Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: In the Beginning: Part 2
Written by: Robert Kirkman
Art by: Tony Moore
Colored by: N/A
Lettered by: Robert Kirkman
Editor: N/A
Publisher: Image Comics
The best horror there is…
The horror genre is one of my favorites, and while there are many movies, books, and comics that I enjoy within the genre, there are few that are classics. When horror sinks to the point of gore, and cheap scares, while lacking characterization and depth, you may get an entertaining piece, but a classic it isn’t. In my opinion, good horror is all about the characters! That’s it. If you build good characters, a good story can follow. The reader (or viewer) must care about the characters otherwise they’re just rooting for the “monster.†If you don’t have the characters in place then you’re doomed to mediocrity.
Robert Kirkman obviously knows what makes a good story. Yes the narrative is set in a world where zombies have overrun the nation and probably the world. The thing is it’s not about huge set pieces and zombie mayhem. Sure there’s plenty of action, but the central focus is how people deal with, and adapt to this harrowing experience.
How would you behave if you were living with a small group of survivors in the woods outside of Atlanta, with only a couple of guns and just a few trailers to sleep in? Every minute could be your last; the ultimate apocalypse is going on around you, there are no rules or laws, but you can’t have any fun. These survivors may be alive, but they’re far from living. It’s a beautiful setup that gives the characters the spotlight.
â€Rub this on your clothes and then stick it in your pocket.â€
That’s Rick Grimes, a police officer and the series central character, suggestion to Glenn, one of the other survivors. Glenn’s the group’s scrounger type. He and Rick are heading back into Atlanta, in this month’s issue, to attempt to procure more guns for the group. Rick comes up with a rather ingenious method to escape detection by the zombies as the pair infiltrates Atlanta. I’m not going to give it away, but from the line you may get a slight idea of what happens.
Robert Kirkman continues to build his cast and further up the ante with the tense situation they’re in. The need for weapons was made clear last month when a zombie attacked several of the ladies while they were doing the wash in a stream. This serves as the onus for some in fighting about where the group would be best served to set up shop. Kirkman also further deepens the love triangle between Rick, Lori (his wife), and Shane (Rick’s police partner). Kirkman’s got so much material here, that this series can truly be mined for years, yielding gold each and every month.
This review wouldn’t be complete without me doffing my cap to the series artist, Mr. Tony Moore. Tony’s work sets the tone for Mr. Kirkman’s writing. The black and white artwork captures the fear, madness, and machismo of the cast. The zombies may be the best ever captured for the comic medium; and the action is rendered with the same deft hand as the quieter moments. Brilliant artwork that accompanies brilliant writing, you truly cannot ask for more in a comic.
Your chance!
Robert Kirkman probably writes more books on a monthly basis than any writer currently working in comics. With The Walking Dead I finally picked up on his immense talent. This book has captured me like few others have and in only a few months it’s already at the top of my read list. I’m actually highly disappointed in myself as a reviewer and comic fan that I haven’t read more of Mr. Kirkman’s work. This is something that I am in the process of remedying.
If you haven’t looked already, you owe it to yourself to give The Walking Dead a try. The first issue has already been reprinted, and the second hard-to-find issue is also due to be reprinted as well. For those with a little patience, Image Comics is giving everyone the perfect opportunity to try it. In April, The Walking Dead: Days Gone Bye collecting issues 1-6 will ship the same month as issue #7. The amazing part is they’re pricing this thing to sell. $9.99 for six issues. That’s an amazing introductory deal. I know I sound like a shill, but I can’t help it. This is an utterly remarkable read, and I want to see The Walking Dead have a long and healthy run. So, I’ll shill!
