Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Walking Dead #71
Image Comics
Kirkman, Adlard & Rathburn
Rick and company move into their new digs in this issue as the two factions begin to feel each other out. While at a high level the issue appears to be fairly dull, it actually helps to further establish the new character that is the community leader, Douglas. The issue is enjoyable because it puts Rick and his group into the unfamiliar role of being and acting civilized. The issue is a good look at what the cast may have been like in the pre zombie world.
The issue begins with Rick's son, Carl, getting into a confrontation with another kid. Eventually the kid's father gets involved which leads Rick to getting involved and the conflict has the potential to get ugly. Carl carries a gun. It's presumed that the existing people in the community haven't seen the same level of hardship as Rick and his friends, which may make it seem that Carl with a gun is completely out of control.
However, Carl has, in fact, killed. And he's even killed another kid before. It's interesting to see this interaction having this knowledge. Perhaps the other kid's dad would have even been harsher had he know this. Or, it's possible, that the other kid and his father would have been in instant fear of Rick and everyone else in the group. This is a touchy situation for both sides and the drama is evident here.
As the issue moves along we come to discover that the weapons, all of them, are turned over to a community armory. In the early going it seems that Rick's group is met more with doubt than Rick's feelings on his hosts. It appears that Rick is more of a villain in this circumstance than ever before.
The issue also contains some things that seem insane considering the state of world. Running water, cooking dinner in a kitchen, sleeping in a made bed and even trick or treating all seem so bizarre that it brings something fresh to this issue. The writing helps convey just how uncomfortable everyone is with this very well.
The artwork is great as usual. You can actually see the transformation of the characters as they've showered and gotten hair cuts. Another aspect of the art that is impressive is the layout of the town. It's amazing how clean and organized the town appears. It just is displayed in such a way that it's shocking compared to the previous town views of destroyed houses and broken glass.
Walking Dead is building towards another massive confrontation. This issue builds some groundwork for that confrontation. Will it be an outside invasion? A zombie outbreak? A war from within? We don't know yet but this issue is showing how it will be a fun ride.
4 out of 5 Geek Goggles
