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.
Morgan talking about how he doesn't feel guilty for banging Michonne but Michonne is like, erm, you're not the only person to have lost someone, get over it. I'm kinda with her there, imagine sleeping with someone then they turn to you & are like hey I've no regrets sleeping with you after I've lost a wife & son, I deserve to have happy sex. Talk about a mood killer, there's a time & a place Morgan & this ain't it. Glenn is worried about Andrea, good, because she is stuck up that tower. Rick and ... I legitimately forgotten her name, Jess(?) also bang (seriously, being surrounded by zombies appear to be an aphrodisiac). I super wish when Jess(?) says to Rick (paraphrasing here) 'I hope Ron didn't hear!' and Rick was like 'nah he sleeping' I really hoped for a panel where its Ron's face & it's nothing but absolute horror. Abraham tells Rick part of the wall is coming down because the zombies are bunched against it, almost pushing through. Glenn wants to take Heath and distract some zombies away from the wall & get supplies to Andrea, luckily Glenn said the name Jessie, so I now know her name is Jessie and not Jess ... I will forget again. Spencer has some rope which he's going to use to get over the fence and to Andrea. Heaht managed to anchor the rope between to pipes on a building over the fence, this isn't going to end well is it? Oop, Spencer nearly got got as the rope snapped, but Andrea saved the day ... shame. And the wall finally gives in. Bye Tobin, not quite sure how that happened, but see ya. Bye Morgan? I guess? x
This issue is emotionally charged, with the narrative balancing tension, action, and deeply personal struggles. Each character is at a crossroads, grappling with their past losses and the harsh reality of survival. From personal entanglements to physical threats, the story dives into how far people are willing to go to hold on to the fragile life they’ve built in Alexandria.
The issue opens with Jessie kissing Rick. Though initially hesitant, Rick gives in, and the two sleep together. Their intimacy is complicated, steeped in the emotional fallout of Jessie’s abusive marriage and Rick’s lingering guilt over killing her husband, Pete. Jessie’s immediate regret surfaces post-act, but Rick reassures her, offering the comfort she seems desperate for. This moment subtly illustrates Rick’s ongoing struggle to move forward after losing Lori. In a poignant scene, Rick confronts the phone he once used to "talk" to Lori, finally admitting that her voice was never real. It’s a quiet, heartbreaking step toward acceptance and letting go.
Meanwhile, Michonne and Morgan’s dynamic takes an emotional turn. Sharing a bed, Morgan expresses relief at no longer feeling guilty about finding happiness again, but his self-absorption grates on Michonne, who leaves the room in frustration. Michonne's silent disappointment suggests her weariness of always being the emotional anchor for others, a role she no longer wishes to bear without reciprocity.
On a more pressing note, Abraham alerts Rick to a critical structural flaw in Alexandria’s wall. Some support posts lack proper foundations due to a cement shortage during construction, causing a segment of the wall to weaken. Despite reassurances from Tobin, Rick is unconvinced and orders a truck to be backed against the vulnerable sections, illustrating his pragmatism and leadership under pressure.
Glenn, restless over Andrea’s safety, devises a daring plan to take supplies to her in the bell tower. He convinces Rick to let him and Heath carry out the mission, despite the obvious risks. Spencer, borrowing Heath’s climbing gear, volunteers to go with them, determined to prove his worth to his father, Douglas.
The trio sets up a makeshift zipline between rooftops, intending to swing across. Glenn and Heath make it safely, but when Spencer attempts the crossing, the rope snaps, sending him plummeting toward the ravenous herd below. In a heart-stopping moment, Andrea appears and helps pull Spencer to safety, showcasing her resilience and tactical prowess.
Back in Alexandria, Holly and Tobin monitor the weakened wall, only to realize another section is also compromised. Suddenly, both panels collapse under the relentless force of the undead. As the herd swarms in, Tobin heroically holds them off but is quickly overwhelmed. Holly sounds the alarm, and Rick rushes to the breach, but it’s too late for Tobin.
Rick, now joined by Morgan, fights desperately to push back the tide of walkers. Just as they seem to hold the line, tragedy strikes: Morgan is bitten on the arm. His fall to the ground, with zombies closing in, leaves Rick in an agonizing dilemma as he attempts to save his friend from certain death.
This issue is a turning point for both Alexandria and its inhabitants. The narrative masterfully interweaves personal struggles with the broader fight for survival. Rick's actions, particularly his relationship with Jessie, reveal a man torn between the need for human connection and the guilt of past losses. Similarly, Michonne’s frustration with Morgan highlights her desire for emotional independence and growth.
The collapse of the wall felt inevitable, yet it still delivered a gut-punch when it happened. Tobin’s sacrifice was noble, but Morgan’s bite was a devastating moment. It left me wondering how much more tragedy Rick’s group can endure. Spencer’s survival thanks to Andrea’s intervention was a rare bright spot in an otherwise grim issue, showcasing the trust and camaraderie that still exists among the survivors.
The pacing of the issue was impeccable, with the action ramping up alongside the characters' emotional arcs. Every decision feels like it matters, every loss cuts deeper, and the stakes have never been higher.
Unlike the main series, this issue adopts a playful, unique format that feels more like a game than a traditional comic.
The premise is simple yet chaotic: Walkers have breached Alexandria, and the entire community is scrambling to survive. What makes this issue stand out is its "Where’s Waldo"-style presentation, where readers are challenged to locate specific characters amidst the sea of walkers.
This issue provided a much-needed break from the usual doom and gloom of The Walking Dead, offering a fun, interactive experience. It was refreshing to engage with the story in a different way, and despite the light-hearted format, it still managed to capture the tension of a walker invasion. It’s a testament to the series' creativity that even a brief, whimsical issue can feel so immersive.
In conclusion, Issue #81 and Small Bites Issue #11.5 delivered a perfect blend of emotional depth, action, and even a bit of playful fun. The stakes are higher than ever, and the fallout from this issue will undoubtedly reverberate throughout the series.
I am really shocked about Morgan's casualty , it completely different about the series character way and that's meaning he isn't do Aikido by one hand WTF !
Yep. I KNEW that Rick and Jessie were going to hook up. It was only a matter of time. I saw it coming a mile away. Rick's the kind of guy that Jessie and Ron need in their lives. He's a good guy.
I like that Glenn and Maggie talked about their concern for Andrea. The whole group needs to come up with some kind of plan quickly, or Andrea will end up dying up there in the tower.
I agree with what Michonne said, but I don't like the way she said it. She was being a bitch and I hate when she does that. Which I think she does it, to hide her real feelings.
I'm glad that Rick and Jessie talked about them having sex, but I don't think that's going to end up being the end of it. I'm glad Rick's finally admitting that he was hallucinating his conversations with Lori.
I'm glad Rick, Abraham and some of the others are finally going to do something about the groups of zombies pressing against the walls. They should have been doing something about it a long time ago.
Good. I'm glad that Rick and Glenn have come up with a plan, even if I think it's a really shitty and dangerous one. At least a shitty plan, is better than no plan at all.
I like how much Spencer likes Andrea and that he's willing to risk his life to help her. I hope that he and Glenn and anyone else who goes with them, can get to Andrea safely.
Aww, I like that Rick is worried about Glenn, Andrea, Heath and Spencer. It means that he cares about all of them and is starting to see them like family, which is a good thing.
Glenn, Heath and Spencer are pretty damn brave, risking going so close to the zombies like that. What if one of the zombies tried to grab them and their hand gets caught on one of them? They could fall, and pull down the rope and they'd all die.
Whoo! Andrea to the rescue! Awesome, love how kickass she is! Glad they were able to lift Spencer up and that he didn't end up becoming zombie chow. I was worried that he would.
Aww, crap. I have a feeling that while Holly's going to warn everyone, Tobin's going to get bitten and turn into a zombie. I'm glad that Holly went to get Rick for help with the zombies.
Though I do think that Jessie, Ron and Carl should have gone to one of the other houses, where some of the others of the group are. I think there's safety in numbers, big numbers.
Oh crap! I was right! I knew that Tobin was going to be bitten and that he'd have turned, by the next time we saw him. That freaking sucks.
I'm glad that Rick has Morgan to help him. Aw damn! Morgan's been bitten. Crap. I wonder if he's going to end up turning as quickly as Tobin did. That would suck. Michonne doesn't even know that he's been bitten yet.