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The Walking Dead Deluxe #8

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Rick and company’s search for shelter leads them to Wiltshire Estates, but not everything within this idyllic gated community is what it seems. This deluxe presentation in STUNNING FULL COLOR also features another installment of Cutting Room Floor and creator commentary.

36 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 3, 2021

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About the author

Robert Kirkman

2,545 books7,030 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 Chris Greensmith.
960 reviews10 followers
February 22, 2021
"Don't worry, son, everything will work out. You did'nt survive this long just to lose it now."
This is where The Walking Dead that we know in later issues starts to take shape, they hit their stride here, also, this issue connects to The Rise of the Governor novel.. ...
Profile Image for Garth.
1,237 reviews
January 31, 2026
2026 - 365 Days of Whatever Is On My Comic Book TBR
Day 30

All I can say is; “All dead. Do not enter.”
Profile Image for John Michael  Martinez (Elio. Journal).
261 reviews1 follower
October 18, 2024
This issue of The Walking Dead brings a blend of tension and moments of calm, as characters try to adjust to their new reality while grappling with their internal struggles. What stands out most for me is how the characters’ relationships are evolving, especially those between Rick and Lori, Dale and Andrea, and even Tyreese and the rest of the group. The emotional dynamics feel heavier, as they are not only surviving the apocalypse but also confronting deep personal conflicts.

Lori’s pregnancy reveal is the core of the issue and brings both joy and underlying dread. In a world where civilization has collapsed, the prospect of bringing a new life into such a harsh environment feels both hopeful and terrifying. The question of who the father is, which Dale subtly brings up, adds even more tension, though Rick tries to shrug it off. The strain of trust and betrayal continues to linger from previous events, and it's a testament to how survival challenges not just the body but also the heart.

Dale and Andrea’s relationship is another point of interest. Their connection seems to be born out of mutual need and emotional vulnerability, but I find myself questioning its sustainability. The significant age difference feels uncomfortable, and Andrea’s behavior suggests she may be using Dale for emotional support while Dale is perhaps taking advantage of that need. In the TV adaptation, I always preferred their relationship being more paternal, where Dale acted as a father figure to Andrea. But here in the comic, the shift to a romantic relationship feels jarring and makes me wonder how it will play out long-term. It’s a reminder that, in such a chaotic world, boundaries between people blur, and loneliness drives people into unexpected relationships.

The final panel of the issue is haunting. As the snow melts to reveal the warning sign “ALL DEAD DO NOT ENTER,” it sets the stage for what’s to come. The unease this moment creates signals that danger is just around the corner, despite the temporary safety the group thinks they’ve found in the Wiltshire Estates.

The issue begins with Lori revealing to Rick that she is pregnant. This moment has a heavy emotional weight to it, as Lori’s confession catches Rick off guard. He questions her certainty, to which Lori confirms that she’s absolutely sure. There’s an overwhelming sense of responsibility as Rick asks Lori what they are going to do, and Lori, unsure herself, throws the question back to him. The situation is not one of celebration, but of looming challenges. Pregnancy in a world without proper medical care, doctors, or even a clean environment, is not just a miracle—it's a gamble.

As Lori shares the news with the group, there is an awkward silence. Allen is the first to speak up, but his words reflect concern rather than joy. He awkwardly tries to express his congratulations but quickly adds that he’s worried about how the group will manage the birth in a world without doctors or hospitals. Rick, trying to lighten the mood, sarcastically quips that “Congratulations” has been a traditional response for years. His tone, however, reflects the tension he feels inside, balancing the joy of new life with the dread of what’s to come.

Later, as the group rests, Dale approaches Rick to talk. The conversation quickly turns personal when Dale hints at the possibility that Lori’s baby might not be Rick’s, but Shane’s. This comment clearly hits a nerve, as Rick immediately becomes defensive. He yells at Dale to drop the subject, explaining that he and Lori only had sex once since the apocalypse started and that dwelling on the possibility of Shane being the father would drive him insane. Rick’s reaction highlights his fragile mental state—he’s trying to hold everything together, but thoughts of betrayal and infidelity are gnawing at him beneath the surface. Dale, sensing Rick’s distress, apologizes and embraces him, encouraging him to rest.

While on the road, the group comes across a burned house. Rick urges everyone to keep moving. As Glenn refuels the RV, a frozen zombie suddenly falls on Dale, causing a moment of panic. Fortunately, Dale isn’t bitten, but the group is reminded that even in the freezing cold, zombies are still a threat. Rick dispatches the frozen walker, and the group continues their journey, acknowledging that zombies freeze faster than humans. It’s a small moment of relief amidst their struggle for survival.

As they continue, the group stumbles upon a walled-off neighborhood, the Wiltshire Estates. Rick believes this could be a potential sanctuary, offering some semblance of safety for the group. They begin to explore, starting with the first floor of a house. Rick and Tyreese go upstairs to ensure it's clear, and Tyreese finds nothing on the second floor. However, Rick encounters two zombies in the basement. Pinned to the floor and in a desperate situation, Rick is saved by Tyreese, who tackles one of the zombies and helps Rick kill the remaining threat. This moment not only highlights Tyreese’s physical strength but also reveals that he was once an NFL player, adding depth to his character.

Meanwhile, Donna makes a surprising discovery: the kitchen of the house is stocked with canned goods. Rick, reflecting on the early days of the apocalypse, notes that people likely looted for TVs and other luxuries, leaving essential items like food behind. The group finally has a small victory in their hands—food and temporary shelter. However, due to a broken window on the ground level, they are forced to sleep on the second floor.

During the night, Donna stumbles upon Andrea and Dale having sex. This discovery adds another layer of tension within the group, as Donna disapproves of their relationship but also feels some level of happiness for them. It’s a complicated mix of emotions that speaks to how even in the darkest times, people still seek comfort in one another. Allen, noticing the snow starting to melt, comments on how the weather is changing, which sets the stage for the haunting final moment.

As the issue closes, the snow covering a nearby sign begins to melt, revealing the chilling message: “ALL DEAD DO NOT ENTER.” It’s a powerful reminder that despite the temporary relief the group has found, danger is still lurking. The haunting final panel promises that the peace they have found in the Wiltshire Estates is only temporary, and more threats are on the horizon.

This issue expertly balances moments of quiet tension and emotional character development with bursts of action and looming dread. The themes of survival, trust, and the fragility of human relationships are explored more deeply, making for a compelling continuation of the story. The introduction of Lori’s pregnancy and the moral questions it raises, coupled with the growing bond between characters like Rick and Tyreese, create an emotional complexity that elevates the story beyond simple survival. With the ominous sign revealed at the end, the stakes have never been higher, and the next issue promises to push the group further into danger.
Profile Image for Sheldon.
741 reviews15 followers
February 3, 2021
We deal with the aftermath of Lori's bombshell and Rick takes is better than I would. Dale and Rick's interactions are great in this one, I know Kirkman can be harsh on his early writing, but he really does nail character interactions. I envy anyone reading this for the first time, it can be sad getting re-attached to some of these characters knowing how they ultimately meet their fates in issues to come. Kirkman also does a fine job laying the groundwork with how his undead behave, George Romero never dealt with frozen zombies, but I am sure he would approve of what Kirkman and Adlard do here. On the subject of Adlard he really does kill it here; the pages in deserted houses look every bit as good in colour as it did in its original B&W, they're still atmospheric as hell.

"My dream is to do at least 75 issues" and "No color...EVER"- Robert Kirkman, proving the old letter pages haven't aged too well!

NB anyone know why "Robert Kirkland" is down as the author of this on Goodreads? Is that Robert Kirkman's evil twin that has stolen Kirkman's series and coloured it without his say so?! :)
Profile Image for Vitor Dantas.
100 reviews
December 30, 2025
Acho que não tô conseguindo me conectar muito com esse segundo volume.

Tem acontecimentos que me fazem ficar focado,mas eu não ligo pra vários outros.

Dale e Andrea...

Essas casas que eles acharam e o aviso da última página...
Profile Image for Julien Gaudet.
4 reviews
January 9, 2022
The colors in The Walking Dead is a nice added bonus! I'll need to re-read then with the colors.
Profile Image for No_One.
289 reviews
July 17, 2024
Issue #8 in summation:

Oh f*ck off, Mother Nature, you damned troll.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews