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Behind these walls everyone has their place; everyone has their job. There is no danger, there are no threats... everyone has hope. Will it last?

24 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2010

6 people are currently reading
148 people want to read

About the author

Robert Kirkman

2,777 books6,963 followers
Robert 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.

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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Jess the Shelf-Declared Bibliophile.
2,454 reviews934 followers
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.
Profile Image for Michael Sorbello.
Author 1 book317 followers
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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November 10, 2024
The arrival at Alexandria Safe-Zone feels monumental within The Walking Dead universe. It's a location that embodies both hope and history, with layers of mystery embedded within its fortified walls. I’m eager to see what this sanctuary, seemingly built for survival and community, has to offer for Rick and his group as they begin this new chapter. Given all they’ve endured, this opportunity could bring long-sought peace—or reveal hidden dangers.

As Rick and the survivors enter Alexandria, they’re immediately immersed in an organized, structured community that stands in stark contrast to the chaos and unpredictability of the outside world. Aaron, the recruiter who led them here, introduces Rick to Douglas Monroe, the community’s leader. Douglas is courteous and somewhat charming, yet there’s an edge to him—a suggestion of what he’s had to endure and sacrifice to keep this place intact. He insists on interviewing each member of Rick’s group individually, a process meant to ensure that new arrivals align with Alexandria’s goals and values.

Rick, cautious and wary, exchanges glances with Abraham as they discuss the strange formality of these interviews. Yet Abraham reassures him, sensing the chance for something different, maybe even stable. And as Rick wanders through the community, he catches sight of children playing freely, a scene he hasn’t witnessed in ages. His gaze lingers on a boy with a black eye, sparking a moment of unease and suspicion in Rick’s otherwise hardened heart.

As Rick and Douglas begin their interview, Douglas delves into the darker side of humanity with a disturbing story about a man who, under the influence of hallucinogens, cannibalized his own son. Douglas’ story is his way of reminding Rick that “evil” existed long before the dead rose, reinforcing that even in a civilized setup, human nature remains complicated. This conversation resonates with Rick, mirroring his own struggle to protect his son and make sense of the brutal world outside.

After Rick's interview, he encourages Andrea to meet Douglas, hoping to ease the group's transition into this new environment. While they wait, Aaron reassures Rick about Carl, who’s happily playing with the other children, including Sophia. Rick’s initial discomfort begins to fade as he absorbs the normalcy of the moment, particularly Carl’s rare expression of joy.

As Andrea begins her interview with Douglas, he inquires about her previous occupation—she was once a file clerk in a law office. She also mentions her skill with a gun, which catches Douglas' attention. His inquiry into her relationship status feels intrusive but might simply reflect Alexandria’s practical needs for housing arrangements—or perhaps something more.

Meanwhile, Rick is offered a rare indulgence: a shower and a clean shave. He accepts, and Olivia, one of Alexandria's members, kindly brings him fresh clothes and offers to trim his hair. As she cuts, Rick asks how the community is maintained so meticulously, and Olivia explains that Alexander Davidson initially constructed the walls and that they’re powered by a solar grid. Despite some operational quirks, the community feels miraculous compared to the survivors’ former struggles.

Emerging freshly groomed, Rick is met with approving nods from Abraham and Maggie. Michonne mentions an impending tour of the Safe-Zone, and Rosita is still in her interview with Douglas. Rick takes the opportunity to check on Carl, who’s ecstatic with the freedom he’s found in Alexandria. He exchanges a few words with the black-eyed boy, Ron, who tells Rick he was accidentally hit in the face by a ball. Rick, seeing Carl bask in a semblance of childhood again, feels an overwhelming gratitude for this environment.

However, Douglas’s wife, Regina, introduces an underlying tension. She storms into the room where Douglas is speaking with Heath, upset by the arrival of Rick’s group. Though Douglas tries to reassure her, saying Rick and his people are trustworthy, she remains skeptical, fearing they’ll disrupt the community’s delicate balance. Heath’s mention of “Davidson” darkens Douglas’ demeanor; with fierce anger, he warns Heath never to mention the name again. The mystery surrounding Davidson—his role in building Alexandria and his apparent fall from grace—adds a layer of intrigue to the community’s backstory.

The interaction between Rick and Douglas is captivating because both men carry the weight of leadership and the scars of difficult choices. Douglas’ attempts to resurrect the semblance of “normal life” are admirable, though I wonder if it’s truly possible to recapture the past in such a traumatized world. His vetting of each group member shows a desire for stability but hints at a hint of control that might become an issue later on. Every new sanctuary the group has encountered has been either too good to be true or has ended disastrously. The skepticism is justified, and I can’t shake the feeling that Alexandria may not be an exception.

Seeing Carl regain a slice of his childhood was heartwarming, a reminder that hope can exist even in the bleakest settings. But there’s also a cautious part of me that can’t help but wonder if this new peace is temporary, a façade waiting to crack under the weight of Rick’s complicated past and Douglas’s guarded leadership. Davidson, the mysterious name mentioned at the end, looms ominously in the background, hinting at a troubled history that may soon resurface.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

As a bonus at the end of Issue #70, I wasn’t expecting a comedic strip! Created by Derek Hunter, this two-page insert provides a lighthearted breather amidst the tense atmosphere of the main story.

In this strip, we find Carl Grimes, along with his new friends, Ron Anderson and Josh, playing a classic game of baseball—until the ball flies over Alexandria’s fence. Despite his friends’ protests, Carl brazenly decides to retrieve it. Predictably, a pack of walkers appears, drawn by the commotion. True to form, Carl dispatches them with ease, recovering the baseball and leaving his friends dumbfounded.

This strip was a humorous and surprisingly welcome break from the usual intensity of The Walking Dead. It’s refreshing to see Carl’s confidence and the playful, almost slapstick way he deals with the walkers. The cartoonish art style, with exaggerated expressions and dynamic poses, lends a whimsical edge that I loved. It adds a much-needed touch of humor that both acknowledges the series’ inherent darkness and reminds us that even in a world of relentless survival, there can be moments of silliness.

Seeing Carl fearlessly retrieve the baseball made me chuckle; it’s a ridiculous yet endearing moment that lets us see his character’s bold, adventurous side. The sequence, especially the friends' mix of fear and admiration, adds warmth to Carl’s character—a small reminder that amidst all the tension and drama, there’s still space for the absurdly funny.
Profile Image for Kelsie.
296 reviews24 followers
December 18, 2020
We finally get into Alexandria, where we meet the 'leader' Douglas, who 'seems' like a nice fella even if he did ask Andrea right off the bat if she's single then go 'oh I ask everyone that'. Is he going to be a Creepy McCreeperson? Oh Douglas, learn to not be creepy.
The whole story he told Rick about the Florida Man (always the Florida Man) being high on something then eating his 4 year old son's eyeballs was, well, an eye opener *ba-dum-tish*, but for real, that was gross.
Douglas's wife (who I've already forgotten then name of) comes storming in, demanding to know why Rick's group is here, I mean she has every right to give Rick the side eye, look how many places Rick's group as been and disaster follows straight after. Girl, I get where you're coming from. Heath warns that it could be another Davidson issue with Rick. We don't know what happened with Davidson but it sure angered Douglas. DAVIDSON!? WHAT DID YOU DO? Eh we'll find out soon enough. And I'm sure it will be disturbing.
x
Profile Image for Melanie.
2,736 reviews14 followers
January 15, 2019
Life begins at the safe zone and Rick sees happy children. Carl actually gets to play with other kids. Interviews begin and it is determined all the survivors are needed. However, understands Ricks hesitation about this place.
Profile Image for mirifyl.
138 reviews4 followers
February 8, 2022
"El era su papa, no tenía idea que esperar. El era su padre por amor de Dios, jamás se habría imaginado que ese hombre le haría daño".

"El punto es que hay maldad en el mundo... siempre hubo, mucho antes de que el tipo de maldad no muerta llegara".
Profile Image for Laina.
237 reviews2 followers
September 20, 2016
All I'm gonna say is that interviewing them is nothing. It could be worse. The Alexandrian's could have strip searched them or something. I'd find that to be worse than just talking.

Look at all of those kids. Maybe now Carl and Sophia can make some more friends. The story that Douglas told Rick makes me both enraged and sad for that poor little boy. It also makes me want to kill the Dad, too.

I like Douglas and Rick's conversation about jobs and houses. I think that this could be the start of a good thing, just as long as someone from Rick's group doesn't do or say anything to mess it up.

I'm glad they have working showers at Alexandria. I bet Rick and his group really smell bad, since they probably haven't had showers in a long time. Also, I'm glad Aaron told Rick where Carl was before he REALLY freaked out.

Seriously? If I were Andrea, I wouldn't believe that Douglas asked every single new person if they were single. He's just trying to cover his ass, since he's such a nasty old man.

I'm glad that everyone and everything seems to be going great so far. I just hope it stays that way for a long time. After everything that Rick and his group have been through, they deserve to have something good happen for them.

Douglas's wife Regina is a fucking bitch. She needs to get a fucking grip. Who the hell does she think she is, demanding things and questioning his decision to let Rick and his group into Alexandria?

I get that she's concerned that Rick and his group might be dangerous, but she doesn't need to be a complete bitch about it. I really hope this woman chills the fuck out, or gets killed off soon.

Really Regina? YOU'RE gonna stand there and judge Rick for having lost a hand? Bitch please. You wouldn't last one fucking minute out there with the zombies, and Rick and his group have lasted over a year. So sit down and shut the fuck up already, lady.

Damn, Douglas got REALLY mad when Heath mentioned that David on guy. I wonder what the hell that guy did to them and made them do that has Douglas so pissed off at him.
Profile Image for Ty Auditore.
37 reviews
November 25, 2012
Finally the group has found somewhere they can relax and not worry about walkers coming to get them as they sleep. They really, really deserve it. But something about these people makes me very suspicious...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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