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Glenn will soon regret his decision.

27 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2011

3 people are currently reading
139 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 - 14 of 14 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
Picking up right after the intense cliffhanger in the previous issue, Nicholas's actions continue to irk me. His motivations seem petty and his arrogance is maddening. He clearly wants power but lacks the sense to see the bigger picture. Still, Rick’s handling of the situation in this issue shows a lot of character depth. His leadership, patience, and understanding in the face of Nicholas's foolishness reveal his struggle to maintain his humanity in a world that constantly demands brutality.

The issue opens with Rick confronting Nicholas, who is holding a gun and threatening to take control of Alexandria. Rick, in his usual calm yet forceful manner, orders Nicholas to drop the weapon, which he does reluctantly. The tension between the two is palpable, but Rick manages to keep a level head, embodying the philosophy of unity: “united we stand, divided we fall.” Rick’s decision not to kill Nicholas is interesting—he sees Alexandria not just as a physical sanctuary, but a place where the community must learn to survive together, even if it means tolerating dangerous individuals like Nicholas for the time being.

What’s refreshing in this scene is Rick’s willingness to engage in dialogue with Nicholas rather than resorting to violence. He tells Nicholas that the most valuable resource in Alexandria is its people, and that no one is expendable. This approach speaks volumes about Rick’s leadership: he’s not just trying to survive; he’s trying to create a sustainable community, which, in a post-apocalyptic world, is a rare thing to see. He allows Nicholas a second chance, even if it’s clear that trust is yet to be built.

The issue shifts gears when Rick spends time with his son, Carl, who is struggling with the emotional fallout of the world they live in. Carl's confusion over what it means to be "strong" is heartbreaking. Rick, trying to assure his son that it’s okay to feel sadness and fear, opens up about his own grief. The father-son dynamic here is complex—Rick wants Carl to be strong, but he also understands that part of surviving is allowing oneself to grieve and express vulnerability. This scene was a poignant reminder that even in a world where survival is paramount, emotional growth and healing are still necessary for the characters' well-being.

The dialogue between Rick and Carl about death, strength, and emotions adds a layer of complexity to their relationship. Carl, whose emotional journey has been complicated by the loss of his mother and the harsh realities of the world, tries to make sense of his feelings. Rick’s reassurance that he would be devastated if Carl were to die speaks to his deep love for his son, a love that has been tested time and again by the horrors they’ve faced.

As the issue progresses, the tensions in Alexandria continue to rise. Holly and Abraham discuss the growing food shortage and the deteriorating mental state of the Alexandrians. Holly, disillusioned by Rick’s leadership, suggests Abraham would make a better leader, highlighting the growing dissatisfaction with Rick’s decisions. Meanwhile, Glenn’s anxiety about Nicholas remains palpable. He confides in Maggie, revealing that he doesn’t feel safe in the supposedly secure walls of Alexandria anymore. This only intensifies Maggie’s own fears.

The issue concludes with a quieter, more intimate moment between Rick and Andrea. After a tense and tiring day, Rick expresses his exhaustion and frustration. He confesses that he feels like he died a long time ago, emotionally speaking, but Andrea encourages him to come back to life—not just as a leader, but as a person. This moment of vulnerability between them is significant, not only for the development of their relationship but also for Rick’s personal growth. It’s a reminder that, despite the chaos around them, they still have each other, and that perhaps there is room for something more than just survival.

I have a hard time caring about Nicholas’s character development, despite the reflection he has on his actions. His motivations just seem so self-serving and his behavior so reckless that I find it difficult to sympathize with him. I appreciate that the story tries to show his internal struggle, but his previous actions were so destructive that I can’t muster any real empathy for him.

Rick, on the other hand, continues to impress me with his ability to manage the chaos around him while remaining compassionate. His leadership is tested again and again, but he remains committed to the idea of a community, even if it means tolerating dangerous individuals for the time being. The personal moments between Rick and Carl, and later with Andrea, show that Rick is more than just a leader—he’s a father, a partner, and a man grappling with his own emotional scars. It’s these small moments that keep me invested in the series, even when the larger conflict threatens to overshadow the character dynamics.

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In this bonus issue, the tone is much lighter than the main series, but it still delves into the emotional complexity of its characters. This short story offers a quirky yet poignant look at Carl’s worldview, as he navigates the strange realities of life in the apocalypse.

The issue starts with Carl, who, in an odd attempt at humor or perhaps a reflection of his growing cynicism, wears Ron’s face as a mask. His friends are horrified, but Carl simply shrugs it off, explaining that he’s trying to deal with the eye socket left by the loss of his eye. It’s a bizarre moment, and it highlights the psychological toll the apocalypse has taken on Carl. His desire to replace his mother and father with new, more "suitable" parents in the event of his death is both dark and strangely pragmatic. Carl’s assertion that if he were to die, he’d want to be replaced by someone cool reflects his growing awareness of the harsh realities of life and death in the new world.

This issue presents Carl in a very different light from the main series—here, he’s almost childishly morbid, but it also showcases his fear and need for reassurance. The simple act of drawing his “new brother” and then later asking Rick for a bedtime story about Lori and Judith speaks to his desperate need for connection and understanding. Despite his attempts to act tough and emotionally distant, Carl is still a child, longing for the comfort of normalcy and family in a world that offers neither.

Rick’s response to Carl’s strange request is touching in its simplicity. Instead of dismissing Carl’s odd behavior, Rick acknowledges it and treats his son with the care and respect that he desperately needs. The scene where Carl asks to talk about Lori and Judith is a tender moment of reflection, showing that even in the chaos of the world around them, Carl still holds onto the memories of the family he once had.

Andrea’s role in this issue is also noteworthy—she’s the one who finds the shirt that Carl made for Lori, a symbol of the bond they shared. It’s a subtle yet powerful reminder of the lost connections and the lingering grief that still haunt the characters.

Carl is a fascinating character in this issue. His behavior may seem bizarre or even off-putting at times, but it’s clear that he’s struggling with grief and loss in his own unique way. I found his attempt to replace his parents somewhat unsettling, but also understandable in the context of the world they live in. The emotional complexity of Carl’s character continues to grow, and it’s moments like these that add depth to the series.

The issue may be lighthearted on the surface, but it offers a glimpse into Carl’s psyche and his need for connection in an uncertain world. The relationship between father and son continues to evolve, and I’m always drawn to these more personal moments in the midst of the chaos.

Both issues, though quite different in tone, offer poignant moments of character growth and emotional depth. While the main series tackles heavy leadership themes and survival, Small Bites provides a lighter, more introspective look at Carl’s emotional state. Each issue complements the other, offering a well-rounded view of the struggles and relationships at the heart of The Walking Dead.
Profile Image for Kelsie.
296 reviews24 followers
December 31, 2021
Nicholas getting owned, love it.
Carl has a massive head injury, loses an eye ... gets to go home after, what, a day or two? I guess injuries hit different in a zombie apocalypse.
Now Nicholas trying to be a nice guy. Good for him, I guess.
Now we have Holly (is that her name? I can't remember) saying Abraham should be the new leader. If I were part of that community, I'd take my chances with zombies, this is school drama all over again.
Great, more romances, this time with Rick and Andrea. I can't keep up with who's fugging who at this point.
x
Profile Image for Tosca Wijns-Van Eeden.
831 reviews5 followers
October 17, 2019
Lot of psychological issues, which probably make sense in their situation.
Carl is alive, relationships are falling apart or coming together.
Profile Image for Laina.
237 reviews2 followers
May 19, 2016
Rick SHOULD have killed them. Or, he should have at least killed Nicholas, and used his death as an example of what's going to happen if any of the original Alexandria members tried to threaten his group again.

I liked Rick's speech to Nicholas. Hopefully this will get the guy to stop being such a prick and will realize that Rick and his group don't want to kill the original Alexandrians, they just want to make Alexandria the best it can be.

I'm so glad that Carl's doing well enough that he can go home with his Dad now. That's got to be a huge relief to Rick, and I'm sure it will be to the others when they find out.

I really liked the conversation between Rick and Carl, and even though Carl didn't really understand at the time, I know he'll understand soon, after giving it some thought.

Rick just doesn't want Carl to have to worry about things anymore. He wants Carl to be able to be a kid again, to be carefree and to enjoy live like he used to. But the problem is, Carl's not that little kid anymore.

Even though Nicholas's speech was great and all, I still don't trust him. He might be genuine and he might not be. For right now, I happen to think it's a load of bullshit, and Rick should definitely keep an eye on the guy.

Ha, right?! I agree with Rick. So much shit has happened that it's hard to believe all of this crap has happened in just one day. It probably feels like a week has passed in a single day.

And of COURSE Holly's going to side with Nicholas. I hate that she's using sex and Abraham's ego to try and make him turn against Rick. It's a dirty underhanded trick, and she's a bitch for doing it.

Maggie, hon, you need to get a fucking grip. Alexandria is the safest place around for miles, maybe even more than that, I'm sure. So stop bitching because the zombies got through. It's going to happen from time to time.

I'm glad that Rick and Andrea are talking about what Rick was thinking when the shit with Nicholas went down. And I don't think it's a bad thing that he wanted to kill Nicholas. I'd have done it, no questions asked.

I like that Rick was honest in his thoughts and feelings with Andrea, telling her that he's not the same man he used to be. That living like they have, with all the danger, it's changed him, and he's not sure it's for the better.

I also liked that Andrea talked Rick down and kissed him. I knew it was going to happen. Well, I figured they'd have sex or something, but hey, I'm not complaining. I think Rick and Andrea would be good together.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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