Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: N/A
Written and Lettered by: Robert Kirkman
Art by: Charlie Adlard
Grey Tones by: Cliff Rathburn
Cover by: Tony Moore
Editor: N/A
Publisher: Image Comics
The Walking Dead has seen a lot of advancement since it began. Last issue the cast moved away from their campsite outside of Atlanta, and embarked on a road trip to find a safe haven. This month they come upon a gated community that seems to be the perfect place to set up their new camp. They quickly dispatch a group of zombies in one of the houses and begin to settle into their new home. A sense of safety they have not felt during the course of the series quickly settles in. They are thrilled to find an ample supply of canned food and comfortable beds. These simple pleasures are what the characters hope for and seek out. Gone are the needs of the past, now survival and the smallest amount of happiness are seen as a great success.
Kirkman introduced the world and the characters beautifully in the first six-issues of the book. Now, with the cast journeying across the apocalyptic world of The Walking Dead we get a greater look at the intriguing world. Zombie films never seem to have the budget to give us an ample look at the world at large. Robert Kirkman is not constrained by budget and his creativity can run wild and show us anything and everything that he wants. I’ve been waiting a long time for a journey like this one.
Don’t think that this book is for zombie fans only. Kirkman continues his wonderful characterization and building a book that anyone who enjoys strong drama can get into. A major revelation that was hinted at previously is revealed at the start of the book, and will have major consequences down the line. The more pressing concern, though, is their new “home.†If this is such a safe place, where are the people that originally lived within? Wouldn’t they have stayed if it was such a choice spot? This is the mark of a great writer. Kirkman is telling wonderful stories every month, but he’s also taking the time to seed the soil and leave himself plenty of stories down the line. All of these questions will soon be answered, I’m sure.
Charlie Adlard has come on The Walking Dead and almost immediately hit full speed. Tony Moore hastily departed following issue #6 and Adlard’s work hasn’t dropped the book in quality in the least. It’s a slightly more foreboding style than Moore’s, but is actually more appropriate for the current storyline.
Simply put, The Walking Dead may be the best comic on the shelves today. Robert Kirkman has exceeded all expectations and created the most riveting new world in comics and a cast of characters that are utterly compelling. The only bump in the road seemed to be the departure of artist Tony Moore, but Charlie Adlard has joined forces with Kirkman to maintain the quality that is now expected from The Walking Dead.
