Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Walking Dead #88
Image Comics
Kirkman, Adlard & Rathburn
The latest Walking Dead continues to build up to the next big confrontation as the issue deals with subplots and side drama in the interim. As is always the case the book is one of the best reads out there in its character work and presentation. Kirkman is growing some new characters and dealing with new relationships while the next storm grows from within. If you aren't reading this book you are definitely missing out, even if the series has a slow issue from time to time.
Rick is forced to deal with Carl coming out of the coma. It's interesting that Rick's reaction to handle the unexpected with his son and his memory gaps is to recoil and basically run away. Rick is a character that confronts almost everything head on, but with his own son he hesitates and decides to bath himself in making the community stronger as he insists on going to the local houses and stores in the area to scour for supplies. The subplots that pop up from this vary from very interesting to dull.
The most intriguing subplot in this issue is Andrea's treatment of Spencer. She's basically heartless towards the guy despite his attempts at being nothing but nice and understanding towards her. I'm not sure where this is headed but it wouldn't surprise me if Andrea has a change of heart.
Also brewing in this issue is the resentment from some of the town's people at Rick's ascension to being the leader. I am hopefully that this eventually leads to some bloodshed but in some previous arcs this type of tension usually results in Rick winning them over. We'll see.
The subplot that received too much page space is that of Glenn not going on supply runs. It's possible this is all a set up that will pay off later, but here and now the subplot has too much time devoted to it.
Adlard provides another solid issue. At times, it's difficult to tell which character is doing what, especially when they are all bundled up in the winter clothes. However, for the most part the art is terrific when it deals with Rick's emotions dealing with his son's situation. Much like the writing, the artwork never turns in a sub-par issue.
Walking Dead is all about building up to something huge. We had that crescendo a few issues ago and now we are dealing with the fallout while building up again. This issue is just another brick in the wall towards that. I think the situation with Carl is actually better for the long term drama than if he died so in that way this issue works to further that angle. Overall, this is another terrific read.
3 out of 5 Geek Goggles
