Author name: Chris Bushley

A “slow burn” tale awaits you this week as Robert Kirkman continues to build to the deafening crescendo of the, “All Out War,” story arc.

Kirkman is known for his “ebb and flow” style of storytelling and this week is all about strengthening the bonds between the main characters to further the tale along. Taking place mostly at the Hilltop, Kirkman narrows his story to just a chosen few, but he exponentially builds upon their layers of characterization with brief insights between the larger scope of the tale. We are privy to some tender moments between Andrea and Rick, we see a confession from Ezekiel to Michonne, a rather sad exchange with Heath and a doctor and the burden placed on Maggie’s shoulders by here decision from last issue.

These short insights into the individual worlds of the characters drives the overall story, one laced with the converging of peoples against a common enemy and rife with despair for what is to come. But, as well written as those small pieces may be, the revelations about the character of Jesus and Neegan’s new choice of weapon, is what fans will be clamoring about around the water cooler tomorrow! I won’t mention the one secret about Jesus( I’m sure there will be plenty of people sounding off on the message boards about it!) but I will reveal that we are finally given his real name! But I have to say, I’ll still call him Jesus! I also won’t reveal Neegan’s new choice of weapon although it is organic in nature, and no, it’s not a zombie bomb!

Horrible things await our heroes in this continuing story arc and I could not be more on the edge of my seat! Secrets tend to hurt those they are being kept from, by the sheer amount of secrets revealed in this issue alone, everyone will be feeling the pain! 

Only two weeks until the next issue!

Robert Kirkman is the master of “ebb and flow” storytelling!

In the wake of last issues all out barrage on Rick’s quaint little community, Kirkman takes the time to reflect on the changes thrust upon his characters. He sets up some well crafted character driven moments that show how much damage has been bestowed upon them both physically and emotionally, while delving ever deeper into Neegan’s bipolar threats. I don’t care what critics say, the character of Neegan is so much fun to read that it’s almost mesmerizing! One moment you are shocked by the string of vulgarity that flow from his lips, the next you are lulled into a false sense of security as he ensures you he would never hurt a fly and then — BANG — he bashes in your best friend’s head with a barbed wire baseball bat! Insane? Too over the top? Of course! But, there is also an intriguing factor woven into the character, a synergy of opposites that transcends past the level of shock to create a character that is both comedic and horrifying! 

This issue lays the groundwork for what is to come in the future of The Walking Dead universe. Some have fallen, others have had their desire for battle washed away and others still, face an uncertain future in the hands of Neegan. It is a time to regroup, a time to mourn those that have been lost and most of all, a time to move on. Fans of the AMC television show never got the true importance of this object, but the comic fans will give a slow nod of remembrance as Rick finally “hangs up the phone.”

Great issue!

We are only halfway through Robert Kirkman’s latest storyline, “All Out War,” and the casualties are already piled high!

This latest issue sets the stage for the future of the Alexandria residents, or what little future they may have left. Riddled with action, this issue is brimming with intensity from the opening sequence all the way to the final page, with enough shocking moments in between to keep you on the edge of your seat!

Kirkman shows us the final fate of Holly, Neegan’s retaliation on Rick and the rest of the residents of Alexandria and the return of a fan favorite character that will have TWD fans cheering! This particular piece to the bigger story, is sprinkled with some miniscule character development, not including Neegan’s fascinating discussion to his favorite weapon, Lucille, but chock full of jaw dropping moments that will leave any reader clamoring for more. I found myself muttering a hushed, “No,” throughout most of the tale, a tribute to Kirkman’s raw talent for weaving these characters into the hearts and minds of the reader more and more with every passing issue. He has created characters that are relatable, but most of all, breakable. In a genre where character death is a dime a dozen and six months is the normal window until said character returns form the grave, Kirkman’s characters are finite and mean so much more to the reader because of that fact. This is the end for some but just the beginning for others!

Chaos tears through the very fabric of Rick’s life and there is no end in sight to Neegan’s lust for revenge. This issue is the beginning of the end of another chapter in the world of TWD, but at least it is going out with a resounding BANG!

After a lackluster 10th Anniversary issue last month, Robert Kirkman redeems himself with an explosion of action and an ending that leaves the reader with both unease and excitement!

This issue, part 2 of the 12 part storyline “All Out War,” gives the reader exactly what they should expect as a swathe of chaos rocks the TWD universe when Rick and Neegan square off against each other. Fans of the hit AMC TV series of the same name, will see some familiar things in this issue but, this time, it is Rick that drops the “zombie bomb!”

Laced with minimal characterization, this issue is all about the action we have all been so patiently waiting for. The first punch in this battle has been thrown, but fans may not want what they have been wishing for by tales end. There is a seething, eerie feeling that will perch in the front of your mind regarding a character that has not been seen in awhile. A fate awaits them that may be worse than death, one that will make any reader cringe as Neegan’s smile stretches across his face. 

But, that is why we love TWD! It is the moments that touch us in some profound way that keep us coming back for more and if the last page doesn’t whet your appetite for what comes next — you must be dead inside!

As a tribunal converges in The Kingdom, Neegan pays a visit to our hero’s community in look for his monthly “tribute” unbeknownst to Rick! What happens when that “tribute” is not ready? All I’ll say is that you have to have “guts” to survive in the world of The Walking Dead!

Robert Kirkman continues to set the stage for an ultimate showdown between Neegan and Rick’s factions, but it is the journey to it’s eventual conclusion that has been quite intriguing. Steeped in suspense with an underlining of perpetual horror, this issue is another slow burn tale that gets all the players on the field to see how they play together. Andrea, Michonne, Rick, Ezekiel and Jesus prepare their troops for battle with a vast array of training techniques while miles away, Neegan has a plan all his own. 

Kirkman has a knack for creating multi-faceted characters that exude confidence, if not a sense of arrogance. None so far have even come close to the twisted narcissism of the Neegan character! He seems bi-polar, if not certifiably insane and his flippant tantrums, ranging from overtly coy to down-right brutal, make the reader hold their breath every time he enters the stage. He is fantastic because of his ever-swinging moral compass and Kirkman is brilliant for not just making him another Governor knock off.

Fast paced, this issue is over before you know it but the ending is another shocker that no one will ever forget!

Ah, Neegan, you are so witty!