Walking Dead issue 147, which can be purchased here, further explores the aftermath of Alpha’s actions. Alpha, in issue 145, decapitated members of the 4 communities who have expressed discontent with Rick. As a result, they have turned their attention to Alpha’s daughter, Lydia, who has taken residence in the Alexandria Safe Zone, as she is Carl’s girlfriend. To further complicate the story, many members in the Safe Zone want to use Lydia as bait to capture Alpha. The issue is setting up for some intense issues to come that will redefine the landscape of the 4 communities and their leaders.
The Good:
The issue challenges the rules Rick established, which is no killing. Eugene receives major character development, as he wants to break Rick’s rule and possibly kill Lydia to get to Alpha. Eugene’s character is showing the mentality that many members in the 4 communities are having due to Alpha. As a result of the situation Alpha has created, Lydia begins to develop as a character and she realizes that the Whisperers and the 4 communities are similar. In realizing this trait she panics, as she is aware that she will eventually have to kill again in this world. After Lydia has left Rick and Michome have a conversation that rebuilds the trust between them as they express the pain that they have gone through to achieve happiness. At the end of the conversation it is implied that Rick has re-established his inner circle he can trust for advice and for dealing with the new problems at hand. This issue has laid the groundwork as Eugene and Lydia have received character development. Rick and Michome reconnecting will be important in future issues in dealing with Alpha and the Whisperers.
The Bad:
The issue has three stories happening at the same time, 2 of those stories share a similar tone while one does not. As a result the conversation between Michome and Rick appears awkward, as it is intense and heartfelt while the rest of the comic has a more aggressive action paced feel. The conversation between the two is important but does not fit into the over all emotion of the comic and makes it an awkward comic to read.
The Verdict:
Walking Dead issues are complicated to judge as the series is meant to be viewed as a whole and the back story and set up needs to be established. Having said that, the comic was a solid issue as it shows the change in the 4 communities and their residents and views on killing other humans. Conversely, the comic had a hiccup, as there was an awkward transition in the comic to a crucial conversation. Despite this transition the comic is a solid, enjoyable, comic and is leading to a major change in The Walking Dead.
