Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Walking Dead #69
Image Comics
Kirkman, Adlard & Rathburn
The latest issue of the Walking Dead provides a return to the series' roots by getting back to people dealing with a wall of zombies. The issue also gives a glimpse of the status of the nation's capital as well as introducing a couple of new characters. The heart of the issue is still the theme of trust. Both sides have major trust issues with each other and this issue manages to capture that tension very well without having any one character cross a line. It's a solid issue that leaves the reader wondering when everything will turn to hell, because in this comic it always does.
The issue begins with Eric and Aaron continuing to led Rick and company to their community. They stop along the highway to get a glimpse of the city and its state. It's tough to tell exactly what portion of the city we are looking at but it is clear that the zombies have overrun it.
A flare is spotted and Aaron determines it is some of his people stuck in the city and in trouble. The great debate begins about who should go and who should stay with the kids and supplies. Rick senses a setup if both Aaron and Eric go. On the other hand, Aaron doesn't want Rick tagging along instead of Eric because Rick has only one hand and the job might require two strong able bodied people.
Once at the site of the flare we meet two more characters, one of which is injured. When Rick and company get them loaded up so they can flee they are surrounded by zombies. However, more residents armed to the teeth, from the community show up and get them clear.
The issue is good because it captures the paranoia that Rick must have whenever a new little surprise shows up, such as the flare or the truck load of gunman. The comic also portrays the flipside well as Rick makes statements about how the injured man isn't going to make it, immediately putting the new characters on edge. It's blind faith at its best. Neither side has any reason to trust the other and yet they continue to hold out hope because the world seems to contain so few humans.
The artwork excels with getting back to basics. The comic contains a ton of pages where the zombies are taking over the scenery. As a result there is plenty of action and nice layouts to give the characters some room to cut up or blow away the zombies. One awkward panel on the second page seems to have Rick with a right hand which just can't be the case, but it sure appears that way. Still it's been a long time since this series has had this many zombies in an issue.
Rick and company seem to have a new, secure home as their journey ends in this issue. However, as has been the case in many other locations, nothing is as it seems and no long term happiness seems to be in the cards. I'm enjoying the tension build up, but I am eager to watch everything fall apart again. This was another good issue.
4 out of 5 Geek Goggles
