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The Walking Dead #54 [Review]

Posted on November 24, 2011 by Walt

Quick Rating: Good

Rick & Co. interact with newcomers/survivors who claim to know what caused the outbreak of the walking dead.

walkingdead054Creator, Writer: Robert Kirkman
Penciler, Inker, Cover: Charlie Adlard
Gray Tones, Cover Colors: Cliff Rathburn
Letterer: Rus Wooton
Publisher: Image Comics

After last issue’s cliffhanger suggesting revelation this issue, we begin the issue with the follow-up: one of the new-comers indeed has knowledge as to what caused the plague of the walking dead. But he needs to get to Washington to deliver said classified knowledge. The two groups of survivors clash over this as well as what to do with the immediate future, driving to the issue’s conclusion…which promises more change.

The story here is as always top-notch. After the last couple arcs really driving home the idea that no one is safe and strangers bring disaster, this issue plays with those expectations a bit, making me feel that it is that much more realistic–it’s certainly a great read as part of the ongoing story! Even though we don’t get to know a whole lot about the newcomers, there’s just enough there that I’m interested, and want to find out more about them and how they’ll play into the ongoing narrative. There’s a consistency–in character portrayal, as well as character growth based on recent/prior events that adds to the strength of the issue.

The art–also as always, top notch–keeps a dark mood on these characters with lots of shadow really conveying how dark a point many of the characters have reached. I have no complaint visually–this simply is The Walking Dead, recognizable in style if not specific characters.

This is the tail-end of the 6-issue TPB cycle, so not really the greatest point to jump on…though if you don’t want to start at the very beginning, this arc is certainly a good point to jump on-board. I see no reason for long-term/continuing readers to pass on this issue.

Ratings:

Story: 3.5/5
Art: 4/5
Overall: 3.5/5

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The Walking Dead #53 [Review]

Posted on November 23, 2011 by Walt

Quick Rating: Good

Rick, Carl, and Michonne find they’re not alone, and actually get some down-time.

walkingdead053Creator, Writer: Robert Kirkman
Penciler, Inker, Cover: Charlie Adlard
Gray Tones, Cover Colors: Cliff Rathburn
Letterer: Rus Wooton
Publisher: Image Comics

Last issue’s cliffhanger saw our heroes being approached by a couple of figures on horseback…Glenn and Maggie, who apparently have managed to survive. These two take Rick, Carl, and Michonne back to where they’ve been staying–Hershel’s farm. Once there (and into a bit of relative safety) the three try to decompress, each in their own ways, and we get some nice character moments…and then a new development threatens the safety they have, and some answers might just be forthcoming.

Story-wise, there’s not a lot of progression in this issue. Oh, there’s progression, don’t get me wrong. But as with so many issues of this series, it’s very character and story-driven…so I for one would probably be just as happy with no zombies in the issue as I would with an issue full of zombie-butt-kickin’ action. Kirkman maintains such a sense of consistency in his writing…I continue to enjoy the story he is laying down month after month, and after so long with these characters, he certainly knows them (and created them, for that matter); other than the fact that I’m now intrigued at where he’s going to take things from this issues cliffhanger page, I’m quite satisfied.

Visually, Adlard & Rathburn continue to also maintain a consistency on the visual front that keeps me impressed. Even characters I haven’t seen in half a year are recognizeable, and as with the writing….I just don’t have any complaints.

All in all, another strong, consistent issue. While not a lot happens, we’re introduced to several new characters, and reintroduced to some old. Not a horrible point to jump on board to check things out, though one might prefer to start with the beginning of the arc, if not the beginning of the series for the full scope and context.

Certainly worth the cover price!

Ratings:

Story: 4/5
Art: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

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The Walking Dead #52 [Review]

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Walt

Quick Rating: Very Good

Though reunited with an old friend, Rick & Carl are far from safe.

walkingdead052Creator, Writer: Robert Kirkman
Penciler, Inker, Cover: Charlie Adlard
Gray Tones, Cover Colors: Cliff Rathburn
Letterer: Rus Wooton
Publisher: Image Comics

Rick and Carl continue to go about their lives–such that they are–seeking survival in this unsafe world they live in. Rick tries to teach Carl to drive–a practical thing that Carl takes a bit differently. The two presently discover that they are not alone, and this reunion changes the outlook of their evening. Though mistakes are still made, their survival skills seem to be holding…though they probably wonder at it when a pair of horses and riders approach.

The story in this book continues to be engaging, month after month–so much so that I’d love to have this as a weekly (or at least more frequently than once monthly) book. Kirkman‘s characters continue to hold my interest, and all the more after the previous major story, I find myself drawn into the issue, wondering what’s going to happen next, and even if the characters will survive the issue or otherwise emerge relatively unscathed. In short, the writing is of the same high quality I’ve come to expect on this title, and this issue does not leave me disappointed.

Similarly, the art is also of the same high quality I’m used to. There’s not too much to say on the art other than that. Everyone’s recognizeable, I’m not left wondering what’s going on in any of the panels where that’s not the intention, and it simply looks ‘n feels like The Walking Dead.

If you’re willing to sorta jump in, get wet, and check out your surroundings, this is about as good an issue as any to jump in on. I don’t imagine it’d be too hard to get the basic idea of what’s going on and catch the surface-level story. Obviously a long-time reader will find more depth than the newer, though.

As with previous issues, this current issue is a comic that I’m willing to buy monthly now…and then buy again when the collected volume eventually ships.

Ratings:

Story: 4/5
Art: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

Filed under: Classic Reviews | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

The Walking Dead #49 [Review]

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Walt

Quick Rating: Very Good

Rick and Carl face an uncertain future as they begin to deal with all that they’ve lost…and still, those pesky zombies abound!

walkingdead049Creator, Writer: Robert Kirkman
Penciler, Inker, Cover: Charlie Adlard
Gray Tones, Cover Colors: Cliff Rathburn
Letterer: Rus Wooton
Publisher: Image Comics

This issue seemed like a very quick read. On the one hand, that’s not so good: I’m not a huge fan of plonking down $2.99+ for something I read quickly and then have another few weeks to wait for the next segment of story. At the same time…the story is engaging, and I’m very interested in finding out what happens–interested enough to forego waiting for a collected volume to read an entire arc in one go.

We were told that “no one was safe,” and that Big Changes were in store for this title. Those promises have been delivered, and while it’s sad to see the loss of so many familiar characters, this issue is like the first issue of a whole new series. The world is full of zombies. A man and his son are on the run, seeking only to survive, both nursing the loss of loved ones. Even as they hold to each other, safety isn’t likely to be found…and life is certainly not to be taken for granted. While the bulk of this issue’s story focuses on Rick and Carl, we’re also showing a couple other characters, hinting at their whereabouts and present situation. As with most issues in this series, the individual issue seems mostly character-focused, as the characters dialogue and face the world in which they find themselves.

The art remains perfectly suited for the story, and is as instrumental in conveying the mood as the writing itself. The story without these visuals would not be the same at all.

While the impact of this issue would be greatly increased by having read the prior issues if not the entire series…I think this is a decent jump-on point if you’ve been hearing about the series or otherwise been curious, but wondered where to begin. This is certainly worth checking out!

Ratings:

Story: 4/5
Art: 3.5/5
Overall: 3.5/5

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The Walking Dead #47 [Review]

Posted on November 20, 2011 by Walt

Quick Rating: Very Good

The prison survivors continue to suffer losses as the Woodbury survivors, led by the Governor, are determined to take the prison from them.

walkingdead047Creator, Writer: Robert Kirkman
Penciler, Inker, Cover: Charlie Adlard
Gray Tones, Cover Colors: Cliff Rathburn
Letterer: Russ Wooton
Publisher: Image

This issue is as much fallout to the last few issues as it is forward movement of the story in general. The characters react to the brutal death that happened last issue, and everyone reacts as events keep moving with no real break for any grieving.

The Michonne/Governor interaction continues to be quite brutal and messy…an over-the-top sort of thing that simply works with this series. Lori hears from Rick about Tyreese’s death, and Rick’s decision last issue provides a solid stressor between husband and wife. Rick prepares Carl a bit for what may come, as the Governor launches yet another attack on the prison. There is further loss on both sides of the conflict…as things escalate beyond anyone’s control…and the final page leaves one wondering all the more at this “no one is safe” business.

Overall, the story continues with the strength and momentum I’ve come to expect from this title…and the cliffhanger leaves me all the more eager for the next issue. The art continues to hold true to form as well–maintaining the darkish grittiness that adds to the feeling of unease for the characters all around.

Overall, another fine issue of a great title. I wouldn’t consider this new-reader-friendly as a single issue…but for continuing readers, this is NOT to be missed.

Ratings:

Story: 4/5
Art: 3.5/5
Overall: 4/5

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The Walking Dead #46 [Review]

Posted on November 19, 2011 by Walt

Quick Rating: Very Good

The survivors at the prison continue to deal with having been attacked by The Governor’s group of survivors.

walkingdead046Creator, Writer: Robert Kirkman
Penciler, Inker, Cover: Charlie Adlard
Gray Tones, Cover Colors: Cliff Rathburn
Letterer: Russ Wooton
Publisher: Image

This issue shows the prison survivors continuing to deal with the aftermath of the assault by those survivors led by The Governor. While dealing with their recent losses, the Governor returns with a hostage to make his demands known…as he acts on assumptions of his own.
It also continues to show us that the ads have been true–that no one is safe, which helps remind us just how realistic this book is.

The art holds true, clearly showing what it needs to show and conveying the necessary mood. Testament to its effectiveness–I felt rather nauseous after reading a particularly gruesome scene in this issue.

The story is certainly moved forward, and a number of good character moments are shown.

While this is certainly not something to hand to a young’un…it continues to be a great human drama.

Well worth picking up–though as a single issue, this may not be the best point for a new reader to jump in. As a continuing reader, you won’t want to miss this chapter.

Ratings:

Story: 4/5
Art: 3.5/5
Overall: 4/5

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The Walking Dead #42 [Review]

Posted on November 18, 2011 by Walt

Quick Rating: Very Good

The prison group braces for impending attack while facing a new loss…

walkingdead042Creator, Writer: Robert Kirkman
Penciler, Inker, Cover: Charlie Adlard
Gray Tones, Cover Colors: Cliff Rathburn
Letterer: Rus Wooton
Publisher: Image Comics

There’s not really too much to be said about this issue that I didn’t say in my review of the previous issue. The characters react to Carol’s having gone over the edge, and deal with the increased reality of the danger that still faces them. As they continue to interact with the conflicting tension of impending attack and wondering why it hasn’t already come, we get a few more character moments before the last-page cliffhanger that promises some extra depth to this title, as if there wasn’t already.

The story is definitely good–and this issue at once wraps another arc while firing stuff into high gear for the next arc. The characters are all believable and acting in-character, and nothing seems to–in retrospect–be outta thin air or anything…it all makes sense in context of the characters’ lives and such.

Visually, another good job by the art team, maintaining the visual style/consistency we’re used to on the title. Other than feeling–as even the collected volumes have–too short, I have no complaint with this issue.

If you’ve not checked the title out before, you’re better off checking out any of the first 6 collected volumes before coming to the current arc (and this is the final issue of what I believe will be in the 7th volume, due out before too long here). If you’ve been following the current arc, I see no reason for you to not pick this up.

And the title in general, I certainly recommend, particularly if you’re looking for something character-driven with realistic human beings rather than over-the-top action and idealized characters.

Ratings:

Story: 4/5
Art: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

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Why not price stuff on a standard?

Posted on November 17, 2011 by Walt

18issues

  • Deadpool & Cable Ultimate Collection vol. 1.
    18 issues, Paperback, Standard size: $40.
  • The Invincible Iron Man vol. 1.
    19 issues, Hardback, Oversized: $40.
  • Captain America: The Death of Captain America Omnibus.
    18 issues, Hardback, Oversized, the word “Omnibus” branded on the cover: $65.

Because pricing something based on issue quantity/pagecount or trim size and having a hardcover or not would make too much sense, no?

Filed under: NON-REVIEW CONTENT | Tagged: , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Booking Through Thursday: Category

Posted on November 17, 2011 by Walt

btt buttonOf the books you own, what’s the biggest category/genre? Is this also the category that you actually read the most?

scififantasybookclusterCategorically, I’d say “paperback.” That includes the “mass market” variety as well as graphic novels/comics’ collected editions.

Comics/collected editions/graphic novels certainly have it over prose.

Fiction has it over non-fiction.

Mass market paperback has it over trade paperback.

Fantasy has it over Sci-fi.

In the graphic novels, DC has it over Marvel. As far as hardcover graphic novels, Marvel has it over DC.

Super-heroes have it over non-super-heroes.

And in the non-graphic novels/comics, Sci-Fi/Fantasy would be the dominant genre.

Within that, Dragonlance has it over Magic: The Gathering; Dragonlance and Magic: The Gathering have it over everything else.

I’m thinking right now it’d be really cool to have actual NUMBERS to give based on those categories…but alas, that’s something I do not have. Someday I should attempt to re-create or update some sort of inventory of my collections.

As to reading…I think it’s safe to say that I still read more in the sci-fi/fantasy stuff than anything else. This year, I’ve been through The Last Days of Krypton (sci-fi), Dragons of the Highlord Skies and Dragons of the Hourglass Mage (fantasy) vs. The Summons and The Litigators (Grisham) and The Inner Circle (Meltzer), The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and The Walking Dead: The Rise of the Governor. Everything else offhand I either have not finished yet (The Overton Window, The Wastelands, Robopocalypse, The Lost Hero) or would be comics/graphic novels.

Filed under: Booking Through Thursday, NON-REVIEW CONTENT | Tagged: , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

The Walking Dead #41 [Review]

Posted on November 17, 2011 by Walt

Quick Rating: Good

The gang at the prison continue to prepare for an attack they feel is imminent from a neighboring group of survivors…

walkingdead041Creator, Writer: Robert Kirkman
Penciler, Inker, Cover: Charlie Adlard
Gray Tones, Cover Colors: Cliff Rathburn
Letterer: Rus Wooton
Publisher: Image Comics

Except for the final page of this issue, in a way it doesn’t seem like much happens. The survivors are all relatively safe (given they’re living in a post-zombie-apocalypse world), and a couple major plot points have recently been dealt with, and the next major bit isn’t quite here.

But that’s the beauty of this title…it’s NOT full of all-out, non-stop action. The characters have all had their shares of trauma and horrible experiences and seen things no human should rightfully ever have to see…but they’re still human. They haven’t (generally speaking) degraded to mindless beasts or anything. They live, they love, they talk, they eat, they have relationships…life goes on, just changed by the obvious zombie presence that has–41 issues in–become more a backdrop to the human drama than an in-your-face action-filled focal point.

Rick and Lori discuss the state of their life–and that of their son–at present, as well as an improving relationship with Carol. Others in the party spend some time practicing with guns and live ammo, preparing for the invasion they feel is coming from Woodbury, and find themselves in a potentially lethal situation with zombies hanging around. A new guest is taken on, and Carol finds that her new friend isn’t going to judge her on her past.

All in all, this is another fine issue of an enjoyable series. The story moves forward–however slowly–and we continue to see the days march on for the characters living at the prison, while zombies continue to exist outside the protective fences. This feels less like a “chapter” and more like a “segment”–it picks up right where the previous issue left off with no real break (just the “previously:” blurb on the inside cover) and the ending will presumably lead right into the first page of the next issue the same way.

The art may not be terribly iconic or poster-worthy and whatnot…but it holds its own with the words of the story, showing what isn’t said, and playing its integral role in the overall storytelling. The black-and-white/greytones work well, and bring the standard, integral tone to the book–it doesn’t feel sketchy, and it’s far from some bright/colorful thing (which would take away from the mood of the book). I have no problem with the art in this issue, that’s for sure.

It might be sorta tough to simply “break in” on this series, with 40 issues’ stories already played out, and not a lot of exposition. At the same time, it’s more an issue of time having passed for the characters than deep intricacies and revelations from the past and future converging on the present or anything. Assuming the standard 6-issue arc(s), this is the penultimate chapter to this particular arc, so not exactly an ideal point for a new reader to jump in.

I’d encourage you–if you’re at all interested in zombie stuff, or just a very well-written human drama to consider checking out the TPBs for this series (6 volumes are already out), and if you like those, jump in with the next arc.

Ratings:

Story: 4/5
Art: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

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