Talk about out of the frying pan into the fire in Walking Dead 163. The issue focuses on the Whisperers last attempt at finishing off the Alexandria Safezone by leading the herd to it. With the herd arriving Rick orders Dwight, Eugene, Andrea, Michonne, and Jesus to slow down and lead the herd away from the Safezone. While this is occurring, the herd successfully breaks down the gates of the Alexandria Safezone putting Rick and his citizens at risk as they fend off the biggest threat they have faced.
The Good:
The one thing that The Walking Dead constantly delivers on is character development. For the past 50 issues we have seen the characters Rick, Negan, Michonne, Eugene, and Jesus learn from their experiences. In this issue all of those experiences are utilized as a massive herd threatens the Alexandria Safezone. In particular, we see this with Rick, as within seconds he formulates a plan to address the massive herd by diverting it and picking off the stragglers. This was formed so quickly due to his past experiences in going to war with Negan and helping to develop diverting techniques for the herds. These two situations along with various others have given him knowledge to lead and the confidence to execute a plan that has worked previously. Furthermore, we see Eugene’s character becoming further developed in this issue, as he is very effective at diverting herds and has played an instrumental part in developing the technique. While the herd is approaching Eugene is the first person to volunteer to help divert the herd, despite being exhausted from bringing ammunition to the Safezone. This shows how in the last 50 issues Eugene’s loyalty to the 4 communities has increased in both contributing to their technology and their safety. The comic also shows how Michonne and Jesus have developed as characters and their ability to follow orders but also react to the situation. This is done when Michonne realizes that diverting the herd will not be enough, so she enacts a 5-step plan to eliminate some of the herd. By doing this we see how both Michonne and Jesus can follow Rick’s orders, but are capable of making decisions on the battlefield that has the best interest of the 4 communities. The final character development is within Negan, as he saves Rick from being consumed by the herd after the Safezone gates are broken down. In doing this we are seeing how Negan has changed and has become reformed, as he apologizes to Rick for his leg, stating that they are even now. This shows that Rick, within his community, has built a productive society as it can reform somebody like Negan.
The Bad:
The only problem with this issue is that for the past several issues it has been building up to this point. If you have not been following the Walking Dead or are attempting to jump onto this comic, because it is 25 cents, than you will most likely be confused. In order for a person to fully understand, enjoy, and appreciate this comic they need to have been following the comic since issue 150 at least, which limits any new reader coming onto this comic at a great price point.
The Verdict:
By far one of the best pay offs in the last few years in comics as every action that Rick, Negan, Michonne, Eugene, and Jesus have taken in the last 50 issues has played a role in this issue. The amount of planning and organization to make this happen is what makes this a great issue that brings satisfaction to any fan of this series. But Kirkman does not stop there as this month there are 2 issues of the Walking Dead and he purposely leaves this issue on a cliff hanger knowing that it will be addressed in a week or two, which only draws a reader further in. Normally this would be an annoyance but since the wait is so short for the next issue it makes this issue that much more enticing to read, while creating interest for the next issue.
