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 #56 – Review

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

Some Thoughts Before The Review: I really can’t say enough about how much I am enjoying the current Walking Dead arc. Robert Kirkman continues to put on a clinic about how and when to toss a twist or bit of information into a long-running story to make sure it hits with maximum impact. And now that I have the next chapter in my hand, I can’t wait to see what comes about as a result of the intriguing notion that the zombies may be slowly starving to death and Maggie’s apparent suicide.

The Story: Unsurprisingly, The Walking Dead #56 is a fairly slow, character-driven issue that centers around Maggie’s actions. I’ll keep from going into more detail to avoid heading into spoiler territory, but I can say that the events that take place allow Kirkman to put a spotlight on the tensions inherent in the eclectic group of survivors. In particular, the dynamic that exists between Rick and Abraham, the most prominent of the new cast members.

What’s Good: If you are a regular to this site, chances are you already know what I am going to say in this section. Robert Kirkman continues to do what he does best by delivering another issue driven almost entirely by the incredible strength of his cast. Obviously, Maggie’s actions have a huge impact on the simmering group, and reactions are written in a way that is both extremely effective and unquestionably realistic. I continue to find myself amazed by the depth of The Walking Dead.

Visually, the issue is pretty much business as usual. Don’t take that as a negative though. Charlie Adlard and Cliff Rathburn continue to display an impressive visual range with their character work and their handling of the action beats.

What’s Not So Good (Possible Spoilers Ahead!!): I have little doubt that many longtime readers will find some frustration with how things play out in the book. It’s a classic Walking Dead moment, for both good and bad. While I have no real problem with it personally, it definitely warrants mentioning as a negative because similar things have happened a few too many times before. In short, your reaction to the opening few pages will probably play a large part in how you feel about the issue as a whole.

Conclusion: The Walking Dead #56 is another strong chapter in a series that continues to impress, but some may find themselves a bit irritated by it. I can’t say that I blame you if you do.

Grade: B+

-Kyle Posluszny

A Second Opinion

Some great character moments here, but Rick leaving himself open while he takes a piss seems a bit out of character. I love what Robert Kirkman is doing with Abraham. Conflict and tension is what drives this book (with the zombies taking a secondary role as the background threat), and it’s clear that an emotional basket case like Abraham is going to cause lots of trouble for our team of survivors. We’ve been so focused on a new direction and the zombie menace that we forgot how many loonies there are in this bunch! Bring it on!

Grade: B+

– J. Montes

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

The Walking Dead #47 – Review

By Robert Kirkman (writer), Charlie Adlard (art) Cliff Rathburn (gray tones)

Instead of trying to up the stakes after last issue’s riveting climax, Robert Kirkman throws us into the battle we’ve been waiting for. Michonne fires an errant shot that grazes the Governor’s face and takes out a bunch of his men before fleeing into the woods. This brush with death prompts the Governor to launch a full scale assault on the prison. It’s a completely irrational response, too. His men are demoralized, he’s wounded, and the most dangerous woman he’s ever faced is on the lose. But he realizes he may never get another chance.

Back at the prison, Rick delivers the horrible news of last issue’s events to his wife and son. It doesn’t go well with Lori, but his son, ever the anchor of sanity and rationalism in this book, takes the news well, while preparing himself for the worst. Soon, the battle begins and the survivors begin to fall – but not without inflicting heavy casualties to the Governor’s numbers. Finally, in a move that I’m surprised wasn’t used before, the tank busts through the fence, penetrating the prison walls. With their defenses compromised, Rick runs to his wife and son’s rescue.

While this issue didn’t stun me, it did what it usually does: entertain. We’ve finally  got the battle we’ve been waiting for and while this is only the first half, there’s already plenty of ramifications in store for the survivors. It all happens so fast, too, that we’re barely given time to mourn the loss of those who die. But in true fashion, Kirkman reminds us that this is a war, and there’ll be time to mourn the dead later. Right now, it’s a desperate fight for survival (for both sides) and we’ve gotta wait another month to see who lives. Argh! (Grade: B+)

– J. Montes