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Every day, it becomes a little bit easier.

32 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2011

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141 people want to read

About the author

Robert Kirkman

2,752 books6,957 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 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for Jess the Shelf-Declared Bibliophile.
2,447 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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December 2, 2024
This issue brings a mixture of emotional depth and suspense as it explores Carl's recovery from his coma, Rick's emotional struggle, and the group’s ongoing fight for survival in a harsh post-apocalyptic world. The rawness of the situation is mirrored by Carl’s memory gaps, while Rick grapples with the painful reality of how much he has to tell his son.

The issue opens with Carl awakening from his coma, only to realize that something is terribly wrong. He has no memory of what’s happened, including the death of his mother, Lori. This loss is significant because it underscores the deep emotional toll the apocalypse has taken on the characters. Carl's confusion is both heartbreaking and realistic; it’s jarring to see him struggle with basic facts about his family. His sadness upon learning about Lori's death is understated, yet powerful, as he processes the loss in his own way. His indifference to his mother's death might seem strange at first, but it speaks volumes about how desensitized and numb Carl has become to the violence and loss around him. The fact that Carl doesn't even remember Judith or his younger sister’s death adds another layer of grief for Rick, who is left to explain this tragedy.

Rick’s reaction to Carl's memory gaps reveals his own struggles. He is unsure how to move forward—whether he should lie to Carl about Lori’s death or face the painful truth. In the end, Rick’s decision to tell Carl the truth is a poignant moment, not only because it’s about honesty but because it reveals his deep care for Carl’s well-being. It’s clear that Rick is torn between protecting Carl from the harsh realities of their world and allowing him to face the truth as a means of healing.

The emotional moment between Rick and Carl is tempered by Denise’s medical observations, which reassure Rick that Carl’s cognitive functions are intact. But the weight of Carl's memory loss is heavy on both father and son. The painful reality is that Carl has been robbed of so much, and as he learns more about the past, it becomes clear that he will never fully recover the innocence of his pre-apocalypse self.

Meanwhile, we see Andrea’s tense interactions with Spencer, a character who’s trying desperately to cling to the idea that he had something special with her. Spencer’s jealousy and bitterness lead to a confrontation that further emphasizes Andrea’s resolve. She shuts him down, reinforcing her independence and making it clear that there’s nothing left for them. Her rejection of Spencer also highlights her growth as a character—no longer willing to settle for anything less than what she truly wants, even if that means being alone.

As Rick ventures out with Abraham, Michonne, and others on a food scavenging mission, there’s a sense of urgency in the air. The scarcity of food is becoming a real problem, and the group needs to find resources to survive. The tension between Rick and Denise, as she questions his decision to leave Carl in his condition, is palpable. Rick is torn between the need to secure food for the group and his desire to be there for Carl, and it speaks to the emotional complexity of this world. It’s not just about survival anymore—it’s about trying to hold onto any semblance of normalcy, even if that means making hard decisions.

The group’s interactions during the trip reveal the dynamics within the community. Abraham’s pragmatic approach to the food shortage contrasts with Rick’s sense of urgency. The comic also provides a small but significant moment with Glenn, who respects Rick’s decision to keep him out of the mission, showing his loyalty and support for his friend’s leadership. As the group heads out, there’s a palpable sense of unease, amplified by Rick’s personal turmoil and the knowledge that danger could be lurking at any turn.

The final cliffhanger moment, where Rick is found crying in an office by Andrea, is a powerful one. It shows the deep emotional toll that this life has taken on Rick. He is not the unbreakable leader he often appears to be; he is a father, grieving the loss of his wife and the toll the world has taken on his son. This moment humanizes Rick, making him a more relatable and empathetic character.

This issue of The Walking Dead excels in portraying the complexity of grief, survival, and leadership in a world that continually tests its characters. Carl’s memory loss is a poignant reminder of the trauma these characters have endured, and the issue does an excellent job of showing how that trauma affects both the survivors and those around them. Rick’s conflict over how to handle Carl’s memory gap is heartbreaking, and his decision to tell Carl the truth is both an emotional and mature choice. The moments between Rick and Carl throughout this issue resonate deeply, as we see the heavy emotional burden that Rick carries for both his son and himself.

The tension with Andrea and Spencer is an interesting subplot that adds depth to Andrea's character. She is no longer the same person she was before the apocalypse, and her rejection of Spencer shows that she has evolved into someone who no longer needs to seek validation from others. The scene between them is charged with emotion, and it serves as a strong moment for Andrea’s personal growth.

As always, the world-building in The Walking Dead is superb. The daily struggles of survival are portrayed with unflinching realism, and the dynamics between the characters add layers to the narrative. The constant threat of the walkers and the scarcity of resources make each decision feel more urgent and consequential.

I also found myself particularly drawn to the emotional weight that Rick carries throughout this issue. He is a leader, but he is also a father, and that duality is explored beautifully here. The final scene, where Rick is crying, encapsulates all the pain and loss he’s experienced and serves as a reminder of how much The Walking Dead is about the emotional cost of survival, not just the physical one.

The Walking Dead Issue #88 is a moving and tense exploration of loss, memory, and survival. The emotional stakes are high, and the characters are pushed to their limits in ways that make them feel more real than ever. Carl’s memory loss and Rick’s struggle to be both a father and a leader make for a deeply human story, one that resonates long after the issue ends. The writing is sharp, the pacing is excellent, and the emotional moments are incredibly powerful. This issue exemplifies what makes *The Walking Dead* such a compelling series—its ability to balance personal drama with the harsh realities of a post-apocalyptic world.

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The Walking Dead: Small Bites Issue #18 is a much lighter and more humorous take on the series, offering a stark contrast to the darker tone of the main story. Carl’s imagination runs wild in this issue, delivering a quirky and funny moment that gives us a break from the intense drama of the primary storyline.

This issue is a departure from the usual tone, as Carl recounts a bizarre, humorous version of events following his coma. According to Carl, Ron’s cowardice led to a chain of events that saw walkers fusing together due to the "toxic" effects of his fear-induced bowel movements. The absurdity of this narrative, with Carl’s pet unicorn *Foi Foi Foom* swooping in to save the day, adds a surreal touch that both surprises and entertains.

Carl’s quirky and outlandish recounting of events is both funny and sad, as he tries to fill in the gaps in his memory. The issue serves as a moment of levity in the midst of the ongoing drama of the main series, offering a playful perspective on Carl's recovery. The idea of Carl creating a fantastical version of events is a clever way of showing how his mind is processing the trauma and confusion of the past, and it’s interesting to see how the issue plays with the surreal and the absurd.

The humor is also a nice reprieve from the emotional intensity of the main series. Carl’s wild imagination and innocent perspective give readers a glimpse into the mind of a child trying to make sense of the chaos around him. It’s an issue that highlights the importance of humor and imagination in the face of tragedy, reminding us that even in the darkest times, laughter can still exist.

Small Bites Issue #18 is a delightful and unexpected break from the usual intensity of The Walking Dead. Carl’s imagination adds a refreshing, whimsical element to the story that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. It’s a fun, lighthearted issue that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still manages to explore Carl’s struggles with memory loss and trauma in a unique way.

I particularly enjoyed how the issue blends humor with the ongoing themes of loss and survival. Carl’s fantastical tale is both absurd and poignant, reflecting his desire to escape the harsh realities of his world, even if just for a moment. The issue shows that even in a world where death and destruction are constant, there’s still room for a little bit of fun and imagination.

The Walking Dead: Small Bites Issue #18 is a refreshing departure from the usual darkness of the main series. It’s a quirky, humorous exploration of Carl’s recovery, filled with absurdity and charm. While it doesn’t delve as deeply into the emotional weight of the main series, it offers a lighthearted moment that serves as a nice counterpoint to the tension and tragedy of the apocalypse. It’s an enjoyable read that captures the spirit of *The Walking Dead* while providing a welcome break from the heavier themes.
Profile Image for Kelsie.
296 reviews24 followers
December 31, 2021
'Doctor Cloyd just wants to keep an eye on you for a bit lomger' ... Rick, insensitive much? Don't mention 'eyes' around Carl right now, sheesh!
'Yeah, let's fuck this dog' ... excuse me Abraham? Rick's being insensitive and you're being ... well keep your kinks to yourself, is what I'm saying.
A group memeber (literally can't tell who it is, with their hoods up they all look the same) getting excited over stale potato chips? Yeah I get that. I'd be the same tbh.
And Nicholas wants to take over Rick ... clearly he has learned absolutely nothing.
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Profile Image for Laina.
237 reviews2 followers
May 19, 2016
Aww, poor Carl. The first thing he did was ask about his Mom. I'm sad that he forgot that she was dead. I'm also sad that Rick's going to have to remind him of that, all over again.

I'm glad that Carl has his Dad and the rest of the people of Alexandria to look after him. It still sucks that he doesn't remember that his Mom and Judith died. It's gonna be hard on Rick to tell him.

I feel bad for Spencer, and Andrea was just a flat out cold hearted bitch to him. The guy really likes her, and she told him to get off her fucking porch. Man, she needs a kick in the ass.

It's so sad that Carl doesn't remember his little sister Judith. While I'm glad that Carl's starting to get his memory back, it's sad that he's remembering all the people who have already died.

I'm really starting to like Abraham. I like that he's glad Carl woke up, and that he cares enough about Rick to tell him to get some rest. Most other people wouldn't have cared.

I really like the easy friendship that Rick and Abraham have settled into. I also like that Abraham doesn't ask too many questions and can see when Rick has good ideas or plans.

I understand that Rick's having a tough time handling the fact that Carl's having memory issues, but I don't like the idea of him leaving, just so he can ignore it for a while.

Well, I'm glad that Glenn didn't get upset with Maggie, for her going behind his back to ask Rick to leave him with them. I'm glad that Glenn offered to do a patrol. It'll make him feel useful without him having to leave Alexandria.

The way Abraham talks always has me laughing. He says the weirdest and funniest things. And half the time it feels like it doesn't make sense, but it's still funny as hell.

Did Abraham REALLY just tell Holly that he loved her? I mean, that's fucking crazy. He and Rosita haven't even been broken up that long and he's already confessing love for another woman.

I like that Rick decided they would take out a bigger group to go and look for supplies. I'm glad that they have enough people, that they can afford to do so without worrying about things at Alexandria.

I KNEW this Nicholas asshole was going to be trouble. He just can't stand that he's not in charge giving orders. But if he was, the guy would have no fucking clue what to say or do.
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