Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Walking Dead #81Walking Dead #81
Image Comics
Kirkman, Adlard & Rathburn

Sooner or later death comes to the living characters in this comic book and this issue is no different from any of the others. Kirkman wastes no time in making sure the "No Way Out" arc is a fast paced and dangerous story for the group of survivors trapped in their gated community by a herd of zombies waiting outside the fence. The issue continues the trend of relationship growth as well as mixing in some subplots but for the most part this issue is all about the impending danger. It's an excellent read as usual.

The issue begins by visiting some of the relationships – both new and old. Most notably, Rick hooks up with a woman for the first time in ages which adds some level of humanity to the character that we haven't seen in a while. This could be a game changer for the character, but then again it could lead to disaster for him which would push him further into his protective shell.

This issue presents two problems; one of which is new and other is a carryover from the previous issue. Andrea is still trapped in the bell tower outside the walls without food and the outer wall is discovered to have a weakness in it.

Rick advises that the rest of the wall should be checked for weaknesses as a pickup truck is parked next to the weak panel for support and two people are put on the wall to watch for zombies breaking through. This idea doesn't prove to be the longest lasting one.

Glenn leads a party over the zombie herd using mountain climbing gear in hopes of reaching Andrea and possibly figuring out a way to get the zombie herd to move away from the walls. This is also met with some trouble.

The issue keeps the reader guessing as a couple of characters seemingly meet their demise. I can't confirm that both characters actually die but it sure seems like they both did. This keeps up the level of discomfort while reading this title. You simply never know when one of the characters is going to drop. It's part of the fun of this series.

Adlard amazes on art once again. He's got a few panels that are just jaw-dropping. The entire rope scenes where the characters are inching their way over the zombies is filled with drama and tension as well as detail. Adlard makes sure the character's fear and pain shows on their faces while still bringing the high level of horror we've come to expect in this book when it comes to the zombies.

"No Way Out" is shaping up to be a status quo changing storyline and it is not too late to get in on the arc as this is only part two of the storyline. I felt this issue brought a great mix of action and character development as well as a terrific visual story. You just can't go wrong with this book.

4 out of 5 Geek Goggles