Issue 168 of The Walking Dead begins a new road for the 4 communities as they attempt to move forward from the losses they suffered due to the Whisperer war. The issue focuses on Negan helping to defuse the angry Saviors from going to war with Rick and preventing more blood being shed between both sides. Thus allowing for Negan to continuously prove that he is essential in helping to keep the 3 communities intact and operating smoothly.
The Good:
It is clear that this issue proves that Negan has become an irreplaceable ally to Rick. As the Saviors want to go to war against Rick and the Safezone for Sherry’s death. Yet, Negan stops this as he makes it clear what the Savior will really mean if they choose to leave the 4 communities and go to war against Rick. This is an immediate deterrent as Negan reminds them it will go back to how things were under his control, which was bad. Furthermore, Negan in explaining this makes it public so the residents of the Hilltop, The Safezone, and the Saviors understand that Rick has built the network between the communities so that they can help each other thrive not destroy one another. By making this public Negan is reaffirming Rick as a leader and granting him the ability to lead his people onto a road of recovery after the events of the Whisperer War. The fact that Negan is bringing in this change is refreshing as he is the person who it would be least expected from.
The Bad:
The main issue with the comic is how it easily dismisses aggression of The Saviors. For several issues The Saviors have become more aggressive as they don’t want to be part of the 4 communities anymore. Yet, after Negan speaks to them they change their mind and go home and are still part of the 4 communities, after Rick has killed their leader. This does not match the passion and actions they have taken in the last several issues, rather this decision is the very opposite. By having them make a 180-degree flip in their decision this adds confusion to where they stand and their intentions.
The Verdict:
The Walking Dead is full of surprises as Kirkman pulls out a new one with Negan being the voice of reason. By doing this he is bringing in some fresh air as he is filling newly opened wounds due to Andrea’s death. Much like the comic is titled the Road’s End a new road has just opened up with Negan being the first to walk on it.
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