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.
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.
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.
After the intense ending of last issue, I found myself wondering about the ripple effect Rick’s plans might have on the Alexandrian community’s perception of them. There's a tension building here—an undercurrent of distrust and skepticism—and it’s captivating to think about how this group of survivors, hardened by the outside world, will fare within these walls where rules and stability are paramount. I’m also interested to see how each character adjusts individually, especially Rick, who seems to be constantly straddling the line between adapting and resisting.
The issue opens with Andrea and Rick sharing a conversation about their impressions of Alexandria, but they're interrupted by Douglas, who asks to speak with Andrea privately. As they chat, Douglas begins to reveal an almost vulnerable side, admitting that his marriage to Regina is a mere political arrangement, and he’s only maintained it for the sake of his son, Spencer. Douglas’s subtle hints toward an interest in Andrea are anything but subtle by the end, as he lets her know he’d be open to something more between them. But Andrea quickly shuts him down, leaving Douglas standing there, visibly crestfallen.
Rick, meanwhile, heads back to the house and stumbles upon a heated argument between Glenn and Maggie. The couple is at odds over Glenn’s decision to take on the role of Alexandria’s new supply runner, filling in for Scott while he’s injured. It’s a role that puts Glenn at risk, and Maggie’s justifiably anxious about it. The scene feels raw and relatable, showing how relationships strain under the weight of constant survival decisions.
Andrea later fills Rick in on Douglas’s rather awkward come-on, and they both share a good laugh about it. For Andrea, though, the moment brings a twinge of melancholy as she thinks of Dale, and Rick does his best to console her. He encourages her to embrace happiness and not let Dale’s memory keep her from living fully, which speaks to Rick’s ability to empathize and care deeply for his group. Just then, Glenn emerges from his room, apologizing for the noise. Andrea breaks the ice, calling out the absurdity of their all bunking down in one house when it’s clear the residents already know what they’re up to. Rick agrees, and they decide it’s time to let down their guard a little.
The following morning, Rick is seen making his rounds around Alexandria. He meets up with Abraham and Rosita, who invite him to a welcoming party being held in their honor, and Rick is relieved it’s not going to be at his place.
As the survivors gather at the party, they mingle with the Alexandrian residents, slowly trying to understand the people around them. Glenn, perhaps feeling the strain of his new role, ends up getting a bit too drunk and makes a minor scene, drawing Douglas’s attention. Douglas quietly pulls Rick aside, asking him to handle the situation. Rick, ever the leader, gently instructs Maggie to get Glenn home, with the promise that he’ll bring Sophia by later. It’s a glimpse of Rick’s nuanced understanding of diplomacy and his efforts to respect Douglas’s leadership, at least superficially.
Elsewhere, Michonne finds herself trying to blend in, but it doesn’t go smoothly. She strikes up a conversation with a group of Alexandrian women, only to become visibly irritated with their seemingly trivial concerns, such as cooking, which pale in comparison to the harsh realities Michonne has endured. She storms off in frustration and retreats to Morgan’s house. They sit together, sharing a quiet moment that speaks volumes. Their silence feels heavy with unspoken words, but it’s clear there’s a budding connection—a shared understanding between two people bearing the weight of survival.
After the party, Rick heads home and checks in with Maggie and the kids. Sophia happily says she enjoyed the party, while Carl isn’t as thrilled—he’s not one to let his guard down or forget what’s outside the walls. The contrast between the two children is stark; while Sophia is adjusting to the community’s relative peace, Carl’s reluctance highlights his enduring trauma and skepticism. Maggie asks Rick if there’s been any fallout from Glenn’s outburst, and Rick assures her there hasn’t been, dismissing it as a typical town drunk incident, an interesting reflection of Rick’s own ability to blend into Alexandria’s semblance of normalcy when needed.
Privately, Rick and Glenn discuss more serious matters. Glenn reveals that he’s found where the weapons are stored, describing a locked room that he’s confident he could get into without causing a disturbance. Rick is interested, and his response—expressing the need to access those weapons “just in case”—reveals his deep-rooted mistrust and preparedness. This moment is a powerful reflection of Rick’s character: he may be playing along with Alexandria’s rules, but he’s not fully buying into their peace. He’s always ready for a worst-case scenario, a trait that’s kept him and his group alive so far, but it’s also a dangerous edge that hints at his willingness to take control if necessary.
Douglas continues to be unsettling, especially with his clumsy, borderline-desperate attempts to charm Andrea. It adds a layer of discomfort to his character, as his friendly exterior is tinged with a manipulative side, and his unreciprocated interest in Andrea gives off a sense of loneliness and possible power misuse.
I’m also noticing these heart-sinking exclamation points in red—they keep popping up, always jarring and ominous, amplifying the tension in scenes where danger lurks just beneath the surface.
The story subtly hints that Ron’s black eye might be more than the result of a fall, suggesting something more troubling might be going on. I think Rick noticed it too, and his growing suspicion about the residents only adds to the tension.
Douglas's interactions with Andrea may feel superficial, but his relationship with his son Spencer could complicate things, especially if Andrea’s interactions with Spencer become more central to the story. It’s an interesting thread that could add complexity to her presence in Alexandria.
Michonne and Morgan’s shared moment felt refreshing. It’s rare to see her let her guard down, and this glimpse of camaraderie hints at a potential connection between them, a kind of shared solace in the midst of their chaotic lives.
Finally, Glenn’s scene at the party wasn’t just him getting drunk; it was part of Rick’s calculated plan to scout the armory, revealing a whole other side to Rick’s leadership. He’s constantly thinking two steps ahead, and it’s a bit unnerving. While his caution is understandable, his willingness to deceive Alexandria suggests he’s ready to protect his group at any cost, even if it means taking control.
Following the lighthearted comedy of the last Small Bites issue, I found myself eager for more of this humorous break from the series' usual intensity. The short, two-page comic strip format is perfect for highlighting the quirky, absurd, and sometimes hilarious moments of the characters we usually see in life-or-death situations.
This issue focuses on Michonne and her katana, in a setup that took me by surprise. Michonne hangs up her katana, only to have it start talking back to her. It brings up memories of the times they shared and the battles they’ve fought together. The katana insists it’s been there for her through thick and thin, almost like an old friend reminiscing about shared adventures.
Michonne dismisses her katana’s nostalgic chatter, asserting her own autonomy, before walking away. The whole setup is delightfully absurd, and I couldn’t help but laugh out loud when the katana dropped a snarky comment about the Governor’s “tiny peener.” The irreverent humor of Small Bites is a welcome breath of fresh air, a reminder that even in a series as dark as The Walking Dead, there’s room for some lighthearted moments.
Seeing Michonne’s katana anthropomorphized and given such a playful, almost sassy personality was a treat. It’s fun to imagine what other objects might have to say if given the chance. The katana's snarkiness about the Governor’s anatomy took me by surprise in the best way. Overall, Small Bites Issue #3 was a humorous, offbeat detour that gave us a new perspective on Michonne’s relationship with her iconic weapon. These comedic strips might be brief, but they add a quirky layer to the characters and make me appreciate the series even more.
Douglas really be out here hitting on Andrea ... like I seriously hope she doesn't end up with him because that's the second person in a row she's been with that could be old enough to be her grandfather. Anyhoo, the people of Alexandria hold a little meet and greet for the newbies. Michonne isn't buying it, Carl still being a whiny bitch, Andrea starts flirting with Spencer ... Douglas's son, interesting, Abraham is a lil' nervous about being out doing construction work because he's kinda become used to not dealing with zombies in Alexandria and Glenn fakes being blind drunk so he can see where the weapons are being stashed for Rick. Rick is actually starting to annoy me more than usual, it's like guys like him who feel the need to control everything, it's their way or no way at all, are just a dictator in the making. Also without a beard he looks like a little weedy bitch. It's getting real hard to like any of these folks just now. x
Yeah right, Douglas. I'm sure you DO make it a habit of sneaking around at night, making sure that any new people you bring into Alexandria don't try to take over the place.
So basically, the way Douglas sees his marriage is that it's okay to be a lying cheater. Andrea needs to be smart and realize he'd be the same way with her, even though they wouldn't be married.
I get that Maggie's worried about something happening to Glenn, but she still shouldn't stop him from doing what he wants or feels he needs to do. I hope they can patch things up soon.
Andrea just called Douglas a creepy old bastard who hit on her. So why is she smiling? Is she really so jaded thinking that no man her own age would want her, that she just sticks to sleeping with old men? Yuck.
I liked Rick and Andrea's conversation. Rick and Andrea get along so well and I really like their friendship. They kind of seem like best friends to me, which I think they both need.
I liked that they talked about the expansion and touring the place. It was one of those moments where things almost felt normal and that doesn't happen often in this series.
I really don't like how obsessed Douglas seems to be with Andrea. I feel like he's going to end up being a big problem, one that Andrea or someone else from Rick's group has to put down so he'll leave her alone.
I like Abraham and Rosita's conversation. I like that he's always honest with her about what he's thinking and feeling and I hope Abraham continues to stay that way with her.
Wow, Michonne is losing her damn mind. I mean, I get where she's coming from, implying that there are more serious things to worry about, but I also feel like she overreacted a bit.
I like that they had Glenn pretend to be sick, so that he could go and check out the building that holds their weapons. I'm also glad that they're planning to break into that building and get them back.
I'd feel a lot better about Rick and his group staying in Alexandria if they could have their weapons close at hand just in case anything happened. I want them able to protect themselves.
michonne !! hahaha that was awesome. But yeah if you've been out that long and people are worrying about what should they cook instead of their safety, who wouldn't snap ?