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

Young Liars #2 – Review

By David Lapham (writer & artist), Lee Loughridge (colors)

Last issue we got introduced to the members of Young Liars. This issue we get the “origin” story of Danny and how he first met Sadie. Like one can expect, his former life is a depressing one. Danny is the lovable loser, just trying to get by in life. He spends his days trying to get his band together and his nights working at a Wal-Mart-like store. His life at home is rough; his mother depends on his paycheck and his brother’s handicapped. His only outlet is his band, and when his best friend abuses their friendship (time and again), Danny’s left with suicidal tendencies. Much of this issue is about dealing with suicide and how one moment can turn it all around.

And while some may read this book and think Danny to be a stereotypical archetype, the reality is there are many people who are in this same position. I see them every day. It’s the kind of people who’ve dropped out of high school, are stuck in a dead end job, and live for the weekends so they can party or drink their lives away. It’s a sad state of affairs. But then Danny meets Sadie, and for the first time in his young life, he feels alive.

David Lapham is doing his best work in years. After fumbling around with other companies’ creations, he feels completely in his element here and it shows. There’s not a panel or line of dialog that’s meaningless or wasted, and the art is top notch. However, the musical lyrics that play in the background seem a bit more intrusive this time around. Maybe it was the choice of song or maybe it was the repetitious nature – I don’t know. It just didn’t seem right.

Young Liars is a wonderful piece of work that communicates well to people in their late 20s and early 30s. It’s a painful reminder of youth and how dangerous life really was in those reckless years. (Grade: A)

– J. Montes