Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Walking Dead #72Walking Dead #72
Image Comics
Kirkman, Adlard & Rathburn

Rick and company adjust to the good life in this issue. For about twenty pages the comic book is mostly just regular old life. There’s a meet and greet party, a couple has an argument, there is some gossiping and a creep makes a pass at Andrea. It all sounds very boring in light of previous issues. However, the last two pages changed that opinion. This comic book successfully puts the protagonists in a position where they are the outsiders and are getting nudged towards the role of the antagonist. This was a pretty good comic book. It’s not one of the best of the series, but good nonetheless.

Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle ReviewsThe comic opens with Rick continuing his conversation with Andrea about taking over the town if necessary. This is interrupted by Douglas, the community’s leader. Douglas makes a very formal advance towards Andrea. He explains, in a matter of fact way, how he is in a loveless marriage and he is so lonely. He comes across as fairly pathetic and as someone who has to grovel for companionship. I would think this level of rejection isn’t going to be taken very well at all.

The story hits a couple of other characters as Glenn and Maggie argue about Glenn’s new role of being a runner into the city looking for supplies. We get a series of flashbacks from Michonne as she retires her sword. Some of the scenes are from prior to her introduction to the series making them new and are helpful in giving some background into her character. I believe these are the first “origin” type scenes we have ever had in this series.

The bulk of the issue is spent at the mixer party. The townspeople turn out to meet Rick and his crew. It appears none of Rick’s crew fits in. Not that they stand out, but they are all uneasy about just standing around gabbing and drinking. The issue ends with a scene that shows just how tough trust is to come by and just how unwilling some are to give and receive trust. The ending was excellent.

The artwork is amazing from the standpoint that the entire comic book is set in a very clean and orderly world. People look showered and well groomed. The characters are smiling and not getting chased by people with guns or members of the undead. The art shows a level of versatility this series hasn’t had a chance to show off yet. It’s a very nice looking comic book.
This is another strong issue for the series. It’s still in the setting up mode so the comic isn’t as fulfilling as some of the past issues, but the ending shows that there is some hope that things are going to get nasty again soon. I’m looking forward to the apocalypse.

3.5 out of 5 Geek Goggles