In recent issues the The Walking Dead raised the stakes of survival and a new threat has appeared within the vicinity of the 4 communities. This threat was established by the Whisperers as they previously killed 12 members of the 4 communities. As a result of this action the 4 communities reacted and are questioning Rick’s leadership. Rick is accessing the situation to preserve what he built in the last few years. The Walking Dead 146, which can be purchased here, emphasizes Rick’s leadership, as he has to be a calculated leader while dealing with people’s emotions.
The Good:
The issue captures the grief that the family members are experiencing from losing their loved ones. This is not expressed through words but rather through images that capture emotions of pain that these people feel. Furthermore, the issue redevelops Rick as he is being questioned. He is perceived as weak but rather is strong as he is carefully planning a counter attack on the Whisperers without causing any damage to the 4 communities. Finally, the issue ends with Eugene, who has since the time skip, being further developed pointing out an advantage that Rick has in dealing with Alpha and the Whisperers. This advantage is using Alpha’s daughter. This point shows that Eugene not only understands Rick’s position but knows how to help Rick and eliminate a threat so that the communities are safe.
The Bad:
The comic does not address the importance of Ezekiel death but rather ignores it. Michonne is only featured in one panel putting away Ezekiel’s clothes. Ezekiel was the leader of the Kingdom, which in this issue is completely ignored, and he is treated in many ways like a regular resident of the communities. As a result, issue 146 damages and disrespects his character and his status in The Walking Dead universe.
The Verdict:
Issue 146 of The Walking Dead showcases some amazing tricks from Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard. The issue utilizes the trick of showing, not telling, as we see the grief that is on the families that lost the people they love. Furthermore, The Walking Dead team in this issue start to redevelop the characters of Rick and Eugene, which will become important in moving forward. Yet the comic fails and disrespects Ezekiel character, as they do not address his leadership of the Kingdom but rather ignore it and only focus on the Alexandria Safe-Zone and the Hilltop. The comic is a great read and does further the story of The Walking Dead, which can be picked up here, but does not address the fact that one of the major leaders has died and the implications of what his death means.
