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The Walking Dead (Single Issues)
The Walking Dead #86
How do we deal with what comes next?
24 pages, Paperback
First published June 29, 2011
4 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Robert Kirkman
2,752 books6,957 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 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 31, 2017
Ominous signs for the future of the group: peace and tranquility in the Safe Zone.
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.
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.
***
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My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPPs...
My Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/michael_sor...
My Wattpad Account: https://www.wattpad.com/user/Michael-...
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April 12, 2015
Yeah, Rick, hold on to your positive thoughts!!
December 2, 2024
The issue begins with a moment of relief when Rick and Andrea observe Carl’s slight movement—he coughed and made a small, but significant, motion. It’s a glimmer of hope in an otherwise grim environment. Rick, overjoyed yet cautious, rushes to inform Denise, who is with Heath outside Carl’s room. She confirms that Carl is stable, but still comatose. While Carl’s condition may improve, Denise cautions that he is not out of danger yet, as the bullet didn’t miss his vital organs by much.
Meanwhile, Rosita arrives at Eugene’s home, emotionally battered after discovering Abraham’s infidelity with Holly. She’s devastated and needs somewhere to escape to, which is why she seeks refuge with Eugene. Though Eugene has a tumultuous past and doesn’t have the cleanest record, Rosita recognizes him as the only remaining friend who hasn’t let her down. Her vulnerability and dependence on Eugene show how fragile human connections have become in this post-apocalyptic world.
The emotional weight of the issue doesn’t stop there. Rick reflects on his personal losses as he stands beside Carl’s unconscious form. His conversation with Michonne highlights the deeper emotional complexities of the characters. As Rick approaches Morgan’s grave, the regret of not saying goodbye to his former companion weighs heavily on him. Michonne, too, is haunted by the idea of watching people reanimate, something that shakes her to the core.
The issue continues with action outside the Safe-Zone. Rick, Abraham, Nicholas, Spencer, and Eugene are on a patrol outside the walls when they hear gunshots in the distance. The team rushes to investigate, only to find Andrea and others defending the Safe-Zone against a small herd of walkers. Andrea’s calm and decisive shooting skills impress everyone, especially Olivia, who is still reluctant about engaging with walkers. Andrea, who once struggled with firearms, has become a beacon of strength and resilience in this new world.
As Rick and Andrea walk back, they reflect on how far they’ve come. Andrea muses about the transformation she’s undergone, from someone who once found firearms foreign to a trusted instructor for the younger generation. The conversation shifts to their shared grief over past losses, particularly Rick’s lingering feelings about Shane and Lori. He admits that his focus on protecting Carl and Lori sometimes blinded him to the greater community, but he’s finally come to realize that their survival depends on more than just individual protection—it’s about collective safety.
Rick’s moment of introspection is a pivotal turning point. He acknowledges that he’s made mistakes, but he’s determined to learn from them and become a better leader for the people he’s chosen to protect. The realization that protecting the community is, in essence, protecting his family, solidifies his leadership role, and the readers are left with a sense of optimism for the future.
Carl’s injury in this issue serves as a stark reminder of how precarious life has become. It’s a relief that the bullet didn’t cause permanent damage to his brain, but the lingering worry over his recovery continues to haunt Rick. The tension between hope and despair is palpable in this chapter, and Carl’s health seems to be a barometer for the overall mood of the group.
The loss of Morgan, though not unexpected, is still a bitter pill to swallow. Morgan’s arc has been a significant one, starting from the first time Rick encountered him in the early days of the apocalypse, and the reunion between the two felt like a long-awaited resolution. Unfortunately, Morgan’s death feels like another in a long line of lost opportunities for the characters to find some peace.
I particularly appreciated Rick’s evolution in this issue. His journey from being a man consumed by the protection of his family to someone who now understands the importance of the greater community is a refreshing shift. It feels like the group is finally beginning to understand what it means to rebuild a world together. Rick’s growth is well-executed, and it adds emotional depth to his character.
Andrea’s role in this issue is another highlight. Her development has been nothing short of remarkable, and seeing her step up as a mentor to the younger generation adds a sense of hope to the otherwise grim atmosphere. Her ability to take on a leadership role is not only inspiring but also serves as a testament to how adaptable people have become in this harsh world.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
This issue of Small Bites offers a much-needed breath of levity amidst the heavy emotions of the main series. Andrea, now an expert in handling firearms, takes on the role of teaching the kids of Alexandria how to defend themselves. The kids, eager to learn, show off their new skills by successfully shooting walkers. But the real kicker comes when they use walker brains and blood to create a bouquet painting, turning an act of survival into an unexpected form of art. It’s a strange, almost absurd moment that underscores the bleak humor that runs throughout the series.
Andrea takes it all in stride, knowing that teaching the kids how to protect themselves is essential. She tells them that tomorrow, they’ll learn how to make medic bags out of tanned walker skin. The absurdity of the situation isn’t lost on her, but she recognizes the importance of equipping the younger generation for what lies ahead.
The issue ends with the kids running home, praising Andrea for being the coolest teacher they’ve ever had, an odd sentiment in a world where conventional education has long ceased to exist. It’s a moment of dark humor, but it also highlights the resilience of the characters and their ability to adapt to their new reality.
This Small Bites issue is a hilarious, albeit slightly macabre, look at how life in Alexandria is beginning to normalize in some ways. The idea of kids learning how to make things out of walker remains is an unsettling yet fitting reflection of the world they now live in. It’s a sharp contrast to the simpler, safer days before the outbreak.
I couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of the bouquet made of walker brains and blood—it’s a dark, twisted form of creativity, and it’s exactly the type of humor that The Walking Dead often excels at. The kids’ comment that “school is way more fun when the real teachers are dead” captures the weird, cynical tone of the series. It’s a small moment that speaks volumes about the loss of innocence in this post-apocalyptic world.
Overall, this Small Bites issue is a perfect palate cleanser after the emotional weight of the main issue. It provides some much-needed comic relief while still staying true to the series' darkly humorous tone. It’s a reminder that even in a world overrun by zombies, life finds ways to go on—sometimes in the most unexpected and bizarre ways.
Meanwhile, Rosita arrives at Eugene’s home, emotionally battered after discovering Abraham’s infidelity with Holly. She’s devastated and needs somewhere to escape to, which is why she seeks refuge with Eugene. Though Eugene has a tumultuous past and doesn’t have the cleanest record, Rosita recognizes him as the only remaining friend who hasn’t let her down. Her vulnerability and dependence on Eugene show how fragile human connections have become in this post-apocalyptic world.
The emotional weight of the issue doesn’t stop there. Rick reflects on his personal losses as he stands beside Carl’s unconscious form. His conversation with Michonne highlights the deeper emotional complexities of the characters. As Rick approaches Morgan’s grave, the regret of not saying goodbye to his former companion weighs heavily on him. Michonne, too, is haunted by the idea of watching people reanimate, something that shakes her to the core.
The issue continues with action outside the Safe-Zone. Rick, Abraham, Nicholas, Spencer, and Eugene are on a patrol outside the walls when they hear gunshots in the distance. The team rushes to investigate, only to find Andrea and others defending the Safe-Zone against a small herd of walkers. Andrea’s calm and decisive shooting skills impress everyone, especially Olivia, who is still reluctant about engaging with walkers. Andrea, who once struggled with firearms, has become a beacon of strength and resilience in this new world.
As Rick and Andrea walk back, they reflect on how far they’ve come. Andrea muses about the transformation she’s undergone, from someone who once found firearms foreign to a trusted instructor for the younger generation. The conversation shifts to their shared grief over past losses, particularly Rick’s lingering feelings about Shane and Lori. He admits that his focus on protecting Carl and Lori sometimes blinded him to the greater community, but he’s finally come to realize that their survival depends on more than just individual protection—it’s about collective safety.
Rick’s moment of introspection is a pivotal turning point. He acknowledges that he’s made mistakes, but he’s determined to learn from them and become a better leader for the people he’s chosen to protect. The realization that protecting the community is, in essence, protecting his family, solidifies his leadership role, and the readers are left with a sense of optimism for the future.
Carl’s injury in this issue serves as a stark reminder of how precarious life has become. It’s a relief that the bullet didn’t cause permanent damage to his brain, but the lingering worry over his recovery continues to haunt Rick. The tension between hope and despair is palpable in this chapter, and Carl’s health seems to be a barometer for the overall mood of the group.
The loss of Morgan, though not unexpected, is still a bitter pill to swallow. Morgan’s arc has been a significant one, starting from the first time Rick encountered him in the early days of the apocalypse, and the reunion between the two felt like a long-awaited resolution. Unfortunately, Morgan’s death feels like another in a long line of lost opportunities for the characters to find some peace.
I particularly appreciated Rick’s evolution in this issue. His journey from being a man consumed by the protection of his family to someone who now understands the importance of the greater community is a refreshing shift. It feels like the group is finally beginning to understand what it means to rebuild a world together. Rick’s growth is well-executed, and it adds emotional depth to his character.
Andrea’s role in this issue is another highlight. Her development has been nothing short of remarkable, and seeing her step up as a mentor to the younger generation adds a sense of hope to the otherwise grim atmosphere. Her ability to take on a leadership role is not only inspiring but also serves as a testament to how adaptable people have become in this harsh world.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
This issue of Small Bites offers a much-needed breath of levity amidst the heavy emotions of the main series. Andrea, now an expert in handling firearms, takes on the role of teaching the kids of Alexandria how to defend themselves. The kids, eager to learn, show off their new skills by successfully shooting walkers. But the real kicker comes when they use walker brains and blood to create a bouquet painting, turning an act of survival into an unexpected form of art. It’s a strange, almost absurd moment that underscores the bleak humor that runs throughout the series.
Andrea takes it all in stride, knowing that teaching the kids how to protect themselves is essential. She tells them that tomorrow, they’ll learn how to make medic bags out of tanned walker skin. The absurdity of the situation isn’t lost on her, but she recognizes the importance of equipping the younger generation for what lies ahead.
The issue ends with the kids running home, praising Andrea for being the coolest teacher they’ve ever had, an odd sentiment in a world where conventional education has long ceased to exist. It’s a moment of dark humor, but it also highlights the resilience of the characters and their ability to adapt to their new reality.
This Small Bites issue is a hilarious, albeit slightly macabre, look at how life in Alexandria is beginning to normalize in some ways. The idea of kids learning how to make things out of walker remains is an unsettling yet fitting reflection of the world they now live in. It’s a sharp contrast to the simpler, safer days before the outbreak.
I couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of the bouquet made of walker brains and blood—it’s a dark, twisted form of creativity, and it’s exactly the type of humor that The Walking Dead often excels at. The kids’ comment that “school is way more fun when the real teachers are dead” captures the weird, cynical tone of the series. It’s a small moment that speaks volumes about the loss of innocence in this post-apocalyptic world.
Overall, this Small Bites issue is a perfect palate cleanser after the emotional weight of the main issue. It provides some much-needed comic relief while still staying true to the series' darkly humorous tone. It’s a reminder that even in a world overrun by zombies, life finds ways to go on—sometimes in the most unexpected and bizarre ways.
December 30, 2021
Rick and his positive thoughts, hahaahaha ... hahahah .... hahaha. Ha.
I mean good for him. Be positive. Think happy thoughts.
(honestly it's been a while since I read the last issue & I forgot what happen and when Rick saw Michonne at Morgan's grave I was like 'Morgan's dead?! Since when? - I should re-read the previous issue to jog my memory).
x
I mean good for him. Be positive. Think happy thoughts.
(honestly it's been a while since I read the last issue & I forgot what happen and when Rick saw Michonne at Morgan's grave I was like 'Morgan's dead?! Since when? - I should re-read the previous issue to jog my memory).
x
October 17, 2019
Again a break moment after some action packed episodes. The group is making plans to secure Alexandria safe-zone even more.
December 28, 2021
I was hooked the first couple pages, love the art and especially the zombies and the post apocalyptic setting 😻🤩🧟♂️🔥🔫
May 18, 2016
I feel bad that Rick got his hopes up for nothing, but I'm glad that Denise was nice and explained that Carl wasn't waking up, in a kind way. I know that Rick's crushed that Carl's not waking up yet.
I'm glad that Rosita put everything out on the table so that she and Eugene know where they stand. I'm also glad that she still sees him as a friend, even though he lied to her and everyone else so they'd protect him.
I like that Denise was kind to Rick, even as she tried to get him to go home. Both so he could get some rest, and so that she could spend some alone time with Heath.
I don't like that Michonne has basically given up on ever trying to be happy. I understand that she's angry and upset that Morgan died, but everyone dies eventually. So she should just try and be as happy as possible, while she still can.
I'm glad that Rick didn't change his mind, and that he and some of the others were starting to look over Alexandria and get ready to put the plans they talked about into action.
I also liked that Andrea had already started her lessons or whatever on teaching the others who can't shoot, how to use a gun. The more people who can shoot, the better protected they'll all be.
I like that Andrea decided to give them a chance to try and defend themselves in a real situation, and when it didn't work, she took over and got rid of the oncoming zombies.
I get that letting the zombies in close makes them easier targets, but there's no damn way I'd let a zombie get almost on top of me, before shooting it. No way in hell. That's too close.
I'd rather it still be a few feet away, so they can shoot it, or run if they needed to. I don't like the idea of a zombie being so close. If they miss hitting it with their shot, it would bite them.
Well, I'm glad to know that Rick doesn't dwell on the past with Shane and Lori. I get it, though. There's always so much going on, that he doesn't have time to dwell on the past, which is good.
I like the conversation between Rick and Andrea, and I'm glad that Rick's feeling so confident that all of their plans are going to work out. I really hope they do, for all of their sakes.
I'm glad that Rosita put everything out on the table so that she and Eugene know where they stand. I'm also glad that she still sees him as a friend, even though he lied to her and everyone else so they'd protect him.
I like that Denise was kind to Rick, even as she tried to get him to go home. Both so he could get some rest, and so that she could spend some alone time with Heath.
I don't like that Michonne has basically given up on ever trying to be happy. I understand that she's angry and upset that Morgan died, but everyone dies eventually. So she should just try and be as happy as possible, while she still can.
I'm glad that Rick didn't change his mind, and that he and some of the others were starting to look over Alexandria and get ready to put the plans they talked about into action.
I also liked that Andrea had already started her lessons or whatever on teaching the others who can't shoot, how to use a gun. The more people who can shoot, the better protected they'll all be.
I like that Andrea decided to give them a chance to try and defend themselves in a real situation, and when it didn't work, she took over and got rid of the oncoming zombies.
I get that letting the zombies in close makes them easier targets, but there's no damn way I'd let a zombie get almost on top of me, before shooting it. No way in hell. That's too close.
I'd rather it still be a few feet away, so they can shoot it, or run if they needed to. I don't like the idea of a zombie being so close. If they miss hitting it with their shot, it would bite them.
Well, I'm glad to know that Rick doesn't dwell on the past with Shane and Lori. I get it, though. There's always so much going on, that he doesn't have time to dwell on the past, which is good.
I like the conversation between Rick and Andrea, and I'm glad that Rick's feeling so confident that all of their plans are going to work out. I really hope they do, for all of their sakes.
January 15, 2017
rick is mad hopeful yo
January 8, 2016
Great!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews