them as more than disposable characters.

Lori...I liked her more than I thought I would on the second read. Most of what she went through (and, yes, whined about) was perfectly reasonable. She was pregnant, vulnerable and was tired of her man skipping out every chance he could get and never knowing if he'd return. Her and poor little Judy exiting definitely served Rick's and Carl's progression in character, though.

Sophia...I hope we start to see more of her soon. I miss the bond that her and Carl used to have.

This is one of the things that I thought should have taken more time and care from Kirkman. It's not a bad storyline, just one that I agree came out of nowhere, and ended just as fast. More time spent on wither end might have helped. Especially the build up to it.

It seems to me, that given this, they were there to more or less move Carl along on his trip towards wherever he is going. He is making adult decisions at an extremely young age, because he does want to be like his dad...which in the long run should probably scare Rick.

To me, Carl is the pivotal character in the book. Will the human race survive after the zombie creating disaster? If so, what will it become? What will it look like? The lengths that the surviving adults go to to continue to live says much about their personal abilities and will to carry on. The character of their children will determine the future of the human race. Carl shows us that the future is anything but hopeful.

I got #76 today. This series continues to zig zag in different directions. I never know what to expect. In light of the discussion in the previous few posts, Rick, Michonne, and Carl all have interesting developments.

Just read it. <span class="spoiler_containter"><span class="spoiler_wording">Click Here For A Spoiler</span><span class="spoiler_text">I'm feeling sorry for Rick right now. It's rough when everyone turns on you.

Is he no longer capable of living normally?

And looks like trouble will be heading for the community very shortly...</span></span>

Man. When you think Kirkman is gonna zig...he zags.

Another great issue that makes total sense.

Carl is really starting to scare me...just sayin.

I watched THE ROAD last night.

Anyone here seen it? I **HIGHLY** recommend it to fans of TWD.

Important: THERE ARE NO RISEN DEAD in the film.

ALthough there IS a disaster of some sort that wipes out ALmost everyone...

Just rent it, put the kids to bed and watch.

You will believe a grown man can cry...

Awesome trailer for the series, which will premiere on Halloween!

Morgan's in it and he's played by the awesome Lennie James who played Robert Hawkins on "Jericho"!

The trailer looks great!!

Lash, I was interested in the Road. Looks intense!

The trailer makes you wonder if Rick and Morgan will ever meet up again in this version...

I'm so hooked on this show, already. And, it hasn't even started yet.

Anyone who is thinking of watching The Road should absolutely, 100%, without a doubt NOT do so until they have read the book (by Cormac McCarthy).

The book is quite simply one of the best books of the 21st century so far and probably one of the best books I have ever read.

I've heard the movie is pretty good, but I haven't gotten around to seeing it yet as I know it just cannot compare to the amazing power of the book - which is mainly expressed through its words, and not the events, and thus will be lost in the film.

I think Walking Dead fans, especially, would enjoy the book too.

Though of course when I say "enjoy" I leave the term open to interpretation since it is one of the most gruelling things you will ever read in your life, and will have you on the edge of your seat throughout - but man, is it worth it.

The trailer looks GREAT! I don't remember some scenes like Rick holing up in a tank from the book, but I hope we will all just ENJOY THE FREAKIN' RIDE and not pick apart any possible changes... that's what I'm going to do!

They are being up front about it being different, so I hope fans will go in with an open mind that thigns are not going to play out the same. That trailer looks awesome...I cannot wait.

Having reread the most of the series, I can vouch for the fact that there was an abandoned tank in Atlanta. But I don't think Rick got in it or anything. (He may have gotten on it?)

In any case I'm okay with there being changes and enhancements to how events went in the comics. I kinda hope Morgan survives because I really like Lennie James as an actor, though. The trailer sure looks like he's preparing for a 'last stand'. I might be presuming too much.

It also looks like Rick's injury is less severe than in the book. I've only watched the trailer once, but it looked like a shoulder shot, one that wouldn't put him in a lengthy coma.

Funny thing is, in the book the injury looks like it should've been FATAL! I mean, it goes in his chest and exits thru the back, appearing to take his guts out the other side! It's the primary reason why I occasionally entertain TWD as being Rick's death throes delusion, or even a kind of horrifiv purgatory/hell-type afterlife.

I don't really subscribe to it that often, but the thought occasionally pops up. I think Kirkman denied it as a possibility early on in interviews and/or lettercols.

It looks like a shoulder shot, but with a shotgun, so the damage could be more severe than what it seems.

Something else else I noticed about the scene with Morgan:

<span class="spoiler_containter"><span class="spoiler_wording">Click Here For A Spoiler</span><span class="spoiler_text">When Morgan is shooting out the window, he sees his wife among the dead...gut wrenching...</span></span>

It does make me wonder if they'll change his fate in the television show.

I wonder who that guy is Rick's threatening with a gun to his head?

Also, the actor playing Rick appears to have an obvious English or Australian accent. I read he was from one of those but assumed he was going to disguise it.

It also looks like Rick somehow doesn't encounter any zombies before he meets Morgan.

Two bits of TWD news, today.

First, a teaser for an upcoming story in the book. Is the Community storyline entering its final stages already?

Second, encouraging news about the TV series' future beyond the six episodes! Hope it's accurate!

Excellent news indeed!!!

YESSSS!!!!!

Issue 77 in the bag.

Wow. Things are going to get really messy really fast. We all know from the preview posters what is coming...and this issue sets things in motion to that end.

Great issue again. New alliances strengthened. Old relationships healing. New relationships starting.

Kirkman seems to setting up several possibledeaths in the coming arc...but he has thrown wrenches into seemingly straightforward stories before. I cannot wait till the next issue again.

The previews suggest Rick and Carl are in danger of dying. I'm skeptical because Rick's been the only character we've followed since the first issue. Also, I just don't see Kirkman killing Rick just after the TV series has launched. Carl...maybe. We'll see.

Anyone else skeptical? And what would you think of TWD potentially without Rick?

I'm thinking it's a red herring.

TWD without Rick would be a very different animal. I'm curious as to how it would play out but I don't see anyone else filling his role.

Rick, Andrea, Glen and Maggie (plus Carl and non-entity Sophia) have been around longest now, right? Followed closely by Michonne. I don't want anything to happen to them.

But the cast has gotten way too big for Kirkman to handle properly. When was the last time we saw Abe's hot girlfriend or Washington-liar scientist guy (both of whom I can't name, and should be able to but they never appear).

Sometimes I wish he would work old-school Levitz-style and try to show just about everyone in every issue.

But I'm pretty sure the cast is about to be whittled down to a more manageable amount.

And the deaths of Carl or Rick would certainly hit harder than those of the castmembers we never see. This arc will be one to watch closely.

The previews suggest several/all of them are in danger...more than at just about any other time since the series began...except maybe the prison war against the Gov.

I think Glenn is in serious danger, and the scenes with him and Maggie seem to cement this theiry.

As far as Rick, and/or CArl being in danger...it would take guts to kill your main character, or, arguably, the second main in the series in Carl. I think the series would survive without one/both of them.

What if Kirkman did an arc or two after this with no indication whether the two of them were alive? They take off, but we stay with Andrea or one of the others as they deal with the Zeds. The tension as they try to firnd Rick and Carl would be unbelievable.

Oh yeah, a few days later, Darabont refuted that report, saying there was no pickup as yet.

I personally think it's too soon since the prison for another mass killing of established characters. Hopefully, Kirkman feels the same.

It wouldn't bother me much if most of the Community was killed off (the most likely scenario, IMO, with a couple of established characters biting it as well for enhanced effect) because they're mostly pretty faceless. However, it would seem a bit of a waste.

Shoot... I'm sorry to hear the 2nd season pickup hasn't happened yet. Everything I've seen points to the TV series being fantastic.

CeeTee, I agree it's a little too soon for another massacre and I hate to see the Community go down also. If it's going down this easily, it makes it harder for me to believe they ever established it to begin with.

I hope my posts don't sound too critical... TWD remains my most-anticipated read every month.

Watched the pre-air first episode today.

Pretty damn good. Andrew Lincoln did a great job, and Lenny James was excellent as Morgan.

The special effects were very well done. They pulled no punches on this at all.

I may be a biased fan, but I really think this will be a hit!

Issue 78 read. Two word review...

Oh crap.


Cannot wait for next issueand the Series Premier this Sunday.

http://www.newsarama.com/comics/walking-dead-weekly-101026.html

Starting over with weekly reprints. Hope it lasts long enough for me to catch my beginning of the monthlies. Wish they were a tad cheaper than the standard price, but I'll get them no matter what.

I wonder if they're going to reprint them in their entirety, i.e. the lettercols. If all feature the original covers + the lettercols and whatever other extra material appeared, that could definitely make them worth buying. I have the first 48 issues thru the trades (after that I started getting single issues), so I have none of the original covers, lettercols, etc.

I'm interested too in the covers and lettercols. I might do this.

JUST set down 78:

Wow... I loved that the little biker gang problem was handled without a single bit of harm befalling the community folks.

Of course, that smooth resolution is going to have a heavy heavy price shortly, I'm sure we've all figured out.

TWD: still # 1.

AMC tonight, bitches!!!!

Obviously, I enjoyed it quite a bit! However, this being the comics thread where we theoretically shouldn't spoil what we assume are upcoming developments, here are a few comments mostly stirred by the preview images:

1) When the length of the current run was announced at six episodes, I kinda thought that this run might end with Shane's death or perhaps with the thing at Wilshire Estates with an outside shot that it might end with our crew discovering the prison. Certainly, from all I'd heard, it seemed the series would be pretty faithful with some deviations.

Just from the snippets we saw, it looks like the group will be confronting other groups of people much sooner than in the comic. There were flashes of other characters upcoming that I couldn't immediately identify. As faithful as the pilot was, this was pretty surprising! I'd love to hear from the rest of you about your impressions of the preview and how the images do or don't fit in with the established events.

I'm okay with changes, by the way. I mean, why watch the thing if they're just going to see everything happen verbatim as it was written and drawn? My attitude towards these things is why I tend to enjoy more superhero films than some other comics fans tend to.

2) The only thing I'm not how sure I feel about is if characters' fates turn out a lot differently. Not so much the hows, but if, say, Glenn were to die in episode six and Rick and Shane shake hands and get past the Lori thing, I think that would bother me. (I also wonder if they'll take this kid playing Carl to all the dark places Carl's been to, but I digress.)

It might not bother me as much if characters like Andrea's sister Amy stick around longer or even if characters like Allen, Donna and their twins never appear. But if the characters are from the comic, I'll probably be looking for their significance (deaths and defining moments)to carry over to this version.

Obviously, we're going to have at least one TV-specific character (and probably more based on the previews). I'll withhold judgement but expect to be open-minded. I'm sure this will give the writers room for creativity, will allow for fans of the comics to have more room for surprise and, I suspect, provide opportunities to create amalgams of some of the events from the comics to combine with new stuff.

3) This series does a little something with zombies that the comic never has. Specifically, I'm thinking about the zombies showing aspects of their former personalities. Witness the little girl zombie picking up the teddy bear, Morgan's wife being drawn to the house where her family stayed before she died and the soldier zombie still staying in the tank. Other than showing several zombies still wearing their hats and what-not, this is entirely new to the adaptation as far as I remember. Kirkman always seemed to show that these were completely mindless ghouls. But Darabont hints that there something faintly left behind of what they were.

This is not unheard of in zombie movies and what-not but is new to the TWD universe. I see no evidence of it being more than superficial, but it's a difference. Makes me think of Jim in the early issues and how he chose to face his future as a zombie in hopes of reuniting with his family, somehow. I wonder how Kirkman feels about this choice?

Anyhow, that's my opening salvo. Feel free to add your own and comment on what I bring up. Again, I personally think this sort of talk is more appropriate to this thread so as not to spoil those experiencing the series independent of the comics.

I still need to rewatch the episode to see what I missed, but:

I feel the addition of TV-specific characters will free up the show to use THEM as cannonfodder and leave some more intriguing castmembers who died too soon in the comic to live this time.

This would NOT bother me.

Top of the list of folks I'd like to stick around longer (or even permanently) are Tyreese, Axel and Carol. This is of course assuming they are even introduced.

I *do* think certain plot points should stick, like Shane's death and the circumstances that brought it about, but it won't be a dealbreaker for me if they change that sort of stuff too unless the whole thing just goes tits-up creatively.

How would you feel if their presence(s) overshadow those other characters instead or if characters from the series die while they live on?

Most definitely with ya on Tyreese and Axel...but Carol? She was killed too soon?

I'm thrilled we'll see new characters and the story will be stretched out over time so we'll get things that happened 'off-panel'.

I personally hope that the continuity remains the same though and eventually the comic book canon all happens as it did (for example, Glenn better not die in Season One or something). That would actually probably bother me, no matter how much I try to say it wouldn't (just being honest).

But I'm all for talented actors taking on new characters, like we saw in the previews. The guy from Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (he's been in hundreds of movies) is badass and can be scary as hell so he's welcome. The guy from Boondock Saints too!

As for the zombies maintaining some of their former personalities, I think it adds a little bit extra to the show and I like it. I wouldn't mind if this began being shown in the comics.

I personally wouldn't want Kirkman to transfer that over to the comic. The comic was first and should be its own thing.

I know that there is definately one brand new character for tv, according to all the hubbub on line. I think it's a smart move to bring new blood in to make things different. Never know what will happen with them.

I wouldn't really want to see long term characters die quickly here...but if they did die sooner than in the comic (as Glenn, Dale, etc.) I don't think that it'll bother me all that much. Just as seeing Shane stick around a bot longer than in the comic won't bother me. It will up the drama of that arc for me...always watching for the moment to hit, but not having any idea when it will.

Not sure how much of an issue this will really be in the sreies anyway. Hear me out. Little things like the girl with the bear may be sprinkled in, but the zombies like Morgans wife will be few and far between. Or at least, how are we going to know. She was set up as a plot device for Morgan and Duane. An effective one that I do not think is going to be repeated very often as it would make that seem cheaper overall with its impact to those characters involved.

It would also involve our roaming band coming across people that are stationary and have loved ones that died there...not going to be happening all the time...in my opinion.

^Don't get me wrong, Dev. I didn't hate it at all, just pointing out the difference that struck me from the source material. I would be opposed to them taking it further than the little mannerisms we saw, however. And I think introducing similar stuff this late in the comic would feel artificial. But I'm fine with what we've been shown so far in the TV series itself as a bit of nuance.

I'm sure Kirkman would be the first to say that TWD is about the people, not the zombies.

Part 1: Hmmmm. Good question. Here's hoping the new TWD-TV-specific folks are interesting if that is the case!


Part 2: I won't say Carol was killed too soon, but I would like to see how her presence affects Lori and Rick after her rather interesting offer. Plus I think it would be intersting to see her (someone) slide into utter batshit madness. She was on that slide for sure in the comic and it seemed that halfway through, that was it, it was over for her. I'd like to see the slide last a little longer I think. I'd like to see her ACTUALLY "befriend" one of the zombies at the gate, talk to it every day.

Hm...yeah, when you put it that way, her character could've been taken a bit further. I think her proposal may have been taken more seriously had it been given to some other man and woman who had met during the apocalypse and had kids with them from previous relationships. In that situation it could've been taken reasonably with society collapsing. But a big "nuh-uh" with a pre-existing married couple!

So far, btw, I don't think Carol has even been cast...but I could be wrong?

The helicopter being seen over Atlanta was different...and interesting. In discussing this with my wife (she reads TWD, too), she thinks the scenes with a lot of unfamiliar people we saw in the previews will be a pocket of survivors in Atlanta that Glenn and Rick will encounter before meeting up with the others at the camp. These survivors may be the source of the conflict hinted at in those scenes. Definitely a big change, but a logical and exciting one, potentially. In hindsight the helicopter sets that up. So the wife may have made a very astute call!

Okay, so according to IMBD (thanks, Dev!), we should definitely see...<span class="spoiler_containter"><span class="spoiler_wording">Click Here For A Spoiler</span><span class="spoiler_text">Carol, Sophia and Jim</span></span> among the comic book's familiar characters in these six episodes.

My DCBS order is coming in today-- and among other things I'm receiving the sixth hardcover volume, containing issues 61-72. w00t!

I read # 79!


It was a good set-up for the big arc starting in # 80.

I can't help but wonder who will still be standing when the dust settles.

I honestly don't know how anyone can STAND to trade-wait this series!

Agreed! NO WAY could I do it.

I've just made the transition seamlessly from the Walking Dead Trade PAPERBACK #13 to issue 79.

I was thinking I could wait 5 or 6 months as they seem to be putting out the trades on time and regularly. but, there's something nice about the comic book, no advertisements, and interior cover graphic things ... it's like an old 'zine'

i was afraid it wouldn't be as satisfying, cause how can one issue compare with the amount of story in a trade .... and the walking dead is sometimes paced kinda slow.

but 79 was just right. think ill try the comics now that im caught up.

the trades are good for travel though.

Also a plus about the monthlies: LETTERS PAGE!

God. Great books and a great television show. #79 was a great calm before the storm issue, showing how off balance these people are for what's about to hit them.

Yep, great time to be a TWD fan!

I'm a TPBer! And TPB #13 just came out. Which means it's time for my six-monthly review of The Walking Dead!

Umm, can't think of much to say about it though... I definitely enjoyed it. I read all six issues in one sitting.

There wasn't a lot of action - just a lot of good character work. Which I appreciated. All you Michonne-lovers will be happy to know I've actually started to warm up to her. Kirkman's finally starting to give her some depth at last. Loved seeing her knock Rick out with that rock. He really lost it for a while there.

When I started this TPB I thought things were going to go bad and the Community storyline would be over only one or two issues into it. I'm glad it lasted the whole TPB. The Community (and everything it represents i.e. the closest thing our characters will ever probably get to a return to the way things used to be) seems like a big deal and worthy of a much longer storyline than that.

I think losing it even one or two issues into the next TPB (which seems evident based on the way this one ended and the previews) is too soon. Still, I won't deny that part of me is looking forward to getting back to the mayhem and excitement of a bloodbath for survival.

I just hope more than just the usual faces survive it. That was one thing that bugged me about the prison arc. All the minor characters got killed off there and (nearly) all the main ones survived it. If Axel or Billy or Patricia had survived that arc I think it would have made things a lot more interesting and less predictable.

Haven't seen any hints that we might be losing Rick or Carl but wouldn't mind it if it happened. The book could *definitely* live without Carl IMO since he really doesn't add much to the dynamic other than someone for Rick to worry about. Losing Rick would be weird though. I can't see it happening. Having said that though, I definitely think Kirkman has built Andrea up to the point that she could take over as the new lead. I think I'd really like to see that happen actually.

As long as Morgan, Abraham, Rosita, Andrea and fat worker dude with the long black hair, beard and sunglasses (that Abraham chatted with) survive then I'll be happy.

Anyhoo, see you all again in six months.

This post is about the show, and where I'd like to see it go next season.

Putting it here as to avoid spoilers in the show thread, and since it is about issues long ago, talking about it here should be fair game.

I think next year will encapsulate the second trade. They will have covered pretty much all but the carl/Shane issue in the first six episodes. Covering the first trade pretty thoroughly.

Thus, the second trade...Meeting Tyrese and the teens, and an episode of them all on the road. You can have an episode or two covering the estates. An arc of several episodes on the farm...add in a few one off episodes for deviations which have been handled well so far, and wrapping up with them finding the prison in the finale of season 2.

I think that there is a good amount of drama to be mined from the farm story, and a few good characters to explore that were not given the chance to shine in the book. I personally think there is probably a good 5 - 6 episodes worth of stuff that could be pulled and explanded on.

One with Carl's accident and getting them to the farm. Glenn and Maggie hooking up, and more relationship stuff growing from the characters that have joined spread out over teh multi episode arc. One just on what's in the barn and what happens with that. Add in a few offshoot stories with Hershel and his family, and you have a good arc for the season.

What do you guys think?

Yeah I pretty much agree. The Shane storyline will need to wrap up before Wilshire Estates. I can see Wishire estates being NO LESS than 2 episodes. The snow melting off the Wilshire Estates sign was one of my early "scariest moments" in the book, so I remember that scene well and hope they copy it to a tee from the comic.

But how are they going to progress from the heat of summer to the snow-covered Wilshie Estates story so quickly... I need to reread the 2nd trade (I didn't go monthly until after the 5th trade).

I think they're going to combine the Wiltshire Estates and the Farm into the same storyline. It's been a while but other than the people that they met and the people that died, I can't remember much of a thematic difference between the two storylines.

And knowing how much time the show would need to give to them, it seems like that would be about a season each for those two stories.

Show spoilers for those not watching it -

<span class="spoiler_containter"><span class="spoiler_wording">Click Here For A Spoiler</span><span class="spoiler_text"> We know the Shane/Rick/Carl thing is already stretching into season 2, plus who knows where this scientist angle is going, or what they're planning for new characters like Merle, Daryl, etc. </span></span>

That's already a lot to work into a <strike> six </strike> ... just remembered that next season is longer. 14 episodes I think. They may work both places into the show next season after all. I definitely think Tyreese and Michonne especially will show up before the end of next season though.

I disagree about the lack of a thematic differnece. I definitely think Wilshire Estates and the Farm are valid different storylines. Zombies ruining everything are the only similarities, but that's going to be the case a LOT in these scenarios.

The snow melting off the WE sign MUST happen, as must the BARN scene from the farm storyline!

These things must occur or I shan't be pleased!!!

>starts protesting< The BARN and the SIGN, 2 storylines! The barn and the Sign, 2 storylines! The barn and the sign, 2 storylines!!!

And yes, Tyrese and Michonne BOTH are A MUST in season 2!!!!!!!!

Personally, I think Wilshire Estates could easily be just one episode, but no more than two. Maybe this occurs after an episode spent on the road and meeting Tyreese. The stuff that occurs at the farm could be just 2-3 episodes, easily. Then, they could move on to the prison and the stuff with Woodbury and the Governor. Season 2 could easily end with the Governor, tank and all, charging on the prison for one HELL of a cliffhanger!

The timing with what goes down with Shane could be tricky. They may alter things in such a way as Shane sticks around the whole season, and they end it with Carl killing him. I dunno, really. Given my sruthers, I'd prefer the season open with about a 3-episode arc in which Shane slowly loses it and then dies. From there, on to Wilshire Estates and Hershel's farm.

Just remember, Darabont & company are likely to continue with detours that aren't from the books while continuing to push the series on Kirkman's overall roadmap. The biggest omission from that roadmap so far has been the complete absence of Donna, Allen and the twins. At this point I'm assuming they're not going to appear. If not, that will significantly alter the outcome and fallout of the Wilshire Estates stop. Maybe instead of Donna we'll lose Daryl or T-Dog? Before tonight, Jacqui would've been a suitable replacement. Or perhaps we'll lose Tyreese's daughter there instead?

In any case I'm not gonna be too anal about how the series will diverge from the book. It's been an exemplary series so far, and I've no reason to believe Season 2 won't continue to impress.

Lardy, that is a whole lot of ground to cover in 13 episodes. I think they will end with discovering the prison, it seems to be a big discovery/breaking point...but that's just me.

I think given how they are diverging, it would not surprise me to see Donna, Allen and the kids show up with Tyrese...then again, maybe not.

I just watched the entire first season of the show for the first time in one sitting and am completely hooked. I hadn't read the book previously but all the good news got me curious enough to give it a shot. Glad I did. Hadn't gotten this invested in a show in a good while.

A shame about the long wait for season two, but that's plenty of time to blaze through the book now.

You won't be disappointed and you WILL be totally addicted!

The latest issue kicked off “No Way Out”, the next major story that already looks like it will be filled with changes—mostly of the horrific kind as our group tries to survive the next major catastrophe. And wow, like usual, Kirkman and Charlie deliver in spades. The issue has taken the build-up of the last several issues and enhanced the feeling of dread we’ve had, knowing what’s coming, as the zombie herd begins to surround the mini-town they’ve got going. People’s reactions start to show some minor panic and we know this will only get worse. Having read all the previous stories, I (like most of you I would presume) recognize this is going to be good and it’s not going to be easy on our characters.

A few things stick out:

- Not really the biggest fan of the woman putting the moves on Rick. Something else else bad will come of this. And the exchange between Carl and the other boy (whose father Rick killed) was stone cold—man, Carl is growing up to be one tough as nails person, and not in a good way for human interaction (but probably in a good way for survival).

- Abraham appears to have a little something on the side; it’s understandable after what happened but every situation we’ve seen like this so far has not ended well.

- I’m ready for ass-kicking Michonne to be unleashed again.

- Andrea being in the bell-tower was hardly addressed but the anxiety over her being there stuck with me all issue.

You get the sense that shit is about to explode internally, as the claustrophobia of the zombies closing in takes hold more and more. The zombies actually bursting through the gates is not something I see happening anytime soon; rather, I expect someone letting them in on purpose is going to happen. But we’ll see.

Kirkman has done a good job making the set-up for this story different from the previous stories. He still manages to keep things fresh!

Still my favorite read. # 80 was no exception.

My review pretty much Xerox' Cobie's... one thing I will say, I don't like Carl very much anymore. I'm wondering if Rick's big "I do it all to save my family" speech is leading up to something happening to Carl. I actually think I would be okay with it, and I am in general NOT a fan of putting children into jeopardy.

Issue 81 is read...the first casualties!!!

Oh it's out finally? CBS, here I come tomorrow!!!

Read it-- was shocked by the last page! Loved Andrea making her appearance. Things look grim for the community.

I think this was the "bang" before the storm.

One member of Ricks group is going to return to their previous ways with a vengeance I think after that last page.

Andrea just rocks...they're trying to help her, and she saves their bacon...awesome.

My, how my army has grown! So, what have I missed? Anyone seen the Michonne figure that McFarlane is going to do?

GASP!!!! WHhhAAAAAT!!

Cannot wait for these...definately getting the comic based ones...not so sure on the television ones.

First wave will be based on the comic, including Michonne and Rick. Second wave will be based on the tv series. McFarlane Walking Dead Figures

Wow... those are probably going to be out of my price range but that Michonne sure is tempting!

I want a Michonne and the two zombies so I can put a chain around each neck, set up a diorama on my desk at work.

Between these and the egion set from Mattycollector, I have a lot of saving to do this year.

That Legion set is just too high priced for me. I hope they will eventually release the figures one at a time but I doubt that'll ever happen.

I am seriously going to be saving for it now. I want it that badly. It has four of my favorite Legionnaires of all time in it.

Okay, okay!
Midtown Comics was having a sale for President's Day Week: all graphic novels 50% off.
So I bought Walking Dead Books 1 & 2. (plus Chew)
I just finished book 1 & I'm hooked!!
Starting Book 2 tonight.

WOOHOO!!!!

My suggestion: get all the rest at half-off while you can-- you will NOT want to stop.

Yay! Rhino's in! Cant wait to hear your thoughts!

I also second Lash's rec!

Also--can't wait to hear your thoughts on Chew!

Nice Alec! I echo Lash and Cobbie, get them cheap while you can!

I'm halfway through vol.4. Lovin' it!!

Reviews, reviews!!!!!

I Read 82...

suspense, suspense, suspense!!

I'm on volume 9 now.
Can't praise Adlard's art enough.
Simply brilliant!!

I was beginning to lose a bit of my excitement for this series. Issue #82 brought it all back. The scenes with Morgan and Carl were powerful. The zombie action was fever pitch.

Plus one of the best lines of the entire series:

"Okay, it's pretty obvious what we're doing here people. If it's dead.. F**king Kill it!"

Bought and read 82 and 83 today.

82 was a great haunting read. Like Jerry said, the Carl/Morgan scenes were great.

83...Oh My GOD!!! Great Zombie action all the way around. Lots of people get bit/eaten...and OH MY GOD...what happens at the end...did not see that coming.

Starting vol 12 now.
I'm in tears as Carl is confessing what he did(and why he did it) to his dad.

*removed*

I cannot see (heh) how Kirkman can write himself into having that character survive. In the best of situations, it would be a miracle...

That latest issue's final pages were TOUGH for me. Tougher even than #48.

I was literally in shock and don't want to see that character die.

OH LORDY... I bought 83 yesterday but haven't read it yet... I now am a bit scared to....

*removed*

*removed*

#83 was an all around horrifying issue with stunner of an ending. My favorite parts of the issue, though, came early. The focus on Michonne on pages two and three was very moving.

I had 83 at the bottom of my read pile but just could not wait anymore.

Yeah that wound simply can't be survivable.

Lots of mayhem. Rick made the wrong decision. I hope Maggie and Sophia are okay.

I also got the TWD SURVIVOR'S GUIDE # 1.

*removed*

Yes, even if by some insane miracle he were to survive, there's NO WAY there isn't brain damage. In this instance, death is preferable.

I'm still impressed Kirkman had the nads to do this.

*removed*

Don't think so. Kirkman's on record saying that this book has no end in sight and will go on for years and years.

This arc does have a kind-of "END" feel to it, but yeah, I've read Kirkman has ideas to carry him through issue 200, iirc!

I am wondering if we aren't about to shift our focus character for awhile, to someone like Andrea though. That might not be a bad idea.

*removed*

There are novels coming. Info on the first one...featuring a character that is no longer around...

Info here.

Hmmm... at first, I was thinking I would prefer this in comic form, but novel form is probably the way to go...

No sense in possibly delaying TWD every month by putting spinoffs in Kirkman's lap.

Yeah, I think I'm excited about this--!

*removed*

I'm not hitting the CBS 'til Saturday.

But I must say I agree with what you have written. Death should have followed very very quickly.

Not passing judgement just yet though.

I dunno. Having finally gotten to issue #83 and that haunting two-page spread, it's hard not to analyze the wound and try to figure out it's survivability. To me, it looks like the bullet entered the eyeball at a severe left angle and may have missed the brain on its way to taking the right ear out. I'm assuming that people think the bullet took out the eye on a more direct angle because it's completely missing. In my mind it took it out from an angle. It looks like there's this horrible hole right behind where his eye was, but I'm seeing that as more like what's left behind with the eyeball taken out. It could have missed the brain and the surrounding infrastructure.

I'm no anatomy expert, so I'm probably missing something you guys are not. Yes, the injury looks horrific as depicted, but the angle of the wound makes it appear that it could possibly be nonfatal. I dunno. I wish there was a diagram of the human skull somewhere that would show exactly where everything is in relationship to the wound as depicted.

I can't imagine that if the character lives through this that Kirkman doesn't have the science of it all backing him up. Possibly Charlie Adlard's to blame for his drawing maybe going further than the script dictated?

Of course, this is all assuming the character ultimately lives....

83 had some other disturbing scenes to go along with that one, didn't it? I really wasn't expecting those other two particular characters to die after having the principle shocker spoiled for me! (The other two weren't shocking given the cover and the events of last issue.) The way they died and how Rick acted in the moment were pretty shocking, though Kirkman kinda set it up at the end of last issue and the beginning of this one.

It was interesting to see the cast finally trying that trick that Rick and Glenn used waaaaaay back (and on the TV show) for the first time since. The results were much less successful, though. I wonder if the urination set the dead off or if it was ultimately the fact that our cast were just talking too much?

I'll get to 84 before long. Obviously, I know the character in jeopardy is still among the living for the moment, causing all this controversy. I'm curious to see who else lives and dies and how the survivors managed to surprisingly turn this invasion around as the spoilers hint.

*removed*

Well some pretty horrible facial wounds can be survived.

This example is from the first world war and managed to live through the filth and mud of the trenches to get to a hospital.

IMG] http://i453.photobucket.com/albums/qq256/farawaylad/Warwounds.jpg [/IMG]

Warning graphic image.

Granted I think the main point is "get to a hospital, which cant happen in walking dead, but you get my drift.

OH MY GOSH... THAT was HORRIBLE....

Lash
In museums on the front line I have seen much worse. I was appalled and fascinated at the same time. I just could not see how these poor buggers had survived. Huge gaping holes in their faces, with eyes, noses, and jaws missing. Yet they did. They were treated, given care and help, even rudimentary plastic surgery and sent home to their loved ones.

It just makes me think that as long as that bullet missed the brain and from what I saw it might have, the fact it has taken the back of the head off as well may not make it beyond the realms of possibility that he can survive, at least for a while.

After all this is a comic where Zombies walk the earth eating people, if the reader can suspend disbelief for that why not for this?

My wife reads TWD with me. She has a degree in biology. In her opinion the wound as depicted is survivable and would not have hit the brain nor breached the area where the brain is protected. I wish I had a link to the image or could post it here (but that would be extremely spoilery for the TPB people whom I'm trying to consider), but when I look at it, it seems more and more that the bullet penetrated about an inch into the side of his face at an outward angle. The missing eye makes it look as if it went directly through from the front, but it did not. The empty eye socket enhances the illusion that the bullet exited through the back of his head, but it did not! The hole in his hat is off to the side, to the left of where his ear had been, NOT in the back of his head!

Yes, Carl could still possibly die of blood loss, shock, infection or other complications, but he did NOT take a bullet in the brain! It's an ugly, shocking and horrifically disfiguring shot but not necessarily a fatal one, certainly not an instantly fatal one. He did have immediate access to medical care, albeit not anything like a top-notch trauma unit. If he didn't lose too much blood, if the shock doesn't kill him and if any infection is treated, he could conceivably live as far as I can tell.

Again, I think the missing eye is throwing people off and keeping them from looking at the image properly. So look again, and maybe you'll see what I saw.

So if he lives past the first page of issue 85 and even well beyond, I'm still aboard as a massive fan of this series. If he doesn't, Iam, as a friend of mine recently said, "so long and thanks for all the fish." And forgive me if I choose to continue to follow the book anyway.

*poof*

Well I'm gonna bow out of this debate; I have my opinion on the matter and respect differing ones, but based on my years dealing with ocular problems I'm not likely to change my opinion on the matter.

I will not let it hamper my enjoyment of the series though... (I haven't even READ 84 yet for gosh sakes).

Iam Legion, your tone is getting dangerously close to breaking the User Agreement. Please keep in mind Respect is the guideline of this forum.

I've said my peace on the subject. I'll just recommend again that everyone examine the art closely.

*poof*

Thanks, I know it's easy to get passionate or enthusiastic about a series. I do hope you'll keep commenting (should you continue reading).

I certainly don't expect 100% realism from a post apocalyptic zombie comic. Graphic storytelling demands a certain amount of emotional punch from its graphics. If an artist goes a bit over the top, so be it. The real story of issue #84 is the toll that the events of last issue is taking on Rick's psyche. His rambling about hope was mesmerizing.

Do not have the issue yet, but it sounds like the old Serials ending for last issue. Everything looks one way (in this case, literally) but it turns out that it is a little bit different than initally thought...in the shot persons case. Kinda cheap...but ah well, I love this book for it's drama anyway.

It's still early to judge. The events from last issue aren't resolved yet. The story is not over. Let's wait and see.

Issue #84 was a good issue overall. It seems to be heading in one direction, but Kirkman has been known to pull the rug out from under us before.

Thought this arc has been fantastic.

Faraway's posts a page back proved people have lived with worse, so that however it plays out wont affect my measure of realism in the series.

Like Jerry says, Rick has just been mesmerizing for the last two issues. Really well done.

The 'last stand together' was perhaps the most heroic moment in the series yet.

Finally read 84... was glad to see everyone make that stand, and what resulted from it.

I am going to "wait and see" mode for Carl's fate. Rick's newfound hope might very well vanish were Carl to die (or, say, be brain-damaged).

The letters page in issue #85 is quite interesting. It touches on the discussions we've had here regarding whether Carl's wound, as depicted, is survivable.

85 was a good issue. Covered a lot of bases, touched on a lot of topics.

Although, it did all that, it felt kind of flat after teh last few issues...but keep in mind, for me a flat issue of TWD is still better than most other comics great issues.

Abraham is stone cold honest throughout the issue ...with varying reactions. Rick is seemingly calm considering what his true state of mind is. Good thing he wasn't outside with Glenn and Abe...woo boy, that might have pushed him over an edge.

Looking forward to seeing what Carls fate is sooner than later...hope that plot point does not drag out forever...like until issue 100 or something.

As a side note, I do believe the book would survive without Rick and Carl. Andrea and/or Michonne would carry the book for several years on their own. I could see Abraham highlighted for a while. There could also beanother ccharacterthat we meet soon that could take it to issue 200. I do not think that the book is totally dependant on Rick/Carl...

Absolutely agreed about the book surviving fine without Rick and Carl.

I'm now thinking Carl is going to survive, but with brain damage. He's certainly never going to be the same...

It was kind-of nice to see so much hope... and nice to see the community ultimately survive... for now anyway.

Man, I haven't been on the edge of my seat hoping a character will survive like I have been with Carl. I'm just really hoping he makes it!

#85 was excellent. It slowed things down, which was needed and kept things moving forward.

Once again, Rick seems to want to take things to the next level and that is a great idea to try to rebuild civilization. But I can't shake the feeling that everyone is growing more and more scared / weary of Rick. Even some of his friends. I wonder if #100 or something has Rick becoming like a bad guy for the piece, pushed over the edge? With Kirkman, you just never know.

The issue spotlighted what a good character Abraham is, as I feel like even though he's been prominent in every issue, we just haven't seen him.

I really like Rosita too--I hope she gets some more time as she's now out of Abraham's shadow.

87 is out today, and I just read it. If you haven't read it yet, I'll just say that we finally have some news on Carl. Not gonna spoil it any further than that.

Also, we have the return of a recurring element in the post-prison books pertaining to Rick that we haven't seen in a while. This one's a little different from the others and may bode ill for him.

Although I like Abraham a LOT as a character, it's good to see Rosalita stand up for herself some more and to see that Abraham actually has some regrets. I hope Kirkman continues to let Rosalita come into her own. Though I love Andrea and Michonne, Rosalita is probably the hottest chick in the book! If I were Abe, I'd be feelin' some regrets as well!

Eugene is also getting a little more development as well. It's rare that Kirkman lets secondary characters graduate to starring status in TWD after being in the background for so long (usually they make a quick early impression if they're going to stick around), but maybe Eugene and Rosalita are going to buck the trend.

Does it look to anyone else like Rick and Andrea may be gravitating toward each other romantically? I once thought the same about Rick and Michonne in the issues after the prison, but that never happened.

If you haven't already, check TWD TV thread in Anywhere for a KICK-ASS trailer for season 2, from CCI...

I read 87.

Lardy, I definitely got a "vibe" for Rick and Andrea... I hope it happens, kinda.

Carl... I'm still not sure how I feel about this... there's a lot left yet to find out about this.

I'm also pleased to see Eugene and Rosalita get some more "airtime".

So... I haven't been posting much at Legion World lately.

One reason - I find this site, and its reminders of a universe of stories and characters I used to enjoy until Dan Didio and the other losers on DC editorial began their years long quest to destroy everything I used to like about them, kinda depressing.

And since the news of the DCnU relaunch was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back for me, causing me to drop every monthly comic I had been buying and wash my hands of the hobby, that leaves me without much to talk about in the LoSH or Dr Gym'll's - the forums I previously participated in the most.

But since I still buy The Walking Dead in TPB, I guess that leaves me one thread I can participate in every six months.

So here's my review of TWD TPB #14, covering issues #79-84.

* First things first, I'm gonna talk about the big event at the end of the book - what happened to Carl. I absolutely HATE the character of Carl, not only because of where Kirkman has taken him, but because of what he represents - that one character in this whole universe who feels completely unkillable to me. I just do not think Kirkman has the cojones to off this character - and knowing that just makes me want to see him killed all the more. So you can imagine my excitement when I saw that double-page spread! And then my disappointment a page later when I realised he wasn't instantly killed. And those first few seconds of survival were all I needed to know that, once again, Wonder Boy Carl would make it out of another TPB alive, despite an injury that for all intents and purposes looks like it should be fatal. Especially only a few issues after...

* Morgan's death. Carl seems to lose half his skull and brain and survives and yet my favourite character of the ones remaining, Morgan, loses an arm and dies?!? That's just frakkin' annoying. I really liked Morgan and feel that Kirkman treated him pretty crappily since his re-introduction. It's annoying that he never got to do much of anything and then had such a lame death.

* All in all, I thought this was a pretty enjoyable bunch of issues though and, despite my mis-givings about a few of the choices Kirkman makes, I'm still very much into this series.

* Michonne has definitely grown on me. These last two TPBs have done wonders in fleshing out her character. I can honestly say I like her now.

* Andrea is still a fave and I am SOOOOOOOOO ready to see Rick (and Carl!) killed off so she can take over as our main POV character. She is so ready for it IMO and it would show that Kirkman has true guts as a writer if he were to do it. Damn, that would make for a great issue #100 surprise!

* Is Rosita EVER going to do anything? It feels like she's been in the book for about 25 issue and has barely said two sentences. I hate the way Kirkman introduces seemingly main characters and then just has them hang around in the background until they get killed (Ben, Billy, Axel, Patricia, etc.). Do something with more than just the same-old 4 or 5 Kirkman!

* Charlie Adlard's art is so, so good. It took me 13 TPBs but I think I can finally say I'm not missing Tony Moore anymore.

* I fully expected the Community to be destroyed in this TPB and our heroes on the road again by the end of it. Pleasantly surprised to see that wasn't the case. The Community seems a very important link to their old way-of-life and I'm happy to see the characters fighting to hold onto it. That said, I hope they're on the road again by issue #100. I want to see them get to a boat and head for another country. It seems strange to me that no one has raised the possibility that this zombie-plague may just be confined to the US.

That's all I can think of for now. See you all in another few months.

Maybe we'll see you in October when Season 2 of the TV show starts up...???

^ Hola. Yes, I'll probably be back here discussing The Walking Dead show, and whatever other shows or comics (non-DCU) that tickle my fancy once my blood-lust for Didio, Berganza, et al has died down.

I just hope it improves in its second season because I think I'm on record in that thread as believing that the final episode of the first season was one of the worst written/most disappointing hours of television I saw all last year.

Read 86, 87 and 88 in one fell swoop.

I can accept the fate of Carl at this point. It is what it is, and seems to have pushed Rick flailing and screaming back towards the edge as he deals with what happens. His comments about leaving the walls to search for food instead of what others think he should be doing is interesting, as is his situation when found alone on said trip 'into town.'

The return of the story angle from the post prison issues is ill boding as well. As is the attitude of several of the old time townies.

Kirkman set up a lot to go with the next several months to get us to another big point.

#88 is another example of the exceptional writing that this series has a reputation for. In the aftermath of fears that Carl was shot for the graphic shock value of the death of a main character, instead we get a complicated and very human story. Carl is not dead. He is not in a catatonic state. The good news of his recovery is tempered by painful choices and a spotty memory that may be a mixed blessing. Rick's choices are outrageous and questionable, while simultaneously being totally understandable. All this while a new threat looms. Intense stuff.

I read # 88 last night and found it to be less than enjoyable as usual. I realize it's marking time and setting up later events, but for me to come away less-than thrilled from any issue is unusual... it's only happened once or twice before that I can remember.

I'm sure I will feel differently about the issue once I read it en masse with the rest, as I plan to do sometime soon.

Still not sure how I feel about Carl's miraculous recovery...

Picked up the Covers Hard Cover book at the Borders going out of business sale.

Nice book, and nice to have all the covers finally. Having the trades, which do not have the covers in them (which sucks), of the first several arcs...I did not have the covers. This is a nice way to get them, along with the thoughts of the Cover artists, Adlard and Moore, along with Kirkman's random musings on them as well.

Also nice to see variations on some of the covers, and really rough sketch concepts by Kirkman and the others.

The $25 price tag put me off of this initially, but getting it for under $10 was more than worth it, and probably convinced me to grab the next edition when it comes out.

Great find, Dev. Congrats!

*poof*

Unlike Lash, I enjoyed Walking Dead #88 quite a bit! I like how Kirkman is exploring the community after the disaster of "No Way Out". Rick's reaction to Carl's situation is very interesting. I'm curious to see where this goes. Also, with the seeds of a revolt going on, I wonder if we're heading for an EXPLOSIVE issue 100? Time will tell!

Definitely the one book I most look forward to every month!

#$%#^%$#@!! I'm only on Book 5 of the TPBs, and made the mistake yesterday of jumping on a Wiki to remind me of something about Tyreese's backstory, and was treated to an image of

<span class="spoiler_containter"><span class="spoiler_wording">Click Here For A Spoiler</span><span class="spoiler_text">him getting executed by the Governor.</span></span>

Curse my stupidity for not being wary of the interweb.

I avoid anywhere I even SUSPECT of possible spoilers... usually even this very thread, though Legion Worlders are truly some of the most circumspect and respectful posters.(SEE: your use of the spoiler tag above) I'm up to the sixth HC myself, with the seventh on its way with my next EOM shipment. But even some of the "non-spoilery" comments have me wanting to cheat myself and get up-to-date... must be strong, must be strong...

There's NO WAY I could trade-wait on TWD!

btw, I've got the prose novel "Rise of the Governor" on order from Amazon. It'll ship with LSH's "The Curse"! Looking forward to both!

I *do* want to get that...

Consider me recruited... picked up issue #90 the other today... got HC Book #1 at the library today... taking it away with me this weekend... hoping to have more dreams about being chased by zombies...

Totally need a review on this once read!

I CANNOT WAIT for you to get hooked and update us ok your progress! It'll be awesome to watch you get consumed with enthusiasm and zombie bloodlust!

re: TWD # 90, last page:


IT'S ABOUT FREAKING TIME.

Hooked? Yeah, I guess you could say I've gotten hooked... or maybe better said OBSESSED... never in a million years did I think I'd be as into this book as I am... usually I just go for the books with super-heroics, but I'm like a 14 year old girl with Bieber-fever for this book... I've read the first 36 issues... I won't go into any real detail here since I'm such a late-comer and you've all heard it before, but Michonne getting her revenge on the Governor... Damn that was awesome... Rick going back to shoot Shane... Carol slowly unraveling... Glenn getting the girl... all great stuff... Wish I'd picked this book sooner...

This may the best sentence ever written about this book.

As I always tell everyone just starting with this book-- YOU WILL BE ADDICTED. BUY as many graphic novels at one time as you can!

Sharky- you still have some utterly unbeleivable stuff ahead of you!

Very little action and lots of character development in issue #91. Glenn and Maggie are getting some overdue attention. Andrea shows that on some levels she is maintaining her sanity better than Rick. Carl again steals the show with his angry and pointed outburst. He delivers some heartfelt and disturbing dialogue. As always, a very intense read.

Last week, I finally read the prose novel that had been released in October, The Rise of the Governor. Co-written by Kirkman and Jay Bonansinga, the book chronicles the journey of Philip Blake, his brother and daughter and a pair of friends as they travel from a small town in Georgia toward Atlanta and eventually to the place where the Governor will truly be born: Woodbury. readers of the series will be interested to see the similarities and differences of the Governor's survival experiences to the ones readers of TWD have seen for so long with Rick and his crew. Unsurprisingly, their road was a very harsh one, especially as readers of TWD know what became of the Governor's daughter.

I found it to be a pretty engaging story, though not exactly the one I expected. It turns out, for example, that we don't really see very much of the titular "Rise" that i was expecting. We don't get to Woodbury until well over two-thirds (possibly three-quarters, really) into its 300 pages. I thought this would be all about him getting Woodbury under his thumb, but by the end, we really only see him taking the first step. Maybe that is all we need, but I thought there would be more.

What we do get is some insights into the character, and, yes, he comes across very sympathetically for a good part of the book until events start to shape him into the character we all hated so much. However, there's a big, unexpected twist near the end that you'll probably either love or hate. Me, I'm not sure where I fit in this spectrum. In a way it detracts from what you've read before and after. However, it is well set-up in hindsight. If any of you read it, I'd be curious about your reactions.

Basically, the book is a kind of travelogue as our group runs into tight zombie situation after tight zombie situation and then into tenuous situations with other survivors. Some of it gets repetitive after a while, but it's always suspenseful and keeps you wanting to read more.

As far as TWD universe connections, there are no encounters with Rick and crew, which makes sense given the book's timeline. I'd guess the book ends several months before Rick, Glen and Michonne ever went to Woodbury. However, there's a pretty neat easter egg in the book's first sequence as we see Blake's crew in a familiar setting and learn the origin of a certain set piece. The long sequence in Atlanta is also really good and goes deeper than Rick and Glen ever did.

It's clearly meant for the comic readers as anyone who only knows the TV show will get absolutely no explanation in the book as to why Philip is even called "the Governor" in the book's title. Perhaps, this is intended to be given a sequel with more of the goings-on in Woodbury? I know there are more novels planned, but I've never heard that they are to continue the Governor's story. If so, this book might work better in that context.

All in all, a very decent read, though slightly disappointing in some ways. A lot of that will depend on what you expect to get out of it and how you feel about the twist at the end. I'd recommend that you either wait for the softcover or perhaps borrow it from a friend or from the library. Don't pay the cover price of $25--it's definitely not worth that at just over 300 pages and with the issues I mention. (I paid around $12-13 on Amazon.)

Lardy, I really appreciate the in depth review of 'Rise'! I suspect many others are like me, in that they are super-curious about it but VERY hesistant to give it a try. After your review, I'm not quite sure I want to venture forth into the TWD novels. I'm an avid reader of books and novels but I've been known to drop books midway through if I don't find them to be great; in that way, I have a lot less patience than I do for comics.

Meanwhile, I'm enjoying the twist in the latest issue and am curious as to what's in store. The idea of other communities being out there, trading with one another and establishing a bit of a dawn of civilization pre-history is one I find fascinating. In a way, there is potential here in it mirroring the foundations of early ancient cities, and all the subsequent benefits and horrors that accompanied it. (Since you know a war will eventually happen).

Kirkman nails a quintessential element of early pre-history: the caution one city/town/community might have when another offers to begin trading because, why haven't they just tried to take everything? It implies that there has to be a certain level of trust in larger forces than just trusting a few people to do the right thing.

If this is a hint of some of what's to come, then I'm actually really enthusiastic about it!

Just caught up on issues 89 - 92.

Love reading this in monthlies, but something about reading them in a group like that is so much fun.

Interesting things afoot to say the least.

Rick looks like he might be interested in his new admirer.

More groups out there...things will change. Will it be for the better?

Issue 100 is coming up fast...what, if anything will happen therein...

FURIOUS!!!

I just wrote a LOOOONNGG like 10 long paragraph review/complaint about the latest TPB of The Walking Dead (#15 covering issue #s 85-90) and then I somehow lost it all just before I went to press "Add Reply". HATE it when that happens!

Well here was my reaction to the TPB in a nutshell -

ZZZzZzzzzzzzzZzzzzzZZZzzzzzZZzzzzzzzzzzz...

Easily the worst 6 issues of TWD I've ever read. My hatred of that sanctimonious hypocritical prick Rick has reached new heights and I'm now wondering if Kirkman actually wants us readers to hate him?

His eye-roll worthy speech at gun-point to a group of people who've spent the last however many years LIVING TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE about how he's finally worked out the best way for them to survive and that's... BY LIVING TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE, was the straw that broke the camel's back for me. His hypocricy is so over-the-top I just want him killed off so bad now.

Ironically, when I sat down to read this TPB I thought to myself "This book has so many years left in it. I want to see it go on and on." But for the first time I'm beginning to wonder if Kirkman is starting to lose it. None of the primary conversations in this TPB felt like anything I hadn't heard before in this book and with so little else going on, it just felt like one long, repetitive, navel-gazing dirge.

I've disliked almost as many things about TWD as I've liked in past TPBs but I've always found the story exciting and addictive enough to keep me coming back for more. But this was the first time that this book has actively BORED me to the point that I had to struggle to get through pages.

I hope this was just a bad blip on TWD timeline for Kirkman because one more book as disappointing as this one was and I will be forced to drop the last comic I buy.

P.S. I'm really curious about this twist in 'The Rise of the Governor' you mention, Lard Lad.

Is it something that's just confined to the Governor book or does it spoil other stuff within TWD universe?

I probably won't be reading the book so if it's the former, maybe you wouldn't mind spoiler boxing it for us here?

I'm reluctant to spoiler-box it here because, from experience, I find it's hard to resist them even when you don't want to be spoiled. If you want, I'll PM you the twist. I will say that the twist IS self-contained and doesn't necessarily affect anything that happened in the series. It's basically a bait-and-switch type of thing.

Let me know if you want it spoiled, Blacula, and I'll PM it to you.

Hmm. Now I'm intrigued enough to not want it spoiled. I think I might just flick through the book in a shop and then if I think it's not something I'll wanna spend time on, I'll just read the end. Thanks LL.

I finally caught up with TWD comics by reading 91-94 last night (you *know* I've had a lull in my general comic-reading desire to let *4* issues accumulate!)

I had to roll my eyes at the nickname given our newest castmember... I wouldn't want anyone calling me that; why would anyone ALLOW that, wether believer OR non-believer in the Biblical person he is being named for? it just doesn't work for me personally.

I *do*, however, like his prowess with the martial arts... he's quite the fighter!

I am curious where this is all going, but... I am actually starting to wonder just how much LIFE is left in THE WALKING DEAD as it stands currently.

As Rick states, dealing with zombies is almsot a non-issue now... they handle it just like they would handle any daily routine. And if the communities are TRULY friendly-- well, we have civilization pretty much back.

We *MIGHT* be witnessing the beginning of the end of TWD here. Kirkman might be planning to wrap it up, folks... it feels that way to me.

I just finished book 5 of the trades. Man, I find the Governor a little over the top for my tastes. I hope things are handled a little differently on the show now that they've committed to bringing him in. Overall I found this volume terribly depressing (not that I want a feel good book, but man).

I really, really abhor sexual violence and when I see it in fiction I want it to have an important impact and to convey a meaning, otherwise I have a hard time stomaching it. I'm not sure the Governor's continuous raping of Michone (sp?) met my criteria for in-story justification. I know this chapter isn't finished yet, but there had better be big payoff in volume 6 or I'll be incredibly let down.

If you just read Vol. 5, then you have 3 more volumes until the Governor/Woodbury saga is complete. All I will say is that things don't get more uplifting in this story or beyond. It's a dark, dark series, Dave.

As far as the Governor's actions against Michonne, I would say it's meant to elicit a distasteful response. I will defend it on two bases:

1) There's nothing titillating or gratuitous about how we see it. Only a real freak-o would take it as such. It's as horrifying a situation as any of the characters have ever been in this book, moreso because there's nothing supernatural about it.

2) I know this kind of behavior is realistic under such circumstances. It happens all the time with despots who let power go to their heads and think they are above the basic rules of decency. Hell, it happens TOO often in everyday life!

I will give one small spoiler to assure you that Michonne has, to date, never been a victim ever again and that I recall only one other attempted rape (that is stopped before it can ooccur) in the balance of the series. So it's not a well that Kirkman goes to early and often.

TWD is thought-provoking on many levels and doesn't shy away from really dark things happening to the characters that have little or nothing to do with zombie attacks. In fact, reading the series from the beginning to the present, it's been clear that the menace of the zombies isn't the biggest hurdle for the survivors to continue on--it's the danger posed by other survivors. This is one of many reasons that it has been my favorite series for several years and will probably continue to be for the foreseeable future.

As entertaining and iconic as TWD is, I don't necessarily see that it's every single person's cup of tea.

Eeehh... the TV show's better anyway.

*poof*

So...I've just explained to my wife that I may have to purchase an issue of Playboy coming out next week! You see, it's gonna contain a new six-page Kirkman/Adlard origin for Michonne! Read about it here ! (SFW)

I'll back you up on this. Tell her that your gay online buddies will be buying this issue of Playboy, as well. That should help. Uh, maybe?

@ Jerry!

*glare* I don't like him doing this. And I wouldn't like it no matter what magazine it was in... it should be in The Walking Dead.

Yeah, in all seriousness I'm not in love with the idea, either.

I seriously love the idea. Let's face it, TWD has become a cash cow and Kirkman and company are clearly going to milk it for all it's worth. This is a totally over the top marketing ploy. It's pure genius and fun. Playboy and TWD will both both benefit. And, we get an origin story we probably wouldn't have seen otherwise.

double post

*poof*

I hope this doesn't get Pov's hopes up for an Andrea / Dale story in Hustler!

But seriously:

1) GREAT marketing move that is a creative way for an independent to bring in new readers.

2) that being said, not sure if I'll buy it. May just wait til it's reprinted in a TWD thing, or even read it online. I've got nothing against Playboy, just not sure if I want a copy in my house with two little kids and the mother of two young boys.

Annoyed by this. I do not like being 'forced' to buy Playboy to get a story from the Walking Dead.

While it is a great marketing move, the other side is that it is a cheap gimmick. Giving people one of the main backstories they want, but throwing it in an adult magazine alienates anyone not of age to purchase it. Automatically cutting out potential buyers...or forcing them to attempt other means to obtain it.

I am not above, or below, buying an issue of Playboy...but that doesn't mean I am going to. Kirkman has stated before that he wasn't into telling flashbacks...now he decides to do one and publish it outside of his comic, or even a special showing the backstory of several members of the group.

If I could see that it was self contained on three pages, I might think about it, as I also have young sholdren in the house, and do not feel like 'hiding' one of my books from them.

...and no, I am not a prude, it's just that there are certain things that kids do not need to see before they are ready to.

I'm with you, Devvins.

I would argue that the graphic violence in The Walking Dead is as inappropriate for children to see as the naked women in Playboy - perhaps more so.

Possibly Jerry, but I am guessing we could debate that for quite a few posts. Which in the long run, would get us nowhere and change neither of our minds.

I guess it goes back to that I was able to watch 'scary movies' including Night of the Living Dead from a young age.

I guess, Playboy just seems a bit taboo to me based on my upbringing. >shrug<

Honestly though, that is only part of why I am annoyed...and not the major part.

I definitely think from a content perspective, anyone reading TWD, should be able to read Playboy cover to cover.

The annoyance about a TWD related story not in the comic itself....that I can understand. I don't share it, but I understand it.

I've seen speculation that this is semi-proof that Michonne is going to show up in the season finale of the show.

Playboy would try to cultivate the masses that watch the show, but probably not the lesser few that read the comic. Therefore, this is geared toward them.


I could see that reasoning...I even hope they're right, just to finally get Michonne on the show. Perhaps she'll come in and save the day from the overrunning herd. *fingers crossed*

That being said, the 6 pages don't add much to her backstory at all. Mainly just visuals to what has already been stated.

HTH

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/03/16/things-to-do-in-playboy-when-youre-in-the-walking-dead/

This is pretty cool. Thing is, this may tip the scale for me as I know the comic shop owner featured here. Pretty wild.

^That is an AWESOME story told in that link but please be aware it contains a MASSIVELY MAJOR SPOILER for happenings in the 80s range of the TWD comic if you aren't that far along yet.

Did not even realize that...thanks for the warning Lash.

Random Magazine Review:

Playboy Magazine, April 2012 Edition
The 2012 Sex + Music Issue
Release date: March 16, 2012
Cover price: $6.99

SPOILERS AHEAD !!!

For the first time in my life today, I purchased an issue Playboy. Not that I haven't read Playboy before, but it has been a few decades since I snuck my dad's cleverly hidden copies from under the tee shirts in his dresser drawer as irrepressible adolescent. Today's purchase was made at a Quick Mart gas station. The clerk was very nonchalant about the whole torrid affair, so the transaction had the casual feel of purchasing a Sunday newspaper and bag of chips. Thanks, young lady!

The cover features Bruno Mars in a 50's pose, strumming a guitar, wearing a white jacket and black pants, while April playmate Raquel Pomplun is in a pose that resembles a crab walk at his feet. They make a nice looking couple, and they both have awesome hair.

The magazine felt much lighter and had a lower page count than the issues my dad bought all those years ago. In spite of that, it had an amazing amount of content in comparison to most magazines I purchase today.

Some highlights include:

Brief reviews of current fads in food, movies, tv, and fashion.

A feature called "After Hours" that remembers the making of Animal House.

An article about having sex on planes.

An article about dating people you've dated before.

A feature called "Playboy Advisor" that prints letters and responses on such topics as pet nicknames, revenge porn sites, tipping tattoo artists, and the best way to store mechanical watches.

Playboy Forum articles on prescription drug abuse and why we shouldn't obsess about the national debt.

A lengthy interview with Mad Men star, John Hamm.

A nude photo spread of a British DJ named Natalie Loren. She seems like a nice girl.

The 2012 music guide that gives us tips on artists we should be looking out for like Lana Del Ray, the Alabama Shakes, and Eric Church. I Youtubed some of them. Not bad choices.

An interview with Mick Fleetwood in which he complains about Stevie Nicks holding up the latest reunion tour and costing him $10 million, while insisting he has no hard feelings. Right, Mick. I totally support Stevie on this one.

A fiction piece about a Russian picnic.

A six page Walking Dead story in which we see Michonne's struggles on the first day of the great zombie disaster, learn where she got her swords, and get glimpses of the bad ass she will become. Charlie Adlard's work is perfectly consistent with his efforts in the comic.

A photo spread featuring Miss April, Latin Temptation, Raquel Pomplun. She likes to cook and dance and is pursuing a degree in biochemistry. Santana is her favorite bedroom music. She's very pretty and wears some interesting and inexpensive jewelry for the shoot.

They still publish Playboy Party Jokes! They're every bit as bad as they were 30 years ago.

An article listing the greatest electric guitarists of all time. Do you agree? I didn't completely agree with the order, but some good choices.

20 Questions with the sassy Meghan McCain. Girl just can't stop dishing on the Palins.

An article on a dirty Chicago cop.

A fashion spread and interview with Bruno Mars. The boy is cute, has an ego, and fun sense of humor. I can't afford any of those clothes, though.

A fun gossipy feature that reprints nude pictures of former playmates who have gone on to marry famous rock stars. Cute.


Overall Grade: B+

The Walking Dead strip is good, but probably not worth the $6.99 cover price if you have no interest in the other content. If any of the above piques your interest or sounds like fun, grab the issue already!

Thanks Jerry.

Hope it helps folks decide whether to buy it.

Oh, and I forgot to mention there is MORE comic related news in solicitation for the next issue of Playboy. There will be an interview with Grant Morrison.

<span class="spoiler_containter"><span class="spoiler_wording">Click Here For A Spoiler</span><span class="spoiler_text">After watching the season finale of the television series, I need to revise my recommendation of the Playboy strip up a notch. It leads directly into the tv series if that is important to you. </span></span>

RE: Issue #96

A very different issue. This is a pivotal moment for the cast. Rick's speech was nothing short of inspirational.

Just caught up with 95 and 96.

Wow...that was not at all what I expected it to be. That's not a bad thing...just different.

I'm now going to sut back and wait for things to go tits up.

Just finished up through Book #8, and I'll admit I'm losing faith in the series. It just seems every death and maiming comes off as a calculated ploy, the characters have ground to a halt and the Governor was just such an over the top villain that I couldn't get into it.

I'm on the fence as to whether I'll purchase the next one. The best part to recommend it is that the whole Prison/Woodbury stuff seems to be at a definitive close, so at least we'll get a fresh start of sorts with book #9. Without get too spoilery, can people confirm that things pick up?

Dave, IMO, things do pick up soon after where you left off. The next phase (probably Book 9) is a bit of 'catching your breath and realizing what just happened'. But then soon after, things pick up again.

Where we are now, around #97 or so, there have been actually a few ups and downs from where you are. So you'll have to push through those two downs (two in particular, including where you are now). I think we're riding a big high right now, as things are getting really fantastic again and potentially could reach an all new high point shortly.

I read 95-97 just now... I am interested in this cult of Negan... but I do feel like there's a sense that this book is kinda going in cicles quite a bit these days. Still, it remains a top read of mine but I actuaklky find myself missing MANY of the older better-established characters that are no longer with us.

The many MANY newer --hell, NOT so new really, like Rosita and her crew-- castmembers we have now just don't match what certain others brought to the table for me.

I think Kirkman killed off many of them FAR too quickly.

I realized in 97... I have forgotten the Priest's name... I have forgotten the muscley handlebar mustache guy's name... this should NOT be the case.

RE: Issue #98 - Something else else to Fear, Part 2


I guess we've all been hoping for something special for issue #100. Things have been kind of quiet lately. Some interesting moments, but kind of quiet. Until this issue, that is!

An unexpected and disturbing death. Gore galore. This new menace is as dangerous and deadly as anything the crew has faced so far. That's saying something. Fasten your seat belts folks. Things are going to get pretty wild over the next few issues.

Excited for things to finally be ramping up. A shame about the death this issue though - I was fond of the character and they really don't have a lot of fighting force left, do they? At least, named characters we could actually care about. The group that got ambushed by walkers was a nice highlight that no matter how many you kill, there's still going to be thousands left when you live next to a formerly densely populated area.

Wondering which of the major characters we'll lose in issue #100. I'll be completely surprised if Kirkman has everyone survive the issue.

98 was definitely an eye-opener...pun intended. Though the end of the previous issue foreshadowed the death in the first few pages, it was shocking to see him or her taken out in that fashion so suddenly. I would have thought the character would have at least been given a chance to go out in a blaze of glory. I considered the character among my favorites of the current group of survivors, but the death didn't have the impact that some of the others had on me. It was nice, though, to see some of the survivors reacting to it. You could just feel the oh shit in the air among them along with their personal connections.

On the other hand, it was nice to see that the other character wasn't content to be road kill and found a unique and (let's face it) pretty funny way to turn the tables on his assailants. I kinda like to see the underdogs survive against the odds, and I hope this character survives the arc now.

Going in, I thought maybe "Something else else to Fear" would take place as a war on the Hilltop, but it looks like the current war might just be at the Community instead. Maybe this is an introductory salvo in a longer sequence with something at the Hilltop happening later. We'll see how compelling the new bad guys are as more than just a dire threat. They will inevitably be compared to the Governor and Woodbury. To live up to that, Negan and his thugs have lots to live up to!

I just finished trade 16, that collects 91 through 96.

I may have to run to the store to see if they still have 97 and on ... can't wait to see Negan's crew get the smack put down on them!

and ... If Carl just never appeared again ... without any explanation ... I'd be fine with that.

The book seems like its ending ... but with the tv show out they're probably gonna milk this baby like a cactus in the desert.

"Carl who?"

I think it was as recently as 98's lettercol that Kirkman said something like TWD 'probably isn't even half-over.'

That's incredible ... Wonder where it will go then ...

I picked up 98, missed 97 ...

was shocked to see that no one is sacred ...

in fact a couple issues ago when Andrea was going on about her and Rick being the "ones that survive" I just thought oh no she din't ...

Even after all weve been through reading this series, I can still be surprised. The death in #98 caught me off guard, and Kirkman smartly made it matter-of-fact and without overdrama.

I have a bad feeling in my gut about #100. Really don't Wang to lose one of my three favorites. (The big three besides Rick & Carl).

Lardy totally agree about the one who lived through #98. I suddenly am interested in him again and want to see him evolve. Even his conversation on the first few pages helped refine his character for me.

Just read 98 - 100.

Wow, the death in 98 was hard to take, but it was nice to see the other one take a stand...as it were.

99 was a nice bridge to 100, setting everything up.

100 - HOLY CRAP! That was freakin brutal.

100 was seriously fucked up. I'm still a little shaken, having put it down just a few minutes ago. Reminded me in many ways of what happened to Tyreese. This was a big one, and the implications for our characters are huge.

Thing is, I'd wager this Negan/Saviors arc has barely just begun. No way they can be taken care of in just a couple of issues. They make the Governor's group look like a boy scout troop.

I sincerely hope Rick eventually gets to keep that promise he made to Negan.

I really hope so as well.

This has got to be another 6 - 12 issues at least. Anything less would feel like it was being shortchanged.

I'm thinking quite a bit longer. Remember the number of issues between Rick, Michonne and Glenn stumbling into Woodbury and the exodus from the prison? Something else else around that many or longer. A lot of it depends upon where you start counting, but I'd say it began around the point where Jesus takes the group to the Hilltop.

True. But there is a time line in place already. Not saying that the thing will be over then...but there is something brewing.

I'm still F'ing stunned.

Wow. Issue #100 was not for the light hearted. I actually think that was the most graphically violent comic book I've ever read. I've read lots of graphically violent comic books.

The tension just built and built. Those who were worrying that this book was losing steam or relevance have been proven wrong. This is definitely just the beginning.

Dev, what timeline? Do you mean the length of "Something else else to Fear"? If so, I don't think the whole Saviors threat will be complete in 2 more issues!

Pretty sure I've seen more violent moments in comics, but I can't recall something so graphicly brutal being done to such a beloved character before.

Perhaps so. One of the amazing things about TWD is that it feels so real in spite of the fact that it is a zombie comic book. What could easily be dismissed as "cartoon violence" if presented in other books takes on a real and human impact in this series.

No, I meant in the book itself. They said something about a week. So, they have that 'timeline; until they are supposed to see them again. Just an observation is all.

I think Kirkman chose the character very carefully. Same as with the one in 98.

I wonder if they'll proceed to the Hilltop or go back to the Community. I'm guessing the latter.

I really didn't like issue 100.

That was unnecessary.

At least I got the Frank Quitely variant cover.

... I think I'll give it up, I felt this way before but then the book changed radically ... but now it's back to ... the crazy over the top horror stuff ...

its too realistic for me to be such a graphic horror book ...

I've just read TWD TPB #16 (covering issue #s 91-96) and so it's time for my 6-monthly review -

First things first, this bunch of 6 issues were slightly more enjoyable than the wretched previous 6 (mainly thanks to the introduction of Jesus and his community finally breaking the boring monotony of Rick and co's story) but I am seriously beginning to wonder if TWD isn't on a downward spiral now.

Kirkman just seems to be losing it with this book IMO. Whereas in the past, I would have protested against anyone who called him a "bad writer" in terms of dialogue and characterisation and so on (and there are plenty who do so on other websites), recently I have begun to notice things that make me think "Hey, maybe they're right?"

But worst of all, he seems to be losing control of the story too. TWD used to feel like a fresh, exciting take on the zombie survival genre. Now it's starting to feel repetitive and familiar.

Is there ANYONE in this thread who prefers the post-prison arc issues of TWD to the pre-prison arc issues? I'd love to hear some reasons why if so.

As for my other big bugbear with this book - the completely unlikeable main characters - well, that's still 100% there. I keep wondering how much more I'd be enjoying this story if Rick and Carl weren't in it. My heart almost skipped a beat when we finally got to Jesus' community and the tantalising opportunity to get to know a whole new cast of characters in place of the ugly few that Kirkman keeps forcing on us came up.

Kirkman has really dropped the ball with the characters in this story IMO. MLLASH complained a couple of pages ago that he killed off too many interesting ones too quickly and that is soooo true. It wouldn't have been so bad if he would do something with some of their replacements however, but he doesn't do ANYTHING with them. Eugene, Rosita, Gabriel and even Abraham have been around for about, what - 45 issues now(?) and what do we know about them? Almost nothing. What important roles have they played in the plot? Almost none.

Compare them to how well we got to know the pre-prison arc characters and it seems like Kirkman has just stopped caring about that aspect of his story.

As for specific events within this TPB -

* I am totally not feeling this romance/whatever it is between Rick and Andrea. They have much more of a Dick Grayson/Donna Troy vibe going on IMO. Putting them together seems cheap and uncreative.

* When Jesus said that after talking to Carl he realised Rick was "good people" I almost coughed! I don't know what book Jesus has been reading but the one I've got depicts him as a junior sociopath!

* Which brings me to possibly the most annoying scene of the book IMO, and yet another example of Kirkman's hypocricy when it comes to Rick and Carl and their actions versus everyone else's. So Kirkman has Jesus yell at a bunch of mourners at a guy's funeral that the guy was "nothing more than a coward" and "deserved to die" for the actions he did to, presumably, save the life of a loved one. Now I'm not saying that Ethan's actions were correct but we have repeatedly been shown in this book that it is justifiable and OK for Rick and Carl to go to extraordinarily harsh lengths (including killing children) to protect each other. Yet when some random does it, it's not OK and Kirkman has to make a point of dissing the guy and his choice at his own funeral. I find the double-standards and favouritism that Kirkman shows Rick and Carl in this book sooo aggravating. They now just seem like the very definition of Mary-Sue's to me.

* I have found the depiction of Rick's housing community to be completely false for a while now and after this TPB I think I want this whole storyline behind us and never mentioned again. First of all, the "inner circle" of the place (judging by the council/whatever meeting in issue #91) seems to consist solely of Rick, Abraham, Andrea, Michonne and Nicholas - and the latter only seems to be there because Rick lets him be. So all the people who actually built and lived in this community for however long before Rick turned up have completely left all the running of it to these newbies who have a habit of fighting and pulling guns on fellow community members (who've been there longer) at the drop of a hat? That is just not believable to me.

* But much worse than that - it's been what, a year or two(?) that they've been living there and they're only just NOW thinking about farming their own food?!? I'm sorry but that is all kinds of ridiculous. If society crumbles, where you get your food from will be one of your first, if not THE first, concerns you would have. And if scavenging for it was as dangerous as it is in TWD universe, growing it yourself would be an option on the table VERY quickly. There is NO WAY it would take this community 2 years or whatever to start thinking about it. This is just an example of bad writing IMO.

* I am really over Rick's speechifying. I found his famous "We are the walking dead!" speech from the prison arc to be beautiful and moving and powerful and shocking and an example of everything that Kirkman was doing right with the book back then. His speech at the end of #96 here was just kinda obvious and redundant. It should have been obvious to Rick and co. for a while now that the community/ies was their best chance of recreating their old way of life, not be a sudden realisation 5 TPBS later. It's not good writing when the readers are 5 steps ahead of the characters.

Anyhoo, I'm definitely in for the next TPB to see what Kirkman has in store for issue #100, but after that... we'll see. It seems weird to me that I find the show so much more enjoyable than the comic it sprang from now, but there we are.

Actually, I was really excited about the post prison arc because I thought they were going to do something completely different (especially since the violence has gotten stale for me and gratuitous is an extreme understatement) ... like stepford wives, or some sort of lord of the flies social commentary but ... it seems they did a bit of that and then ... didn't really succeed in pushing it very far ... so now we're back to what they've done before just bigger and with more gore.

For me, I'm afraid it's about to turn from a comment on zombie movies to ... a george romero knock off.

That may be harsh but I'm still pissed off about issue 100.

I don't need that imagery in my brain !

I don't think that "thinking of the worst thing you can do to characters" is writing.

<--- sassy.

Yikes, I just set down issues 99-100. That was VERY VERY hard to take, especially for a character who has:

1. been around since the first issues

and

2. has been brought to life so awesomely in the TV series.

I almost feel like Kirkman wanted to single out one of the beloved TV characters to kind of show that *he* was in control of these characters, not the TV writers. That is of course all a big guess/assumption on my part but that IS how it 'feels' to me.

I'm definitely still on board, as I am very curious as to how this will play out. I don't know that this "arc" will EVER end... this may in fact very well be the new reailty of this comic. It's Negan's world now...

In hindsight I think Kirkman HAD to kill who he did in issue 100. Maybe not that specific character, but any one of the handful who've been among the core group since, well, forever. After a certain character survived what appeared to be certain death last year, it was beginning to look like those characters were invincible. In a world such as this one, NO one is truly safe. To prove it to us and to himself, Kirkman HAD to do what he did in 100 and in the ugliest, most brutal way possible. Otherwise, TWD loses a big part of what makes it appealing.

Undeniably, it hurts a lot for us longtime fans of this book. I honestly don't know who else among the Big Five I would've chosen to die instead. I'm pretty damned attached to all of them. None of them is a safe choice. And that's why it had to happen.

Throwing this out because I'm curious what others think.

Put yourself in Negan's (reprehensible) shoes for a moment...

Wouldn't it have made more sense from his perspective to have singled out either Carl or Sophia, as neither one is really much use to him (for all he knows) when it comes to his primary objective (the gathering of possessins that he can take half of)?

I honestly thought Carl or Sophia was going to be singled out. I was leaning more towards Sophia, considering her TV character's fate.

if YOU were Negan-- who would YOU have chosen and why?

Though I can see his logic to an extent, I would have taken out Rick. None of the others present were as dangerous to Negan as he and Michonne. But Rick, particularly is their leader. And though Michonne is deadly, she's never really shown an inclination to lead. I know it's in Negan's interest to break Rick and not make him a martyr, but without him, it's unlikely any of the others in the Community would step up to revolt against Negan's people.

Of course, maybe Negan doesn't know that. But that's who I would've taken out if I were a megalomaniac like him.

THE WALKING DEAD: MICHONNE SPECIAL
story ROBERT KIRKMAN
art / cover CHARLIE ADLARD & CLIFF RATHBURN
OCTOBER 10
32 PAGES / BW / M
$2.99
This special issue of THE WALKING DEAD presents THE WALKING DEAD #19, featuring the first appearance of Michonne as well as the Michonne origin story that first appeared in Playboy Magazine. Just in time for Michonne’s appearance in THE WALKING DEAD SEASON 3!

So yea. Wow. Just wow.

That was tough.

Not sure I'm even ready to talk about it yet. This one hurt.

Yeah, I know, Des. I'd argue that it HAD to happen, though (see previous page for my reasoning). I wrote the comic a letter defending it and explaining why. I hope it sees print.

But yeah, it hurts.

So, a few days later (and I haven't stopped thinking about it) and I agree with Lardy's post on the previous page. TWD was gradually approaching being a 'safe' title that was almost becoming formulaic. Something else else like this had to happen.

It doesn't make it any less difficult on the readers, for sure. This was probably the hardest moment of the series for me to read thus far, and as we all know, there have been some real tough ones.

It is certainly a turning point though. For the first time in a long while, it feels like the series is unsafe and going in a direction I can't fathom.

I think at the end of the day, this is Robert Kirkman's vision and our opinions on where he takes it should not count for that much. He needs to stay true to it, even if it's damn ugly. In light of his achieving success beyond imagining in the last 12 months, this must be a way for him to reclaim total control of his most important property.

...

...

...

But, man. It sucks. I'm really going to miss that character. I feel like I've lost a friend.

Personally, I do not think Kirkman is done with the terror in this arc..

'Formulaic' is the perfect word, Cobie... TWD was absolutely a foot in that doorway already.

But yeah, I agree Dev, we may have seen NOTHING yet.

grumpy Power Boy will not agree that the Walking Dead is no longer safe and formulaic UNTIL they kill Rick and that little dog of his!


<--- temper tantrum

^He's so cute when he throws a tantrum.

I'll actually be shocked if both Rick and Carl escape this arc unscathed...

I think the thing about <span class="spoiler_containter"><span class="spoiler_wording">Click Here For A Spoiler</span><span class="spoiler_text">Glenn</span></span> which makes him/her so hard to lose (other than being there so long and the brutal death) is <span class="spoiler_containter"><span class="spoiler_wording">Click Here For A Spoiler</span><span class="spoiler_text">that he was our "everyman" character in the cast. He was someone that we could relate to and who reacted similarly to how we think we might in this extreme situation.</span></span> The good news is <span class="spoiler_containter"><span class="spoiler_wording">Click Here For A Spoiler</span><span class="spoiler_text">he's still in the show being portrayed by a wonderful actor. Hopefully, Kirkman will let him stick around for a while!</span></span>

I'd be shocked if they don't escape (relatively) unscathed. As much of a "no one is safe" notice that latest death was, you could argue that Carl (probably) and Rick (definitely)are THE two main characters of the series. If one of them gets it, you'll TRULY know that anything can happen.

Lardy (and others who know who we're talking about...

<span class="spoiler_containter"><span class="spoiler_wording">Click Here For A Spoiler</span><span class="spoiler_text">I think he did it exactly with that as part of the reason. The character is well represented on television. This gave him a chance to kill a longstanding character in the book...which let's face it, he had to for all the reasons listed above. It also gave him a chance to flex his evil writing muscle to remind us who's boss.

It also gave him a way to shock the hell out of any new readers that may have jumped over from the show. Not sure how many there are, but if you just started reading...even starting at the beginning, how shocked would you be to have Glenn die that soon (for new readers flying through the trades) for you?</span></span>

That's just my opinion though. Your mileage may vary.

I think the moment to kill Rick has passed. It may come again, but doing so within the next 30 issues just won't have the momentous feeling it should.

So sorry Blacuka & Peebs. I think Rick is here until at least 2017.

But isn't that when Rick should buy it...when it isn't an event. Just some random thing?

word. true dat.

Anybody read #101 yet? I haven't been to my CBS this week... curious what the immediate aftermath of #100 is...

I did, last night!! Good issue-- SPOILERS FOLLOW!

Maggie and Sophia get left at the Hilltop, but not before Sophia has the best scene she's had since the series debut, involving putting ever-annoying Carl in his place!

Also, an off-panel battle happened between the hordes of New-enemy-guy and the Community.

A surprise capture is revealed at the end!

I did pick up 101, and was surprised how nothing new happened ... and more than that, the crew was set back to the same situation they were in in issue 99.

RE: Issue #102

This is a definite change of pace issue with some touching and revealing character moments for several cast members. Is this issue a game changer? I was thinking so up until the last page....

I enjoyed issue 102. I liked that all was not exactly as it seemed by that last page. It would have frankly made sense if the pre-last page scenario was the course of action being set up under the circumstances. Little confused why Rick would go through all that hand-wringing and deception with his inner circle, though.

Um, I guess I feel a little ripped off after buying the Michonne Special. The first few pages are just a reprint of the Playboy strip. Adlard's art for the rest of issue isn't up to his usual standard, and there really isn't that much new information or insight.

Recommended only for the most diehard TWD completists.

I got it today, but I didn't already have the PLAYBOY, so I'm cool with it.

RE: Issue 103

The threat is real. We're in on the plan but most of the cast is not. Watching their reactions builds a unique kind of tension. Negan provokes with his parting shot.