Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Walking Dead #136Walking Dead #136
Image Comics
Kirkman, Adlard, Guadiano & Rathburn

Walking Dead turns in a good issue this time out despite no action and only some small increments of plot movement. Basically, this issue picks up the threads from last issue's big moment where some of the residents are plotting to kill off Maggie. The comic has good dialogue and mixes the scenes well to make the comic book move at a good pace. This issue gets back to the basics of building up characters. This is a good issue.

The group looking to rebel against Maggie appears to be a rag-tag outfit and doesn't really seem to present a serious threat. They have two things going for them though: the element of surprise and the displaced leader, Gregory. I'm not sure why these people are pinning their hopes on a spineless guy like Gregory but perhaps this is simply desperation. We'll see how Gregory advances his little coup in the issues to come. It's clear that Maggie isn't going to see this coming though.

The other big development is that Carl becomes friends with the captive Whisperer, Lydia. It's interesting to watch this relationship develop primarily because Carl seems so trusting. Or is that he likes this girl and is ignoring his instincts to be cautious around strangers? Lydia is a good character so far because you really don't know what this kid is going to do. Her video game mentality towards killing has innocence to her but she is still a threat. Kirkman has introduced a good character so far with Lydia.

Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle ReviewsThe book throws a few more snippets of movement here and there. There is the filler-variety where Rick arrives home and then there is the bigger reveal that the Whisperers are outside the walls of the community. The book is a good read despite some of these underdeveloped story lines.

The artwork is good. The visuals are at their best when Carl and Lydia interact. There is a good view of the two cells and the divide as well as the facial expressions. The scenes have some emotion to them as a result. Some of the other scenes look a little less detailed, specifically Maggie at a distance, but the book generally has a nice look to it.

Walking Dead is at its best when it uses the slower issues to build up the characters. Kirkman getting the reader to care about them is a key component to the shock when he kills them off. This issue manages to build up Carl, Lydia and Maggie. It's a good issue despite the lack of action. I recommend checking this issue out.

4 out of 5 Geek Goggles