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The Walking Dead (Single Issues)
The Walking Dead #53
To the rescue.
29 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2008
8 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Robert Kirkman
2,777 books6,963 followersRobert Kirkman is an American comic book writer best known for his work on The Walking Dead, Invincible for Image Comics, as well as Ultimate X-Men and Marvel Zombies for Marvel Comics. He has also collaborated with Image Comics co-founder Todd McFarlane on the series Haunt. He is one of the five partners of Image Comics, and the only one of the five who was not one of the original co-founders of that publisher.
Robert Kirkman's first comic books were self-published under his own Funk-o-Tron label. Along with childhood friend Tony Moore, Kirkman created Battle Pope which was published in late 2001. Battle Pope ran for over 2 years along with other Funk-o-Tron published books such as InkPunks and Double Take.
In July of 2002, Robert's first work for another company began, with a 4-part SuperPatriot series for Image, along with Battle Pope backup story artist Cory Walker. Robert's creator-owned projects followed shortly thereafter, including Tech Jacket, Invincible and Walking Dead.
Robert Kirkman's first comic books were self-published under his own Funk-o-Tron label. Along with childhood friend Tony Moore, Kirkman created Battle Pope which was published in late 2001. Battle Pope ran for over 2 years along with other Funk-o-Tron published books such as InkPunks and Double Take.
In July of 2002, Robert's first work for another company began, with a 4-part SuperPatriot series for Image, along with Battle Pope backup story artist Cory Walker. Robert's creator-owned projects followed shortly thereafter, including Tech Jacket, Invincible and Walking Dead.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 27, 2024
Following last issue’s heartfelt reunion, this issue dives back into the complex emotional realities of survival. With Rick, Carl, and Michonne joining Glenn and Maggie at Hershel's farm, there’s a glimmer of hope that perhaps this place can be a sanctuary, even if only for a little while. Still, the specter of trauma and uncertainty is constant. I’m eager to see how this new phase of survival unfolds and how these characters, who’ve been through so much, manage to balance hope with the ever-present threats around them.
Rick’s relief at reuniting with familiar faces is palpable as he and Carl reconnect with Glenn and Maggie. However, this happiness is bittersweet when Rick has to break the devastating news about Maggie’s father, Hershel, and brother, Billy. Maggie’s grief is raw and immediate, and Glenn, ever supportive, gently comforts her, proving that in a world this broken, close bonds are what keep people going.
Upon reaching the farm, Andrea spots them and rushes to welcome Rick, Carl, and Michonne, thrilled to see more survivors join their modest haven. Dale is quick to greet Rick as well, offering his condolences, displaying the quiet but deeply felt camaraderie these survivors share. Meanwhile, Carl is quick to seek out Sophia, hoping to find solace in a friend who understands his pain. But their exchange takes a surprising twist: Sophia, in a state of denial or perhaps confusion, believes Maggie is her mother. It’s a heartbreaking moment that underscores the psychological toll this apocalypse has taken, particularly on the youngest survivors. Carl, perplexed by Sophia’s insistence, confides in Rick, who wisely encourages him to let her process things her way.
Rick and Dale share a somber, reflective conversation on the porch. Dale tries to reassure Rick, offering much-needed empathy and reminding him that everyone alive owes their survival in part to Rick’s leadership. Dale’s wisdom and patience provide a rare moment of peace for Rick, who finally allows himself a moment of vulnerability. Yet, Rick makes it clear that he’s done being the decision-maker; the weight of past decisions is too much to bear. This feels like a significant turning point for Rick, who has always been at the helm but now seems ready to step back—if only to preserve his sanity.
The emotional intensity escalates when Rick stumbles upon Michonne having a private conversation with herself. When he confronts her, Michonne openly reveals that she’s been talking to her deceased boyfriend. This honest admission opens the door for Rick to share his own struggle with “speaking” to Lori on the phone. It’s a powerful scene that sheds light on their coping mechanisms, illustrating just how thin the line between sanity and madness has become. In this raw moment, they form a pact to keep each other’s secret, bound together by shared grief and the understanding that they are both carrying the emotional scars of this world in different but similar ways.
The calm is shattered the following morning by a gunshot, leading the survivors outside to confront three newcomers: Abraham Ford, Rosita Espinosa, and Eugene Porter. Andrea, ever the sharp-eyed marksman, immediately takes control, demanding that the strangers lower their weapons. Abraham complies but is unfazed, showcasing his experience and resilience by easily dispatching a nearby walker with a knife. This introduction reveals Abraham as a formidable figure, and his calm under pressure suggests a past as hardened as those on the farm.
Eugene, meanwhile, proves to be as sharp-witted as he is mysterious, quickly pointing out that Andrea’s gunshot could draw more walkers—a subtle way of establishing his intelligence and experience with the undead. Eugene’s commentary hints at a deeper understanding of walker behavior, especially with his mention of “herds,” a concept the others are unfamiliar with. His casual revelation about being a scientist who knows the origin of the outbreak adds another layer of intrigue. For the first time, there’s a whisper of an answer, a glimmer of possibility that someone might actually understand the cause of the zombie apocalypse.
It’s a relief to find Andrea, Dale, and the others alive and seemingly safe at the farm, a place once abandoned and now reclaimed as a haven. The reintroduction of Hershel's farm feels almost poetic, a reminder of where they’ve been and how far they’ve come, even if those they loved and lost don’t get to see this new chapter. There’s something surreal about seeing them try to reestablish a semblance of normalcy in such a place.
This issue also deepens my appreciation for Michonne and Rick's connection. The parallel between them—both clinging to memories of lost loved ones as a way to cope—gives their relationship added depth and poignancy. They’ve both shouldered incredible loss, and this shared “craziness,” as they put it, is perhaps the only way they can make sense of a world that makes none.
The introduction of Abraham, Rosita, and Eugene feels significant, especially with Eugene’s shocking revelation about possibly knowing the cause of the outbreak. There’s a tantalizing sense that this information could change everything for the group. Abraham’s strength, Rosita’s quickness, and Eugene’s apparent knowledge make them compelling additions. They’re clearly not ordinary survivors; they bring with them hints of another world and perhaps a mission that might offer hope, danger, or both.
Overall, this issue is packed with emotion, introspection, and suspense. It serves as a reminder that in this post-apocalyptic world, survival is not just about facing physical threats but about confronting inner demons and navigating the delicate web of human connections. Each page feels like a step closer to some uncertain future, where every choice, every alliance, and every revelation could be the difference between life and death.
Rick’s relief at reuniting with familiar faces is palpable as he and Carl reconnect with Glenn and Maggie. However, this happiness is bittersweet when Rick has to break the devastating news about Maggie’s father, Hershel, and brother, Billy. Maggie’s grief is raw and immediate, and Glenn, ever supportive, gently comforts her, proving that in a world this broken, close bonds are what keep people going.
Upon reaching the farm, Andrea spots them and rushes to welcome Rick, Carl, and Michonne, thrilled to see more survivors join their modest haven. Dale is quick to greet Rick as well, offering his condolences, displaying the quiet but deeply felt camaraderie these survivors share. Meanwhile, Carl is quick to seek out Sophia, hoping to find solace in a friend who understands his pain. But their exchange takes a surprising twist: Sophia, in a state of denial or perhaps confusion, believes Maggie is her mother. It’s a heartbreaking moment that underscores the psychological toll this apocalypse has taken, particularly on the youngest survivors. Carl, perplexed by Sophia’s insistence, confides in Rick, who wisely encourages him to let her process things her way.
Rick and Dale share a somber, reflective conversation on the porch. Dale tries to reassure Rick, offering much-needed empathy and reminding him that everyone alive owes their survival in part to Rick’s leadership. Dale’s wisdom and patience provide a rare moment of peace for Rick, who finally allows himself a moment of vulnerability. Yet, Rick makes it clear that he’s done being the decision-maker; the weight of past decisions is too much to bear. This feels like a significant turning point for Rick, who has always been at the helm but now seems ready to step back—if only to preserve his sanity.
The emotional intensity escalates when Rick stumbles upon Michonne having a private conversation with herself. When he confronts her, Michonne openly reveals that she’s been talking to her deceased boyfriend. This honest admission opens the door for Rick to share his own struggle with “speaking” to Lori on the phone. It’s a powerful scene that sheds light on their coping mechanisms, illustrating just how thin the line between sanity and madness has become. In this raw moment, they form a pact to keep each other’s secret, bound together by shared grief and the understanding that they are both carrying the emotional scars of this world in different but similar ways.
The calm is shattered the following morning by a gunshot, leading the survivors outside to confront three newcomers: Abraham Ford, Rosita Espinosa, and Eugene Porter. Andrea, ever the sharp-eyed marksman, immediately takes control, demanding that the strangers lower their weapons. Abraham complies but is unfazed, showcasing his experience and resilience by easily dispatching a nearby walker with a knife. This introduction reveals Abraham as a formidable figure, and his calm under pressure suggests a past as hardened as those on the farm.
Eugene, meanwhile, proves to be as sharp-witted as he is mysterious, quickly pointing out that Andrea’s gunshot could draw more walkers—a subtle way of establishing his intelligence and experience with the undead. Eugene’s commentary hints at a deeper understanding of walker behavior, especially with his mention of “herds,” a concept the others are unfamiliar with. His casual revelation about being a scientist who knows the origin of the outbreak adds another layer of intrigue. For the first time, there’s a whisper of an answer, a glimmer of possibility that someone might actually understand the cause of the zombie apocalypse.
It’s a relief to find Andrea, Dale, and the others alive and seemingly safe at the farm, a place once abandoned and now reclaimed as a haven. The reintroduction of Hershel's farm feels almost poetic, a reminder of where they’ve been and how far they’ve come, even if those they loved and lost don’t get to see this new chapter. There’s something surreal about seeing them try to reestablish a semblance of normalcy in such a place.
This issue also deepens my appreciation for Michonne and Rick's connection. The parallel between them—both clinging to memories of lost loved ones as a way to cope—gives their relationship added depth and poignancy. They’ve both shouldered incredible loss, and this shared “craziness,” as they put it, is perhaps the only way they can make sense of a world that makes none.
The introduction of Abraham, Rosita, and Eugene feels significant, especially with Eugene’s shocking revelation about possibly knowing the cause of the outbreak. There’s a tantalizing sense that this information could change everything for the group. Abraham’s strength, Rosita’s quickness, and Eugene’s apparent knowledge make them compelling additions. They’re clearly not ordinary survivors; they bring with them hints of another world and perhaps a mission that might offer hope, danger, or both.
Overall, this issue is packed with emotion, introspection, and suspense. It serves as a reminder that in this post-apocalyptic world, survival is not just about facing physical threats but about confronting inner demons and navigating the delicate web of human connections. Each page feels like a step closer to some uncertain future, where every choice, every alliance, and every revelation could be the difference between life and death.
July 8, 2020
Being a huge fan of the show, I wanted to see how the original writing started and how the show writers followed and deviated from the comics. My dislikes were that the comics are much more crude, crass, and unnecessarily violent. I did like the change in relationships and how people worked together differently, and the comics have a different creepiness feel than you get watching it on TV. Overall, I prefer the show, and probably will not finish out the comic book series.
December 12, 2015
Great! I'm really enjoying these comics. It's cool to see the differences between the TV series and the comic. It's so cool how the TV characters: Eugene, Abraham and Rosita look just like the characters in the comics.
November 19, 2020
This is a review of the entire series.
Rick Grimes is a strong-willed deputy who missed the end of the world because he was in a coma for a month after getting shot in the line of duty. Shaken, starving and confused, Rick escapes the horror of the abandoned hospital only to be met with something far more terrible. Not only has the world ended, but the dead have learned to walk and to kill without mercy. After learning that his wife and son have fled to Atlanta from a single survivor and his son, Rick goes on a journey to reunite with his family and search for more survivors.
Rick quickly has to come to terms with the fact that the world has ended and only a select few survived. The dead have risen from their graves and they prey on the living. In a world where every minute feels like hours, where there's no such thing as law and order, where finding a small meal is a tremendous task, the walking dead are quite possibly the least threatening thing for the survivors to have on their breaking minds. Humanity is pushed to the brink of destruction, forcing them to embrace their cruel and primal nature in order to survive. Sometimes you have to be more concerned about who you let into your community so they don't kill you in your sleep and steal everything you once cared about. Rick has no choice but to abandon the ways of law and order that he's upheld as an officer for so long in order to protect the few loved ones he has left. He has to become a monster to protect his crew or risk being devoured by those who became more monstrous than him and even the walking dead.
Despite zombies running the world and having the series named after them, what really sets this series apart from the average zombie apocalypse tale is the focus on realism and the daily struggles, flaws and depth of the characters. There's plenty of badass zombie killing action, but the action often takes a back seat to give the characters plenty of times to share their extremely tragic yet endearing stories, grow through mutual suffering and learn to adapt to a world that has left them to die. Even after the world has ended, many people still can't see eye to eye. They turn on each other and kill each other when they should come together. Others form alliances in spite of their differences and try to rebuild over the corpse of everything that was lost. The daily human drama and conflict is more intense than any monster apocalypse could hope to be.
We watch Rick struggle to balance his old moral code with the many necessary evils he has to commit in order to survive and make the world a better place for the ones he holds close. We watch people like Glen, Dale and Maggie attempt to find love in spite of having every reason to be filled with fear, hate and self-loathing. Characters like Michonne have to learn how to forgive themselves and convince themselves they deserve to be loved despite all the blood on their hands. We watch the weak like Carl and Andrea become strong and sometimes the strong become evil like The Governor. Even monsters like the wicked yet oddly lovable Negan are given the chance to find new ways of redeeming themselves by struggling alongside the other survivors that have all been changed by the horrors of the fallen world.
The pacing is extremely slow and I can understand why that may be a turnoff for a lot of people, but I eventually learned to enjoy watching the characters grow, overcome their trauma, find meaning in life and learn to love again. The characters are forced to do many terrible things to survive and it haunts them every waking moment. The ways they overcome these regrets is very realistic, human and hopeful. The slow pacing really gives the feeling that we're living beside these people. The way every tiny detail of their lives and who they are is explored makes them feel very real and believable.
When I first started reading the series, I wasn't expecting it to have such an uplifting ending. It seemed so bleak and nihilistic for a long time and things would go horribly wrong even when they seemed to be going so well, but the finale channels all the pain, suffering and betrayal of the previous volumes and tops it off with a very touching and inspiring finish. This was never a story about hopelessness. It's about learning to appreciate the little things, learning to forgive yourself and learning to move on even when it's hard. When everything seems lost there's always more to be found, even when we believe otherwise because we convince ourselves that we don't deserve to be happy ever again. Instead of dwelling on what was lost, strive to try and make things better than they were before.
I've never been a huge fan of zombie apocalypse stories, but The Walking Dead had enough heart and strong social commentary to make me stick by the characters until the end and I enjoyed every moment of their long trial.
***
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Rick Grimes is a strong-willed deputy who missed the end of the world because he was in a coma for a month after getting shot in the line of duty. Shaken, starving and confused, Rick escapes the horror of the abandoned hospital only to be met with something far more terrible. Not only has the world ended, but the dead have learned to walk and to kill without mercy. After learning that his wife and son have fled to Atlanta from a single survivor and his son, Rick goes on a journey to reunite with his family and search for more survivors.
Rick quickly has to come to terms with the fact that the world has ended and only a select few survived. The dead have risen from their graves and they prey on the living. In a world where every minute feels like hours, where there's no such thing as law and order, where finding a small meal is a tremendous task, the walking dead are quite possibly the least threatening thing for the survivors to have on their breaking minds. Humanity is pushed to the brink of destruction, forcing them to embrace their cruel and primal nature in order to survive. Sometimes you have to be more concerned about who you let into your community so they don't kill you in your sleep and steal everything you once cared about. Rick has no choice but to abandon the ways of law and order that he's upheld as an officer for so long in order to protect the few loved ones he has left. He has to become a monster to protect his crew or risk being devoured by those who became more monstrous than him and even the walking dead.
Despite zombies running the world and having the series named after them, what really sets this series apart from the average zombie apocalypse tale is the focus on realism and the daily struggles, flaws and depth of the characters. There's plenty of badass zombie killing action, but the action often takes a back seat to give the characters plenty of times to share their extremely tragic yet endearing stories, grow through mutual suffering and learn to adapt to a world that has left them to die. Even after the world has ended, many people still can't see eye to eye. They turn on each other and kill each other when they should come together. Others form alliances in spite of their differences and try to rebuild over the corpse of everything that was lost. The daily human drama and conflict is more intense than any monster apocalypse could hope to be.
We watch Rick struggle to balance his old moral code with the many necessary evils he has to commit in order to survive and make the world a better place for the ones he holds close. We watch people like Glen, Dale and Maggie attempt to find love in spite of having every reason to be filled with fear, hate and self-loathing. Characters like Michonne have to learn how to forgive themselves and convince themselves they deserve to be loved despite all the blood on their hands. We watch the weak like Carl and Andrea become strong and sometimes the strong become evil like The Governor. Even monsters like the wicked yet oddly lovable Negan are given the chance to find new ways of redeeming themselves by struggling alongside the other survivors that have all been changed by the horrors of the fallen world.
The pacing is extremely slow and I can understand why that may be a turnoff for a lot of people, but I eventually learned to enjoy watching the characters grow, overcome their trauma, find meaning in life and learn to love again. The characters are forced to do many terrible things to survive and it haunts them every waking moment. The ways they overcome these regrets is very realistic, human and hopeful. The slow pacing really gives the feeling that we're living beside these people. The way every tiny detail of their lives and who they are is explored makes them feel very real and believable.
When I first started reading the series, I wasn't expecting it to have such an uplifting ending. It seemed so bleak and nihilistic for a long time and things would go horribly wrong even when they seemed to be going so well, but the finale channels all the pain, suffering and betrayal of the previous volumes and tops it off with a very touching and inspiring finish. This was never a story about hopelessness. It's about learning to appreciate the little things, learning to forgive yourself and learning to move on even when it's hard. When everything seems lost there's always more to be found, even when we believe otherwise because we convince ourselves that we don't deserve to be happy ever again. Instead of dwelling on what was lost, strive to try and make things better than they were before.
I've never been a huge fan of zombie apocalypse stories, but The Walking Dead had enough heart and strong social commentary to make me stick by the characters until the end and I enjoyed every moment of their long trial.
***
My Social Media
My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPPs...
My Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/michael_sor...
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April 3, 2015
A scientist looking like a goon?! Oh, I'd be damned.
October 26, 2019
I liked this one, we get more of the old group again with Maggie, Glenn, Andrea, Dale and Sophia. Although Sophia seems to be going as crazy as her departed mother. Michonne even opens up to Rick about talking to her dead boyfriend which in turn makes Rick open up about talking to Lori on the phone.
But the best part of this issue was Abraham, Rosita and Eugene turning up, they were probably my favourite group from the series, so I'm glad they've finally turned up in the comics.
x
But the best part of this issue was Abraham, Rosita and Eugene turning up, they were probably my favourite group from the series, so I'm glad they've finally turned up in the comics.
x
June 7, 2019
More reunions. We learn the different ways that the survivors are dealing with the deaths of loved ones. We also get to meet "The Mullet that Will Save the World." Reunions, introductions, and dealing with the world.
April 2, 2018
Abraham, Rosita and Eugene. Yes.
October 10, 2019
More peace and quiet, and enter Rosita, Abraham and Eugene... yay!
December 26, 2021
I was hooked the first couple pages, love the art and especially the zombies and the post apocalyptic setting 😻🤩🧟♂️🔥🔫
May 12, 2016
I feel so bad for Maggie, having to learn that both her father and brother have just died. I'm just so glad that Glenn and Maggie were able to find Rick, Carl and Michonne and that they're bringing them back to the farm.
Awesome! There's Dale, Andrea and the boys! So glad that they were able to find some more people from their group. So, now I think Sophia's channeling her mother and has turned crazy, too.
I'm glad that Rick and Carl had that talk about Sophia. I agree with Rick, if Sophia wants to call Andrea or someone else Mom, then it shouldn't bother Carl or anyone else. It just means she cares about and loves the person or people who are taking care of her.
I liked the talk between Rick and Dale. I'm glad that Dale was able to tell Rick that there was no use worrying over something that's already happened. It's good that he reminded Rick that there was no way they could change what's happened.
The conversation between Rick and Michonne has me worried. If they're both losing their minds at the same time, then what's left of the group is is deep shit.
These people that have just showed up at the farm, Abraham and his crew, they're out of their minds if they still there there's any form of government left to fix this situation.
If I were Rick and Eugene had just said that he knew how to cure or get rid of the zombies, I'd have laughed in his fucking face. This guy is just lying his ass off.
Awesome! There's Dale, Andrea and the boys! So glad that they were able to find some more people from their group. So, now I think Sophia's channeling her mother and has turned crazy, too.
I'm glad that Rick and Carl had that talk about Sophia. I agree with Rick, if Sophia wants to call Andrea or someone else Mom, then it shouldn't bother Carl or anyone else. It just means she cares about and loves the person or people who are taking care of her.
I liked the talk between Rick and Dale. I'm glad that Dale was able to tell Rick that there was no use worrying over something that's already happened. It's good that he reminded Rick that there was no way they could change what's happened.
The conversation between Rick and Michonne has me worried. If they're both losing their minds at the same time, then what's left of the group is is deep shit.
These people that have just showed up at the farm, Abraham and his crew, they're out of their minds if they still there there's any form of government left to fix this situation.
If I were Rick and Eugene had just said that he knew how to cure or get rid of the zombies, I'd have laughed in his fucking face. This guy is just lying his ass off.
August 23, 2014
Parece que en Washington D.C hay una esperanza.. Lo cual dudo porque Washington es una ciudad y en las ciudades es en donde hay más gente/zombies.. En fin, igual no creo que Robert lo deje así de fácil.
November 20, 2013
Nevjerojatno, ali ovaj strip postaje sve bolji i bolji.
December 29, 2013
Tak jo, asi první díl, u kterého jsem se i trochu nudil. Snad je to jen výjimka, která potvrzuje pravidlo. I tak ale povedené.
August 4, 2014
So, everyone's a little crazy, hearing voices, and/or refusing to acknowledge someone's existence. And new characters. Always fun.
November 5, 2016
Abraham Ford! Colo queridoooo
January 2, 2017
Abraham here yall
December 30, 2022
Completely forgot how Abraham and then were introduced. I like the Rick and Michonne scene
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews