It’s no surprise that Robert Kirkman can still astonish us as fans of The Walking Dead ,which can be purchased here. Issue 152, does just that as it focuses on three diverse scenarios that address a variety of characters. They each have major consequences that will affect the leadership and safety of the 4 communities. These scenarios include Eugene, Rick, Brandon, and Negan. These four characters are responsible for the safety of 200 citizens all across the four communities. Issue 152 puts forth three different scenarios that will change the peace that the 4 communities have had indefinitely as each one brings them a step closer to facing the Whisperers.
Eugene:
The comic builds upon the last issue as Eugene has reached out with his radio and received a response. This begins a tense conversation with the other person over the radio, as they are both attempting to find information on the other. Eugene begins to reveal information about the Alexandria Safe-Zone to this stranger without knowing his intentions or position. Some of this information includes the resident count and how the area is protected. Furthermore, Eugene agrees not to tell anybody about this meeting, despite engaging with another group who has critical information. This shows that despite Eugene being a smart individual and invaluable to the 4 communities he has put them at risk. Furthermore, Eugene does not even realize he has put the 4 communities at risk rather he views it as a successful information session. This is foreshadowing that another group will be introduced to The Walking Dead and most likely will catch Rick off guard. This can shift the balance of power that is currently being challenged in the comic.
Brandon and Rick:
Rick, due to the events that have been occurring, feels he needs to make peace with Brandon, as he has killed his father. In attempting to do so Brandon punches Rick resulting in a fight. Rick gets the better of the fight and explains to Brandon that he has to straighten himself out and fall in line, as Rick needs his support. Furthermore, Rick chooses to take the higher ground and spare Brandon’s life. Rick makes it clear that the next time something like this happens Rick will not hesitate to put a bullet into Brandon. This tactic of fear is not something that Rick has mastered as he has rarely had to use it. As a result he used it incorrectly as Brandon has decided not to fall in line but rather challenge Rick by freeing Negan.
Brandon and Negan:
The freeing of Negan has been a moment that has been long over due since issue 127. Negan was freed in an unpredictable way as Brandon approached him. Brandon has a personal vendetta against Rick and wants Negan’s help in killing him as they both hate him. Yet there is a catch to Brandon freeing Negan and that is they have to warn the Whisperers about Rick’s army, which would incite a war between the two groups. After they are warned Negan can choose to do what he likes. Now Brandon in freeing Negan has opened Pandora’s box as Negan is dangerous and is influential. In particular the comic suggests that Negan will influence Alpha, from the Whisperers to go to war with the 4 communities. This war will not only kill many of the people living there but destroy the Safe-Zone itself, crushing everything Rick has built. With both Brandon and Negan outside of the jail the comic establishes this can happen and lead to a showdown between Negan, Rick, and the Whisperers, which will change the power in the communities.
What it all means:
Issue 152 is an unexpected issue as a few surprise events occur in the comic. In particular the comic has three different scenarios that each carry significant consequences. As a result the comic provides a major set up for the next several issues as Rick Grimes and the 4 communities had a variety of new problems to address, as they prepare themselves for a war with the Whisperers.
