Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Walking Dead #79
Image Comics
Kirkman, Adlard & Rathburn
Rick takes command of the community but all is not well as this issue serves as the primer for the next highly promoted arc, No Way Out. The issue moves a lot of pieces into place as characters re-forge friendships and voice their doubts while the front gate gets a little too crowded with zombies. The comic book delivers the usual outstanding level of character interaction and, surprisingly, a lot of zombie action, but is not one of the most eye popping issues either. As is the case with every issue in this series, this issue shouldn't be missed, but the issue does feel a lot like a set up issue for what's to come.
The issue opens with Rick and Andrea discussing how much more comfortable they feel knowing they just can't relax sitting inside the walls. The relief is odd but rings true. Even Carl voices this to his father Rick in a later scene in the issue. The group simply can't afford to get soft just because they have some guns and a nice wall. Rick's group is experienced but the bulk of the community is not. This is why Rick is the leader of everyone. Andrea also makes a comment about being the safest one in the community while in the watchtower. Foreshadowing?
The issue picks up some steam as one of the spotters, Eric, was stabbed by a potential new recruit. While this sequence helps to get to know some of the other characters a little bit the only real substantial part to come out of it is the fact that others in the community just can't handle the stress of violence and the crazy people out in the wild.
The bulk of the remainder of the issue is spent clearing the gate and the area around the wall. Abraham, another of Rick's men, is in charge. While the plan sounds well and good, not understanding the geography comes in to play here. Abraham wants to leave a man behind every fifty feet or so as the two groups clear off the surrounding fence and meet up on the other side, presumably the back wall. However, not knowing how many houses there are it seems like they would need more than the ten to fifteen guys that walk out of the gate. It's just a strange plan to read not understanding the execution of the idea. The gate clearing takes on an unexpected life of its own setting up the next issue and arc.
The issue is at its best with the character's interactions. Characters discuss plans, ideas, feelings and friendship in believable and entertaining dialogue. Without the character interactions the character definition would be that much more difficult to push across to the reader. None of it feels forced and all of it seems to have its place in the grander scheme of things.
The character interactions work well because of the artwork. Adlard takes care to make sure the characters depict some sort of believable reaction to the dialogue or instances that they face. Sure, Adlard draws zombies like nobody's business but his gift is bringing to life the cast of characters in the everyday emotional moments.
I've never read a bad issue in this series and I've never read an issue that didn't fully engage me while I was reading it. This issue is no different. The scale for this comic book series ranges from good to amazing. This is one is good. It doesn't mean you should pass it up. In fact, based on the teaser for the next issue I would recommend that you do pick it up. Things are looking to heat up for Rick and friends.
3 out of 5 Geek Goggles
 Walking Dead #77 |
 Walking Dead #79 |
 Walking Dead #72 |
