Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Walking Dead #76Walking Dead #76
Image Comics
Kirkman, Adlard & Rathburn

Based on the strength of the previous issue and surprise cliffhanger ending, this issue was bound to be a letdown. The last page of the previous issue had Michonne take Rick out from behind giving this issue such a boost from the start. Unfortunately the issue really doesn't have much in the way of escalating drama at all. While the story picks up right where it left off, cooler heads prevail and this issue actually ratchets things down. While still a good read it feels a little bit like a momentum killer and is not one of the best of this arc.

As soon as Rick gets knocked on the head he basically wakes up. He realizes pretty quickly that he's taken things too far regardless of his reasoning. The question comes up as to whether or not Rick's lost it. This is an interesting question because as a trained cop was it training that took over when things turned ugly or is Rick just a man that has reached his limit? If leadership is what makes someone crack under these conditions then how can Rick continue to be constable of the community? These are the types of questions that come into play for this issue.

Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle ReviewsThe issue primarily sees with Douglas dealing with Rick. In two separate conversations spread over some seven pages the two settle a lot of problems and provide some background about each other. We finally learn all about Davidson, the name that was not to be mentioned around Douglas. Rick explains to Douglas about Shane, his friend that was killed off way back in issue six. The two discuss what to do about Rick stealing a gun. Douglas also basically tells Rick he was justified in his actions that landed him in hot water. All of these exchanges make for a pretty good story but it felt like the violence and anger was cleared way too easily.

While the issue primarily plays up the Rick saga there are other pieces moving into place. From what it seems, there is a group that may be knocking on the door of this safe community very soon. This could be the kind of invasion a lot of the characters assumed would one day happen, but one that many of the characters are totally unprepared for.

The artwork deals well with the drama throughout the issue. There is barely anything beyond characters standing around which means the art is relied on heavily to convey emotion and movement. To this end the art team delivers as usual.

I truly believe there are no bad issues of Walking Dead. The series is better than the majority of what I read every single month. So to that end there are degrees of "good". This issue slows things down and gives a lot of background on some characters and really plays up the drama resulting from the one confrontation. It is an entertaining read but I simply felt the situation from the previous issue was resolved too cleanly.

3 out of 5 Geek Goggles