The Walking Dead #60 – Review

By Robert Kirkman (Writer), Charlie Adlard (Pencils & Inks), and Cliff Rathburn (Gray Tones)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: Sixty issues in and The Walking Dead is still going strong. I continue to be amazed at how well Robert Kirkman keeps adding twists, turns, and depth to a story that initially, seemed extremely familiar (simple, even). I can’t wait to see what he has up his sleeve next.

The Story: Rick, Carl, Abraham, and Morgan attempt to elude the massive zombie herd they came across last issue. Meanwhile, Dale begins truly thinking about settling down with Amanda and the kids at a farm that seems almost too perfect for words.

What’s Good: It’s been a while since the zombies truly felt like the massive threat they once where, so the obvious highlight of The Walking Dead #60 is the intensity that is generated by the herd. The less obvious highlights are the quiet moments that the creative team handles so well. The most notable of which is a scene in which Morgan makes a grim, graphic discovery that really hits hard thanks to the fantastic work by Charlie Adlard and Cliff Rathburn. Also worth a mention is how effortlessly Robert Kirkman reestablishes Dale, the kids, and Maggie in the issue. The character moments are quiet, but they will linger in your mind (especially the one with the kids).

What’s Not So Good: Kirkman always handles his characters with the utmost care. That’s why I find the way (new cast member) Dr. Eugene is used so annoying. He seems to speak simply as a plot device and nothing more. His words make an impact, but I feel that they would be more effective if we knew more about the character or his previous situation.

My other complaint has to do with the herd. While I really like the way the herd is used, both as a set piece and a plot device, I wish more time was spent with it. A minor complaint, yes, but still something that disappointed me about the issue. Some hardcore zombie stuff is always welcome and the herd offers lots of potential for it.

Conclusion: As usual, the creative team behind The Walking Dead delivers in nearly every way. Issue sixty is about as solid as they come and serves as a great example of why the series is such a success. Highly recommended.

Grade: B+

-Kyle Posluszny

The Walking Dead #57 – Review

By Robert Kirkman (Writer), Charlie Adlard (Pencils & Inks), and Cliff Rathburn (Gray Tones)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: I’m definitely digging what Robert Kirkman is doing with the new cast members, especially in regards to Abraham. His standoff with Rick and subsequent breakdown left me itching for more. So without further delay, allow me to just get on with the review process.

The Story: The survivors find a good place to rest for a few days near an interstate highway, and Rick suggests taking a trip to the police station he worked at to look for supplies. He eventually heads out With Carl and Abraham, and as expected the group runs into a major problem along the way.

What’s Good: Unfortunately, I can’t go into a whole lot of detail about what makes The Walking Dead #57 so effective without spoiling anything. However, I can say that the issue has a certain intensity about it that has been lacking for some time. Instead of a quiet or subdued character moment, Kirkman delivers one that hits with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer.It works brilliantly, especially considering that it plays upon a timeless question that nearly every parent must ponder at some point.

What’s Not So Good: I rarely say this, but a few panels this time around look a bit rushed. While it doesn’t really diminish the issue as a whole,  it’s noticeable enough to warrant a mention. That said, the detail is there when it absolutely counts the most, so I can’t complain too much.

Conclusion: Some way, some how The Walking Dead just keeps getting better and better. As a result, I’m quickly running out of ways to praise the series. Oh well, I’ll keep doing it as long as the quality is there. Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard, and Cliff Rathburn have put together a story that definitely deserves all the acclaim it can get.

Grade: B+

-Kyle Posluszny

The Walking Dead #55 – Review

By Robert Kirkman (Creator & Writer), Charlie Adlard (Pencils & Inks), and Cliff Rathburn (Gray Tones & Cover Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: A few months back, I started to get a bit worried that The Walking Dead might be stuck in neutral. After last issue, Robert Kirkman officially made it clear that it’s not. The return of some old faces and the introduction of a few new ones injected both life and a world of possibilities into what is, in my opinion, one of the best survival stories ever put to print. It will be interesting to see what happens with all these new plot parts now in play.

The Story: The crew of survivors come across an interesting zombie while on a supply stop. Also, Rick continues to battle his mental instability as he once again picks up the phone to speak to his dead wife. To be honest, that’s about all that happens outside of the surprise ending. The issue as a whole is more focused on character work and adding pieces to the zombie puzzle.

What’s Good: While some may find The Walking Dead #55 a bit slow (and lacking in forward plot motion), the incredible character work and interesting bit of information regarding the state of the zombie outbreak more than makes up for the lack of action. Particularly great is how Robert Kirkman handles Rick’s struggle with his deteriorating mental state. It’s next to impossible not to have an emotional investment in a character that has gone through (and lost) so much.

What’s Not So Good: Some may be put off by the lack of action in the issue. Then again, those reading the series solely for the zombie action are pretty much missing the point entirely. It has always been about the characters and will continue to be about the characters.

Conclusion: Another month, another great chapter of The Walking Dead. Fans of the characters will find a lot to like in this one.

Grade: A-

-Kyle Posluszny

The Walking Dead #52 – Review

By Robert Kirkman (Writer), Charlie Adlard (Pencils and Ink), and Cliff Rathburn (Gray Tones)

After the phone call mindbender last issue that seriously called into question Rick’s mental state, I was surprised to find the latest chapter of The Walking Dead to be both a welcome return to form and an indication that the story has truly come full circle.

While I had no problem with (and really enjoyed) the effective slow burn storytelling of recent months, I’d be lying if I said the good old-fashioned zombie killing is this one wasn’t a breath of fresh air. Well, this issue really brings the series back to its survival-horror roots. Rick and Carl search for supplies, encounter (and dispatch) some zombies, are found by a survivor/returning cast member (it’s apparent on the cover). After a brief reunion, the cast tries to get a grip on what has happened and what to do next. It’s a fairly simple plot (especially considering how far we are into the series), but it really taps into what makes The Walking Dead so enjoyable in the first place, proving that sometimes the most basic plot situation can be something special if handled by the right. And it’s been handled right more often than not.

At this point, how much more can really be said about the technical aspects of this book? Robert Kirkman once again shows that he is a master storyteller who knows how to bring depth and personality to what could easily be just another gore-filled zombie romp thanks to some excellent character moments (the driving scene that opens the book is brilliant). Charlie Adlard and Cliff Rathburn make the most of a black and white color palette, producing one of the best looking books on the stands. They prove in spades that graphic violence isn’t necessarily dependent on the color red.

While I could potentially knock this one for heading back into some extremely familiar territory, it works so well and is handled so skillfully that I can’t possibly allow myself to do that. Why you ask? Because, in my opinion, this is The Walking Dead at its best. (Grade: A)

– Kyle Posluszny