The Walking Dead, which can be purchased here, due to the historic 150th issue, has ushered in change. This has been slowly building up since issue 144 as the Whisperers have given a warning to the 4 communities. Since the warning many actions and debates have led to the decision, that was reached in issue 150, to establish an army. Issue 151 focuses on the early stages of implementing and training an army to keep the 4 communities safe.
The Good:
The comic captures the implementation of Rick’s army. This army is new in both experience and practice, as the 4 communities have had peace prior to the Whisperers for 2 ½ years. As a result of this many of the citizens lack the ability or experience in using a gun or understanding tactics. Rick and Dwight stage a training mission that involves killing zombies as a means to assess their army. The training mission shows that the small force is beginning to understand how to use guns effectively, yet the small herd easily surrounds them. Dwight orders the group to form a circle and fight forward which gives them the option to retreat backwards. After the herd has been defeated Rick acknowledges that he is not needed to be the leader of this army but Dwight is as he saved the entire army by his quick thinking. This elevates Dwight’s character to be the commander and establishes Rick’s role as being the leader who see the big picture. While this training mission is going on Eugene is attempting to communicate using his radio. In doing so he receives a message back stating that they can hear him loud and clear. This shows that there is the possibility of another group of people who have just as much technology as the 4 communities.
The Bad:
The Walking Dead has many likeable characters and a few lovable characters. One of the lovable characters is Michonne. Her role in this comic was predictable, as she would become the new leader of the Kingdom community. This feels out of place and rushed due to Michonne’s recent return to the 4 communities and the death of her partner. Rick utilizes this circumstance to place Michonne, one of his trusted colleagues, into a leadership position to further his agenda. This suggests that Michonne’s character will change, as she will have a supporting role rather than a leading role, which undermines many aspects of her character.
The Verdict:
Walking Dead issue 151 continues to bring change to the comic as the 4 communities evolve to face the new threat of the Whisperers. The comic shows the political suaviness of Rick as he is putting forth a solution to calm the 4 communities anger and eliminate the threat. Furthermore, in proposing the solution he is aware of the idea that too much power leads to corruption so he is delegating power to both Dwight and Michonne. Yet the comic elevates Dwight’s character as he receives new responsibilities, and changes Michonne’s character. Without a doubt the Walking Dead issue 151 is a good issue as it establishes the pace and tone for this arc in the comic.
